Bachelor of Data Science (BDatSci)
Do you have a passion for computers, math, and discovering answers through data analysis? The Bachelor of Data Science (BDatSci) programme will give you a thorough grounding in all aspects of the data lifecycle, including data collection, processing, analysis, and visualisation. Also, to better prepare you for industry, you choose one of eight focus areas (or streams). This ensures that you either develop expertise for applying data science in a specific area, or specialise in a certain aspect of data science. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistical learning, deep learning, big data - these are all concepts at the core of the discipline called Data Science.
Work across nearly all domains is becoming more data-driven. Graduates from this programme should be sought-after in a multitude of environments facing the challenges posed by the large quantities of data being generated and collected almost everywhere.
The BDatSci programme consists of a set of core compulsory modules on all year levels. The core modules lay the foundation for studies in the field of data science, while your choice of focal area (or stream) largely determines the other modules.
Four faculties collaborate to offer this four-year programme, namely AgriSciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, and Science. You will register for the BDatSci in the faculty that offers the focal area of your choice. The faculty where you are registered will award the degree.
Statistical Genetics (Faculty of AgriSciences) uses statistical methods to make inferences of genetic data in fields such as population quantitative genetics (for example by plant breeders and conservation geneticists) and genetic epidemiology (which studies the effects of genes on diseases).
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Programme overview
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Career opportunities
Minimum admission requirements – NSC/ IEB
- Mathematics 80%
- Afrikaans Home Language 60% OR English Home Language 60% OR Afrikaans First Additional Language 75% OR English First Additional Language 75%
Minimum admission requirements – International curricula
- IEB-ISC NBTs compulsory
- IEB-ISC aggregate of at least 80% (excluding Active Citizenry)
- Mathematics 80%
- Afrikaans Home Language 60% OR English Home Language 60% OR Afrikaans First Additional Language 75% OR English First Additional Language 75%
German Abitur
- University Exemption with 80% average
- English First Language, 6 (Nam 6) or English Second Language, 9 (Nam 7)
- Maths 11 (Nam 12)
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB Diploma)
- University Exemption with 80% average
- English First language 4 on HL or as a Second Language 5 on HL or 6 on SL
- Maths 5 on HL or 6 on SL
Cambridge International/Pearson Edexcel AS-level , IGCSE/O-level
- University Exemption with 80% average
- English first language C on AS-Level/GCSE/O-Level or as a second language C on AS-Level or A on GCSE/O-Level
- Maths A on AS-Level
Cambridge International/Pearson Edexcel A-level , IGCSE/O-level
- University Exemption with 80% average
- English First Language E on A-Level or C on GCSE/O-Level or as a Second Language C on A-Level or B on GCSE/O-Level
- Maths C on A-Level
Selection requirements
Selection guidelines and admission policy for undergraduate programmes in the Faculty of AgriSciences 2027 intake:
https://files.su.ac.za/public/undergraduate-maties/documents/2026-04/agrisciences-2027.pdf
Programme structure
Full-time