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Bachelor of Data Science (BDatSci)

Bachelors degree
ID:
0722_100_A100

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).

Contact information
Erik van Zyl
Faculty Administrator
Monika Basson
Undergraduate Recruitment and Marketing

Programme overview

Duration
Four years
Campus
Stellenbosch

More information

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Career opportunities

Statistical genetics is the field of study where statistical methods are used to make inferences of genetic data. It is used in fields such as population quantitative genetics by for example plant breeders and conservation geneticists and in genetic epidemiology where the effects of genes on diseases are studied.
Occupations:
Scientist
Analyst

Minimum admission requirements – NSC/ IEB

- An NSC aggregate of at least 80% (excluding Life Orientation)
- 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

- 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

Last updated 10 April 2026
Disclaimer:
The University reserves the right to amend the information on this webpage at any time. While every effort is made to ensure that the information provided is accurate and complete, it may be subject to change or become outdated. It remains the responsibility of prospective students to verify all details against the relevant faculty yearbook or directly with the relevant department.

Application dates

South African students
Applications open:
1 April 2026
Applications close:
31 July 2026
International students
Applications open:
1 April 2026
Applications close:
31 July 2026