UCT Computer Science Requirements
The University of Cape Town (UCT) places significant emphasis on the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results for admission to the Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. However, all applicants to the Faculty of Science are required to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) in Academic Literacy, Quantitative Literacy, and Mathematics. While NBT results do not influence admission decisions, they are used for placement in the extended degree programme after registration.
Admission Criteria for National Senior Certificate (NSC) Holders
Factors Considered:
- NSC Results: Primary criterion for admission.
- Availability of Places: Admission is limited by capacity.
- Educational or Social/Home Background: Considered to ensure diversity and equity.
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Faculty Points Score (FPS) and Achievement Levels
The Faculty Points Score (FPS) is a score out of 800 calculated using the best six NSC subjects, including English but excluding Life Orientation. Mathematics and Physical Science scores are doubled. Admission requires an FPS of 550 or above, with results below 40% in any subject not contributing to the score.
Example of FPS Calculation:
| Subjects | NSC Results | Points |
|---|---|---|
| English Home Language | 85% | 85 |
| Afrikaans/isiXhosa FAL | 89% | 89 |
| Mathematics | 84% | 168 (84×2) |
| Life Sciences | 86% | 86 |
| Geography | 79% | 79 |
| Physical Science | 81% | 162 (81×2) |
Total FPS = 85 + 89 + 168 + 86 + 79 + 162 = 669
Early Conditional Offers
Applicants with a preliminary FPS of 660 or more, along with at least 70% in Mathematics and 60% in Physical Science, may receive early conditional offers.
Subject Entrance Requirements
Applicants must meet the following subject requirements:
- Mathematics: 70% or above
- Physical Science: 60% or above (Information Technology or Life Sciences can be doubled if Physical Science is not completed)
Admission Bands
Band A (Guaranteed Admission):
- FPS of 660 or above
- Mathematics 70% or above
- Physical Science 60% or above
Band B (Admission Very Likely):
- Weighted Points Score (WPS) of 640 or above (adjusted FPS to accommodate background)
- Mathematics 70% or above
- Physical Science 60% or above
- Targeted redress race groups considered
Band C (Admission Possible):
- FPS of 550 or above
- Mathematics 70% or above
- Physical Science 60% or above
Major Selection
Applicants must choose two majors from the following list:
- Applied Mathematics
- Applied Statistics
- Archaeology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Astrophysics
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Business Computing
- Chemistry
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Environmental & Geographical Science
- Geology
- Genetics
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Marine Biology
- Mathematical Statistics
- Mathematics
- Ocean & Atmosphere Science
- Physics
- Quantitative Biology
- Statistics & Data Science
Notes:
- Acceptance into the Science Faculty does not guarantee acceptance into a chosen major due to capacity constraints in some disciplines.
- Without Physical Science or Information Technology, choices are limited to Archaeology and Environmental & Geographical Science.
- For Computer Science and Business Computing, Physical Science can be replaced by Information Technology.
Extended Degree Programme (EDP)
Admission to the Science Faculty is directly onto the regular three-year degree programme. However, students will write a set of formal class tests in the first semester. Based on these results, along with NSC and NBT scores, some students will be advised to join the four-year Extended Degree Programme (EDP). The EDP, associated with the Academic Development Programme (ADP), provides additional support to improve graduation chances.
Requirements for Non-NSC Applicants
Applicants with international qualifications must achieve a bachelor’s endorsement (Matriculation Exemption) from the South African Higher Education Board. Specific subject requirements include English, Mathematics, and Chemistry and/or Physics.
Minimum Subject Requirements for Various Qualifications:
- A-level, AS-level, HIGCSE/IGCSE, IB:
- English: C at O-level (A, AS); C at IGCSE (HIGCSE); grade 5 SL (IB)
- Mathematics: B for A-level; B for AS level; level 1 for HIGCSE; grade 5 HL or grade 6 SL for IB (Maths Analysis)
- Physical Science (or Chemistry or Physics): C for A-level; C for AS level; level 1 for HIGCSE; grade 5 HL or grade 6 SL for IB
FPS for Non-NSC Examinations:
- Admission requires an FPS of 34 points or above, calculated based on the five best subjects.
English Proficiency
International students whose first language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency:
- NBT Academic Literacy (AL): At least 51%
- TOEFL: 570 (paper-based), 230 (computer-based), or 88 (internet-based)
- IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 (no individual element below 6.0)
- Pearson PTE Academic: Score of 64
Transferring Students
Transferring students must:
- Write the NBTs
- Submit certified copies of secondary and tertiary transcripts
- Provide a letter of motivation
They must have:
- Passed all first-year courses at another institution
- Not been refused readmission by another institution
- Not been registered at another institution for more than two years
Students transferring from other universities must register for a minimum of two years at UCT and complete all senior courses for their majors.
Transferring Credits
UCT may grant credit for up to four full courses completed elsewhere if recognized by UCT. Senior major courses cannot be transferred for credit or exemption. Applicants must obtain signed approval for credit and exemption from relevant UCT departments before consideration.
Conclusion
Admission to the Faculty of Science at UCT is highly competitive, with various criteria and requirements in place to ensure a fair and thorough selection process. Prospective students must meet specific academic standards and are encouraged to apply early, particularly for the more competitive majors. For detailed information and guidance, applicants should consult the UCT Undergraduate Prospectus and the UCT website.
