The undergraduate programme in electronic engineering, which leads to the internationally accredited BEngTech degree, is designed to provide a broad foundation in electronic and computer engineering through a combination of classroom and/or online lectures, extensive hands-on technical training, laboratory work as well as software, simulation, and online tools. The qualification prepares the student for a career in a variety of electronic and computer engineering fields as well as becoming a competent practising engineering technologist that will make a meaningful contribution to the economy and national development.

The programme will provide the student with a strong foundation in mathematics, physical sciences and the core fundamentals of engineering and blends theory, concept and application. Electronic and computer engineering finds itself at the heart of the burgeoning Industry 4.0 and merges fields such as telecommunications, control systems, embedded and intelligent systems, data analytics and machine intelligence, automation and robotics, signal and image processing, smart factories and cities, green energy, AI and the industrial IoT.

The learning programme leading to this qualification contains 428 credits with a minimum of 120 Credits at NQF level 7. The Credits are distributed to create a coherent progression of learning towards the exit level. This qualification requires a minimum of three years of academic study.

Some of the key attributes of the programme include the fostering of lifelong learners, the need for continuous improvement, teamwork and the attainment of solid critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The BEngTech qualification will also allow for further study through articulation into the postgraduate NQF level 8 BEngTech Honours programme and the subsequent opportunity for Masters and Doctoral research.

Qualified candidates may register with the internationally affiliated Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as Professional Engineering Technologists.  After completing both the BEngTech Honours and the taught MEng qualifications (NQF level 9), candidates may register as Candidate Professional Engineers with ECSA.

 Professional Engineering Technologists are characterized by the ability to apply established and newly developed engineering technology to solve broadly defined engineering problems, develop components, systems, services and processes. They provide leadership in the application of technology in safety, health, engineering and commercially effective operations and have well-developed interpersonal skills. They work independently and responsibly, applying judgement to decisions arising in the application of technology and health and safety considerations to problems and associated risks. Moreover, Professional Engineering Technologists have a specialized understanding of engineering sciences underlying a deep knowledge of specific technologies together with financial, commercial, legal, social and economic, health, safety and environmental matters.

Professional Engineers are characterized by the ability to apply established and newly developed engineering technology to solve complex problems, develop components, systems, services and processes in specific areas where a legal appointment is required in terms of either the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Mines Health and Safety Act, or the Merchant Shipping Act, e.g. factories, mines and marine environments. They provide leadership in safety, health, engineering and commercially effective operations and have well-developed managerial skills. They work independently and responsibly, applying judgement to decisions arising in the application of technology and health and safety considerations to problems and associated risks. Professional Engineers have a specialized understanding of engineering sciences underlying manufacturing, marine, mining, plant and operations, together with financial, commercial, legal, socio-economic, health, safety and environmental methodologies, procedures and best practices.

Experts in the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering conduct cutting-edge applied and basic research that is aimed at creating new knowledge and responding to grand challenges facing our society. For the same reasons, we train our postgraduate students to become competent researchers and subject experts. Our research interests span diverse specialization areas, ranging from Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Communication and Networking, Instrumentation and Control Systems, Digital Signal and Image Processing as well as Renewable Energy.

Persons interested in pursuing Masters (MEng) or Doctoral (DEng) research in the department should contact the Chair of the DRC, through the secretary and/or prospective supervisor via email, together with the following documentation:

1. Certified copy of ID document/card (or passport)
2. Complete transcripts of undergraduate and/or postgraduate qualification/s. Preference will be given to applicants that have good academic track records with running averages and/or capstone projects above 65%.
3. Certified copy of your degree/s (or equivalent qualification/s)
4. SAQA certification/s (if applicable)
5. Copy of final year capstone project report or Masters dissertation (for DEng applicants) in PDF format.
6. Mini proposal (1-2 pages) highlighting intended topic and research
7. A list of published journal/conference articles, if any.

* Missing or incomplete application information will not be considered.

It is recommended applicants contact prospective supervisors prior to applying. If the student meets the admission requirements (based on the above documentation), then s/he will be contacted by the department through a prospective supervisor. For Masters applications, the student will also have to submit a preliminary research proposal (contact department for the template) together with the “Notification of Proposed Research Topic and Supervisor” form.

Qualified electronic engineering professionals are highly sought after by industry. An electronic engineer may find opportunities in a wide range of industries including microelectronics, fixed and wireless communications, networking, automation and robotics, intelligent systems, automotive, rail, renewable and green energy, paper, sugar, water, defence, aerospace, marine, banking, software and ICT, systems analysis and machine learning and AI.

The minimum entry requirement is the National Senior Certificate or the National Certificate (Vocational) with appropriate module combinations and levels of achievement as defined in the Government Gazette, Vol. 751, No. 32131 of 11 July 2008, and in the Government Gazette, Vol. 533, No. 32743, November 2009.  In addition, the minimum admission requirements, rule G7, is stipulated in the General Rules Handbook.

Further to the above, the following are required for admission into BEngTech (Electronic Engineering) programme:

1. NSC, NCV, SC:

Note:

1. The exit certificate of the candidate must qualify the candidate for degree study (Bachelor’s Pass) at an institution of higher learning.
2. The NSC subjects Mathematical Literacy and Technical Mathematics will not be accepted as a substitute for the NSC subject Mathematics.
3. The NSC subject Technical Science will not be accepted as a substitute for the NSC subject Physical Science.
4. Applicants will be ranked according to the sum of their scores for Mathematics and Physical Science, subject to a minimum combined score of 100 and with a minimum rating of 4 for Mathematics and for Physical Science.

5. OTHER:

Applicants that qualify for degree study (Bachelor’s Pass) at an institution of higher learning but do not meet the departmental mathematics and/or physical science requirements, may present the following N4 subjects, for consideration for entry to the BET programme:

1. Mathematics and Engineering Science, plus any two of the following:
2. Industrial Electronics OR Electronics
3. Digital Systems OR Logic Systems
4. Electrotechnics

The above subjects must be passed with a minimum of 50% and all in the same sitting. Students will then be considered alongside the NSC students according to the sum of their marks for N4 Mathematics and Engineering Science.

Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech) in Electronic Engineering Entrance Requirements
Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Electronic Engineering
Master of Engineering (MEng) Entrance Requirements
Doctor of Engineering (DEng) Entrance Requirements

For applications forms contact the Central Application Office (CAO)

Address letters to: Central Application Office Private Bag X06 Dalbridge,4014

Tel:  031 268 4444

Fax: 031 268 4422

Apply Online: www.cao.za

CAO Code: DU-D-BGL

Closing date for applications: 30 September

Applicants who wish to enrol for the programme must apply through the CAO system by no later than 30 September of the previous year.

For Financial Aid application for a DUT program please apply online at www.nsfas.org.za or call the NSFAS call center on 0860 067 327.

For an explanation on how to fill out the application form, please go towww.nsfas.org.za or contact the call center on the number above.

Please note that completing a form does not guarantee Financial Aid. For further assistance, please consult the Department of Financial Aid and Scholarship on 031 373 2931/2557/2054.