Bachelor of Science (Statistics & Computer Science)
Overview
This three-year undergraduate program results in the degree of Bachelor of Science (BSc), which encompasses majors within the disciplines of Computer Science and Statistics, as well as Mathematics modules up to second year.
This strong quantitative and computational foundation equips graduates with the core skills required for a career in data science, including programming, statistical modelling, data analysis and problem-solving.
SAQA
84728
NQF LEVEL
07
DURATION
3 Years
CAO CODE
KN-W-BG4 (Westville Campus)
KN-P-BG4 (PMB Campus)
CLOSING DATE
30 September
Entry Requirements
NSC degree pass with Maths Level 4, English and Life Orientation Level 4 and either Agricultural Science or Life Sciences or Physical Science Level 4. In addition, an Application Performance Score (APS) of at least 30 is required.
Learn how to calculate your APS here.
How to apply?
All first-time South African applicants to UKZN for entry into degree/ diploma study (Grade 12s and undergraduate transfer students from other institutions) must apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO).
Students applying to study in this program should apply for a BSc (General). Students can choose to do this either at the Westville or Pietermaritzburg campuses.
Please note that in the first year, students are enrolled in a general degree. The selection of modules aligned with the Statistics and Computer Science majors takes place during registration in January/February of the academic year. From the second year onwards, the program becomes more specialised according to the chosen majors.
Modules
The advantage of UKZN’s undergraduate BSc general program is that it is versatile. The BSc starts off general in first year with 6 core modules and 2 electives.
Students therefore have the option of taking two modules from a range of electives such as chemistry, physics, geography, and economics. This allows them to re-assess their interests and strengths in second year, where they have the option of changing their majors from Statistics or Computer Science if they do not enjoy these modules.
Semester 1
- Introduction to Computer Science – COMP100 (16 Credits)
- Introduction to Calculus – MATH130 (16 Credits)
- Introduction to Statistics – STAT130 (16 Credits)
- Elective (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Computer Programming – COMP102 (16 Credits)
- Calculus and Linear Algebra – MATH140 (16 Credits)
- Statistical Methods – STAT140 (16 Credits)
- Elective (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 1
- Object- Oriented Programming – COMP200 (16 Credits)
- Probability Distributions – STAT230 (16 Credits)
- Advanced Calculus and Linear Algebra – MATH212 (16 Credits)
- Discrete Mathematics with Applications – MATH236 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Data Structures – COMP201 (16 Credits)
- Statistical Inference – STAT240 (16 Credits)
- Further Calculus and Introductory Analysis – MATH251 (16 Credits)
- Elective (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits.
Semester 1
- Advanced Programming – COMP315 (16 Credits)
- Computer Systems – COMP313 (16 Credits)
- Linear Models – STAT301 (16 Credits)
- Random Processes – STAT350 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Theory of Computation – COMP314 (16 Credits)
- Artificial Intelligence – COMP304 (16 Credits)
- Biostatistics Methods – STAT305 (16 Credits)
- Applied Probability Models – STAT395 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits.
- Total Credits for Qualification: 384
What do they actually do?
Graduates from this degree are equipped with both the theoretical and computational expertise needed to extract value from data across Banking, Business, Government and Industry. They combine statistical reasoning, mathematical modelling and advanced programming skills to analyse complex datasets, build predictive models, and develop intelligent systems that support strategic decision-making.
They play a critical role in transforming raw data into actionable insights, helping organisations identify trends, optimise processes, manage risk, and stay competitive in data-driven environments.
Typical responsibilities of the job include:
- Designing and managing data acquisition processes
- Developing algorithms and computational models
- Analysing structured and unstructured data
- Building predictive and machine learning models
- Applying statistical and mathematical techniques to complex real-world problems
- Designing and implementing data management systems and software solutionsVisualising and communicating insights to stakeholders
- Acting in a technical or strategic consultancy capacity
Areas of Employment
This multidisciplinary skill set prepares graduates for careers in data science, artificial intelligence, quantitative analytics, software development, financial modelling, and research. Here are some examples of employers and types of companies in South Africa and abroad that hire these graduates:
- Financial Services & Banking (FNB, Standard Bank, ABSA, Sanlam)
- Technology & Digital Companies (Takealot, Media24, Microsoft)
- Retail, FMCG & Consumer Analytics (Mr Price, Woolworths, Spar, Checkers)
- Telecommunications (MTN, Vodacom)
- Insurance Companies (Discovery)
Types of Roles
Graduates with this multidisciplinary degree could be employed in roles such as:
- Data Scientist/Data Analyst
- Machine Learning Engineer/AI Specialist
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Quantitative Analyst
- Software Developer or Data Engineer
- Analytics Consultant
Alumni Success Stories
Summa Cum Laude Honours Another Sparkling Milestone for Statistics Star
Mr Aaron Naidu’s honours graduation in Statistics with top results is another feather in the cap of the Oxford University-bound alumnus. Naidu, who also graduated summa cum laude for his undergraduate degree at UKZN, placed in the top 3% of every module, including the six extra he took on! He received the Zac Yacoob Scholarship for being the best honours student at UKZN across all Colleges and Disciplines.
UKZN’s Top Graduate Has a Passion for Problem Solving
In an extraordinary academic achievement, Mr Jaedon Naidu graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), earning the highest credit-weighted average (CWA) across the entire University! His exceptional final CWA of 96.2 percent marks him as the top-performing UKZN graduate of 2025. Naidu’s degree was further distinguished by a rare triple major in Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science.
Nedbank Bursary Propels UKZN Statistics Star to Success
Mr Olwethu Ngubo’s future as a young graduate employee at Nedbank looks bright! Supported by a bursary from the bank, Ngubo graduated cum laude from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) with a BSc Honours in Statistics. This followed his success in earning an undergraduate BSc degree cum laude with majors in Statistics and Computer Science, also from UKZN.
Apply today and take the next step toward your future.
