Programs

National Income Dynamics Study 2017, Wave 5

The National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) Wave 5, conducted in 2017, is a significant longitudinal household survey from South Africa. It tracks the well-being of South Africans over time, focusing on key areas such as wealth creation, income and expenditure dynamics, demographic shifts, and social heritage including education and employment. The study also examines the impact of various life events and access to social services. This dataset provides valuable insights into the socio-economic landscape of South Africa, making it a crucial resource for researchers, policymakers, and students interested in development studies, economics, and social policy. The data is available for public use, with a secure version accessible through DataFirst's Secure Research Data Centre at the University of Cape Town. NIDS began in 2008 with an initial sample of approximately 28,000 individuals and has continued in waves every two years, with Wave 5 collecting data from 39,434 individuals. It covers a wide range of topics from household living standards and composition to individual health, education, and labour market participation.

PhD by Dissertation

PhD in Economic Sciences

PhD in Economics by Coursework and Dissertation

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics is a four-year full-time program offered in collaboration with other universities in sub-Saharan Africa and supported by the African Economic Research Consortium. It integrates advanced economic theory, tools, and African applications. The first two years focus on prerequisite advanced coursework, and the remaining two years are dedicated to thesis writing. The program is designed to equip students with advanced research skills and in-depth knowledge in economics, with a strong emphasis on relevant African contexts. Upon successful completion, students will have produced a substantial piece of original research in the form of a thesis.

Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) - Bachelor of Social Science

The Bachelor of Social Science in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) is an academically rigorous undergraduate program that provides a strong foundation in these three interconnected disciplines. The curriculum is designed in consultation with all three departments, offering a comprehensive study plan with some flexibility for students to specialize. Graduates are well-prepared for further studies at Honours level in any of the three fields or in PPE, and have pursued successful careers in commerce, government, and non-governmental organizations.

Physics

The Department of Physics at the University of Cape Town (UCT) has a strong history in both research and teaching. Current research focuses on five key areas: high energy physics, nuclear physics, solid state and nano-scale physics, applied physics, and physics education. The department maintains close ties with iThemba LABS, a national laboratory, where staff utilize cyclotron and van de Graaff accelerator beams for research. Additionally, academic staff are involved in international collaborations such as the ALICE and ATLAS experiments at CERN's Large Hadron Collider. The department aims to be a leading physics institution in Africa, offering degrees recognized internationally at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Physics (BSc)

The Department of Physics at the University of Cape Town (UCT) offers a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with a specialization in Physics. This program provides a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of physics, covering areas such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and modern physics. Students will engage with theoretical concepts and practical applications through lectures, tutorials, and laboratory work. The curriculum is designed to develop analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of the physical world. UCT's Physics department has active research groups in diverse fields, including High-Energy Physics, Nuclear Physics, Solid State Physics and Nanotechnology, and Physics Education Research. Students have opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research, work with experienced faculty, and contribute to scientific advancements. The program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for further study or careers in science, technology, engineering, and research.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a one-year program designed to train graduates who wish to become qualified school teachers. This qualification is essential for professional registration with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) for individuals holding degrees other than a Bachelor of Education (BEd). The program focuses on training teachers for the Senior and Further Education and Training (FET) phases. Please note that specific subject offerings, such as English FET-Only and Geography FET-Only, may not be available in certain years, while others like History FET-Only remain open. Admission is contingent on the subjects studied during your undergraduate degree, aligning with guidelines from the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applications are processed in the order they are received, and places can fill up quickly, making early application highly recommended.

Postgraduate Degrees and Diplomas in the Faculty of Health Sciences

The University of Cape Town's Faculty of Health Sciences offers a comprehensive range of postgraduate diplomas and degrees for qualified individuals seeking to advance their knowledge and specialization. These programs are designed for professionals looking to deepen their expertise in various medical and health-related fields. The offerings include Postgraduate Diplomas, Honours Degrees, Master's Degrees (including Master of Medical Science, Master of Medicine, Master of Philosophy, Master of Public Health, Master of Science), and Doctoral Degrees (Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Science in Medicine). Each program focuses on specific areas within the health sciences, providing advanced training and research opportunities.

Professional Master of Laws (LLM)

The University of Cape Town (UCT) Faculty of Law offers a Professional Master of Laws (LLM) degree designed for recent LLB graduates or legal professionals seeking to specialise in a particular area of law. This programme provides advanced, specialised knowledge and equips graduates with enhanced legal analysis skills through a combination of coursework and practically oriented research tasks. The Professional Masters is an intensive, focused degree that allows students to deepen their expertise in a chosen legal field. The curriculum is structured to respond to the need for advanced knowledge applicable in professional settings. Graduates will be better equipped to work in their chosen specialisation with advanced analytical and practical legal skills.

South African Census 1996, 10% Sample

The South African Census 1996 10% Sample provides detailed demographic, social, and economic data for South Africa, based on the census conducted between October 9-10, 1996. This dataset is a valuable resource for researchers and students interested in the characteristics of the South African population during the post-apartheid era. The census aimed to enumerate every person, household, and institution within South Africa, excluding foreign diplomats. The 10% sample allows for in-depth analysis of various topics, including household characteristics (dwelling type, home ownership, assets, access to services), individual characteristics (age, population group, language, religion, citizenship, migration, fertility, mortality, disability), and economic activities (employment, unemployment). Produced by Statistics South Africa and distributed by DataFirst at the University of Cape Town, this anonymised dataset is ideal for academic research, policy analysis, and understanding the socio-economic landscape of South Africa in the mid-1990s.

South African Police Service Annual Crime Records 2008-2023

This dataset, produced by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and distributed by DataFirst at the University of Cape Town, provides comprehensive annual crime records for South Africa from 2008 to 2023. It serves as a vital resource for researchers, policymakers, and students interested in crime trends and statistics within the country. The data is categorized into five broad crime types: contact crimes, contact-related crimes, property-related crimes, other serious crimes, and crimes detected by police action. This detailed breakdown allows for in-depth analysis of various criminal activities reported to or detected by the SAPS. The dataset is built from administrative records, specifically crime dockets, and reflects the number of charges or counts rather than individual case dockets. It includes crime figures at the police station level, which can be aggregated to provincial and national levels, offering a granular view of crime distribution. The most recent version (1.1) enhances utility by incorporating district and local municipality variables from the StatsSA Police District shapefile (Census 2022), alongside GIS coordinate variables, enabling robust spatial and time-series analysis.

South African Standard Classification of Occupations (SASCO)

The South African Standard Classification of Occupations (SASCO) provides a systematic framework for classifying occupations in South Africa. This program page illustrates the assignment of major occupational groups to specific skill levels, ranging from Skill Level 1 to Skill Level 4. It also provides a detailed list of various roles, particularly within legislative, senior official, and managerial categories, alongside their corresponding SASCO codes. This resource is valuable for understanding the structure of the South African labor market and for purposes such as employment statistics, career guidance, and policy development.

Using the Vernier Calipers & Micrometer Screw Gauge

This course, offered by the Department of Physics at the University of Cape Town, provides practical training in precision length measurement using Vernier calipers and micrometer screw gauges. These instruments are fundamental in laboratory settings for accurately determining the dimensions of objects. The program focuses on understanding the principles behind these tools, including their main and vernier scales, and developing the skills to interpret readings correctly. Students will learn techniques for measuring external and internal dimensions, as well as depths, and gain proficiency in handling these instruments for reliable data collection. The curriculum covers both theoretical aspects, such as least count and scale divisions, and practical application. Through examples and exercises, students will practice taking accurate measurements and understanding common pitfalls. The course also emphasizes the importance of zero readings and calculating measurement uncertainties, ensuring that students can report results with appropriate precision and confidence levels, a crucial skill in experimental physics.