Computer Science

Stellenbosch University

Computer Science programmes
Current students

Computer Science
programmes

BSc Computer Science is the primary option for students wanting a career in software development. This international qualification enables work at national and international companies.

With appropriate electives, it leads to an honours programme in Computer Science or other subjects like Applied Mathematics, Economics, or Mathematical Statistics.

Complete programme guide

Explore degree options, focal areas, and curriculum pathways

Many disciplines now require coding knowledge, and the focus here is strictly on software development. Note that while this guide is helpful, students must always confirm final details in the official University calendar (yearbook).

Did you know?

When you come to university, you must choose:

  1. 1A degree (e.g., BSc)
  2. 2A degree variant, called a programme (e.g., BSc Computer Science)
  3. 3A programme variant, called a focal area (e.g., BSc Computer Science: General Computer Science)

Important notice

Just because a programme allows first-year CS modules does not guarantee enrolment in 2nd/3rd-year modules. The focal area may not include them, or there may be timetable clashes. Read university documentation carefully.

Full curriculum options

Programmes with a full CS curriculum

These programmes include the complete Computer Science core curriculum and can lead to honours in Computer Science.

BSc Computer Science

Contains the full core curriculum. Taking at least 32 credits of quantitative modules at the 2nd/3rd-year level can lead to a CS honours programme. General CS allows for additional 3rd-year CS electives.

Focal areas

  • General Computer Science
  • Computer Systems
  • Data Science
Partial curriculum options

Programmes with partial CS modules

The following programmes include some, but not all, Computer Science modules.

Degree pathway

Core curriculum visualiser

Follow the structured pathway through the Computer Science curriculum, from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

First year

Foundational

CS 11416 credits

Introductory Computer Science 1

Semester 1

CS 14416 credits

Introductory Computer Science 2

Semester 2

Second year

Intermediate

CS 21416 credits

Data Structures and Algorithms

Semester 1

CS 24416 credits

Computer Architecture

Semester 2

Third year

Advanced

Note: Must take at least two of 314/313/315

CS 31416 credits

Concurrency

First Semester

CS 31316 credits

Computer Networks

First Semester

CS 31516 credits

Machine Learning

First Semester

CS 34416 credits

Program Design / Software Engineering

Second Semester

CS 34316 credits

Databases and Web Centric Programming

Second Semester

CS 34516 credits

Computability and Automata

Second Semester