UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES
The Department of Forest and Wood Science (DFWS) has historically been tasked specifically with the enrichment of forest and wood science through basic and applied research, teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and community outreach in South Africa.
Our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes prepare students to act as competitive leaders and managers in the various sectors of forestry. The Department focuses on creating opportunities where all students can develop their full potential. This is done by researching and using the most suitable methods of teaching to encourage students to obtain all facets of the graduate qualities. The Department works closely with other support divisions to ensure success on undergraduate level, including additional tutor support, integration of information and communication technologies in the teaching and learning process. Interpreting services are also offered in certain areas.
The Department’s strength lies in the fact that it is the only tertiary education institution in South Africa to provide an educational offering at BSc, MSc and PhD levels in both Forest and Natural Resource and Wood Products Science. The presence of these two major disciplines under one roof enables the DFWS to address the full forestry value chain, from forest establishment and silviculture, forest management, timber harvesting and transport, and forest economics to secondary processing for structural lumber, composite materials, bio-energy and other value added products.
Undergraduate Programmes
Specific Admission Requirements
• An average performance level of 60% in the NSC or the IEB’s school-leaving certificate (excluding
Life Orientation), or other school qualification;
• English or Afrikaans (Home Language or First Additional Language) – 4 (50%);
• Mathematics – 5 (60%); and
• Physical Sciences (Physics and Chemistry) – 4 (50%).
Application process
Prospective undergraduate students can visit the following link for online applications: http://www.maties.com/
Applications open 1 April – 31 July
To learn more about the Programmes offered click here.
Postgraduate Programmes
Postgraduate programmes in Forestry and Wood Sciences may be taken after completion of the bachelor’s programme. Students can, depending on their existing qualifications, enter a suitable postgraduate programme in one of their majors to obtain one of the following qualifications:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Forestry and Wood Sciences (PGDipFor)
- Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Wood Sciences with Honours (BScForHons)
- Master of Science in Forestry and Wood Sciences (MScFor)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry and Wood Sciences (PhD For) or Doctor of Science in Forestry and Wood Sciences (DScFor) in the fields of Forestry and Natural Resource Sciences or Wood and Wood Products Sciences.
In order to pursue postgraduate studies in the Department of Forest and Wood Science, students must have achieved a minimum of 60% at the undergraduate level in all their modules or in the major module related to the intended postgraduate study direction. Deviations from this requirement are at the discretion of the chairperson of the Department.
For more information on pursuing a postgraduate degree at Stellenbosch University if you are not residing within South Africa, please contact the International Office.
Application process
In order to apply for MSc or PhD programmes, please identify a supervisor first. With the supervisor, you can then discuss a research project and draft a first proposal.
Once this step has been completed, you can apply online: http://www.sun.ac.za/pgstudies/
To learn more about the Programmes offered click here.
Potential Career Paths
