University of the Witwatersrand
History
The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, also known as Wits University, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1896 as a mining school in Kimberley. It was later moved to Johannesburg and officially became a university in 1922. The university was initially an open institution, accepting students regardless of race or gender. However, with the implementation of apartheid policies in 1959, the university was forced to become a whites-only institution. This policy was reversed in 1990 with the end of apartheid, and the university has since strived to promote diversity and inclusivity.
Campus
Wits University is located in Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city. The university's main campus, East Campus, is situated in Braamfontein, a vibrant area known for its rich cultural and social scene. The campus is home to several historical buildings, including the Great Hall, which is a national monument. The West Campus, formerly the Milner Park showgrounds, houses the faculties of Engineering and the Built Environment, and Commerce, Law and Management. The university also has several satellite campuses, including the Medical School in Parktown and the Education Campus in Parktown.
Academic Profile
Wits University is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and high research output. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across a wide range of disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, health sciences, commerce, law, and the natural and physical sciences. The university is home to more than 30 research institutes and centres, and is a leading institution in research output in South Africa.
Faculties
Wits University comprises five faculties, each offering a variety of degree programs.
Faculty of Health Sciences
The Faculty of Health Sciences at Wits University is one of the leading medical schools in Africa. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and other health-related fields. The faculty is known for its strong emphasis on research and its contributions to medical advancements in areas such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Faculty of Humanities
The Faculty of Humanities is the largest faculty at Wits University, offering a wide range of programs in the arts, social sciences, and humanities. The faculty is renowned for its research output and its commitment to social justice and transformation.
Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science offers programs in the natural and physical sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences. The faculty is known for its cutting-edge research and its contributions to scientific advancements.
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment offers programs in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, as well as architecture and urban planning. The faculty is known for its innovative research and its focus on sustainable development.
Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management
The Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management offers programs in business, economics, law, and management. The faculty is known for its rigorous academic programs and its emphasis on ethical leadership and social responsibility.
Research
Wits University is a leading research institution in South Africa and Africa. The university's research output is diverse, spanning a wide range of disciplines and contributing to advancements in fields such as health sciences, natural and physical sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The university is home to several research institutes and centres, including the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research (WISER), the Wits Health Consortium, and the Wits School of Mining Engineering.
Student Life
Wits University has a vibrant student life, with a wide range of clubs, societies, and sports teams. The university's Student Representative Council (SRC) is the main student governance body, representing the interests of the student body. The university also offers a variety of support services for students, including counselling services, academic support, and career guidance.
Notable Alumni
Wits University has produced many notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. These include Nobel laureates such as Nelson Mandela, Sydney Brenner, and Aaron Klug, as well as other prominent figures such as businessman Patrice Motsepe, author Nadine Gordimer, and former South African president Thabo Mbeki.