Masters Degree

A Masters degree requires students to pass 180 credits of coursework and dissertation, with one credit requiring about 10 hours of work. Thus the average time required to complete a Masters degree is about 1800 hours of work.

The Masters degree in Radar is offered with three different degree structures:

  1. Professional Taught Masters Degree (MEng Radar): This Masters Degree consists of 6 x 20 credit courses and a 60 credit mini dissertation. There are two core courses, viz. Introduction to Radar and Mathematics, plus four more specialized radar courses. We also offer a stream of Electronic Defence within this degree structure.
  2. Research Masters Degree with Coursework (MScEng Electrical Engineering Specializing in Radar): This Masters Degree consists of 3 x 20 credit courses and a 120 credit dissertation. There are two core courses, viz. Introduction to Radar and Mathematics, plus one more specialized radar course.
  3. Research Masters Degree by Dissertation (MScEng Electrical Engineering Specializing in Radar): This Masters degree requires a 180 credit research dissertation. This degree is intended for students with radar experience who would not benefit from the coursework, or students who wish to tackle a large research project.

Continuation or Upgrade to PhD

Students who complete and pass any of the three Masters degrees can continue to study for a PhD. Alternatively, students who are registered for either of the MScEng Research Masters Degrees and who are progressing well with their studies, can upgrade to a PhD without completing the Masters Degree.

Occasional Postgraduate Registration

We offer the option of registering as an occasional postgraduate student for individual courses for non-degree purposes. For busy people who work in industry, but who would like to register for a Masters Degree, the option exists to pass some or all of the 6 courses over 2 or 3 years, whilst continuing to work in industry, and to complete the remaining courses and the minor dissertation in less than 1 year full time. The credits passed as an occasional student can be transferred into the degree.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Courses

If you would like to benefit from the courses, but do not want the rigour of studying, sitting the examination and passing the course, you can attend the course as a CPD student (find out more here) If you complete the lectures for the course, we give you a letter to show that you have completed the course, but it will not appear on your academic record.

Entry Requirements for a Radar Masters Degree

  1. A 4-year Engineering Degree or Science Honours degree with at least 2 years of Mathematics.
  2. A BTech Degree from a South African University of Technology with at least 5 years of experience in Radar or another relevant field.
  3. A 3-year Bachelor of Science degree with at least 2 years of Mathematics and 5 years of experience in Radar or another relevant field.
  4. A level of competence that has been attained in any other manner, which, in the opinion of Senate and on the recommendation of the Faculty, is adequate for the purpose of admission as a candidate for the degree.

Methods of Instruction

Each course will typically contain a lecture component of 5 full days, followed by weekly seminars, tasks and a written examination, over a five-week period after the first, intensive lecture session.

The programme is designed to support students who cannot be resident in Cape Town for the full duration of the programme or to complete all courses. Distance learning techniques are used during the follow-up period after each course (after the one-week intensive lecture period).

All students will, however, have to be present in Cape Town for the one-week lecture period for each course. Elements of continuous assessment (e.g. problem sets, short projects) and a written examination are utilised to assess the course.

To enquire about the courses offered and how to apply, or just to speak to a human, go here