Postgraduate Programmes
Advance Your Research Career
Our postgraduate programmes provide advanced education and research opportunities in computer science. Whether you're interested in specialised coursework, original research, or making a lasting contribution to the field, we have a programme tailored to your goals — guided by world-class faculty with active research profiles.
From Honours through to PhD, you'll work alongside leading researchers, access state-of-the-art facilities, and join a vibrant community of scholars in the heart of the Cape Winelands.
Our Programmes
Choose the level that matches your ambition and experience.
Honours
An intensive programme combining 6 advanced modules (96 credits) with a compulsory programming project (32 credits). Ideal for bridging undergraduate and research-level study.
- 6 advanced modules + project
- Prepares you for MSc or industry
- Part-time option available (2 years)
Master's
A research-intensive degree where you work with faculty mentors on an approved research topic, culminating in a thesis that contributes new knowledge to the field.
- Original research thesis (100+ pages)
- Expert faculty supervision
- Full-time or part-time (up to 5 years)
PhD
The highest research degree — designed for exceptional scholars committed to making original contributions to computer science through independently conducted research.
- Doctoral dissertation (200+ pages)
- Publication in top-tier venues
- International collaboration
Research Focus Areas
Specialise in any of our major research groups.
Machine Learning & AI
Deep learning, evolutionary computation, swarm intelligence, and applied AI systems.
Software Engineering
Verification, testing, compiler design, and building reliable large-scale software systems.
Data Science & Big Data
Data pipelines, computational analytics, statistical modelling, and applied data science.
Networks & Systems
Broadband and mobile networks, distributed systems, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
Automata & Formal Methods
Theory and applications of automata, grammars, formal languages, and computational logic.
Robotics & Cognitive Systems
Autonomous agents, planning, cognitive architectures, and human-computer interaction.
Why Postgraduate Study at Stellenbosch?
Expert Supervision
Work one-on-one with internationally recognised researchers who publish in top-tier venues.
Global Impact
Our graduates lead research teams at major tech companies, start-ups, and universities worldwide.
Funding Available
Bursaries, research assistantships, and industry-sponsored projects help fund your studies.
Modern Facilities
Dedicated graduate offices, research labs, GPU clusters, and full conference support.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Explore our postgraduate programmes or get in touch to discuss your research interests.