Frequently Asked Questions

Application process

Applications for the next-intake year usually commences on in April of the current year. Please ensure that you meet the minimum admission requirements for the M.Eng (Structured) and for the PGDip.

Your application for admission to a postgraduate degree programme will only be processed after the application has been finalised and all the correct supporting documentation has been uploaded before the programme’s application closing date.

The application closing dates for the programme is 30 November for South African candidates and 30 September for international candidates.

Follow the application process, should you want to apply for admission.

Do you accept late applications?

We do not accept late applications for PGDip, because the programme starts mid-Janaury.

For the MEng programme you can contact Dr Frei in January to be added to a waiting list. We will let you know if a space opens latest a week before the pre-reading of the Data Sciences module starts. Should you not hear back from us by then, please plan to apply for the following year. Applications open in April.

MEng versus PGDiploma

The main difference between the two programmes is that the postgraduate diploma programme is of NQF level 8, whereas the MEng degree programme is of NQF level 9. Consequently, the admission requirements as well as the level of assessment differs. Furthermore, the MEng degree programme allows for partial module selection and includes a specialisation module, as well as an additional 60 credit data science research project.

Fulltime versus Part-time

The main difference between the fulltime and part-time options is the length of time allowed to enrol. It is expected of a fulltime student to complete the postgraduate diploma in one year or the MEng programme in two years. A part-time student, on the other hand, is expected to complete the postgraduate diploma in two years and the MEng programme in three years.

The modules are time consuming especially if you have other work obligations. You can estimate roughly 20-30 hours for a pre block, the full lecture week as well as 90 hours for a post block.

Part-time: Module Selection

The programme content section indicates which modules are required for the completion of the programme. In the case of a full-time student, all the compulsory modules will be taken, however, in the case of a part-time student, only some modules need to be taken. In such a case, it is the responsibility of the student to decide for which modules they would like register in the first year and which modules to leave for the second year.

It is, however, important to consider the module co-requisites. The Data Science (Eng) module, for example, is a co-requisite for the majority of the data science modules, which means that a student cannot register for those modules (Applied Machine Learning, Optimisation (Eng), Big Data Technologies (Eng) and Data Analytics (Eng)) unless the Data Science (Eng) module is registered for or previously completed. It is therefore advisable to consider the co-requisites in planning.

What is my SU email?

It is yourSUnumber@sun.ac.za. Use this mail for communication with the department and university.

How do I set my password?

As a current enrolled student you can create your password on My.SUN >> password management >> forgot password

Where is the learning platform?

The learning platform is SUNlearn. If you need technical help, you can send an email.

When does Professional Communication start?

The selftaught Professional Communication module starts during February. The deadline by which you must have completed the module is 31 March. It is advised that you complete it as soon as possible, because it has a comparatively low workload and is a useful for all the other modules.

When do I see my modules on SUNLearn?

In order to see your modules on SUNlearn, you have to register for the modules. As soon as you have registered, and if the lecturer has activated the SUNlearn module, you will see it on your SUNlearn landing page. You can see only modules that you have registered for. If you do not see your modules 48 hours after registration (check your academic history first) please contact Dr Frei.

How does registration for 1st year students work?

As a first-year student you will receive registration information from the faculty office and will have to register via the faculty office, i.e. Mrs Wessels.

How does registration for 2nd and 3rd year students work?

As 2nd and 3rd year South African students, you must use e-registration. International students must register via the international office and Mrs Wessels.

You always register for your programme module: * For MEng: 180 (credits) Industrial Engineering 879 * For PGDip: 120 (credits) Industrial Engineering 798

South African students can add their own modules via e-registration. When you add modules, please review the co-requisites provided on this website.

In order to graduate, you need * PGDip: 8 modules and Professional Communication * MEng: 8 modules and Professional Communication and the 60 credit project

The MEng project is listed as: 60 (credits) Industrial Engineering 876. Register for this module if you have been assigned a project or if you have not yet completed your research assignment. Do not register for this module if you have not been assigned a data science project and supervisor.

Note that Deep Learning is offered under the module name: 15 (credits) Industrial Engineering 874.