Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & IT
Research Excellence at University of Pretoria

Research at the University of Pretoria (UP) is at the apex of the University’s long-term strategic plan, UP 2025, which is to be a leading research-intensive university in Africa. Equally important is the University’s international visibility and the impact of its research and innovation on socio-economic development in South Africa and in the region. UP therefore deliberately balances its focus on research and innovation and the partnerships fostered by creating an environment that is conducive to scholarly pursuits. A wide range of research and professional areas underscores the strength of UP in research and postgraduate education, and also the areas in which UP is positioned as a research leader in Africa and internationally.

UP has been home to some of Africa’s most significant leaders in research. Each year the increasing number of National Research Foundation-rated researchers is evidence of the University’s commitment to attracting and retaining researchers of the highest distinction, as well as young researchers with the potential for research excellence.

It is through the sustained individual and collective actions of our researchers that UP continues to strengthen its identity as a leading research-intensive university in Africa.

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Welcome to the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & IT

The Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology at the University of Pretoria is the largest of its kind in South Africa. The School of Engineering ranks in the top 1% of engineering institutions globally. We produce more than a quarter of South Africa’s engineers. We have many multi- and transdisciplinary postgraduate programmes as well as unique research facilities to help our students test their ideas and develop new, African solutions to global problems.The faculty is also home to the Graduate School of Technology Management, which has courses that are colloquially known as the MBA for engineers. Our Engineering 4.0 complex – a partnership between the South African National Roads Agency, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and York Timbers – is specially designed for research into and the testing of road and rail engineering, smart cities and infrastructure. We aim to produce research that will aid Africa’s development in the fourth industrial revolution.
Message from the Dean
Welcome to the EBIT Faculty. Thanks for choosing our Faculty! UP’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology is the largest of its kind in Africa. The School of Engineering holds a position among the top 1% of engineering schools in the world and is a leader in South Africa.

The fourth industrial revolution has brought the future to us right now. You have to be part of catching this exciting wave in human history and use your education and skills to uplift and have a positive impact on society. It provides new opportunities and new ways of thinking which, combined with our learning programmes, will give you the education you need to be successful in your first job or start your own business.

Programmes like Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Multimedia and Informatics in the School for Information Technology, will prepare you for jobs that do not yet exist.  Our programmes in the School of Engineering and the School for the Built Environment are all designed to enable you to think critically and be an innovator of the future. We offer a very high quality of teaching and learning support which is designed to help you succeed in your studies.

When you join us, you will be part of THE UP WAY of life. This means you will learn to use the knowledge and skills gained at UP, in the real world.  Our highly sought-after graduates have a positive impact on the world, and we teach them to become well-rounded, ethical and active citizens who want to develop a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable environment for our future.

So Choose UP, and we hope to see you next year!

Academic Programmes

Postgraduate programmes

This Faculty is a leading source of locally relevant and internationally competitive programmes in Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It attracts high-quality students and staff, and offers extended programmes to facilitate inclusiveness.

Research Areas

The Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology’s Research Strategy is based on the existing availability of world-class experts conducting research, not only within their particular disciplines, but who also engage in cross-cutting research and innovation over multiple academic departments, schools and faculties. The five synergistic research areas are Big Data Science, ICT and Technology Innovation Management; Smart Cities and Transportation; Energy; Environmental Engineering (Water); and Minerals and Materials Beneficiation.

UP aims to create an enabling environment in which our postgraduate students and their supervisors can function optimally. Our supervisors provide academic guidance and mentorship to students and are key role players in the administrative efficiency of postgraduate study.

Read more about the Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology’s research areas.

Supervisors

After selecting your postgraduate programme, you will need to identify a supervisor to give you  academic support and help you achieve a high standard of research outputs during your postgraduate journey. At UP we place strong emphasis on academic excellence and innovation and strive to provide a supportive environment for all our postgraduate students to thrive.

Choosing a supervisor plays a crucial role in empowering students to become independent thinkers, skilled researchers and influential contributors in their chosen fields. Supervisors also play a pivotal role in helping students shape their research topics, refine methodologies and navigate the complex landscape of academia.

During your postgraduate studies, you have the chance to work closely with your supervisors, receiving personalised attention and guidance. This close relationship allows for constructive feedback, brainstorming sessions and the development of critical thinking skills.

If you are considering postgraduate studies at UP, rest assured that you will be embarking on an exciting journey of intellectual exploration, personal growth and professional development. By choosing UP you will have the opportunity to work alongside exceptional supervisors, collaborate with exceptional peers and make a lasting impact in your chosen discipline.

Find a suitable supervisor for your chosen area of research here

Research That Matters

EXPLOITING CROSS-CUTTING RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

The Faculty has crafted a progressive research strategy to exploit the research of its world-class experts, who engage in multidisciplinary research and innovation. This strategy encourages research and innovation that is not restricted to finding solutions to challenges within particular disciplines only, but rather to developing initiatives that will have an impact locally, regionally and across the globe.

RESEARCH SYNERGY

The Faculty’s research strategy has enabled the development of five core research focus areas. These, in turn, have enabled the deployment of several highly visible research and innovation projects. The research focus areas are Big Data Science, ICT and Technology Innovation Management; Smart Cities and Transportation; Energy; Environmental Engineering (Water); and Minerals and Materials Beneficiation.

Institutes, Centres and Units

The Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology has a number of highly acclaimed institutes, centres and units aligned to the Faculty, focusing on computing, applied materials, micro-electronics, electromagnetism, industrial metals and minerals, new energy, radio and digital communication, technological innovation, telecommunication engineering, transportation, integrity management and innovation.

Read more about the Institutes, Centres and Units aligned to the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology

Postgraduate Studies at the University of Pretoria
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Funding Opportunities

As a postgraduate student or prospective student at UP, there are a number of research resources available to you to identify suitable research funding opportunities. Apart from the University, many companies and institutions offer scholarships and bursaries for postgraduate studies. The University manages a number of financial funds on behalf of institutions who provide such funding. Applications for financial assistance, bursaries or funding must be submitted concurrently while you apply for admittance to your postgraduate programme. Funding is subject to approval and availability.

Read more about funding opportunities.

 

Student Voices

Victor Ndeti Ngungu

Postgraduate Accommodation

If you are looking for that special place you can call your home away from home, then a residence at the University of Pretoria (UP) is just the place for you. With us, you will find an environment that is conducive to working and studying hard.

Click here to learn more about our accommodation application process.

Jakaranda Residence

Protea Mbalenhle Residence

Tuksdorp

Xayata Residence

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