Stellenbosch University (SUN)

Stellenbosch University is instrumental in educating our future scientists. It is the only university in South Africa offering a comprehensive four-year BSc degree programme in both Forest Science and Wood Product Science, thus covering the entire forestry value chain. Students enjoy the advantages of a stimulating and diverse programme of study involving research and study in the forests, winelands and mountains of Stellenbosch, as well as versatile employment prospects both nationally and internationally.

The Department of Forest and Wood Science is the only tertiary education institution in South Africa to provide an educational offering at BSc, MSc and PhD levels in both Forest and Natural Resource and Wood Products Science. The presence of these two major disciplines under one roof enables the DFWS to address the full forestry value chain, from forest establishment and silviculture, forest management, timber harvesting and transport, and forest economics to secondary processing for structural lumber, composite materials, bio-energy and other value added produts.

Undergraduate Programme

Forest Science & Natural Resource Management

The course is structured to give students a holistic understanding of forests, the environment and plantations, including forest ecology, forest measurement and modelling, watershed dynamics, harvesting methods and system, and logistics, forest planning and policy and other interesting aspects of Natural Resource Management. Students also spend significant time outdoors or on field trips to observe current forestry practices. The structure of the course allows for broad, but also in-depth exposure to scientific, economic, technical and social aspects.

Wood Product Science

The course consists of a unique combination of Wood Products Science, Engineering and Business Management subjects. Students learn about all aspects of wood science and production such as wood anatomy and identification, wood chemistry and preservation, wood mechanics and wood product manufacturing. This is complemented by a variety of engineering modules focusing on manufacturing technology, business management, and industrial engineering. The course also involves field trips and practical training periods.

Forest Science - For a sustainable future

Forest Ecologist / Planner
Forestry Consultant or Contractor
Natural Resource Manager
Production Manager
Tree Breeder / Timber Grower
Researcher / Forestry Scientist
Environmental Planner
Logistics Manager
Rural Development Advisor
Extension Officer
Land-use Manager

Wood Science - Discover the versatility of wood

Product Developer / Researcher
Plant / Saw mill Manager
Production Manager
Entrepreneur / Business Owner
Manufacturing Engineer
Board Product Manufacturer
Quality Assurance Manager
Furniture Design / Manufacturer
Laminated Product Manufacturer
Veneer and Plywood Manufacturer
Window and Door Manufacturer

Career Opportunities

Stellenbosch University graduates are recognized as being world-class. Studies have shown that Wood processing facilities and timber growers employ an extremely high percentage of Stellenbosch graduates. Our emphasis is to produce versatile managers and researchers with the skills to manage and understand all the intricacies of technology transfer. This provides our graduates with fantastic career opportunities and allows them to diversify in other related industries. Opportunities range from entrepreneurial enterprises to the corporate environment-locally and abroad. These include managerial, technical, conservation or research-oriented careers.

Bursaries

A large percentage of our students obtain bursaries from industry, government and the university. Contact Ms Poppie Gordon for information on bursaries available.