MA African Literature by dissertation at University of the Witwatersrand

Programme overview

The Master of Arts in African Literature by dissertation is a 1-2 years full-time programme with 180 NQF Credits. The Master of Arts in African Literature (by Dissertation) is an advanced research degree for students who wish to pursue sustained, independent inquiry into African and diasporic literary and cultural traditions. It is designed for those with a strong disciplinary grounding who are ready to develop an original research project that contributes to the field’s evolving debates.

Faculty: Humanities | Department: Literature, Language and Media | Duration: 1-2 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A BA Honours degree in African Literature or a cognate field with a minimum average of 70%. Applicants must demonstrate readiness for independent research and theoretical engagement. A Concept Note (4–5 pages) must be submitted with the application. Your concept should include the following sections: Title (provisional) Research Problem / Aim – central question or issue Rationale / Context – why the topic matters Methodology / Approach – theoretical or analytical lens Proposed Corpus / Case Studies Bibliographic Orientation – 5–8 key thinkers or texts Fit with Department – why Wits African Literature is the right home for the research Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Applicants who do not meet formal entry requirements but can demonstrate significant professional, creative, or research experience may apply under the University’s RPL policy. RPL applications are reviewed case by case a

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Postgraduate applications are made online at www.wits.ac.za/applications; the closing date for each programme is listed in its course finder entry. The application fee is R200 (not payable by current Wits students applying online), paid via the Self-Service Portal or by EFT to the Wits University Application Fees account at FNB.

Apply through the official page: https://www.wits.ac.za/applications

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