PhD African Literature at University of the Witwatersrand

Programme overview

The PhD in African Literature is a research-only degree that can be completed full-time in a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 years, or part-time in a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years. This programme is designed for scholars seeking to make original contributions to the study of African and diasporic literary and cultural traditions. Supervised by leading specialists in African literary and cultural studies, decolonial thought, gender and sexuality, and postcolonial critique, our doctoral students engage deeply with critical theory, philosophy, and aesthetics in ways that are regionally grounded and globally relevant.

Faculty: Humanities | Department: Literature, Language and Media | Duration: Minimum of 2 years, and a maximum of 6 years. | Study mode: full-time | Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A Master’s degree (with at least 70%) in African Literature or a cognate discipline (such as Literary Studies, Cultural Studies, Media, or Philosophy). Demonstrated capacity for independent research, critical writing, and theoretical engagement. International applicants must include SAQA certification (if applicable) and proof of English proficiency (if the medium of prior study was not English). Applicants are encouraged to send the concept note and a brief expression of interest to the Department before submitting an official application, so that the document can be circulated internally to identify an appropriate supervisor. Concept Note Example Applicants must submit a concept note of approximately 7–8 pages, which should include: Provisional Title Research Problem and Aims Rationale / Context (including contribution to existing scholarship) Theoretical Framework and Methodology Corp

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.

Research and PhD applicants must approach the relevant school or department to discuss the research topic and availability of a supervisor before applying.

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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