Universities and Online Degrees Guide

Stellenbosch University

Master of Arts in English Studies

The Master of Arts in English Studies in Language and Culture Studies is offered by Stellenbosch University.

Program Length: 2 YEARS.

Master of Arts in English Studies offered by the Stellenbosch University at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

At present, Master's study in the English Department is available in two forms:

• a research thesis of approximately 50 000 words on an academic topic ;
• a thesis comprising an original creative work, plus a reflective scholarly component. (Together, these must comprise 50 000 words.)

While there is no coursework on offer, MA students are part of an integrated postgraduate cohort, involved in weekly seminars, reading and writing groups, and training in research methods.

You choose between a full thesis and one of three structured coursework options:

• Option 1 - literature, conflict and transition;
• Option 2 - creative writing; and
• Option 3 - literary translation.

You have to write a thesis of limited scope in each of the abovementioned options.

Option 1 comprises coursework and a thesis, each contributing 90 credits to the total of 180 credits. In the case of options 2 and 3 the thesis contributes 120 credits and the coursework the remaining 60 credits. The thesis for options 2 and 3 must include a work of original creative writing or literary translation and a theoretical commentary.

Please note: The MA by thesis is on offer every year while the MA by coursework options may not necessarily be taught in a particular year.

Programme Content

879:

Compulsory module

Thesis (English) 871(180)

 

889:

Compulsory modules

Thesis (English) 873(90)

Literature, Conflict and Transition 872(90)

OR

Compulsory modules

Thesis (Creative Writing) 874(120)

Course Component Creative Writing 872(60)

OR

Compulsory modules

Thesis (Literary Translation) 875(120)

Course Component Literary Translation 871(40)

Advanced Translation Theory 774(20)

 

Assessment and Examination

The thesis, whether 180, 120 or 90 credits, is to be assessed according to the regulations of Stellenbosch University as stipulated by the Rules for Postgraduate Qualifications in Part I of the Calendar.

The structured coursework options is assessed by means of essays and by additional seminar presentations, projects, or examination work. The thesis is pursued under close and regular supervision. The must pass each module with 50%.