Master of Arts in English Literature

This qualification is intended for learners who wish to deepen the technical and critical competence acquired at the Honours level. The dissertation, which is of defined scope and limited length, should demonstrate the learners ability to write lucidly and coherently, as well as show his or her critical independence and research skills.

Because an ability to present a unified, cumulative argument characterised by sound critical and aesthetic sensibility and adequate scholarly research is crucial to the successful completion of this qualification, it opens up career possibilities in the following areas:

• Publishing.
• Editing.
• Public relations.
• Television and film.
• Radio.
• Tourism.
• Advertising.
• Journalism.
• Internet writing.
• Education.
• Public service.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts Honours, NQF Level 8.

The learner should be able to search for relevant literary data and put it together in a piece of writing characterised by clarity, coherence, technical finish, and originality of argument.

1. Effective and persuasive written communication.
2. Responsible and effective organisation and management of one's study activities.
3. Ability to identify and solve problems using creative and critical thinking.
4. Effective teamwork during the research process.
5. Research ability in terms of collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.
6. Technological literacy about the use of information technology.
7. Development of a Macrovision in which the world is seen as a set of related systems, for example, literature as part of a broader cultural system.
8. Further/development outcomes: effective learning strategies, responsible citizenship through the inculcation of the moral sensibility, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity, education and career opportunities, and entrepreneurial abilities.

Integrated Assessment

A dissertation of limited scope and length (100 -150 quarto A4 pages, double-spaced) characterised by

• Sustained critical ability.
• Technical competence.
• Evidence of adequate scholarly research.
• Clarity and coherence in writing.
• Originality in argument.
• Usefulness rather than an original contribution to knowledge.

1. Written examinations.
2. Oral examinations.

The institution has introduced a problem-oriented and project-designed educational paradigm within which all curricular activities take place. The use of projects to deal with socially based problems is part of its new assessment strategy in addition to the above assessment methods.