Master of Arts in English Studies and Comparative Literature
Purpose:
Sources: SAQA official qualification record, SAQA registered qualifications record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Master's Degree
Credits
180
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
0
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
University of Fort Hare
Quality assurance functionary
-
Field
Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language
Subfield
Literature
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2021-07-01
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2028-06-30
Last date for achievement
2031-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
Purpose
The Master of Arts in English Studies and Comparative Literature provides training in research and analysis in language and literature and prepares learners for careers in the media, teaching and corporate fields. At the end of the qualification, the learners will master the basic and advanced research skills needed to complete a research project, analytical skills needed to write comprehensive reports and the ability to teach at a higher level in education.
Rationale
The qualification is intended to provide learners with the necessary research and analytical skills needed to operate at the Postgraduate level. It is usually a preparatory ground for doctoral study. About 70% of learners who engage in a Master Degree research usually go on to complete a Doctor of Philosophy qualification. Many of our learners come from our Honours qualification. At the end of their qualification, learners with Master's Degree find themselves in the media academic and corporate fields. The qualification provides a high skill level to the learners, quality manpower to the society and the economy.
Entry requirements and RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Learners will gain access to this qualification degree study if
- They have worked in media spaces as journalists or taught English at the high school level for several years.
- Credits will be awarded for the above towards the part qualification.
The learner however will be exposed to research methods as well as academic writing skills before commencement of study.
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is
- Bachelor of Arts Honours in English, NQF Level 8.
Or
- Postgraduate Diploma in Media or Communication Studies, NQF Level 8.
Replacement note
This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
This qualification consist of a compulsory module at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits
Compulsory Module, Level 9
- Dissertation, 180 Credits.
Exit level outcomes
- Demonstrate competency in research methods, academic writing, theoretical framework and text analysis.
- Apply techniques in research for text analysis in both Literature and language studies.
Associated assessment criteria
The following Associated Assessment Criteria is applied across all the Exit Level Outcomes
- Critically understand the advanced research techniques in English studies.
- Critically assess the advanced research in English studies.
- Formally present an approved proposal outlining the content and direction of research.
- Demonstrate familiarity with contemporary philosophical and theoretical issues in English Studies.
- Debate complex issues orally and in writing.
- Display specialised knowledge critically and comparatively, depending on the particular field of focus.
Integrated Assessment
The main assessment method for the Master's Degree in English is by external examination by two respected external examiners who are experts in the specific field of literature and language.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation
- Master of Arts, Level 9.
Vertical Articulation
- Doctor of Philosophy, Level 10.
International comparability
The Master's Degree in English was benchmarked against the top universities in the world and examined by internationally accredited scholars. The qualification compares favourably with similar qualifications in different countries around the world. Some of the countries where the qualification in English is offered include the following:
In the U.K. the Master's Degree in English literature is offered at most universities and is classed as a Level 7 NQF qualification (180 Credits: 4 X 30 point modules and 60 point mini-dissertation). The usual length of study is one or two years, with allowance made for part-time learners. The distinguishing feature of the MA as compared to BA Degree in terms of content is the emphasis placed on literary theory and critical reflection on the process and history of modes of interpretation. The MA was traditionally by research thesis but is now taught. The only way learners end up with a Masters in English by dissertation is if their PhD isn't up-to-scratch, and is downgraded to an MPhil. The shift to the taught degree rests on the belief that it improves throughput rate. The taught MAs are increasingly migrating to online delivery. The University of London emphasises the distance learning nature of its MA. The duration of the Open University distance learning taught MA is 2.5 years.
At the University of York, the MA in English Literary Studies is a taught module that is comparable to our English Masters by Coursework (MA in Pan-African Letters) (ECL701), with a mini-dissertation and compulsory modules on research methodology. As the University of Leeds website puts it, the compulsory modules are designed to give a solid base of theoretical knowledge and high-level research skills, and the optional modules afford the opportunity pursue individual interests and career ambitions. The University of Warwick, the University of Birmingham and the University of Sussex offer similarly structured taught MA degrees. Edinburgh University's MA in Postcolonial Literature has a similar structure (two elective modules, the seminar-based programme of research methods training in core research skills and subject-specific methodologies) and its offerings resemble our own.
The goal of these structured degrees is to apply the knowledge and skills learned in an independent research project on a topic of choice. The length of the mini-dissertation ranges from 12000 to 16000 words.
In Australia, universities appear to have also followed the taught MA model. The University of Sidney Master of English Studies claims to offer learners the opportunity to negotiate the duration of the degree according to their needs. Deakin University's taught Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) emphasises its creative writing component (don't just study, do!).
The University of the West Indies (Jamaica) MA Degree is by coursework and research paper. They also offer an MPhil by coursework and thesis, with the thesis being the major component. According to their website, applicants for the MPhil who hold an MA may proceed directly to the thesis. Applicants for the PhD qualification are normally required to register for the MPhil in the first place. The duration for the MA is 16 months (Full-time) and 36 months (Part-time), and each of the course modules (7 plus research paper) requires a weekly 3-hour seminar. Their offerings are comparable to ours in terms of theory and postcolonial and African literature, except for their focus on Shakespeare.
In Africa Makerere University's MA in Literature taught qualification lasts two years, as does that of Mount Kenya University. The latter is delivered by face-to-face and digital teaching and stresses literary theory. Kenyatta University coursework MA (Literature, English and Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, French) also takes two years as does the University of Cape Coast (Ghana) Master of English Literature. Lagos State University (like the University of Hong Kong) has a one year taught Master of Arts in English Studies course focusing on both literature and linguistics. The University of Botswana's Masters of Arts Qualification specialisation in English Literature core modules include 'The English Novel from Defoe to Joyce' and '20th Century Literature Theory and Criticism'. The research project there is required to be 20000 words in length. The University of Malawi, Chancellor's College focuses 'on the teaching of classic and contemporary trends in the reading, criticism and practice of literature and literary theory' but no additional information is available.
In general, the English MA qualification is comparable in pre-requisites, academic weighting (credit points), content, duration and delivery are comparable to these international examples. The English Masters by Coursework (MA in Pan-African Letters) (ECL701) is an advantage that should present circumstances dictate a decisive move to the coursework structure.
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
No provider listing was captured on this qualification record.
Related Qualifications
Explore other relevant certificates and degrees in this field.
Purpose:
There are two routes which can be followed to achieve the Master of Philosophy:
Purpose:
The intended purpose of this Master of Accountancy is to provide the learners with a professional, vocational, and sound understanding of the general theoretical principles and their applications in the field of research accountancy. The qualification will be treated according to the policies and procedures of the institution regarding master's dissertations, monitoring, and assessment of learners' progress in the qualification, provision for learners disputes regarding assessment results and Recognition of Prior Learning. The qualification aims to enhance research capacity and increase access by providing an opportunity to articulate to master's degree. The qualification will accommodate learners with a postgraduate diploma and relevant honours/qualifications on NQF level 8, a minimum of 120 credits achieved at other institutions as well as vertical articulation from relevant master's degrees.
Purpose:
Use this qualification in your readiness workflow
Once the qualification identity is clear, your institution can structure the readiness work around the right title, NQF level, dates, and supporting records instead of rebuilding that story later.