MA in English Literature (by research only)

Staff members in English at the University of the Witwatersrand are able to offer supervision at Master’s level in areas ranging from medieval texts to contemporary literature, with particular strengths in Renaissance studies, Victorian fiction, modernism, postmodernism and postcolonial writing. Topics in literary theory, as well as inter-disciplinary projects, are equally welcome. Staff undertaking supervision are active researchers, who publish regularly in their fields of specialisation. In the 2014 QS World University Rankings by Subject, the department was placed in the top 51-100 category. Students receive individual mentoring and are given the opportunity to develop a professional profile by participating in undergraduate tutoring. Those with appropriate interests may be invited to share in international research partnerships with specified universities in Great Britain, Sweden and Germany.

This programme enables Honours graduates freely to pursue and develop their particular interests as literary scholars. In the process, they acquire valuable research skills in the Humanities, while refining their capacities as writers and critical thinkers. A significant number of candidates proceed to the PhD in English literature, whether at the University of the Witwatersrand, at other South African universities or at leading institutions overseas.