Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

FACULTY OF HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES

Master of Arts

M.A.

(Please consult the Faculty Prospectus for detailed information.)

The Faculty may award the degree Master of Arts (M.A.) in the following disciplines:

African Languages
Afrikaans
French
Geography and Environmental Studies
German
History
Information Studies
Library Science and Records Management
Media Studies
Performing Arts
Philosophy
Portuguese
Psychology
Religion
Social Work*
Sociology
Visual Arts

Programme Co-ordinator: Cf. relevant head of department

Admission

Refer to 9. Regulations for Postgraduate Courses of Study in the General Information and Regulations Yearbook.

Subject to the relevant regulations for admission to postgraduate studies, a candidate should have completed at least two years of field experience in social work to qualify for admission to the MA programme in Social Work.

Candidates who intend to pursue M.A. degree studies should approach the head of the department in which they would like to undertake their studies before 31 October of the year preceding intended registration.

Duration of Study

The M.A. degree cannot be completed in less than two (2) years of study.

Candidates will have the option of conducting their M.A. studies on a full-time or part-time basis. Full time candidates should complete their studies within three (3) calendar years. Part-time candidates will be allowed up to five (5) years to complete their studies. An extension of the registration period of up to six (6) months beyond the stipulated deadlines may be granted by relevant committees if valid reasons are advanced.

Curriculum

The M.A. programme consists of two parts. In the first year, students will complete their academic coursework studies and examinations. In the second year, students write a research thesis.

PART 1: Coursework (Year I)

Students register for following modules in the first year of registration:
SEMESTER	CODE	MODULE TITLE
1	HFHS 5911	The Research Process
	HFHS 5931	Quantitative Research Design
	HFHS 5951	Qualitative Research Design
2	HFHS 5972	Seminars and Presentations
2	HFHS 5992	Writing Proposals, Reports and Publishing

PART 2: Research Thesis (Year II)

Admission Requirement

To be admitted to Part 2 of the programme, a student must have passed all modules in Part 1 (the coursework part).

Curriculum

Students register for following module in the second year of registration:
Semester	Code	Module Title
1 & 2	HFHT 5910	Thesis

Candidates must submit a thesis (of approximately 25 000 – 50 000 words) on a topic selected in consultation with the relevant department, subject to the general regulations for Master’s degree studies (cf. 9. Regulations and Guidelines for Postgraduate Programmes in the General Information and Regulations Yearbook).