SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES
PROGRAMME
Master of Arts (Research)
Period of study: 2 Years (Full-time); 3 Years (Part-time)
Admission requirements
- The minimum admission requirement is a relevant Bachelor Honours Degree in the relevant subject.
- A “professional” Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 96 credits at Level 8 or a Postgraduate Diploma may also be recognised as meeting the minimum entry requirement to a cognate Master’s Degree programme.
- Ad eundem gradum students should submit a portfolio of satisfactory evidence of their suitability for admission into the degree to the Head of Department.
- Students should have a minimum of at least 65% for the (NQF 8) in their Honours Degree, and at least a 65% pass in their Research Project.
- Candidates with less than 65%, who have relevant Industry/professional experience, will be considered upon recommendation from a Head of Department.
- RPL admissions are governed by University’s Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning.
- In addition to the above requirements, admission is dependent upon the supervision capacity of the department in terms of availability of a supervisor.
The Master’s by research is offered in the following specialisations:
Qualification | Master of Arts (Research) | ||
Abbreviation | MA (Heritage Studies) | ||
Min. study period | NQF Level | Programme Code | Total credits |
2 years | 9 | HER900 | 180 |
Module code | Module description | ||
HHER900 | Dissertation: Heritage Studies |
Specific Admission Requirements
In addition to the Sol Plaatje University’s general admission requirement for postgraduate studies, the following requirements apply for this specialisation:
- Admission is subject to approval by the academic head of department.
- Students must hold an Exit Level 8 qualification (Honours’ degree) in Heritage Studies or an equivalent Exit Level 8 qualification to the recognition and approval by the academic head of department).
- BA Honours in Heritage Studies with a pass mark of at least 65%. Applicants must submit a certified transcript of their academic record.
Particular attention will be given to the mark obtained for the independent research project undertaken at Honours level.
The formal RPL policy of the Sol Plaatje University will be applied in instances where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements for entry into the MA by dissertation programme.
Programme Structure
The MA by dissertation is the most flexible form of advanced study as it enables students to focus entirely on completing a research dissertation, under the supervision of an academic in the Heritage Department, on a topic of interest to the student.
This degree is thus usually selected by students who enjoy working independently and wish to pursue their interest in a particular topic.
The MA by dissertation is also an excellent route to follow for students who wish to continue to PhD studies, offering a possible fast-track to a PhD by upgrade for exceptional quality MA projects.
The degree also allows MA students to pursue careers in the private or public sectors of the heritage industry, museums and related fields.
Sol Plaatje University has partnerships with several museums and government departments, together with specialised Heritage and Museum science laboratories and resources that can assist an MA student in their respective projects.
Module code | Module description | Credits |
HHER900 | Dissertation: Heritage Studies | 180 |
Qualification | Master of Arts (Research) | ||
Abbreviation | MA (History) | ||
Min. study period | NQF Level | Programme Code | Total credits |
2 | 9 | HIS900 | 180 |
Module code | Module description | ||
HHIS900 | Dissertation: History |
Specific Admission Requirements
In addition to the Sol Plaatje University’s general admission requirement for postgraduate studies, the following requirements apply for this specialisation:
- BA Honours in History with a pass mark of at least 65%. Applicants must submit a certified transcript of their academic record.
- Particular attention will be given to the mark obtained for the independent research project undertaken at Honours level.
- Students may be required to enrol for HHIS84124 (Historical Method and Approaches) and HIS84324 (Historiography) if they had not previously completed these modules at NQF level 8, or if it is required by the subject group and selection committee, and the Head of Department.
Programme Structure
Students will be expected to complete a thesis in History which is based on original research on primary sources.
Students will undertake research under the guidance of a supervisor. An initial detailed research outline must accompany your application and should give an indication of the research you wish to pursue.
The department encourages and welcomes research topics with a focus on the history of Kimberley, the broader Northern Cape region as well as topics on southern African history.
Module code | Module description | Credits |
HHIS900 | Dissertation: History | 180 |
Qualification | Master of Arts (Research) | ||
Abbreviation | MA (Sociology) | ||
Min. study period | NQF Level | Programme Code | Total credits |
2 | 9 | SOC900 | 180 |
Module code | Module description | ||
HSOC900 | Dissertation: Sociology |
The central focus of sociology is to unpack the nature of societal structures and their impact on people’s everyday lives and interactions, and further questions how power is exercised and normalised at all levels of society, from the state to individual emotions, through explorations of social class, gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, and other factors drawing from theoretical contexts to understand real-world issues.
Students taking this route would be expected to undertake a rigorous piece of independent approved research working closely with their supervisor(s) at a more advanced level than the Honours programme, drawing on the theoretical and methodological traditions within the discipline of Sociology.
Whilst undertaking the research project, candidates will also have the opportunity to develop research skills by taking part in training courses and events which will prepare them for the world of work.
Specific Admission Requirements
In addition to the Sol Plaatje University’s general admission requirement for postgraduate studies, the following requirements apply for this specialisation:
- Admission is subject to approval by the academic head of department.
- Students must hold an Exit Level 8 qualification (Honours degree) in Sociology or cognate qualifications approved by the academic head of department.
Curriculum
Students must write a dissertation on a topic chosen in consultation with the supervisor and academic Head of Department.
Module code | Module description | Credits |
HSOC900 | Dissertation: Sociology | 180 |
MA candidates in this specialisation will be requested to audit the honours Advanced Research Methods and Advanced Social theory modules. This is designed to assist them in developing their research proposals.
Graduates are equipped to become researchers or practitioners in a variety of professional domains.
This may be at museums and other heritage organisations, language-based positions (translation and editing), teaching, communication, journalism, creative writing, media work, community development, tourism and the diplomatic service.
To apply or to enquire about the Master of Arts degree, send an email to the School Registrar at [email protected].
You can download a comprehensive list of all our qualifications that will be offered in 2022 by clicking here.