Master of Arts (Thesis only) - English Language

The masters degree is designed for students to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research in English language. The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship in the area of research. Candidates may advance to the Doctor of Philosophy degree after successful completion of the masters or may apply to convert to the PhD at an earlier stage. An honours grade of at least H3 (65%) must be attained to qualify for the award of the masters degree.

Students who complete the Master of Arts (Thesis only) in this area of specialisation should:

• produce a research thesis on a topic of their own choice, and demonstrate capacity for independent research;
• acquire the ability to mount a sustained scholarly argument;
• display mastery of scholarship in their chosen field; and
• gain familiarity with appropriate methods in literary analysis and research.

Duration: 1.5 years full-time / 3 years part-time

The Master of Arts (Thesis only) in this area of specialisation requires:

• thesis of 30,000 words