Program Overview

Programme Overview

The MA specialising in Drama and Film Studies is a research-based programme aimed at students who wish to pursue advanced, methodologically diverse scholarly inquiry into the creative, historical, cultural, praxical, intermedial, and theoretical dimensions of theatre, film, and performance. Students are encouraged to situate their work within contemporary socio-political and artistic contexts, responding critically to the dynamics of artistic, cultural, and representational practices.

Programme Details

• Code: Not specified
• Faculty: Faculty of Humanities
• Department: Department: School of the Arts
• Credits: 180
• Duration: Minimum duration of study: 1 year
• NQF level: 09

Programme Information

The degree culminates in a dissertation, completed under the guidance of a supervisor. Supervision is offered for projects that reflect the research interests and expertise of staff. Where appropriate, co-supervision with other departments may be arranged to strengthen interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary inquiry. The dissertation will be examined by two examiners, at least one of whom will be an external examiner. The degree is passed with a distinction if the combined examination results amount to 75%.

Admission Requirements

General Admission Regulations

All applications must be accompanied by the following documents:

1. Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level
2. Certified copy of ID or passport
3. A research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees): A description of the proposed research field indicating a research topic and the broad scope of the proposed study, not exceeding 500 words.

All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents:

1. A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report
2. TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable)
3. Certified copy of passport.

Minimum Admissions Requirements

1. Relevant honours degree (NQF level 8) or relevant four-year bachelor's degree (NQF level 8)
2. A weighted average of at least 65% for the honours degree or a weighted average of at least 65% at final-year level of the four-year bachelor's degree

Additional Requirements

• An interview may be required on request.
• An approved research concept note of no less than 500 words is required. The description of the proposed research field, indicating a research topic and the broad scope of the proposed research, should be supported by stating the envisioned approach to the research and demonstrating evidence of engagement with relevant literature and scholarly discourse on the topic. The concept note should also demonstrate familiarity with academic writing conventions and referencing methods.
• A sample of previous academic writing is required.
• The relevant honours degree or four-year bachelor's degree should be in drama, theatre, performance, film, or a cognate discipline.

Core Modules

• DFK 890: Dissertation: Drama and film studies 890
  • Credits: 180.00

General Academic Regulations and Student Rules

The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations. The G Regulations are updated annually and may be amended after the publication of this information.