Programme Detail

MASTER OF ARTS IN AFRICAN LANGUAGES

Faculty

Social Sciences and Humanities

SAQA ID

18946

Duration

1 Year(s)

Level

9

Full Time / Part Time

Part Time

Qualification Type

MASTERS DEGREE

Overview

About programme

A Master of Arts in African Languages provides an enriching and comprehensive exploration of the linguistic diversity, cultural heritage, and literary traditions across the African continent. This degree fosters a deep understanding of African languages, examining their structure, evolution, and role in shaping cultural identity and communication. Students engage with both classical and contemporary texts, gaining insight into the rich oral and written traditions that have shaped African societies. The program emphasizes the importance of language in preserving history, expressing social values, and fostering intercultural dialogue. By studying African languages, students develop a nuanced understanding of the cultural and linguistic complexities of the continent, while honing skills in linguistic analysis, interpretation, and translation that deepen their appreciation of Africa’s multifaceted identities and histories.

Career opportunities

Find Your Path to Success

Linguist. Language Consultant. Translator. Interpreter. Language Educator. Cultural Advisor. Researcher. Linguistic Analyst. Publisher. Editor. Author. Language Program Coordinator. Lexicographer. Speech Therapist. Copywriter. Proofreader. Documentary Producer. Foreign Service Officer. Museum Curator. Oral Historian. Media Specialist. African Literature Scholar. Language Preservationist. Media Translator. Diplomat. Language Policy Advisor. Cultural Heritage Specialist.

Admission
Requirements

Prospective applicants need to be in possession of a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with appropriate subject combinations and levels of achievements.   The minimum admission entry requirements into Bachelor degrees offered by UFH are:

  • An achievement rating of 4 (50 – 59%) or higher in English Home Language or English 1st Additional Language
  • An achievement rating of 4 (50 – 59%) or higher in four subjects plus an achievement rating of 2 (30 -39%) or higher in one subject
  • An achievement rating of 4 (50 – 59%) or higher in Life Orientation.

Based on the above, the minimum admission point score (APS) is 26 points or higher, depending on the programme (Calculate your APS).  

It should be noted that UFH Faculties may prescribe higher minimum requirements with minimum pass level requirements for different programmes and qualifications. 

Admission requirements for Honours, Masters, and Doctorate programs vary by faculty and program of study.  In addition, some UFH faculties may require minimum average marks, specific majors or registration with professional bodies. Our postgraduate admission study guides provides minimum admission requirements for Honours, Masters and Doctoral degree programs.

Undergraduate

Applicants holding non-South African school-leaving certificates must qualify for a matriculation exemption certificate. Click below, for a list of acceptable school qualifications for admission per country.

Postgraduate

All applicants with non-South African qualifications are required to have their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).  SAQA evaluates foreign qualifications to determine their level within the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF).  For more information regarding evaluation of qualifications please visit the SAQA website . It is the responsibility of the prospective student to forward his/her documentation to SAQA.

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Secure Financial Support

Bursary Opportunities

NSFAS

The NSFAS bursary is open to all South African citizens and permanent residents with a combined household income of not more than R350 000 per annum before deductions. For persons living with disabilities, the combined household income is capped at

R600 000 per annum before deductions.  Visit the application section of the NSFAS bursary scheme to learn more what scheme covers and how to apply.

Funza Lushaka Bursary

Funza Lushaka is only applicable to those students that intend to enroll for the Bachelor of Education degrees. This funder enables eligible students to complete a teaching qualification in an area of national priority.  For a full description of the Funza Lushaka Priorities offered by the Department of Basic Education and for further application information, visit the Funza Lushaka website.

COID Bursary

This is a scheme formulated by the Department of Labor in South Africa and addresses the Missing Middle students whose parents are earning more than R350 000 threshold.  Students will be advised on when this funding becomes available so that they can submit their application.

Looking to contact us?

East London Campus

50 Church Street
East London, 5201
Tel: +27 43 704 7000

Alice Campus

Ring Road Rd
Dikeni, 5700
Tel: +27 40 602 2011

Bhisho Campus

50 Independence Avenue
Bhisho, 5605
Tel: +27 40 608 3403

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