Department of English, Media Studies and Linguistics
Faculty of Humanities, Social Science and EducationAbout the Department
The Department is the result of a merger between the former English Department and the Department of Communication and Applied Languages Studies. Conscious of the immeasurable value of studying a wide range of globally recognised and developmentally oriented programmes or modules at both undergraduate and post graduate levels, the Department implements teaching methods that transform students’ perceptions and encourage the application of knowledge to real world problems.
The Department is home to national and internationally recognised scholars as evidenced by the presence of National Research Foundation (NRF) rated researchers. The Department is proud of the high-quality teaching and research in a myriad of areas such as English literature and language, Media Studies and Linguistics. One of the major focus of the Department is endeavouring to develop according to the needs of the career market and social trends. Therefore, the Department fosters a strong research culture among students and staff to help create new knowledge. Ultimately, this will produce critical thinkers and creators of new knowledge and contribute to social development.
The Department offers undergraduate programme in Media Studies; Linguistics and English major modules in language and literature including a university wide core module, English Communication Skills (ECS). Students who want to major in English can take any other subject from those listed as majors in the calendar, as a second major. Our staff are always available to assist you in any way possible. Feel free to contact the Department.
Undergraduate qualifications offered
- Bachelor of Arts (Media Studies) BAMS
- Bachelor of Arts (Media Studies) HSBAMS
Aim
Media Studies curriculum package is designed, through its critical and theoretical approaches, to enable students to gain and maintain a sound theoretical and practical understanding of the media industries, their epistemologies, and theories. For more information on how to combine Media Studies with others, see Bachelor of Arts (Media and Language Studies) package on the booklet. The programme shall extend over a period of three academic years of full-time study. However, a student who, for any reason(s) is unable to complete the programme will, at the discretion of the Department and subject to the University’s regulations, be allowed to extend the period of study by one year only.
Admission
To be admitted into the programme, a student shall have satisfied the provisions and registration of students as well as General Rules for Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates as set out in General Regulations of the University of Venda. The student shall have satisfied the provisions for Admission as set by the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education at the University of Venda.
Admission requirements:
Applicants must take note of the following: that being admitted by the university does not automatically qualify the student into the BA (Media Studies) programme; that students should have passed English and a home language at Matric; that students will be notified through the office of the Faculty administrator on the status of their application.
Postgraduate qualifications offered:
Our postgraduate studies offer three levels as detailed below:
Honours Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts Honours in Media Studies
- Honours in English Language Teaching
- Bachelor of Arts Honours in Literature
- Bachelor of Arts Honours in Applied Linguistics
Masters Qualifications:
- Master of Arts in Linguistics
- Master of Arts in English Language
- Master of Arts in English Literature
- Master of Arts (Communication and Media Studies)
Doctoral Qualifications:
- PhD in Linguistics
- PhD in Literature
- PhD in English Language
Honours qualifications’ admission requirements
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Media Studies
The minimum period of study for the BA (Honours) in Media Studies is one year full-time and two years part-time. A student who, for any reason(s), is unable to complete the whole programme in the maximum period allowed will have to apply to the Department for an Extra year at the end of which s/he will be expected to complete it. Students register for 4 core modules plus a mini-dissertation chosen in consultation with lecturers and the Head of Department.
Admission
The minimum requirement for admission to the Honours programme is an average mark of 65% in the MST four modules (or equivalent). Alternative entry requirements may be applied under special circumstances.
Programme
Students are required to take a total of 4 modules for the coursework, and a mini dissertation which should be completed within a year.
Aim
The honours programme in Media Studies aims at showing an understanding of the key concepts, theories, and principles of different media forms. It demonstrates knowledge of digital or new media and its impact in society. it helps students develop and in-depth understanding of digital media and their implication for both society and global media and interrogate areas of concern such as social media use, privacy, surveillance, freedom of speech, Internet governance, digital rights and citizen journalism. It helps students assess how technological change is implicated in globalisation, political institutions, and historical developments; and understand how digital technologies affect democracy. This programme provides an overview of some of the important theories of mass communication to help students describe and explain media communication. It assists students study media communication from various theoretical perspectives such as the perspective of content and language, media and society, audiences and effects and media organization. Major theoretical traditions such as cultural studies, post-modernism, feminism, and political economy will also be examined in this module.
Career Opportunities
Journalism, Advertising, Editorial Work, Public relations, Television and Film, Radio, Publishing, Internet writing, public services, Communication and Media Liaisons teaching, journalism.
Bachelor of Arts Honours in English Language Teaching
The minimum period of study for the BA (Honours) in English Language Teaching is one year full-time and two years part-time. A student who, for any reason(s), is unable to complete the whole programme in the maximum period allowed will have to apply to the Department for an Extra year at the end of which s/he will be expected to complete it. Students register for 4 core modules plus a mini dissertation chosen in consultation with lecturers and the Head of Department.
Admission
The minimum requirement for admission to the Honours programme is an average mark of 65% in the ENG two modules (or equivalent) and a recognised teaching qualification. Alternative entry requirements may be applied under special circumstances.
Programme
Students are required to take a total of 4 modules for the coursework, and a mini dissertation which should be completed within a year.
Aim
The honours programme in English language teaching aims at equipping practising second language teachers and researchers who want to advance their skills. It specifically focuses on those areas of language acquisition and learning which second language learners encounter in the learning environment. It explores how such students can be assisted to be proficient in the second language.
Career Opportunities
Teaching, research, curriculum advising, media, communication, language advisory, editing, texts production
Bachelor of Arts Honours in English Literature Studies
The minimum period of study for the BA Honours in English Literature Studies is one year full-time and two years part-time. A student who, for any reason(s), is unable to complete the whole programme in the maximum period allowed will have to apply to the Department for an Extra year at the end of which s/he will be expected to complete it.
Admission
The minimum requirements for admission to the Honours programme is an average mark of 60% in the ENG three modules (or equivalent) and a recognised teaching qualification. Alternative entry requirements may be applied under special circumstances. Students register for 4 core modules plus a mini-dissertation chosen in consultation with lecturers and the Head of Department.
Programme
Full-time students are required to take a total of 12 modules for the coursework, that is six modules in each semester. Part-time students do six modules in the first year and another sic on the second year, that is, three modules in each semester, each module is worth 10 credits. NB: Part-time students must take in the first semester of the first year, ELT5522 (core), ELT5523 (core) and ELT5529 (core). In the second semester of the first year, they must take corresponding modules.
Aim
The honours programme in English literary studies aims primarily at enhancing students’ responsiveness to literary art. In essence, the programme aims at conscientizing students to the role of literary art in the critical interrogation and understanding of topical issues affecting contemporary society.
Career opportunities
Teaching, research, curriculum advising, media, communication, language advisory, editing, texts production
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Applied Linguistics
The minimum period of study for the BA (Honours) in Applied Linguistics is one year full-time and two years part-time. A student who, for any reason(s), is unable to complete the whole programme in the maximum period allowed will have to apply to the Department for an Extra year at the end of which s/he will be expected to complete it. Students register for 4 core modules plus a mini dissertation chosen in consultation with lecturers and the Head of Department.
Admission
The minimum requirement for admission to the Honours programme is an average mark of 65% in the LIN/ENG four modules (or equivalent). Alternative entry requirements may be applied under special circumstances.
Programme
Students are required to take a total of 4 modules for the coursework, and a mini dissertation which should be completed within a year.
Career Opportunities
Interpreting, creative writing and book reviewing, broadcasting, translating, editing, proofreading, terminology development, language experts, teaching, research, curriculum advising, media, communication, language advisory, editing, texts production
Masters and doctoral qualifications’ admission requirements
Master of Arts in English Language Teaching
Prerequisites
An Honours degree in English or equivalent with an average of pass of 65% from the University of Venda or an institution recognised by this Department. Candidates’ application should be accompanied by a concept paper in the area they intend to research on.
Aim
The aim of this programme, which is offered by research only, is to enhance practising teachers and researchers develop insights into in-depth research perspectives applicable to literature or second language learners and learning. It seeks to help these students to develop research arguments and to connect theory and research.
Career opportunities
Teaching, research, curriculum advising, media, communication, language advisory, editing, texts production
Curriculum
Students meet the requirements for this programme through completion of a dissertation on a topic approved by the Department, Faculty and University Higher Degree.
Master of Arts in English Literature
Prerequisites
An Honours degree in English or equivalent with an average of pass of 65% from the University of Venda or an institution recognised by this Department. Candidates’ application should be accompanied by a concept paper in the area they intend to research on.
Aim
The aim of this programme, which is offered by research only, is to enhance practising teachers and researchers develop insights into in-depth research perspectives applicable to literature or second language learners and learning. It seeks to help these students to develop research arguments and to connect theory and research.
Career opportunities
Teaching, research, curriculum advising, media, communication, language advisory, editing, texts production
Curriculum
Students meet the requirements for this programme through completion of a dissertation on a topic approved by the Department, Faculty and University Higher Degree.
Master of Arts in Linguistics
Prerequisites
An Honours degree in Linguistics/English or equivalent with an average of pass of 65% from the University of Venda or an institution recognised by this Department. Candidates’ application should be accompanied by a concept paper in the area they intend to research on.
Aim
The aim of this programme, which is offered by research only, is to enhance practising teachers and researchers develop insights into in-depth research perspectives applicable to languages and learning. It seeks to help these students to develop research arguments and to connect theory and research.
Career opportunities
Interpreting, creative writing and book reviewing, broadcasting, translating, editing, proofreading, terminology development, language experts, teaching, research, curriculum advising, media, communication, language advisory, editing, texts production.
Curriculum
Students meet the requirements for this programme through completion of a dissertation on a topic approved by the Department, Faculty and University Higher Degree
Master of Arts (Communication and Media studies)
Prerequisites
An Honours degree in Media Studies or equivalent with an average of pass of 65% from the University of Venda or an institution recognised by this Department. Candidates’ application should be accompanied by a concept paper in the area they intend to research on.
Aim
The aim of this programme, which is offered by research only, is to enhance knowledge of media practitioners, practising lecturers and researchers develop insights into in-depth research perspectives applicable to media studies and communication. It seeks to help these students to develop research arguments and to connect theory and research.
Career opportunities
Interpreting, creative writing and book reviewing, broadcasting, translating, editing, proofreading, terminology development, language experts, teaching, research, curriculum advising, media, communication, language advisory, editing, texts production.
Curriculum
Students meet the requirements for this programme through completion of a dissertation on a topic approved by the Department, Faculty and University Higher Degree
PhD in English Language
Prerequisites
An M.A. degree in English with an average of pass of 65% from the University of Venda or an institution recognised by the Department.
Aim
The aim of the doctoral programme is to enable students to demonstrate a critical understanding of theory relating to developments in English Literature or English Language Teaching and to use this understanding to develop new insights through research, and an ability to critically evaluate research and theory.
Career Opportunities
Teaching, research, curriculum advising, media, communication, language advisory, editing, texts production
Curriculum
Students meet the requirements for this programme through completion of a thesis on a topic approved by the Department, Faculty and University Higher Degree.
PhD in Literature
Prerequisites
An M.A. degree in English with an average of pass of 65% from the University of Venda or an institution recognised by the Department.
Aim
The aim of the doctoral programme is to enable students to demonstrate a critical understanding of theory relating to developments in English Literature or English Language Teaching and to use this understanding to develop new insights through research, and an ability to critically evaluate research and theory.
Career Opportunities
Teaching, research, curriculum advising, media, communication, language advisory, editing, texts production
Curriculum
Students meet the requirements for this programme through completion of a thesis on a topic approved by the Department, Faculty and University Higher Degree.
PhD in Linguistics
Prerequisites
An M.A. degree in Linguistics/ English with an average of pass of 65% from the University of Venda or an institution recognised by the Department.
Aim
The aim of the doctoral programme is to enable students to demonstrate a critical understanding of theory relating to developments in linguistics and to use this understanding to develop new insights through research, and an ability to critically evaluate research and theory.
Career Opportunities
Teaching, research, curriculum advising, media, communication, language advisory, editing, texts production
Curriculum
Students meet the requirements for this programme through completion of a thesis on a topic approved by the Department, Faculty and University Higher Degree.
