GRADUATE SCHOOL IN HUMANITIES
INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS
FOR A MASTERS DEGREE (RESEARCH)
Application
An application must be completed online -- http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/applications/postgraduates/ --or
submitted to the Admissions Office on an official university application form which can be obtained
either from Admissions Office. This should be submitted with the application fee and the certified
copies of all academic transcripts and degree certificates.
Criteria for acceptance
Acceptance is based not only on the candidate's academic record in terms of the admission
requirements for a Masters candidate, but also on the submission of an acceptable research proposal
and the availability of a suitable supervisor.
Research Proposal
Should a candidate not have a specific research topic in mind, preliminary discussions can be held
with the Head of Department or members of academic staff. Information regarding research interests
of academic staff can be obtained from individual departments.
There are many reference books which give information on the preparation of a research proposal.
The following are examples:
Preece, R (1994): Starting Research - An Introduction to Academic Research and
Dissertation Writing
Mauch, JE and Birch, JW (1983): Guide to the Successful Thesis and Dissertation Conception to Publication
Campbell, WG and Ballon, SV (1974): Form and Style - Theses, Reports, Term
Papers
The following headings may be helpful as a preliminary guide:
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Introduction/background of study
Definitions
Research problem/focus of study
Theoretical considerations
Research plan
Methodology
theoretical aspects
evidence and data
Scheduling
Value of project
Bibliography
Candidate Form
The Masters candidature form must be completed and attached to the research proposal. The
candidate form and research proposal should be submitted to Admissions together with an application
form or directly to:
The Admin Office
3.04 Graduate School in Humanities Bldg
University of Cape Town
P/Bag X3
Rondebosch
7701
Registration
A candidate may register for the degree for the first time by 1 May, but registration must be renewed
each year before end of February each subsequent year until graduation.
University Rules relating to the Masters Degrees
These are set out in UCT Handbook No. 3: General Rules and Policies and should note the following:
Rule GM2.1
A candidate shall not graduate in any faculty unless he or she has been
registered for the degree for at least one year. A candidate must maintain unbroken
registration between admission and graduation unless granted leave of absence by Senate.
g:ghu/general/m-res-info