Top 6 Literary Studies Courses In South Africa

In South Africa, many universities offer Literary Studies courses under their English or Humanities departments, often focusing on literature, culture, and language. Here are a few examples of such courses and their general admission requirements:

Literary Studies Courses In South Africa

1. Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature – University of Cape Town (UCT)

Course: Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature

Content: This course covers South African literature, global literary traditions, and critical theory, with an emphasis on historical and cultural context.
Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50-60% in English (depending on the course level).
- APS (Admission Point Score) of around 40 or higher, though this may vary.
- For international students, equivalent high school qualifications.

2. Bachelor of Arts in English Literature – University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University)

Course: Bachelor of Arts in English Literature

Content: The program explores classical and modern literature, African and post-colonial narratives, and literary criticism.
Requirements:
- NSC with an achievement rating of 5 (60-69%) or better in English.
- APS of 34 or higher.
- Students may also need to complete a departmental writing test.

3. Bachelor of Arts in English Studies – Stellenbosch University

Course: Bachelor of Arts in English Studies

Content: This course includes a wide range of literary studies, focusing on South African, African, and global literature, literary theory, and linguistics.
Requirements:
- NSC with a minimum of 60% in English Home Language or 70% in English First Additional Language.
- APS of 30 or more.

4. Bachelor of Arts in English – University of Pretoria

Course: Bachelor of Arts in English

Content: Focus on English and African literature, critical reading, and literary analysis skills. Modules may include world literature, Shakespeare, and African novelists.
Requirements:
- NSC with a minimum achievement level of 5 (60-69%) in English.
- APS of 28 or higher.

5. Bachelor of Arts in English – Rhodes University

Course: Bachelor of Arts in English

Content: A combination of literary studies covering South African, African, and European literature, and literary theory, with courses also on writing and language.
Requirements:
- NSC with at least 50% in English.
- APS of 36 or more.
- Some courses may require a portfolio of written work or an interview.

6. Bachelor of Arts in English and Literary Studies – University of Johannesburg

Course: Bachelor of Arts in English and Literary Studies

Content: The course includes African, Western, and world literature, critical theory, and language skills development.
Requirements:
- NSC with at least 60% in English.
- APS of 28-32.

General Requirements Of Literary Studies Courses In South Africa

Matriculation: A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent is typically required, with a focus on English language proficiency.
APS: Most South African universities use an Admission Point Score (APS) system to assess applicants. Scores range based on performance in high school subjects, particularly English.
Language Proficiency: International students may need to demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS if English was not the language of instruction in their previous schooling.

Each university has specific program offerings and entry requirements, so it’s important to check the official websites or contact the admissions offices for detailed and updated information.

Fees Of Literary Studies Courses In South Africa

The fees for literary studies courses in South Africa vary depending on the institution and the level of study. For example:

At the University of South Africa (UNISA), undergraduate courses in literature, such as Theory of Literature, typically cost between R1,815 and R5,000 per module, depending on the number of credits
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) offers a Master’s in African Literature, with tuition fees ranging from R35,000 to R45,000 per year for South African students, and higher fees for international students
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) charges around R30,000 to R50,000 per year for undergraduate English literature courses, depending on the number of modules taken

These fees are indicative, and additional costs like registration fees, course materials, and textbooks may apply. It’s recommended to check the specific university’s website or contact their admissions office for the most accurate and up-to-date information

Career Opportunities Of Literary Studies Courses In South Africa

Pursuing literary studies in South Africa opens up a range of career opportunities, drawing on critical thinking, creativity, communication, and analytical skills that are cultivated through this field of study. Here are some key career paths for graduates of literary studies:

1. Academic Careers

Teaching: Graduates can pursue careers as lecturers or professors in universities, teaching literature, cultural studies, or English language. Secondary school teaching is also an option after obtaining relevant teaching qualifications.
Research: Many universities and institutions offer opportunities for literary research, including African literature, postcolonial studies, and critical theory.

2. Writing and Publishing

Author/Novelist/Poet: Literary studies provide the foundation for creative writing, allowing graduates to become professional authors, poets, or scriptwriters for TV, film, and theater.
Journalism: A background in literary studies can lead to careers in journalism, writing for newspapers, magazines, or online platforms, specializing in cultural critique, literary reviews, or feature writing.
Editing and Publishing: Graduates can work as editors, proofreaders, or literary agents in publishing houses, helping writers develop their work for publication.

3. Media and Communication

Media Consultant: Literary graduates can work in media, developing content for TV, radio, or digital platforms, contributing as content creators, scriptwriters, or media planners.
Public Relations/Marketing: Skills in writing and storytelling are transferable to PR and marketing, where graduates can manage communications, social media, branding, and content creation.

4. Cultural and Heritage Sectors

Museum or Cultural Manager: Working in museums, libraries, archives, or heritage organizations is a popular path, especially for graduates interested in preserving and promoting literature and culture.
Arts Administration: This includes roles in cultural management, such as organizing literary festivals, events, or working with arts councils and NGOs promoting literacy or cultural education.

5. Translation and Linguistics

Translator/Interpreter: Proficiency in multiple languages and deep understanding of cultural nuances makes literary graduates well-suited to translation work.
Linguistics Expert: Some literary graduates may move into linguistics, focusing on language research, teaching, or working with international organizations.

6. Government and NGOs

Policy and Advocacy: Graduates can work in government departments or NGOs focused on education, culture, and communication policy, leveraging their analytical and communication skills to drive social change.
Human Rights and Development Work: Many NGOs, especially in South Africa, engage with literary professionals for content creation, advocacy campaigns, and community outreach programs.

7. Digital Content and Online Media

Content Creation: The rise of online media platforms offers opportunities in blogging, digital storytelling, social media management, and video content development, which require a literary background to effectively engage audiences.
Technical Writing: Some literary graduates move into technical writing, creating manuals, instructions, or documentation for businesses and technology firms.

8. Corporate Careers

Corporate Communications: Corporations often seek individuals with strong writing and analytical skills to manage internal and external communication, including newsletters, reports, and corporate literature.
Training and Development: Some graduates specialize in designing training materials, developing workshops, or facilitating communication within organizations.

9. Further Study and Specialization

Postgraduate Studies: Many graduates opt to continue their studies with a master’s or PhD in literature or related fields such as film studies, cultural studies, or language studies, leading to more specialized academic or professional roles.

Industry-Specific Considerations in South Africa

Focus on African Literature: South Africa is home to rich literary traditions, especially in African and post-apartheid literature, making the field of literary studies important for cultural preservation and discourse.
Multilingualism: The country’s diversity of languages presents opportunities in translation, language policy, and cross-cultural communication roles.
Social Impact: With a focus on social justice and transformation, many NGOs and community programs hire literary graduates to engage in literacy programs, storytelling workshops, and educational outreach.

Conclusion

In summary, literary studies in South Africa offer a diverse range of career opportunities that extend across academia, media, publishing, cultural sectors, government, and beyond, making it a versatile and impactful field