The MA in Literature at UCU is a pioneer post-graduate programme that aims to offer an opportunity to Literature and/or English graduates to explore a broad spectrum of literary works, as well as literary traditions, genres, theories, themes and styles.

The programme is suited for both the students whose desire is to achieve higher intellectual growth as well as those whose ambition is broader exposure to various national, continental and international literary traditions from classical to postmodern times; and to specialist use of English for creative and professional communication.

Because Literature normally sharpens the critical capacity of students and revitalises their use of language, it also helps them to refocus their perception of human issues - personal, communal and global. The programme will aim to enhance this capacity by offering deeper training in language and literature.

Furthermore, being an MA in Literature in English, the programme will include courses in the use of English for specialist, professional communication. The MA Literature graduate will thus additionally go forth as a better-equipped professional communicator.

To obtain the MA degree students are required to attend a specified number of classes and to acquire a specified number of credits. There are a few Core or Required courses, and a number of Elective ones.

The MA in Literature programme is open to candidates in possession of at least an Honours BA degree from a recognised university or some other educational institution.

Duration and Structure

The MA in Literature degree is offered by coursework and dissertation over two academic years.

There shall be two semesters in the first year of study, each of 17 weeks: 15 weeks for tuition and two for examinations.

The courses shall be organised as below:

• Eight (8) courses (4 per semester) in the first year, each of 60 contact hours.

• Four (4) of the eight courses shall be core courses, and four (4) elective.

• All courses shall be examined by coursework and examination, the examination to be sat at the end of the semester in which the courses are taught.

In the first year, all candidates shall attend lectures and seminars on full-time basis. On successful completion of the taught courses in the first year, candidates are expected to work at their dissertations on approved topics under supervisors appointed by the appropriate University authority.

There shall be regular reports on the students' progress prior to final submission of their dissertations for examination.

Layout of courses

The order and number of courses on offer are subject to adjustment at the beginning of any academic year, depending on the availability of facilities and personnel.

First Year

First Semester

Core Courses

• LIT 411 Research Methodology
• LIT 412 Ugandan Literature

Elective Courses

• LIT 413 The African Novel
• LIT 414 American Literature
• LIT 415 Oral Literature: Forms and Issues
• LIT 416 Business Communication
• LIT 417 Selected Author

Second Semester

Core Courses

• LIT 418 Advanced Literary Theory
• LIT 419 Epic Poetry and Prose

Elective Courses

• LIT 420 Trends in 20th Century Drama
• LIT 421 Children's Literature
• LIT 422 Popular Literature
• LIT 423 Rhetoric
• LIT 424 Modern African Poetry

In the second year of study, a student is expected to specialise in a chosen area and writes a dissertation. A student will write a research proposal in accordance with UCU regulations governing higher degrees and initially submit the proposal in the form of a Departmental seminar paper.

The proposal will be finalised as determined by the Faculty Postgraduate Studies Committee. The student will then write the dissertation under the guidance of a supervisor.