Masters in Religions Studies, University of Johannesburg Course, Admission and Registration Information
Requirements for Admission
Admission into the MA programme is subject to the agreement of the Head of Department. The following are the minimum requirements: A BA Honours degree or its equivalent in the Study of Islam, Religion Studies or a related field. A minimum of 65% in each individual subject at Honours level and a 70% pass in the Research Essay (In South Africa, a Research Essay is a compulsory module for the BA Honours course). Where such an essay was not a requirement on the BA Honours equivalent programme, an applicant will be required to write an essay to demonstrate their knowledge of research methodology and the study of Islam. This may be followed by an oral exam.
The Form of the MA Programme
The MA program can be completed full-time over a minimum period of two years or part-time over a longer period. There are two ways of completing a MA Program: a) by part dissertation and part course work or b) by dissertation only. Part Dissertation and Part Coursework (ISK0218 & ISK0228) This option is an unusual one and it is better to avoid it because it earns the Department limited credits in the University and the Department of Higher Education. Students are expected to complete the following: a) Regular attendance at a monthly half-day Graduate Seminar to present and report on their work b) Two Research Modules, focusing on Theory and Research Methodology and two additional modules on a theme related directly to the Study of Islam. These modules often coincide with the ones offered at Honours level but the work of MA students is evaluated at a stricter level and their output is expected to demonstrate a significantly higher level of scholarly ability. c) One mini-dissertation of about 22,500 words (about 75 pages). The topic of the mini dissertation is decided in consultation and with the agreement of a designated supervisor. d) An article that is ready to be published in a peer reviewed journal. Masters by Dissertation (ISK0118) and ISK0128) The following are the requirements for students pursuing a Masters by dissertation: a) Regular attendance at a monthly half-day Graduate Seminar to present and report on their work. b) Completion of a 45,000 word (about 150 pages) dissertation on a subject chosen in consultation with a potential supervisor in the Department and with the agreement of the Head of Department. Students are encouraged to choose topics that are connected to similar themes so that there is sufficient common interest for conversation among all graduate students. c) An article that is ready to be published in a peer reviewed journal. Other considerations In addition to the above requirements, the Department of Religion Studies, in deciding on the suitability of a candidate, will consider the following: a) the ability, academic fields of interest and expertise of its available faculty; b) the willingness of potential supervisors to work with a specific candidate when it decides to accept or reject a particular application; and c) whether a particular applicants academic/intellectual interests converges with those of others in the programme.
All Masters and Doctorate students have to complete a NRF search to check if their topic or title has not been previously researched or registered. The UJ Librarian can be approached for assistance in this regard. Please note that acceptance in the UJ Graduate Programme is entirely at the discretion of the Department and that there is no obligation to disclose the exact reasons why a particular candidate has not been accepted.
Application
Applicants will be required to apply directly to the Department of Religion Studies. A MA application form needs to be completed and submitted preferably in the previous year to beginning studies. In addition, the following documents should be attached to the application form: A brief research proposal [1000 words]. A statement of purpose of no more than 400 words. A statement of purpose usually includes, but is not limited to the following: reasons why an applicant wishes to complete this degree, envisaged impediments to ones study, work commitments, etc.
If an applicant did not complete his/her Honours degree at UJ, then the applicant is required to attach the following documents in addition to the above: BA Honours academic transcripts and other relevant academic transcripts An example of written work from the Honours degree, preferably a research essay Two contactable academic references A Curriculum Vitae
This will be followed up with an interview. In addition, an external applicant will need to apply officially to the university. The applicant will need to pay an upfront application fee, complete an official application form and should also obtain a letter from the Department confirming the applicants acceptance into the programme and lodge the application form with the applications office at Student Enrolment Centre. The official application form is available on the university website at: http://www.uj.ac.za/EN/Faculties/ecofin/application/Pages/default.aspx When submitting the application forms please attach certified copies of the following documents: ID Document Final Grade 12 results Academic Record Certificate of Conduct Degree Certificate Proof of payment
Registration
The registration process should take place online. The registration process can only take place once the application process is successfully completed. A Senior Letter sets out the registration process in detail. Please follow the process for registration as outlined in the letter. There is also an Online Registration Guide which takes you through the steps of registering online. Use the following link to register online: https://student.uj.ac.za/ For registration support, you may contact Shellaine Rooi at [email protected] or on 011 559 2573. Please note that Ms Rooi will only be able to assist with registration queries and online registration
once the steps outlined in the Senior Letter are completed. It is preferable to email Ms Rooi for assistance. Online Registrations must be completed by 28 February. Please check the deadline for each year. It usually coincides with the end of January. Please bear this in mind when determining when to make the upfront registration payment as it takes between 5-7 working days to process.
Supervisors and Thesis Topics
Please ensure that you make an appointment as soon as possible with Prof Esack to discuss your proposed thesis topic and the appointment of a supervisor. Ideally this should be done during the application process. Once accepted into the programme a student will be allocated a supervisor. Please note that the Head of Department reserves the right to appoint supervisors together with the agreement of the appointed supervisor.
Application and Registration Fees:
2013 Fee Schedule Application fees for students enrolling at this university for the first time in 2013: R400.00 A non-refundable registration fee of per registration process: R490.00 A non-refundable additional late registration fee of per registration process R1 850.00 ICT-levy; payable per registration process and is non-refundable: R350.00 The first instalment needs to be paid by all students, including students whose fees are paid by sponsors, employers or expect to get a UJ Bursary, have to pay the following minimum amounts prior or on the date of academic registration: Day students (tuition fees) R3 350.00 If on a Bursary, a student would need to complete a refund form and submit it to the financial office/cashier to be refunded the full or part of the instalment fee.
Special, Merit and Supervisor Linked Bursaries
Please see the link below for more information on Bursaries. The criteria and process is set out. http://www.uj.ac.za/EN/Faculties/humanities/feesandbursaries/Documents/UJ%20Postgrad%20Oppor tunities%202013.pdf Please note that bursaries are processed and regulated directly with the Bursaries Office. In order to obtain the Bursary, a student needs to complete the necessary forms and submit it by the respective deadlines stated in the link document above. This is usually early in the year. Also re-confirm early in the second semester of the status of the bursary for the second semester of studies. It may be the case that an application needs to be resubmitted for a bursary to cover the second semester tuition fees. For any queries please contact the Bursary Office at (011) 559-3769 or (011) 559-4409.
Theory, Research and Proposal Writing
A short course on Theory and Methodology in Religion Studies will be offered in the first semester for MA students. The classes will take place fortnightly and it is essential that all MA students attend. The course will also assist new MA students in preparing their proposals. Further details of the course will be made available shortly.
