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African Studies, MSc
The University of Edinburgh, College of Humanities & Social Science
- Area/Cultural Studies
Quick facts
| Country: | United Kingdom | Duration: | 12 Months |
| City: | Edinburgh | Start Date: | September |
| Educational Form: |
| Languages: | English |
| Education Variants: |
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| Annual Tuition Fee: | € 5422 - € 12580 (non-EEA) | ||
Programme Description
The programme aims to develop an interdisciplinary understanding of the major issues that affect contemporary Africa and the forces that have shaped current social, political, economic, environmental and cultural formations. It draws on expertise, theories and insights from several social science disciplines including politics, history, social anthropology, education, law and religious studies.
The programme aims to provide appropriate foundations for doctoral study, as well as offering relevant training for professionals seeking to work in Africa and on African development issues. The MSc in African Studies offers an intensive interdisciplinary introduction to African Studies. It allows flexibility in course choice, while at the same time focusing on core interdisciplinary areas of African Studies.
There is a Taught and Research variant of this programme, both taking 1 year.
The MSc in Research (African Studies) has a stronger emphasis on acquiring multidisciplinary research skills for those planning to continue studying towards a PhD or MPhil.
You will develop theoretical and methodological knowledge and skills through exposure to key research across a range of academic disciplines. The course will also enhance your analytical and oral/ written presentation skills.
- Contents
- Requirements
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Contents
You will be taught by a mixture of coursework essays, student-led assignments and a dissertation of 15,000 - 20,000 words. There has also been a tradition in African Studies for students to conduct Africa-based fieldwork whenever possible.
Students taking the MSc in African Studies are required to follow two core courses, each worth 20 credits. The first semesters´ course provides a conceptual and theoretical overview of African Studies debates and the second semester course will utilise these concepts and theories to analyse practical, contemporary issues and challenges in Africa.
Students will normally choose another four options (of 20 units each) up to a total of 120 units. The course work for the Diploma is the same as that for the MSc, but in the case of the Diploma no dissertation is undertaken. Students pursuing a MSc by Research (African Studies) take half their courses at the Graduate School of Social and Political Studies and take half within the Centre. MSc by Research students also take the two core courses, unless there are exceptional reasons why this may not be appropriate.
The course of study for part-time MSc candidates will be two years. In the first year of study students will take four courses, handing in an essay for each course. Work in at least the equivalent of two full courses (4 units) must be presented for assessment; the remainder of the coursework must be completed by the end of May in the second year of study. Part-time candidates must also submit a dissertation for examination by the date in August (of the second year) specified in the Regulations.
You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test if you come from a non-English speaking country.
Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.
More informationRequirements
Applicants should normally have at least an upper second class honours degree, or an undergraduate degree at an equivalent level, in one of the disciplinary areas represented in the degree. Eligibility from outwith the UK is based on the National Academic Recognition Information Centre scheme used by British universities. In the absence of these qualifications, employment or other educational experience giving evidence of intellectual ability of an equivalent standard may be considered.
Language Requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, documentary evidence of competence in the comprehension and production of English must be provided.This normally takes the form of good results in an IELTS, TOEFL or otherapproved test. Students from USA / Canada / Australia /New Zealand /South Africa (providing education is in English) do not need to provide evidence of English language ability.
* Tests must have been taken within two years of the proposed date of admission.
* Photocopies, faxed or scanned copies of certificates (other than IELTS certificates) cannot be accepted unless they have been certified as true copies by an appropriate authority, for example by the British Council.
* Photocopies, legible faxed or scanned copies of IELTS certificates can be accepted as the University can verify IELTS scores through the web-based IELTS verification service.
* The level of English language can vary from programme to programme, so applicants should always check the exact requirements.
If you do not meet the requirements we can make a conditional offer giving you the opportunity to improve. Whilst you could travel to the UK to undertake further tuition prior to the start of the academic year, you would still require to take a language test and to pass at the required level before you could be admitted. We therefore advise applicants to ensure that they have passed a test at the required level and met any other conditions before going to the expense of travelling to the UK.
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