Master of Art in Literature(MA.L)

Overview

The Masters of Arts in Literature degree course offers students insight into research in literature in particular, and language, culture, history and other humanities in general. The goal of the program is to produce students with ability to interpret and analyze texts in a wide range of genres and media through different theoretical frameworks as a springboard to expertise in writing, research and publication. In short, the curriculum aims to refine students’ attention to detail to prepare them for research and writing for production and publication, precursor to development of literature and the humanities as disciplines.

This is a two-year program (4 semesters) with the first year being comprised of course work and the second year for thesis. For coursework there are 10 units, 5 units in both semesters.
This program is delivered entirely online.

Thesis (Second Year)

Each student shall be required to conduct research on an approved topic within the course structure. The learner will be subjected to continuous supervision. The thesis shall be internally and externally examined and shall be orally defended in the presence of a panel of specialists selected. The thesis is a substantial research project or academic study completed as part of the requirements for the master’s degree. Students will be required to demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research, engage critically with existing literature in their chosen area of study, apply the right theoretical and methodological frameworks, synthesize and present results in a coherent and scholarly way. The rationale of the thesis is to develop research and writing skills in a selected area and encourage critical thinking and problem-solving in response to identified gaps or emerging questions within the students’ field of study. The regulation of the Thesis will be carried out in accordance to the MUT Post Graduate policy.

Graduation Requirements

For the award of the MA in Literature degree, a candidate must have:

1. Attended at least Two-thirds (2/3) of the lectures hours per unit on offer.
2. Passed all the core course units and the required elective course units on offer
3. Present evidence of at least one (1) peer reviewed article accepted for publication or two (2) conference proceedings before graduation.
4. Successfully defended Research Thesis in accordance with the provisions of the Postgraduate Policy.
5. Pass mark is at least 50% out of a possible 100%

More details about the program will be offered by the department during the student orientation at the start of every semester.

Admission Requirements

Eligible applicants in the Master of Arts in Literature Programme shall meet the following qualifications:

a) Direct entry

1. Bachelor of Arts /Bachelor of Education (arts)/Bachelor of arts with Education with at least second-class honours (upper division) from an accredited University
2. A bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least second class (lower division) from a recognized University with two years of working experience.

b) Alternative Admission Requirements

Candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in any literature related field may be admitted into the MA programme.

Fees and Funding

IMPORTANT NOTES

1. University Bank Accounts Kenya Commercial Bank, Account number 1107198356, Murang'a Branch or any other KCB Branch country wide OR Equity Bank, Account Number 0220273636188, Murang'a Branch or any other Branch of Equity country wide OR Co-operative Bank of Kenya, Account Number 01129573999200, Murang'a Branch or any other branch of Co-perative Bank of Kenya country wide.
   
2. Accomodation Students shall provide for their own accommodation, food and other personal expenses.
   
3. Foreign Students Students from outsite East Africa Community (EAC) shall pay 20% more of the tuition fee.
   
4. Payment of Fees Fee for a semester is payable in full by the 5th week of the semester.
   
5. Registration Students are required to register for every semester even when carrying out research.
   

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Exam Regulation and grading

All candidates shall be expected to abide by the University Examinations Regulation/Rules, usually articulated in the Examination Policy and Post graduate Policy. The continuous or progressive course assessment will be graded at a maximum score of 50% each semester, while semester exam is graded at a maximum score of 50% except project report or thesis which has no course work and will be graded at 100%. Each unit shall be graded out of 100% and the pass mark shall be 50%. The marks shall be translated into letter grades as follows:

70% ≤ mark ≤ 100% - A
60% ≤ mark < 70% - B
50% ≤ mark < 60% - C
Mark < 50% (Fail) - F

Detailed information on exam formats, grading, and academic conduct can be found in the student handbook.