The Department of Communication Science offers three master's degrees*:

• 1.1 MA (Communication Science)
• 1.2 MA (Communication Science) with specialisation in Media Studies and Journalism
• 1.3 MA (Communication Science) with specialisation in Corporate and Marketing Communication

The Department of Communication Science offers the following doctoral qualification*:

• 1.4 PhD

*For complete curriculum information and duration of study for each degree, see Point 6 below.

• 2.1 The master's and PhD degrees are research-based and students are required to attend regular meetings with their supervisor on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State.
• 2.2 The master's degrees are NOT available as structured or course-work degrees.
• 2.3 Master’s degree students are expected to complete a comprehensive dissertation.
• 2.4 PhD students are expected to complete a comprehensive thesis.

The minimum selection requirements for the master's degrees:

• 3.1 The minimum requirement for possible selection for a master's degree is a minimum average of 65% in an applicable honours degree with a minimum of 70% in a thesis/research project/mini-dissertation at honours level that comprises at least 25% of the total credits of the honours degree.
• 3.2 Due to the research-based nature of the master's degrees applicants who have not completed an applicable thesis/research project/mini-dissertation at honours level cannot be taken into consideration for possible selection.
• 3.3 The Programme Committee of the Department of Communication Science retains the right to set additional requirements for possible selection, which could include, but is not limited to, a research proposal or oral examination.
• 3.4 Admission to the master's degrees is subject to permission from the Programme Committee of the Department of Communication Science.

The minimum selection requirements for the PhD:

• 3.5 The minimum requirement of possible selection for the PhD programme is a minimum average of 65% in an applicable, research-based master's degree.
• 3.6 Applicants must include a research proposal of 1 000 words with their application.
• 3.7 The Programme Committee of the Department of Communication Science retains the right to set additional requirements for possible selection, which could include, but is not limited to, an oral examination or proof of publication of an article in an accredited academic journal in the field of Communication Science.
• 3.8 Admission to the PhD is subject to permission from the Programme Committee of the Department of Communication Science.
• 3.9 Admission to the PhD is subject to availability and competency of a qualified member of staff in the field/discipline of choice of the student.

• 4.1 There is no deadline for applications for the master's and PhD degrees and applicants may apply at any time during the academic year. Application forms are available from the Programme Director.
• 4.2 For information regarding fees, please contact the Administration Department via the switchboard at +27 51 401 9111 or visit https://www.ufs.ac.za/kovsielife/student-finance

• 5.1 If you are interested in postgraduate studies at the UFS, and hold a non-South African first degree, honours degree or master's degree your qualification must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and submitted together with your application form to the UFS.
• 5.2 Please note that all foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority before an application form is forwarded to the University. It is the responsibility of the prospective student to forward his/her documentation to SAQA. Please visit www.ufs.ac.za for more information.

• 6.1 Duration (applicable to all three master's degrees): The minimum registration period is one year. Full-time students complete the degree over two consecutive semesters (one academic year) and part-time students complete the degree over four consecutive semesters (two academic years). Only under exceptional circumstances and with comprehensive motivation will students (full-time and part-time) be allowed extension of one year (UFS Rule A72.3(d)).

• 6.2 MA (Communication Science)

  MA (Communication Science)
  (programme code B1817; degree code 18171; academic plan code BC181717)

  CURRICULUM

  The course requires the following compulsory module:

  CODE	NAME OF MODULE	CREDITS
  COMD8900	Dissertation (Communication Science)	180 credits

  
  

• 6.3 MA (Communication Science) with specialisation in Media Studies and Journalism

  MA (Communication Science) with specialisation in MEDIA STUDIES AND JOURNALISM
  (programme code B1817; degree code 18171; academic plan code BC181743)

  CURRICULUM

  The course requires the following compulsory module:

  CODE	NAME OF MODULE	CREDITS
  JCOD8900	Dissertation (Media Studies and Journalism)	180 credits

  
  

• 6.4 MA (Communication Science) with specialisation in Corporate and Marketing Communication

  MA (Communication Science) with specialisation in Corporate and Marketing Communication
  (programme code B1817; degree code 18171; academic plan code BC181738)

  CURRICULUM

  The course requires the following compulsory module:

  CODE	NAME OF MODULE	CREDITS
  ICOD8900	Dissertation (Corporate and Marketing Communication)	180 credits

  
  
• 6.5 Duration (PhD): The minimum registration period is two years. Full-time students complete the degree over four consecutive semesters (two academic years) and part-time students complete the degree over six consecutive semesters (three academic years). Only under exceptional circumstances and with comprehensive motivation will extensions be allowed (full-time and part-time) (UFS Rule 102.3).

• 6.6 PhD

  PhD
  (programme code B1906; degree code 19061; academic plan code BC190617)

  CURRICULUM

  The course requires the following compulsory module:

  CODE	NAME OF MODULE	CREDITS
  COMT9100	Thesis	360 credits

  
  

For further academic enquiries regarding the master's and PhD degrees of the Department of Communication Science, please contact:

• Prof Nyasha Mboti
  T: +27 51 401 9643
  E: mbotin@ufs.ac.za