Philosophy and Classics Postgraduate Studies 

All students that apply for postgraduate studies in the Department of Philosophy and Classics will be subject to the Research Protocol of the department.

Unless otherwise specified, the following admission requirements will apply to all postgraduate studies in the Department of Philosophy and Classics. In addition to the requirements as presented in 1.4 under General Information in the UFS Rule Book for The Humanities, the additional requirements will be detailed under each postgraduate degree.

Bachelor of Arts Honours with Specialisation in Philosophy

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the requirements as presented in 1.4 under General Information in this Rule Book, the following requirements apply:

  1. Admission to the Bachelor Honours degree in Philosophy is subject to approval by the academic head of department.
  2. Students must have obtained a three-year Bachelor’s Degree / NQF Level 7 qualification with a major in Philosophy.
  3. Students must have obtained an average of at least 70% for their third-year Philosophy modules as major during their undergraduate studies.

In addition to their formal studies, students are expected to take part in conferences, seminars, and lectures by visiting speakers.


CURRICULUM

The curriculum comprises of the following:

  1. One compulsory research module (FILR6800), forming 50% of the programme in which students present a research report on an approved topic. The student must structure and prepare a mini dissertation/research report (10 000 to a maximum of 15 000 words, for submission by the 15th of October the year of registration) that is structured to develop a clear and consistently systematic argument.
  2. Four compulsory modules that form 50% of the programme and which are examined through written assignments.
  3. An honours in Philosophy of Technology (FILT6834) will be considered in consultation with the academic head of department should the applicant comply with rule (iii) above, i.e. an average of at least 70% for Philosophy of Technology modules at third year level.*

CODE

NAME OF MODULE

CREDITS

FILR6800

Research Report: Philosophy (Bachelor Honours)

64

FILC6814

Issues in Social Theory

16

FILR68141

Issues in Critical Theory

16

FILR68442

Issues in Critical Theory

16

FILT6834 *

Philosophy of Technology

16

FILP6824

A philosophical text study

16

FILT68141

Philosophy and Theology

16

FILT68242

Philosophy and Theology

16

*FILT3718 and FILT3728 will be compulsory for students who would like to specialise at honours' level in Philosophy of Technology

Ŧ Note: Not all electives listed above are offered in any one year. (1 or 2 refers to the semester in which the module will be presented. Students must consult with the Programme Director / HOD for information on availability of electives for the year in which they want to register.

 

Bachelor of Arts Honours with Specialisation in Classical Studies

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the requirements as presented in 1.4 under General Information in this Rule Book, the following requirements apply:

  1. Admission to the Bachelor Honours degree in Classical Studies is subject to approval by the academic head of department.
  2. Students with a Bachelor’s Degree with classical studies modules as major at NQF Level 7 may be admitted. A competency interview before admission may be required. Depending on prior learning, additional modules in Classical Studies may be required.
  3. Students must have modules in Latin or Greek at least on/equivalent to NQF level 6 to their credit (depending on the field of specialisation). A competency interview before admission may be required.
  4. A reading knowledge of German and/or French is strongly recommended.
  5. Students must have obtained an average of at least 70% for their third-year Classical modules as major during their undergraduate studies.


CURRICULUM

The curriculum comprises of the following:

  1. One compulsory research module (CSRR6800), forming 50% of the programme in which students present a research report on an approved topic. The student must structure and prepare a mini dissertation/research report (10 000 to a maximum of 15 000 words, for submission by the 15th of October the year of registration) that is structured to develop a clear and consistently systematic argument.
  2. Four compulsory modules that form 50% of the programme and which are examined through written assignments.

CODE

MODULE

CREDITS

CSRR6800

Research Report: Classical Studies

64

CSHS6814

Graeco-Roman Religion / Philosophy

16

CSHS6824

Graeco-Roman Art, Architecture and Archaeology

16

CSHS6834

Graeco-Roman Literature

16

CSHS6844

Graeco-Roman History

16

 

 

 

 

Bachelor of Arts Honours with Specialisation in Classical Languages

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the requirements as presented in 1.4 under General Information in this Rule Book, the following requirements apply:

  • Admission to the Bachelor Honours degree in Classical Languages is subject to approval by the academic head of department.
  • Students with a Bachelor’s Degree with classical language modules at third year (NQF Level 7) as major (e.g. Greek, or Latin) may be admitted. A competency interview before admission may be required.
  • A reading knowledge of Latin (when specialising in Greek) or Greek (when specialising in Latin) or German and/or French in general is strongly recommended.
  • Students must have obtained an average of at least 70% for their third-year Classical languages modules as major during their undergraduate studies.


CURRICULUM

The curriculum comprises of the following:

  • One compulsory research module (CLRR6800), forming 50% of the programme in which students present a research report on an approved topic. The student must structure and prepare a mini dissertation/research report (10 000 to a maximum of 15 000 words, for submission by the 15th of October the year of registration) that is structured to develop a clear and consistently systematic argument.
  • Four modules from the following Greek or Latin electives that form 50% of the programme and which are examined through written assignments.
  • An honours in both Latin and Greek may be considered in consultation with the academic head of department should the applicant comply with rule (iv) above, i.e. an average of at least 70% for both Latin and Greek at third year level.
 

CODE

MODULE

Compulsory

CLRR6800

Research report: Classical Languages (honours)

Electives:
Greek

CLGR6814

Greek Epic

CLGR6834

Classical Greek

CLGR6824

Hellenistic Greek

CLGR6844

Late Hellenistic Greek to Byzantine Greek

OR

Electives:
Latin

CLLT6814

Archaic Latin

 

CLLT6834

Silver Age Latin

 

CLLT6824

Golden Age Latin


Master of Arts with Specialisation in Philosophy

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the requirements as presented in 1.4 under General Information in this Rule Book, the following requirements apply:

  1. Admission to the Master’s degree in philosophy is subject to the approval of the academic head of department.
  2. Students must hold at least a Bachelor Honours Exit Level 8 qualification with a major in Philosophy.
  3. A basic proposal on the proposed topic must be presented to the department for approval.


CURRICULUM

Students are to submit a dissertation on a research topic selected by the candidate, in consultation with a supervisor and the academic head of the department. The dissertation must be a demonstration of independent research, clear formulation, and insight into the discipline. The dissertation may not exceed 50 000 words and must be completed under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Department, in consultation with the student and academic head of the department.

During the study and before the dissertation is submitted, the candidate must present at least two departmental seminars on the chosen research topic.

CODE

MODULE

CREDITS

FILM8900

Dissertation: Philosophy (Research Masters)

180

 

ASSESSMENT

The degree will be awarded after successful completion and assessment of the dissertation by a panel of internal and external assessors.

 

 

 

Master of Arts with Specialisation in Classical Studies

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the requirements as presented in 1.4 under General Information in this Rule Book, the following requirements apply:

  1. With the permission of the academic head of department, students with a Bachelor Honours degree (NQF 8) in Classical Studies may be admitted to the MA with specialisation in Classical Studies.
  2. Students must have modules in Latin or Greek at least on/equivalent to NQF level 7 to their credit (depending on the field of specialisation). A competency interview before admission may be required.
  3. A reading knowledge of German and/or French is strongly recommended.
  4. A basic proposal on the proposed topic must be presented to the department for approval


CURRICULUM

Students are to submit a dissertation on a research topic selected by the candidate, in consultation with a supervisor and the Academic Head of the Department. The dissertation must be a demonstration of independent research, clear formulation, and insight into the discipline. The dissertation may not exceed 50 000 words and must be completed under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Department, in consultation with the student and Academic Head of the Department.

During the study and before the dissertation is submitted, the candidate must present at least two departmental seminars on the chosen research topic.

CODE

MODULE

CREDITS

CSMA8900

Dissertation: Classical Studies (Research Masters)

180

 

ASSESSMENT

The degree will be awarded after successful completion and assessment of the dissertation by a panel of internal and external assessors.


 

 

Master of Arts with Specialisation in Classical Languages

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the requirements as presented in 1.4 under General Information in this Rule Book, the following requirements apply:

  • With the permission of the academic head of department, students with a Bachelor Honours degree (NQF 8) in Classical Languages may be admitted to the MA with specialisation in Classical Languages.
  • Students must have modules in Latin or Greek at least on/equivalent to NQF level 8 to their credit (depending on the field of specialisation). A competency interview before admission may be required.
  • A reading knowledge of German and/or French is strongly recommended.
  • A basic proposal on the proposed topic must be presented to the department for approval.
  • The final admission of an applicant is subject to the successful completion of an oral examination on applicable topics and themes, when necessary.


CURRICULUM

Students are to submit a dissertation on a research topic selected by the candidate, in consultation with a supervisor and the Academic Head of the Department. The dissertation must be a demonstration of independent research, clear formulation, and insight into the discipline. The dissertation may not exceed 50 000 words and must be completed under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Department, in consultation with the student and Academic Head of the Department.

During the study and before the dissertation is submitted, the candidate must present at least two departmental seminars on the chosen research topic.

CODE

MODULE

CLMA8900

Dissertation: Greek and/or Latin (Research Masters)



ASSESSMENT

The degree will be awarded after successful completion and assessment of the dissertation by a panel of internal and external assessors

 

Doctor of Philosophy with Specialisation in Philosophy

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the requirements as presented in 1.4 under General Information in this Rule Book, the following requirements apply:

  1. With the permission of the academic head of department, students with a Master’s degree (NQF Level 9) in a related discipline may be admitted to the PhD with specialisation in Philosophy
  2. In case of an application with a Master’s degree in a related discipline, an additional assessment for admission may be required.
  3. A basic proposal on the proposed topic must be presented to the department for approval.
  4. The final admission of an applicant is subject to the successful completion of an oral examination on applicable topics and themes, when necessary.


CURRICULUM

Students must conduct research and write a thesis on a research topic chosen by the candidate in consultation with the supervisor and the Academic Head of Department. The thesis must demonstrate independent, penetrating research, which will make an original scholarly contribution to existing knowledge in the discipline. The PhD thesis may not be less than 80 000 or more than 100 000 words in length, unless the Dean, after consultation with the academic head of department and supervisor, approves a request by the candidate to exceed this limit.

During the doctoral study and before the thesis is submitted, the candidate must present at least two departmental seminars on the chosen research topic.

CODE

MODULE

CREDITS

FILT9100

Thesis: Philosophy (PhD)

360

 

ASSESSMENT

The degree will be awarded after successful completion and assessment of the thesis by a panel of internal and external assessors.

 

 

 

Doctor of Philosophy with Specialisation in Classical Studies

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the requirements as presented in 1.4 under General Information in this Rule Book, the following requirements apply:

  1. With the permission of the academic head of department, students with a Master’s degree (NQF 9) in a Classical Studies or a related discipline may be admitted to the PhD with specialisation in Classical Studies.
  2. Candidates must have modules in Latin or Greek at least on/equivalent to NQF level 7 to their credit (depending on the field of specialisation). A competency interview before admission may be required.
  3. A reading knowledge of German and/or French is strongly recommended.
  4. A basic proposal on the proposed topic must be presented to the department for approval.
  5. The final admission of an applicant is subject to the successful completion of an oral examination on applicable topics and themes, when necessary.


CURRICULUM

Students must conduct research and write a thesis on a research topic chosen by the candidate in consultation with the supervisor and the Academic Head of Department. The thesis must demonstrate independent, penetrating research, which will make an original scholarly contribution to existing knowledge in the discipline. The PhD thesis may not be less than 80 000 or more than 100 000 words in length, unless the Dean, after consultation with the academic head of department and supervisor, approves a request by the candidate to exceed this limit.

During the doctoral study and before the thesis is submitted, the candidate must present at least two departmental seminars on the chosen research topic.

CODE

MODULE

CREDITS

CSPD9100

Thesis: Classical Studies (PhD)

360

 

ASSESSMENT

The degree will be awarded after successful completion and assessment of the thesis by a panel of internal and external assessors.

 

 

Doctor of Philosophy with Specialisation in Classical Language

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the requirements as presented in 1.4 under General Information in this Rule Book, the following requirements apply:

  • With the permission of the academic head of department, students with a Master’s degree (NQF Level 9) in a Classical Language may be admitted to the PhD with specialisation in Classical Languages.
  • Applicants must have modules in Latin or Greek at least on/equivalent to NQF level 8 to their credit (depending on the field of specialisation). A competency interview before admission may be required.
  • A reading knowledge of German and/or French is strongly recommended.
  • A basic proposal on the proposed topic must be presented to the department for approval.
  • The final admission of an applicant is subject to the successful completion of an oral examination on applicable topics and themes, when necessary.


CURRICULUM

Students must conduct research and write a thesis on a research topic chosen by the candidate in consultation with the supervisor and the Academic Head of Department. The thesis must demonstrate independent, penetrating research, which will make an original scholarly contribution to existing knowledge in the discipline. The PhD thesis may not be less than 80 000 or more than 100 000 words in length, unless the Dean, after consultation with the academic head of department and supervisor, approves a request by the candidate to exceed this limit.

During the doctoral study and before the thesis is submitted, the candidate must present at least two departmental seminars on the chosen research topic.

CODE

MODULE

CLPD9100

Thesis: Greek and/or Latin (PhD)

 

ASSESSMENT

The degree will be awarded after successful completion and assessment of the thesis by a panel of internal and external assessors.

Research Protocol: Department of Philosophy and Classics

Principles for Supervision

Permanent full-time academic staff may be approached to supervise postgraduate students in their areas of specialisation. It must be clearly understood that no supervision will be allowed to study in a field in which no staff member of the department has the expertise to lead the prospective student. In rare cases, consideration may be given to make use of an outside expert to supervise a student in the department if the necessary expertise is not available in the department.

Study guidance/supervision will be limited to a combination of three (3) higher-level postgraduate students on PhD and/or MA level. Supervision of honours students will be limited to a maximum of two students per supervisor.

Extra-curricular academic activities

While it stands to reason that postgraduate students will likely choose to partake of extra-curricular activities to build their academic profile, earn additional income or maintain exposure, said activities should be curtailed to the absolute minimum. These activities must be negotiated with the supervisor and Academic Head of Department, as the focus of the students should be on their postgraduate studies.

Application process

Due to the fact that some potential postgraduate students might not be adequately prepared for the rigours of postgraduate research and writing, the Department of Philosophy and Classics requires the implementation of a protocol, which would protect both the department and the prospective student.

The proposed protocol would entail the following:

  • Enquiry
    When a potential student enquires about the possibility of continuing with postgraduate studies in philosophy, classics, or classical languages, the first point of call would be to identify an academic specialising in the area of the proposed study and whether it can be accommodated in the department.

    If not, the student will be sent a polite letter of rejection. YES, it will have to be determined whether the department can accommodate the potential student. This will allow the process to continue.
  • Application process
    The potential student will supply the department with a CV and a basic research proposal, which will be submitted to the department for discussion. Based on this discussion, the applicant will be sent a polite letter of rejection or allowed to continue with the process.
  • Submission of Proposal
    The applicant must, on receipt of his preliminary acceptance letter, be prepared to present and defend his/her proposed topic in front of a departmental committee. Only if this process is successful, will the student be allowed to continue to the next phase.
  • Assignment
    After successfully defending their work, the applicant will be given 72 hours to complete an essay on a topic to be decided on by the department, which also has to be discussed and defended.
  • Decision
    After successful completion of this assignment, a collective decision by the department will allow the student into the postgraduate program of the Department of Philosophy and Classics at the UFS.
  • Acceptance

    Should the prospective student accept the decision and recommendations of the department, the student will be expected to sign a contract.
  • Contract

    The contract with the student will include, but will not be limited to, the following:

1. Permissions
Any proposed extra-curricular activities must be specified, negotiated on and receive permission to be allowed during the period of study.

2. Meeting schedule
This will include set meetings with supervisor / study leader

3. Submission schedule
Agreement on work schedule and regular submissions of completed work

4. Ethics clearance
The proposal and ethics clearance needs to be completed within the first three months of study to enable the student to continue with less stress and more focus.

5. Postgraduate Seminars
The potential student will be expected to present a seminar at least once every six months but must attend at least 80% of the postgraduate seminars in the department.

6. Bursary commitments
Should the student be a recipient of a departmental or UFS bursary, the exclusions and stipulations will be included.

7. Other
Should any specific conditions apply to a student, these will be included as well.


FACULTY CONTACT

T: +27 51 401 2240 or humanities@ufs.ac.za

Postgraduate:
Marizanne Cloete: +27 51 401 2592

Undergraduate:
Neliswa Emeni-Tientcheu: +27 51 401 2536
Phyllis Masilo: +27 51 401 9683

Humanities photo next to contact block

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