Portuguese studies

One of the most spoken languages in the world, Portuguese is a rich pluricentric language with a diverse set of variants which produces copious amounts of literature and culture to study.

Overview


Portuguese is the 4th most spoken language in the world with approximately 290 million speakers worldwide of which approximately 275 million speakers are from the Lusophone countries.

The Department of Portuguese explores intercultural and language diversity by equipping students with the linguistic competence needed to interact with various social and cultural identities from the Lusophone countries.

The students must be prepared to learn by doing (self-work) in a way endowed with skills to be independent workers and thinkers in any context (social, cultural, literary, and linguistic).

Career Opportunities


  • International Business Consultant
  • Diplomatic Service
  • Lawyer/ Attorney/ Advocate /Judge
  • Teacher
  • Engineers
  • Journalist/Foreign Correspondent
  • Translator/Interpreter
  • Tourism Officer
  • International Agent
  • Researcher

Curriculum


The Honours programme consists of a diversity of topics designed to broaden students´ knowledge and develop skills useful in different areas of worldwide work. As such, there are modules centred on deepening Language Proficiency through the course “Applied Portuguese Language” (MDLL4081A) and “African Lusophone Literature” (MDLL4082) or both in the course “Selected Topic in Portuguese Language and Literature” (MDLL4084A).

This programme also offers an opportunity to learn about teaching a foreign language in the course “Introduction to Teaching Foreign Languages: Methodology and Practice” and learn how to do research in Portuguese with the course “Research Methods” (MDLL4085A).

FIRST SEMESTER

  • MDLL4085A - Research Methods (compulsory)
  • MDLL4081A - Applied Portuguese Language (compulsory)

SECOND SEMESTER

  • MDLL4086A - Introduction to Teaching Foreign Languages: Methodology and Practice (compulsory)
  • MDLL4082A - African Lusophone Literature (optional)
  • MDLL4084A - Selected Topic in Portuguese Language and Literature (optional)

ANNUAL

  • MDLL4083A - Research Essay (Semesters I & II) (compulsory)

Entry Requirements


  • BA degree with a major in Portuguese Studies.
  • Selection will be based on the applicant's academic record (minimum of 65% course mark aggregate in a third-year major)

University Application Process


  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process. Refer to Wits Postgraduate Online Applications Guide for detailed guidelines. 
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

University Fees and Funding


Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.