An Honours degree in literary studies, journalism or drama is a prerequisite for entry into the MA in Creative Writing. Occasionally a candidate without such a degree may, at the discretion of the course coordinator, be admitted to the MA on the basis of their submitted portfolio or an extensive publishing history.
Candidates may be called for an interview as part of the application process.
Application
STEP ONE: submit, to the course convenor, Professor Bronwyn Law-Viljoen,
bronwyn.lawviljoen@wits.ac.za:
• A full curriculum vitae
• A covering letter that includes a brief explanation of your reading and writing interests; details of your publishing history; a brief sketch of the project you would like to explore should you be accepted to the course; your personal challenges or obstacles to writing; any awards or accolades that you have received for your writing.
• A portfolio of writing comprising at least fifty pages (1.5 spacing) of prose (fiction or non-fiction), or, only if the student intends to write a play for the MA, a play manuscript, or, only if the student intends to write a poetry manuscript, a selection of at least twenty-five poems. Academic papers, journalism and press releases will not be accepted as part of the portfolio.
• The deadline for submission of portfolios is 15 September.
STEP TWO (to be undertaken at the same time as STEP ONE)
• Submit an online application for the MA BY RESEARCH in the FIELD OF CREATIVE WRITING to the University at www.wits.ac.za/applications
NB: DO NOT APPLY FOR THE MA BY COURSEWORK AND RESEARCH REPORT – THIS IS THE INCORRECT DEGREE.
• Check the deadlines for submission with the University Enrolment Office. If you are accepted into the programme, then your online application will also be accepted.
• All South African and international postgraduate applicants to the University are required to pay an application fee of R200.
• International students are required by the University to submit SAQA and IELTS English Proficiency certificates with their application to the University.