Overview

The Department of English at the University of Ghana offers rigorous and intellectually demanding graduate programmes leading to the Master of Contemporary English Studies (MCES), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. These programmes are designed for students who seek advanced training in language, literature, discourse, communication, and critical inquiry, and who wish to contribute original scholarship to the humanities.

As one of the leading centres for English studies in Africa, the Department provides an environment that encourages independent research, interdisciplinary engagement, theoretical sophistication, and scholarly excellence. Graduate students work closely with experienced faculty members whose research spans African literature, postcolonial studies, literary theory, stylistics, discourse analysis, sociolinguistics, pragmatics, language variation, rhetoric, communication, and related areas.

Our graduate programmes cultivate researchers who are capable of producing original knowledge, engaging contemporary intellectual debates, and addressing complex cultural, linguistic, literary, and social questions within local and global contexts.

The Department welcomes applicants from Ghana, Africa, and the wider international community who are committed to serious academic inquiry and advanced research.

Why Pursue Graduate Studies in the Department of English?

Graduate education in the Department extends beyond classroom instruction. Students become active participants in scholarly communities through seminars, conferences, workshops, research colloquia, publications, and collaborative projects.

The Department offers:

• Advanced training in literary and linguistic research.
• Close supervision by experienced academic staff.
• Access to extensive library and research resources.
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary research.
• Participation in academic conferences and seminars.
• Exposure to contemporary theoretical and methodological approaches.
• A vibrant intellectual community that supports critical debate and scholarly growth.

Preparation for academic, professional, and leadership roles in national and international contexts.

MCES Programme 

The Master of Contemporary English Studies, a Sandwich Programme, is founded on the belief that language and literature remain central to understanding contemporary societies. In an era characterised by rapid technological change, global communication networks, cultural mobility, and information overload, the ability to analyse language, interpret texts, evaluate discourse, and communicate effectively has become increasingly valuable.

The programme therefore combines academic rigour with professional relevance. Students are encouraged to engage critically with contemporary issues while developing practical competencies that can be applied across a broad range of careers and institutional settings.

Aims and Objectives

The programme seeks to provide advanced training in contemporary English studies through the integration of language, literature, communication, and cultural analysis.

The objectives of the programme are to:

• Develop students' understanding of contemporary developments in English language and literary studies.
• Strengthen analytical, interpretive, and research skills.
• Equip students with advanced written and oral communication competencies.
• Foster critical engagement with media, discourse, and contemporary cultural practices.
• Enhance students' ability to apply English studies in professional environments.
• Prepare graduates for leadership roles in communication, education, media, publishing, and related fields.
• Provide a foundation for further academic research and doctoral studies.

Methods of Tuition and Learning

The MCES programme adopts a flexible and interactive model of graduate education that accommodates both academic and professional learners. Students attend 3 weeks face-to-face lectures and 3 weeks interactive online classes.

Students are encouraged to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application through engagement with contemporary texts, media platforms, institutional communication practices, and real-world communication challenges.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Contemporary English Studies is open to applicants with appropriate academic qualifications from recognised institutions.

Applicants should normally possess:

• A Bachelor's degree in English, Communication Studies, Linguistics, Education, Journalism, Liberal Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• A minimum qualification equivalent to a Second Class Lower Division or its equivalent from a recognised university.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake postgraduate-level academic work. 

Applicants with substantial professional experience in communication-related fields may also be considered in accordance with University and School of Graduate Studies regulations. 

Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview or other forms of assessment where necessary.

MA English

The MA English programme provides advanced training in literary and linguistic studies through intensive coursework and scholarly engagement with contemporary debates in language, literature, culture, and communication. The programme is designed for graduates who wish to deepen their knowledge of English studies, strengthen their analytical and research skills, and prepare for professional or academic advancement.

Students engage with a wide range of areas, including literary criticism, African literature, discourse studies, language and society, stylistics, and contemporary theoretical approaches to language and literature. The programme also serves as a foundation for progression into research-based graduate studies.

MPhil English Programme

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in English is a research-intensive programme that combines advanced coursework with independent scholarly research. The programme equips students with specialised knowledge and methodological competence in language studies, literary studies, and related fields.

The programme culminates in the production of a supervised thesis that demonstrates the student's ability to undertake sustained and original research.

Objectives of the MPhil Programme

The programme seeks to:

• Develop advanced analytical and research skills.
• Strengthen students' theoretical understanding of language and literature.
• Equip students to conduct independent scholarly investigations.
• Prepare graduates for doctoral studies and academic careers.

Enhance professional competence in research, communication, and critical analysis.

PhD English Programme

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English is the Department's highest academic qualification and is intended for candidates with strong research backgrounds and demonstrated scholarly potential.

The programme is primarily research-based and requires students to make an original contribution to knowledge within their chosen area of specialisation. Under the guidance of academic supervisors, doctoral candidates undertake sustained investigation into significant linguistic, literary, cultural, or interdisciplinary questions.

The PhD programme prepares graduates for leadership in research, higher education, policy, publishing, communication, and other knowledge-intensive professions.

Objectives of the PhD Programme

The programme aims to:

• Produce independent scholars capable of original research.
• Advance knowledge in language and literary studies.
• Develop high-level theoretical and methodological expertise.
• Contribute to scholarly debates within Africa and internationally.
• Prepare graduates for careers in academia, research institutions, policy development, and professional practice.

Research Culture and Graduate Mentorship

The Department places strong emphasis on scholarly mentorship and academic development. Graduate students are supported through structured supervision, research seminars, proposal presentations, thesis workshops, and scholarly engagement with faculty and peers.

Students are encouraged to:

• Present research at conferences.
• Publish in scholarly journals.
• Participate in academic workshops and colloquia.
• Engage interdisciplinary perspectives in their research.
• Contribute to national and international scholarly conversations.

The Department's graduate philosophy is founded on intellectual rigour, originality, ethical research practice, and sustained engagement with significant questions in language, literature, culture, and society.

Methods of Tuition and Research Training

Graduate instruction combines advanced coursework, supervised research, and active scholarly engagement.

Teaching and learning activities include:

• Graduate seminars
• Research colloquia
• Faculty-led discussions
• Independent reading programmes
• Thesis supervision
• Research workshops
• Conference presentations
• Scholarly writing sessions
• Peer review activities
• Academic mentoring

Students are expected to demonstrate initiative, intellectual independence, and sustained commitment to scholarly excellence.

Admission Requirements

MA/MPhil English

Admission is open to graduates in English or closely related disciplines who possess a strong academic background and demonstrated potential for advanced study. The Department normally requires applicants to hold a good first degree in English from a recognised university. 

Applicants should ordinarily possess:

• A Bachelor's degree in English or a related field.
• A minimum qualification equivalent to Second Class Lower Division or better from a recognised university.
• Strong academic performance in relevant English courses.
• Evidence of capacity for advanced academic work and research. 

Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an interview or satisfy other departmental assessment requirements where applicable. 

PhD English

Applicants seeking admission to the PhD programme should normally possess:

• An MPhil, MA, or equivalent postgraduate degree in English or a related field from a recognised university.
• Demonstrated research competence and academic excellence.
• A proposed area of research that aligns with the Department's expertise and research interests. 

Applicants may be required to submit:

• Academic transcripts and certificates.
• A preliminary research proposal.
• Academic references.
• A statement of research interests and academic objectives.

Admission decisions are based on the quality of the applicant's academic record, research potential, and suitability for advanced scholarly work.

International Applicants

International applicants are welcome and must satisfy the admission requirements of both the Department of English and the University of Ghana School of Graduate Studies. Applicants whose first language is not English may be required to demonstrate proficiency in English.