Overview

This programme is designed for scholars seeking to make original contributions to the study of African and diasporic literary and cultural traditions.

Supervised by leading specialists in African literary and cultural studies, decolonial thought, gender and sexuality, and postcolonial critique, our doctoral students engage deeply with critical theory, philosophy, and aesthetics in ways that are regionally grounded and globally relevant.

Over the decades, the Department of African Literature has produced graduates who are now based in universities, research institutes, publishing houses, cultural organisations, and policy environments across Africa and around the world. The PhD programme is internationally recognised and highly competitive, offering a rigorous environment for advanced research and intellectual collaboration.

As a doctoral student, you will join a vibrant research community within the Department and the broader School of Literature, Language and Media. The Department regularly hosts visiting scholars, postgraduate colloquia, and collaborative reading groups that foster cross-disciplinary dialogue and mentorship.

Entry Requirements

• A Master’s degree (with at least 70%) in African Literature or a cognate discipline (such as Literary Studies, Cultural Studies, Media, or Philosophy).
• Demonstrated capacity for independent research, critical writing, and theoretical engagement.

International applicants must include SAQA certification (if applicable) and proof of English proficiency (if the medium of prior study was not English).

Applicants are encouraged to send the concept note and a brief expression of interest to the Department before submitting an official application, so that the document can be circulated internally to identify an appropriate supervisor.

Concept Note Example

• Applicants must submit a concept note of approximately 7–8 pages, which should include:
• Provisional Title
• Research Problem and Aims
• Rationale / Context (including contribution to existing scholarship)
• Theoretical Framework and Methodology
• Corpus / Case Studies
• Bibliography (8–10 key texts)

In some cases, candidates may approach a specific academic whose work aligns closely with their proposed research. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritise the subject and framing of their proposed study, as supervisory availability is determined by research fit and capacity.

University Application Process

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. The University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities available to Wits postgraduate students. 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.