Master of Arts in Kiswahili (GMAK)

Master of Arts in Kiswahili by coursework and dissertation offers unrivalled cutting-edge linguistic, communicative, and advanced research skills, competences, and techniques for scholarly, didactic, and innumerable career opportunities. We aim to provide you with opportunities in the widely growing East African community where Kiswahili language is not just a lingua franca but a necessity for social, political, and economic relations and cooperation.  Our globally conscious problem-centric curriculum is rich with units crafted to address fast-evolving issues in Kiswahili language and literature, including advanced literary theories and criticism, Kiswahili morpho-syntax, advanced phonology, novel writing and analysis, Kiswahili classical literature, and advanced research methods, among others.  With the guidance of a specialist supervisor, you will have to prepare a dissertation on any subject area of your choice in either Kiswahili Linguistics or Literature in Kiswahili. In your first year, however, you will attend lectures, do coursework, and take end-of-semester examinations. Through both face-to-face and online lectures, presentations, fieldwork, and research, you are sure to be equipped to meet your purpose. The programme is subject to and runs by the rules and regulations of the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training of Kyambogo University.

General Objective

The overall objective of this programme is to provide opportunities to the large number of graduates of Kiswahili who are already in the field with the desire to upgrade their studies but have limited alternatives to achieve their goal; make MA in Kiswahili easily accessible to both national and international students; and produce more competent graduates who can do research, write scholarly works, develop and handle emerging curricula developments, and impart knowledge and skills professionally.

Specific Objectives  

• To provide opportunities to a big number of Kiswahili graduates who are already in the field and desiring to upgrade their credentials.
• To make the MA in Kiswahili programme easily accessible to many Ugandans and the international world.
• To prepare more qualified graduates who can handle the newly promulgated NCDC curriculum of secondary schools, which requires specific skills.
• To produce graduates who can highlight and explain the importance of the Kiswahili language in the integration of East African Community.
• To produce graduates who can carry out research, write reports, dissertations, and scholarly papers in Kiswahili.
• To bring out graduates who can impart knowledge and skills gained to others professionally. 

The common regulations for the Master’s degree of Kyambogo University apply. The minimum qualification for admission is a first degree of at least lower class from a recognised university. You must have studied Kiswahili linguistics and literature at university level. When applying for admission, indicate the area of specialisation (linguistics or literature) you intend to pursue. You must have offered any of the following programmes:

1. Bachelor of Arts with Education (BA. ED) with Kiswahili
2. Bachelor of Education (BED) with Kiswahili
3. Bachelor of Arts in Arts (BAA) with Kiswahili
4. Post Graduate Diploma in Teacher Education (PGDTE) with Kiswahili
5. Bachelor of Mass Media and Filming Industry (Kiswahili) (BMMF)
6. Bachelor of Teacher Education (BTE) with Kiswahili.
7. Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) with Kiswahili

Learning Outcomes

• Conduct empirical research using appropriate methods and designs and write a report or dissertation.

• Develop and handle the curricula of given areas of study in Kiswahili.
• Write scholarly papers for presentation in Kiswahili.
• Give and explain reasons why Kiswahili is a key factor in the unity of Ugandans on one hand, and integration of East African Community on the other.
• Professionally exhibit mastery and deliver Kiswahili linguistics and literature content at all levels.

With the rebirth of the East African Community, mastering in Kiswahili language and literature cannot be undermined in terms of its sociocultural, sociopolitical, economic and international productivity. With the Master of Arts in Kiswahili language and literature:

1. You can pursue a career in teaching Kiswahili language and literature at various educational levels, such as schools, colleges, and universities.
2. You can work as a translator or interpreter, helping bridge the language gap in different sectors, including government, business, and tourism.
3. You can explore opportunities in journalism, working as a reporter, editor, or writer for Kiswahili publications or broadcasting companies.
4. You can conduct research, contribute to academic publications, and pursue a career in academia as a professor or researcher.
5. You can work as a cultural consultant, promoting Swahili culture, heritage, and language, especially in international organizations or NGO’s.
6. You can be valuable in content creation and editing for websites, blogs, or publications targeting Swahili-speaking audiences.