Master of Arts in History

The Master of Arts in History (M.A. History) at the University of Eswatini is a postgraduate academic degree designed to deepen your knowledge and research skills in history, particularly focusing on African and global historical themes. The programme combines structured coursework with advanced seminars and prepares students for research, teaching, and leadership roles in education, museums, archives, government, and cultural institutions.

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for admission into the M.A. in History programme, you must generally meet the following:

Bachelor’s degree from UNESWA or a recognised university.

Your prior degree should include History as one of the major subjects.

Admission must be approved by the UNESWA Senate on recommendation of the Institute of Post-Graduate Studies Board.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE (EXAMPLE COURSES)

 

The M.A. in History at UNESWA includes core courses and electives, covering both research methods and substantive historical themes. Examples of courses you may take include:

CORE (COMPULSORY) COURSES:

  • HIS601 – Research Methods in History (focus on academic research techniques)
  • HIS603 – Themes in the Pre-colonial History of Swaziland
  • HIS605 – Introduction to the Historiography of Southern Africa
  • HIS607 – Comparative History of Revolutions
  • HIS602 – Colonial and Post-colonial History of Swaziland
  • HIS604 – Advanced Historiography of Southern Africa
  • HIS606 – Comparative Labour History
  • HIS608 – Text Analysis in History

 

ELECTIVE OPTIONS (SELECTED THEMES):

  • HIS631 – Economic History of Africa in Early Times
  • HIS632 – Economic History of Africa in Post-colonial Times
  • HIS633 – Comparative History of Slavery: Ancient & New World
  • HIS634 – Slavery in Africa
  • HIS635 – Theory and History of Capitalism & Imperialism
  • HIS636 – Politics in Africa Since 1945
  • HIS637 – Comparative History of the Peasantry

 

This combination of courses aims to promote critical thinking, comparative perspectives, and mastery of historical inquiry.

 

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

By completing the M.A. in History, you’ll develop:

Advanced research and writing skills in historical scholarship.

Expertise in African and global historical themes.

Understanding of historiography and comparative history.

Analytical abilities useful for careers in academia, cultural institutions, research, policy, and education.

 

DURATION & ACADEMIC PATH

While UNESWA doesn’t always publish a fixed “duration” on summary pages, typically:

A Master of Arts in History programme runs over two (2) academic years or more, depending on the course load and whether you study full-time or part-time

Your study will involve both coursework and research, with the possibility of a dissertation or written research project depending on departmental regulations.

 

UNESWA’s admissions notices indicate that this programme is available for Semester 2 entry, illustrating flexibility in start dates.

 

An M.A. in History is well-suited to those who want to:

  • Advance to Ph.D. studies or academic careers
  • Work in archives, museums, or cultural heritage sectors
  • Apply historical perspectives to policy, education, or community leadership
  • Strengthen research skills for leadership in social sciences