Overview
Master in Writing and Literacy Studies (MWLS) at KUSOED
The Master in Writing and Literacy Studies (MWLS) is a two-year master’s program offered through the Department of Language Education at Kathmandu University School of Education (KUSOED). Introduced in 2022, the program carries 54 credit hours across four semesters and accepts applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
MWLS combines literacy studies, rhetoric, creative writing, language use, digital literacy, translation, academic and technical communication, writing pedagogy, internship, and research. The program is part of KUSOED’s Language Education portfolio, where writing and literacy are studied alongside language teaching, teacher education, research, and language education.
Course at a Glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Course: | Master in Writing and Literacy Studies |
| Abbreviation: | MWLS |
| Institution: | Kathmandu University School of Education |
| University: | Kathmandu University |
| Department: | Department of Language Education |
| Level: | Master’s |
| Duration: | 2 Years |
| Semesters: | 4 |
| Total credits: | 54 Credit Hours |
| Eligibility: | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university |
| Program commencement: | 2022 |
| Seats: | 25 |
About Master in Writing and Literacy Studies
The Master in Writing and Literacy Studies is designed around the academic study and practice of writing, literacy, communication, and related language fields.
Its curriculum moves beyond a narrow focus on creative writing. Students study how literacy functions, how language is used, how written arguments are constructed, how texts can be produced for different educational and professional settings, and how literacy can be assessed and researched.
The program also includes digital literacy, translation studies, academic and technical communication, and writing pedagogy. This combination places writing within educational, cultural, professional, and research settings rather than treating it only as a literary activity.
KUSOED introduced the two-year program in 2022 through its Department of Language Education. The department’s wider academic work includes English Language Education, English Language Teaching, writing and literacy studies, TESOL, language-teaching programs, research, and language education policy.
Duration and Credit Structure
Duration: Two years
Semesters: Four
Total credits: 54 credit hours
The credit structure includes:
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6 credits of core education courses
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18 credits of specialization courses
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18 credits of professional courses
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3 credits from one elective course
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3 credits of compulsory internship
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6 credits of research through either two research projects or a dissertation
This structure gives students substantial coursework in writing and literacy while keeping research and professional practice within the formal degree requirements.
Curriculum
Core and Specialization Courses
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 508 | Theory and Practice in Education | 3 |
| EDUC 509 | Research Methodology | 3 |
| EDWL 501 | Functions of Literacy | 3 |
| EDWL 502 | Language Functions and Fallacies | 3 |
| EDWL 503 | Insights from Masterpieces | 3 |
| EDWL 504 | Rhetoric and Composition | 3 |
| EDWL 505 | Creative Writing | 3 |
| EDWL 506 | Research Practices in Writing and Literacy | 3 |
The core courses place the degree within an education and research setting. The specialization courses then move into literacy, language use, rhetoric, creative writing, textual study, and research in writing and literacy.
Professional Courses
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDWL 511 | Digital Literacy Skills | 3 |
| EDWL 512 | Literacy Assessment | 3 |
| EDWL 513 | Writing for Educational Media | 3 |
| EDWL 514 | Translation Studies | 3 |
| EDWL 515 | Academic and Technical Communication | 3 |
| EDWL 516 | Writing Pedagogy | 3 |
The professional component extends the program into applied areas of writing and literacy. Digital Literacy Skills addresses literacy within digital environments, while Literacy Assessment focuses on the evaluation of literacy.
Writing for Educational Media and Academic and Technical Communication place writing in specific communication settings. Translation Studies introduces another language-related area, and Writing Pedagogy addresses the teaching of writing.
Elective Courses
Students select one three-credit elective from the available options:
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EDWL 531 Writing for Law and Diplomacy
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EDWL 532 Writing for Social Mobilization
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EDWL 533 Advanced Editing
-
EDWL 534 Instructional Writing
-
EDWL 535 Oriental Rhetorics
The elective component allows students to add one focused area to the main curriculum. Options range from editing and instructional writing to rhetoric, diplomacy, and writing connected with social mobilization.
Internship and Research
Practical and research work form nine credits of the degree.
Internship: EDWL 541 Internship — 3 credits
The internship is compulsory.
For the six-credit research requirement, students follow one of two routes:
-
EDWL 544 Research Project I — 3 credits and EDWL 554 Research Project II — 3 credits
or
-
EDWL 559 Dissertation — 6 credits
This gives the degree a defined research component alongside Research Methodology and Research Practices in Writing and Literacy.
Eligibility
Eligibility: Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
The bachelor’s degree is not restricted to language, literature, English, or education. Graduates from different disciplines can meet the stated basic academic requirement for the program.
Admission and Academic Regulations
Admission, entrance, curriculum administration, examinations, results, academic progression, and degree award follow the rules and regulations of Kathmandu University.
KUSOED organizes master’s admission according to program and intake. Applicants should therefore follow the admission arrangements issued for the relevant MWLS admission cycle.
The program has 25 seats.
Academic Focus
MWLS brings several connected areas into one master’s program:
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Literacy studies
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Creative writing
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Rhetoric and composition
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Language use
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Digital literacy
-
Literacy assessment
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Educational media writing
-
Translation
-
Academic and technical communication
-
Writing pedagogy
-
Editing and instructional writing
-
Research in writing and literacy
The combination is broader than a creative writing degree because students also work with literacy, communication, teaching, assessment, translation, and research.
Who May Consider MWLS?
MWLS may suit bachelor’s graduates whose academic or professional interests involve writing, literacy, communication, language, education, translation, editing, or research.
Its curriculum may also be relevant to those interested in writing pedagogy, educational media, academic communication, literacy assessment, and research related to written language.
Professional direction after graduation depends on previous education, experience, individual competencies, and the requirements of specific institutions or employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of Master in Writing and Literacy Studies?
MWLS has a duration of two years and is organized across four semesters.
How many credits does MWLS carry?
The program carries 54 credit hours.
What is the eligibility for MWLS?
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
When was MWLS introduced at KUSOED?
The two-year Master in Writing and Literacy Studies was introduced in 2022.
Does the program include an internship?
Yes. EDWL 541 Internship is a compulsory three-credit component.
Does MWLS include research?
Yes. Students complete either Research Project I and II or a six-credit dissertation.
Are electives available?
Yes. Students select one elective from Writing for Law and Diplomacy, Writing for Social Mobilization, Advanced Editing, Instructional Writing, or Oriental Rhetorics.
How many seats are available?
The program has 25 seats.
