Undergraduate 2012

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Cultural Studies (Combined Languages) BA (Hons)

This is a full-time joint honours programme within the Cultural Studies subject area.

Key facts

  • Subject area: Cultural Studies
  • Award: BA (Hons)
  • Code: R9V9
  • Location: Canterbury
  • Honours: Joint
  • Mode of study: Full-time
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Start: 2012
  • Year in industry: No
  • Year abroad: Yes
  • Institution(s): University of Kent

Overview

What do we mean by ‘culture' and why are its many forms so hotly contested today? Why is it so important to our sense of identity and belonging? How are the ‘culture wars' of today, surrounding such things as free speech, drugs, censorship and youth culture related to uses of new media and the rise of global capitalism? Do you think it matters how tradition and heritage are represented in the mass media or in museums? Have you ever thought popular culture is much more than a form of entertainment? Do you ever think that the culture and lifestyle which means a lot to you is not taken seriously or simply dismissed? It is often said that the world is changing more rapidly than at any other time in history, and the study of cultural transformation is key to achieving the ‘joined-up thinking' society needs in the 21st century.

Cultural Studies at Kent is a lively, innovative subject with distinctive perspectives on all forms of present day culture. We explore significant connections between popular culture, the arts, and everyday life by crossing traditional social sciences/humanities boundaries. There are several opportunities for combined honours degrees with related subjects, including European languages, giving the opportunity of a year abroad.

The School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research is ranked highly in national surveys. We recently received the highest rating in the Government evaluation of university research. You are taught by leading academics in the field.

Modules

Stage 1

Core modules
  • Contemporary Culture
  • Modern Culture
  • Sociology
  • Thinking Sociologically

If you are taking joint honours, you do at least one required module from your joint honours subject.

Options

Two further modules from a wide range of choices drawn from the list offered by the Faculties of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Stage 2/3

Core modules
  • Cultures of Embodiment
  • Information Society and Digital Culture
  • Popular Culture, Media and Society

Joint honours students take half of their modules from their joint honours subject

Options

There is a wide range of options to choose from, partly determined by the degree you register for. The list below represents just a few of them:

  • Aesthetics
  • The Body in Photography
  • Cinema and Society: Britain at War 1939-45
  • Crime, Media and Culture
  • Dissertation in Cultural Studies
  • Drugs, Culture and Control
  • Fiction and Power 1917-89
  • The Photograph
  • Religion and Film
  • Science Fiction.

Please note: The programme is under review and may differ in certain details from the one outlined here.

Year abroad

If you are taking a European language, you spend a year between Stages 2 and 3 studying at a university in the country of your chosen language.

Please see the Go abroad webpages for further details.

Teaching and assessment

You normally have four hours of lectures and four hours of seminars per week; you can always consult the lecturers for individual advice.

Coursework is continuously assessed at Stage 1, and this is combined with the results of exams, in most modules. At Stage 2/3, modules are assessed by a combination of essays (50%) and exams (50%). All single honours students and some joint honours students also have the opportunity to do a final-year dissertation on a chosen subject, which counts as one module (and does not involve an exam).

Careers

Cultural Studies provides a useful background for a wide range of careers. The skills you acquire, such as improved communication skills, the ability to work as part of a team and independently, the ability to analyse complex ideas and the confidence to offer your own innovative solutions, are all considered essential attributes by graduate employers. It is especially good preparation for professional training in the media and cultural industries.

Our graduates take up careers in advertising and design, journalism, broadcasting, teaching, arts administration, publishing, public relations, research, information services, leisure industry management, tourism, personnel, local government, and the organisation of social and community projects.

For more information on the services Kent provides to improve your employment prospects, go to www.kent.ac.uk/employability

Entry requirements

Offer levels

A level ABB, IB Diploma 33 points or IB Diploma with 16 points at Higher.

For joint honours with Modern Languages and VV59: A/AS level 320 points (3 A level equivalents) inc BB at A level, IB diploma 33 points or IB Diploma with 16 points at Higher.

The Department is committed to widening participation and has a successful tradition of admitting mature students. We welcome applications from students on accredited Access courses.

Required subjects
  • AB at A level inc one of French, German, Italian or Spanish grade B

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Last Updated: 21/07/2011