Cultural Studies

Coursework

The Department of Gender and Cultural Studies is the leading centre for theoretical and applied cultural research in Australia. We are also renowned internationally for ground-breaking interdisciplinary research and high calibre teaching across our fields. In every evaluation of excellence by the Australian government we have been ranked 5, which is to say “world-leading”.

With many prominent researchers on staff, we will provide our students with critically engaging ideas and the tools to analyse a wide range of issues. Our academics are at the forefront of their fields globally and pass on their expertise in theoretical and empirical research paradigms, spanning social science and humanities research methods.

We offer the only specific Master of Cultural Studies program in Australia. The program allows you to engage with the changing meanings of culture in our everyday world. You will learn how to analyse cultural forms while debating their significance in relation to socio-historical contexts. Most importantly we give you the conceptual and methodological tools and the opportunity to apply theories to real-world issues. The program does not presume pre-existing knowledge of cultural studies. However, for those with a background in the field it presents an opportunity to deepen and extend this knowledge.

In joining the department, you will belong to a dynamic postgraduate community. Our students are invited to attend both the department's research seminar series and the postgraduate work-in-progress series. Our research culture is known as among the most vibrant in the University, and every Friday you have the opportunity to hear leading researchers, or to engage with your peers presenting work-in-progress, and then to gather with staff and students to discuss ideas in a lively informal milieu.

The Postgraduate Coursework Convenor, Dr Shawna Tang, will guide you through your program of study. This is your opportunity to discuss what kinds of units might be appropriate, including advice on the capstone pathways (dissertation or internship) that will best suit your needs.

The dissertation allows you to undertake an important piece of research on the topic of your choice, supervised by one of our staff. Students who complete the dissertation could progress to higher degree research, depending on your marks.

The internship program places you in an appropriate organisation and gives you hands-on supervised work experience. Recent internships have been arranged with organisations such as MLC Powerhouse Design Studio, working on arts-based project research with asylum seekers, ActionAid - a feminist oriented human rights NGO, and ACON, formerly known as the AIDS Council of NSW. The internship program will enable students to use their research, critical thinking and leadership skills in a vibrant industry setting. It is also an opportunity to create professional networks and develop new skills that complement a variety of careers.

Awards and requirements

Please refer to the course rules in this handbook for information on the specific admission requirements for different award courses.

Master of Cultural Studies
Candidates for the Master of Cultural Studies must complete 72 credit points, including:

• 12 credit points of core units of study
• a minimum of 24 credit points from selective units of study
• a maximum of 24 credit points from elective units of study
• a minimum of 12 credit points of capstone units of study

Graduate Diploma in Cultural Studies
Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Cultural Studies must complete 48 credit points, including:

• a minimum of 30 credit points from selective units of study
• a maximum of 18 credit points of elective units of study

Graduate Certificate in Cultural Studies
Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Cultural Studies must complete 24 credit points, including:

• a minimum of 18 credit points of core and selective units of study
• a maximum of 6 credit points of elective units of study

Reduced volume of learning (RVL)

Candidates who have completed previous study in a relevant discipline may be eligible for a reduction in the requirements in accordance with the table below.

Contacts and further information

For further information and contact details for academic coordinators, please see the following website:
Department of Gender and Cultural Studies
Email: