Program Overview

Cultural Studies Program Overview

The Cultural Studies program at the University of Sydney is renowned internationally for its groundbreaking interdisciplinary research and high-caliber teaching. The program provides students with critically engaging ideas and the tools to analyze a range of texts, issues, and practices in relation to their cultural settings. The 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.

Program Details

The University of Sydney offers the only specific Master of Cultural Studies program in Australia. The program allows students to engage with the changing meanings of culture in their everyday world. Students will learn how to analyze cultural forms while debating their significance in relation to socio-historical contexts. 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.

Awards and Requirements

• Master of Cultural Studies: Candidates must complete 72 credit points, including:
  • 24 credit points of core units of study
  • a minimum of 24 and a maximum of 36 credit points from selective units of study
  • a maximum of 12 credit points from elective units of study
  • a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 18 credit points of capstone units of study
• Graduate Diploma in Cultural Studies: Candidates must complete 48 credit points, including:
  • 24 credit points of core units of study
  • 24 credit points from selective units of study
• Graduate Certificate in Cultural Studies: Candidates must complete 24 credit points, including:
  • 12 credit points of core units of study
  • 12 credit points of selective 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. The level of prior learning and the corresponding full-time duration and credit points to complete are as follows:

• AQF Level 7 (e.g., a bachelor's degree in the Humanities, Social Sciences, or Law): 1.5 years, 72 credit points
• Relevant professional experience equivalent to a Graduate Certificate: 1 year, 48 credit points
• AQF Level 8 (e.g., Honours in the Humanities, Social Sciences, or Law): 1 year, 48 credit points

Capstone Pathways

The program offers three capstone pathways:

• Dissertation: Available to students achieving a 75% average in four units of study, allowing them to undertake research on a topic of their choice, supervised by one of the staff.
• Internship: Places students in an appropriate organization, providing hands-on supervised work experience, enabling them to use their research, critical thinking, and leadership skills in a vibrant industry setting.
• Cultural Research Project: After developing insight into contemporary cultural research and their knowledge of their chosen research field in Contemporary Issues in Cultural Research, students may work individually on a long essay project under the guidance of an academic supervisor.