Course summary

The BA Creative Arts and Africa and Black Diaspora programme offers a unique opportunity to integrate critical and theoretical perspectives on the arts and cultural industries with a dedicated focus on Africa, the African Diaspora, and Black studies. This combined honours degree adopts an interdisciplinary approach across art history, music, film, and media while providing a solid foundation in a complementary discipline. As the only programme of its kind in the UK, it combines historical, theoretical, and practical training from world-renowned experts and leverages close industry partnerships. The curriculum emphasises professional skills tailored to industry demands, preparing students for diverse careers in arts management, cultural diplomacy, heritage organisations, consultancy, entrepreneurship, journalism, and the music industry. The Africa and Black Diaspora programme stands out for its comprehensive focus on Africa and its global diaspora, offering in-depth insights into both historical and contemporary issues. Its trans-regional approach connects Africa with the Black Atlantic, Black Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean, exploring the dynamic influence and exchange across these diasporic communities. Students gain a strong intellectual foundation, enabling them to critically engage with Africa’s role on the global stage and deepen their understanding of the continent’s historical and contemporary issues. In the first year, students are introduced to the arts, music, and cultural industries of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Over the second and third years, they build on their critical theory and research skills, culminating their studies with a self-designed Capstone Project.