Course summary

This unique course is the first of its kind in Europe. If you are interested in the history, politics, popular cultures, artistic and social movements of people across the African diaspora, Black Studies will provide you with the big picture perspective through this growing discipline. Your course will be taught by leading, research-active lecturers and tutors, where you will encounter a range of viewpoints, as well as gaining valuable experience outside the University. Black Studies is an interdisciplinary subject that is committed to working with the wider community. Throughout the degree, we will engage you in the thinking and practice of contextualising your work within communities, and where possible, connecting you to projects and organisations outside of the University. The course seeks to enable students with the capacities and skills needed to apply decolonising intellectual knowledge to a range of strategies for advancing community self-representation, social justice and global human rights. Criminal Justice pathway You will take Black Studies modules which explore the history, politics and experience of Black communities as well as examining the issues in society that produce such stark inequalities. Alongside these modules you will study Criminology-specific modules that explore the basis of, and issues with, the criminal justice system. Professional Placement Year This course offers a professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, between the second and third years of your degree, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies. The University will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. If you do not find a suitable placement, you will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course. Please note that fees are payable during your placement year. For details, visit the course page on the Birmingham City University website.