Course summary

What do we mean by ‘culture’ and why is its meaning often contested? Film, from experimental cinema to Hollywood block-busters, is an exciting subject through which to approach these questions. Our joint honours programme Cultural Studies and Film is a rewarding course that allows you to follow your passions. At Kent, Cultural Studies is taught in the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research where you benefit from a large choice of specialist modules on race, social change, criminal justice or disability and the arts. You are taught by leading academics in fields like gender, race and the body. You explore the links between culture, film and society drawing on critical theories and methods from the social sciences and the humanities. We examine a range of areas, from digital media, to the creative and cultural industries, to social identities and movements. The School of Arts’ Jarman building is a creative hub for students of film, drama, media studies and art history. The programme begins with an overview of different cultural and sociological theories that address ‘culture’, ‘media’ and ‘society’ as part of a broader global and historical context. You are also introduced to different film styles and genres. You then go on to learn how to conduct and apply qualitative sociological research that engages with different cultural products like mass media; spoken word poetry; digital media technologies; television and film. During all stages of your studies you have the opportunity to choose specialist modules that suit your interests and include topics like documentary cinema, screenwriting, digital culture, animated worlds and cultures of embodiment. In your final year of study, there is an option to take a dissertation module on a subject of your choice or to complete an independent film project. This allows you to focus in detail on an area you are particularly passionate about. Cultural Studies and Media BA is available as a single honours degree (UCAS code V902 at institution K24).