Course summary

Cultural Studies analyses phenomena like subcultures, fashion styles and leisure practices to make sense of how we experience and organise our lives and govern our societies. Social Anthropology studies human societies, cultures and their development. Combining both subjects, our joint honours programme offers a comprehensive approach to the study of culture. 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 study different ways of life and explore the links between culture 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. Kent’s School of Anthropology and Conservation has a range of experts working on social anthropology in regions as diverse as the Middle East, Europe, China and Amazonia. The programme begins with an overview of different cultural, sociological and anthropological theories that address ‘culture’ and ‘society’ as part of a broader global and historical context. You then go on to learn how to conduct and apply qualitative sociological research. There is a special focus on ethnography, a popular method used in social anthropology. During all stages of your studies you have the opportunity to choose specialist modules that suit your interests and include topics like the anthropology of business as well as emotion, media and culture. Our modules and creative forms of assessment are designed to stimulate your thinking and prepare you for a job market looking for versatile and innovative individuals. In your final year of study, there is an option to take a dissertation module on a subject of your choice or you can complete a project in visual anthropology. 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).