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Course options

  • Qualification

    MA - Master of Arts

  • Location

    SOAS, University of London

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    SEP-25

  • Duration

    1 year

Course summary

The MA Cultural Studies programme aims to offer grounding in the theories on Cultural Studies which draws on Marxism, Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, Post-Marxism, Feminism, and Post-Modernism and their use, application and adaption in the cross-cultural contexts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

It provides an examination of the main historical concepts in Western culture such as ideology, power, class, identity, race, nation, subjectivity, representation, and memory and how these are challenged by scholars working in non-Western cultures of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The aim is to explore the different and plural cultural histories and memories of these contexts to which Cultural Studies must adapt.

Theoretical paradigms covered will reflect on issues of class, ‘race’, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, representation and religion. The course will investigate central questions of epistemology and methodology in relation to the application of Cultural Studies theories in non-Western contexts. The programme is theory and practice based and therefore, it draws on case studies from a diversity of cultural practices, genres and contexts to elucidate complex theoretical concepts and challenge their limitations and/or validity in the context of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

The MA Cultural Studies programme aims to equip students with sufficient knowledge to understand and evaluate the way in which Cultural Studies theories and methods are used in cross-cultural contexts and hence develop analytic skills for undertaking their own research projects.

Why study MA Cultural Studies at SOAS?

  • SOAS is a specialist in the studies of Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and South East Asia.
  • SOAS is ranked 1st in London and 9th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2023 for Middle Eastern and African Studies.
  • We are ranked 6th in the UK for employability (QS World University Rankings 2023).
  • Top 10 in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2023 for African and Middle Eastern Studies.
  • Modern Languages and Linguistics at SOAS has been ranked 10th in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
  • 4th for research environment - with 100% of our research ranked as 'internationally excellent' and 85% as 'world-leading' - and 8th for research outputs in the REF 2021.
  • SOAS is a specialist in the studies of Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and South East Asia.
  • Access comprehensive cross-regional expertise and gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of these regions in an increasingly globalised world.
  • You will be eligible to apply for internships.

Graduates of the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics leave SOAS not only with linguistic and cultural expertise, but also with skills in written and oral communication, analysis and problem solving.

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 25,320per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

SOAS University of London

SOAS University of London

  • University League Table

    71st

  • Campus address

    SOAS, University of London, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, Camden, WC1H 0XG, England

SOAS is a place for those who want to expand their horizons, develop a deeper understanding of the world, and re-examine their preconceptions.
Building on values of social justice and equality, students are encouraged to challenge conventional views and to think globally.
SOAS is one of the UK's most international universities, with around half of SOAS students coming from outside the UK.

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