Cultural Studies is the most exciting thing to happen to the humanities and social sciences during the past 50 years, transforming the way we think about every aspect of society, power relations and personal experience. The approach to the subject at UEL, one of the world’s longest-established centres of excellence in the field, is particularly characterised by an emphasis on the use of cutting-edge cultural theory to understand the complexity of contemporary power relationships. The MA offers an advanced grounding in the core themes of Cultural Studies, plus the chance to explore the latest areas of research, and in particular the opportunity to engage with current theoretical debates at the highest level. The foundation module examines the ways in which the changing nature of our complex societies have been understood by key thinkers from Marx and Freud to Deleuze and Negri, and pays particular attention to the implications of their ideas for political analysis. Students may select from a range of options including Contemporary Cultural Theory, Postcolonial Cultures and Media Cultures before undertaking a dissertation on a topic of their choice. Students will also have the advantage of being located in the Centre for Cultural Studies Research.

• The UEL Communication, Cultural and Media Studies submission was awarded a '5' rating in the 1996 and 2001 HEFCE Research Assessment Exercises.
• The MA Cultural Studies programme is taught by internationally recognised specialists in the field.

The admission of applicants is at the discretion of the University. Applicants will normally have a first or upper second class degree or equivalent in a humanities or social science subject, or comparable professional or research experience. Applications from overseas and EU students are welcome. Students whose first language is not English should normally have achieved a score of 6.0 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or equivalent. Eligibility for students without a degree-equivalent qualification will be assessed on the basis of short essay and statement. Where possible applicants will be interviewed by a member of the programme team in order to assess whether they are able to achieve the standard of work required for the award. Overseas students will be asked to supply evidence of written work of a standard sufficient for successful postgraduate study in lieu of an interview.

All students taking the MA Cultural Studies programme will do the foundation module, two options selected from the list of those on offer (one in each semester), the research methods and approaches module and the dissertation module. Dissertations are submitted at the end of September. An MA in Cultural Studies will be awarded on successful completion of the whole programme (180 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma in Cultural Studies will be awarded to students who successfully complete the foundation module, two options and either the research methods module or a third option (120 credits). A Postgraduate Certificate will be awarded on successful completion of the foundation module and one option (60 credits). Full-time students will normally attend for two days a week during semesters, part-time students for one day.

Modules are taught by lecture, seminar discussion and practical production workshops as appropriate.

Each module must be completed and is independently assessed. Module assessment is normally based on one or two pieces of work for each module. Details are clearly stipulated and could include a seminar presentation, essay, research project, or piece of media practice. All MA students are required to complete a dissertation. There are no exams.

The programme enables students to develop critical and intellectual skills which will be relevant to a wide range of jobs. It does not however provide direct access to the labour market.

The dissertation is designed to provide students with the opportunity of pursuing self initiated work on a theme of their choice which demonstrates a critical understanding of the approaches, practices and knowledge acquired earlier on the programme and which additionally shows evidence of original research and innovative treatment. It will consist of an extended piece of analytical writing and may also include a production component in an appropriate media practice.

MA Cultural Studies degree will prepare students for higher level academic work and will also be appropriate for those seeking employment in the cultural industries, teaching and some social agencies.

All students have a personal MA advisor and are invited to all School research seminars. University facilities include a Graduate Centre; a Learning Resource Centre (LRC) with a excellent access to international library services, and a wide range of books, journals, videos, PC stations, video viewing sites and photocopying facilities etc. The Multimedia Production Centre (MPC) has up-to-date broadcast standard digital production facilities in video, audio, photography and multimedia and is available to students doing media practice.