UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY · NEW ZEALAND
Cultural Studies
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Only Cultural Studies programme in Aotearoa New ZealandUnique Programme
- Draws on over a dozen participating programmesInterdisciplinary
- Specialises in gender and sexuality, Aotearoa New Zealand studies, human-animal studies, and popular and visual cultureSpecialist Pathways
Cultural Studies at the University of Canterbury offers a unique approach to understanding culture, viewing it as a dynamic force shaped by social and political struggles. The programme encourages students to critically examine how culture is produced, who controls it, how it is interpreted, and how it influences identity and societal change in the 21st century. This interdisciplinary field draws upon various humanities disciplines to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors influencing our daily lives.
Curriculum
Cultural Studies can be pursued as a minor within the Bachelor of Arts degree, or at Honours and Master's levels, offering both coursework and research pathways. The curriculum is designed to foster intellectual flexibility and advanced research skills.
- Undergraduate Minor
- Cultural Politics / Cultural ActivismCULT202
- BA Honours
- Arts Research and Scholarship: Introduction to Theories and MethodsARTS401
- Supervised ResearchCULT402
- Master's (Dissertation)
- Arts Research and Scholarship: Introduction to Theories and MethodsARTS401
- MA DissertationCULT650
- Master's (Thesis)
- PhD
Careers
A postgraduate qualification in Cultural Studies provides valuable skills for a range of careers. Graduates develop intellectual flexibility, sophisticated analytical abilities, and practical research skills applicable to diverse fields.
- Research-related positions
- Government roles
- Education administration
- Business roles
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Cultural Studies programme?
- Entry requirements vary by level. For the Bachelor of Arts (Minor), a Bachelor of Arts degree is needed. For BA Honours, a successful completion of a Bachelor of Arts degree is required. Master's and PhD levels have specific postgraduate qualification requirements, often including research components and proposals.
- How much does the Cultural Studies programme cost for international students?
- International tuition fees for Cultural Studies are not listed directly. Prospective students should refer to the University of Canterbury's international tuition fees page for current rates.
- What is the duration of the Cultural Studies programme?
- The programme can be pursued as an undergraduate minor within a Bachelor of Arts. Postgraduate options include BA Honours, Master's (Dissertation or Thesis), and PhD. Specific durations are not detailed but a Master's by Thesis is normally completed in one to two years full-time.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from Cultural Studies?
- Graduates develop skills applicable to various fields, including research-related positions, government roles, education administration, and business roles. The programme equips students with intellectual flexibility, analytical abilities, and research skills.
- Are there any scholarships available for Cultural Studies students?
- Yes, there are several scholarships. These include the Howard McNaughton Prize in Cultural Studies (departmental), Graduate Women Canterbury (Inc.) Trust Board Scholarship (for female students), Pacific Community Scholarship (targeted), Ngāi Tahu Research Centre Postgraduate Scholarship (research specific), Manaaki NZ Scholarships (government-funded), and general UC Scholarships.
- How do I apply for the Cultural Studies programme?
- To apply, explore the programme options, check specific entry requirements, gather necessary documents like academic transcripts and certificates, and submit the online application form by the specified deadlines, such as 16 April 2026 for enrolment.
Entry requirements
Bachelor of Arts (Minor)Completion of a Bachelor of Arts degree with a Cultural Studies minor. Core course CULT202 provides grounding in 21st-century theories.
BA HonoursSuccessful completion of a Bachelor of Arts degree. Requires four 400-level courses including ARTS401 and CULT402 (a 10,000-word research essay).
Master's by DissertationRelevant undergraduate degree. Consists of four 400-level courses (including ARTS401) and CULT650 (a 20,000-word research project).
Master's by ThesisBA(Hons) or comparable qualification. Involves a 40,000-word thesis, normally completed in one to two years full-time.
PhDSuccessful completion of a postgraduate qualification with a substantial independent research component (e.g., Master's by thesis) to a high standard. Requires a proposed topic and a clear understanding of research aims and self-support during study.
Specific course requirements may vary and students are advised to contact the Cultural Studies Programme Coordinator for personalized advice on course planning and to confirm current offerings, as courses can change year-on-year.
Fees
Tuition (international)Refer to UC's international tuition fees page for current rates.
Tuition (home)Domestic students can pay 'pay-as-you-learn'. Specific rates are available on UC's domestic tuition fees page.
LivingRefer to UC's study and living costs information.
MBA fees are listed separately as NZD $43,931 (2026 rates, 180 points) but this is not for the Cultural Studies programme.
How to apply
1. Explore ProgrammesResearch the Cultural Studies programme options (minor, Honours, Master's, PhD) and identify the best fit for your academic goals.
2. Check Entry RequirementsReview the specific academic and any English language requirements for your chosen programme level.
3. Consult Programme CoordinatorFor personalised advice on course planning, especially for the Cultural Studies minor where courses are spread across departments, contact the Cultural Studies Programme Coordinator. For PhD applications, review staff research profiles to find potential supervisors.
4. Gather Required DocumentsPrepare academic transcripts, certificates, and any other supporting documents as required by the programme.
5. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application form by the specified deadlines.
6. EnrolOnce accepted, follow the university's enrolment process and deadlines.
Scholarships
Howard McNaughton Prize in Cultural Studies—
Gough MBA Leaders ScholarshipFinancial support
Graduate Women Canterbury (Inc.) Trust Board Scholarship—
Pacific Community Scholarship—
Ngāi Tahu Research Centre Postgraduate Scholarship—
Manaaki NZ ScholarshipsFull scholarship
UC Scholarships—
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Cultural Studies programme?
+
Entry requirements vary by level. For the Bachelor of Arts (Minor), a Bachelor of Arts degree is needed. For BA Honours, a successful completion of a Bachelor of Arts degree is required. Master's and PhD levels have specific postgraduate qualification requirements, often including research components and proposals.
How much does the Cultural Studies programme cost for international students?
+
International tuition fees for Cultural Studies are not listed directly. Prospective students should refer to the University of Canterbury's international tuition fees page for current rates.
What is the duration of the Cultural Studies programme?
+
The programme can be pursued as an undergraduate minor within a Bachelor of Arts. Postgraduate options include BA Honours, Master's (Dissertation or Thesis), and PhD. Specific durations are not detailed but a Master's by Thesis is normally completed in one to two years full-time.
What are the career prospects after graduating from Cultural Studies?
+
Graduates develop skills applicable to various fields, including research-related positions, government roles, education administration, and business roles. The programme equips students with intellectual flexibility, analytical abilities, and research skills.
Are there any scholarships available for Cultural Studies students?
+
Yes, there are several scholarships. These include the Howard McNaughton Prize in Cultural Studies (departmental), Graduate Women Canterbury (Inc.) Trust Board Scholarship (for female students), Pacific Community Scholarship (targeted), Ngāi Tahu Research Centre Postgraduate Scholarship (research specific), Manaaki NZ Scholarships (government-funded), and general UC Scholarships.
How do I apply for the Cultural Studies programme?
+
To apply, explore the programme options, check specific entry requirements, gather necessary documents like academic transcripts and certificates, and submit the online application form by the specified deadlines, such as 16 April 2026 for enrolment.