Why study with us?
We're ranked 23rd in the world for Arts and Humanities in the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th in the world for employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely for students commencing their studies in Semester 1, 2021.
This course will be available to study remotely for students commencing in Semester 1, 2021. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
Note: The University intends to offer as many units of study as possible in a remote as well as face-to-face learning method of delivery in Semester 1, 2021 and subject to ongoing border closures and public health orders impacting attendance on campus, in Semester 2, 2021. However, some units of study and courses require students to study in-person at the relevant University of Sydney campus/es and host locations for placements and will not be available remotely.
About this course
The only Cultural Studies degree on offer in Australia, this program covers diverse topics of popular culture, media, gender, sexuality, globalisation and consumer culture. Using real-world examples, you will learn to analyse cultural forms and debate their significance in context.
Through this degree, you will also engage critically with culture in its manifest expressions and gain insight into identity, self-expression and embodiment.
Our degree is taught by world-renowned scholars, including Professor Elspeth Probyn and Professor Catherine Driscoll within the Department of Gender and Cultural Studies, who draw upon cutting-edge research in this interdisciplinary field. Engage with a dynamic postgraduate community and undertake cultural research as part of a well- established internship program, in a business, government or not-for-profit body. The course includes a dissertation pathway for students interested in pursuing a higher degree by research after completion.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 11 February of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 30 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
View the Cultural Studies Unit timetable.
Please note this timetable is indicative only.
Under normal progression, a full-time student completes prescribed units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester. Part-time students may undertake prescribed units of study up to the value of 12 credit points per semester. You are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for your units of study.
Admission to candidature for the Graduate Certificate in Cultural Studies requires:
Relevant, recent professional qualifications and experience may be assessed as suitable for admission by the Dean under the provision for exceptional circumstances outlined in the Coursework Rule. Available places will be offered to qualified applicants based on merit, according to the admissions criteria.
In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants without these qualifications but whose evidence of experience and achievement is deemed by the Dean to be equivalent.
Graduate certificates and diplomas are are a good alternative if you want to try out postgraduate study or increase the breadth of your expertise and knowledge, or if you don’t quite meet the entry requirements for a master’s degree.
Understanding cultural processes is key in many fields of work, and will enhance any career involving culture. Our graduates have taken up positions in government and community sectors through to the arts, education and communication industries.
