Skip to main content

Why study with us?

  • #23 in the world

    We're ranked 23rd in the world for Arts and Humanities in the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject.

  • #1 in Australia

    Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 5th in the world for employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.

Overview

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.

Why study with us?

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.

Subject areas
Shared pool

Entry, fees, funding & how to apply

Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
The details on this page based on your selections are a guide only, and are subject to change.

Your entry requirements

English language proficiency

Find out if you need to prove English language proficiency (depends on your country of origin and educational background).

For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.

Your fee

Your funding & scholarships

How to apply

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 - 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.

Starting date

Semester 1 (February) 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 - 15 January of the commencing year

Semester 2 - 25 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.

Starting date

Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)

What you'll study

The Graduate Diploma in Cultural Studies requires the satisfactory completion of 8 units of study (48 credit points) including a minmum of 30 credit points from core electives and a maximum of 18 credit points from elective units of study.

Timetable

View the Cultural Studies Unit timetable. 
Please note this timetable is indicative only.

Completion requirement

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 requirement

Admission to candidature for the Graduate Diploma in Cultural Studies requires:

  • a bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney with a minimum 60% average calculated over the whole degree, including a major in a relevant subject area in the humanities or social sciences, or an equivalent qualification; or
  • completion of the requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Cultural Studies with a minimum credit (65%) average, or an equivalent qualification.

Course opportunities

The course includes a dissertation pathway for students interested in pursuing a higher degree by research after completion.

Career Pathways

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.  

Future study options

Students who complete the dissertation component at Distinction level or above will be eligible to apply for a research degree.

Domestic students

International students

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.