DEGREE GUIDE

Cultural Studies

What do Cultural Studies degrees involve?

Cultural Studies degrees teach you how culture shapes societies, identities, and everyday life, exploring topics such as media, politics, literature, and globalisation. This subject is usually studied alongside another discipline, such as media, history, sociology, or film, allowing you to examine culture through multiple academic lenses. You will study key areas such as popular culture, race and gender studies, subcultures, digital media, and cultural theory. These courses help you develop strong analytical, research, and communication skills while understanding how cultural trends influence social and political change. Many programmes include opportunities for media analysis, archival research, and interdisciplinary projects, preparing you for careers in journalism, creative industries, cultural policy, and research.

Example
Modules

Media Texts: Analyse how film, TV, music, and digital media reflect and shape society, exploring messages about class, gender, race and power in everyday culture.

Literary and Cultural Theory: Study major critical theories like feminism, postcolonialism and Marxism, and apply them to books, media and cultural practices.

Media Institutions and Audiences: Investigate how media industries work and how audiences respond, balancing creative freedom with commercial and social pressures.

Common Degree Names

💼 Placement opportunities are offered by some universities, typically in media, community projects or museums.
🌍 Study abroad is offered at several institutions.

BA (Hons) Cultural Studies
BA (Hons) Media and Cultural Studies
BA (Hons) Cultural and Global Studies
BA (Hons) Cultural Studies and Sociology
BA (Hons) English and Cultural Studies

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Cultural Studies explores how culture, identity, and society intersect – through media, history, politics, and everyday life. There are no strict requirements, but universities look for essay-based subjects that show critical thinking.

Subjects that can strengthen your application:

English Language and/or Literature – often preferred for writing and analysis
Media Studies or Film Studies – useful for understanding cultural texts
Sociology or History – great for exploring society and change
Philosophy or Politics – show strong reasoning and context

✨ Essay-based or reflective subjects show you're ready for the critical and analytical work involved.

Universities may also accept:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in areas like Media, Art or Social Science (usually with Merits or Distinctions)
T-levels in a relevant field, although you should check the exact requirements for each course.

✨ Some courses combine Cultural Studies with another subject, like Media, Politics or Sociology, so it is important to check the specific entry guidance for joint degrees.

Level 2 Qualifications (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

Most courses require:

GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent such as National 5s or MYP

📘 A solid English grade is particularly important, as Cultural Studies is a reading- and essay-heavy subject.

History, Media, or Religious Studies are a bonus but not essential.

💬 Interviews
Formal interviews are rare for Cultural Studies degrees. Some universities may offer an informal conversation, especially if you apply for a combined or creative course—but most offers are made based on your personal statement and grades.

📝 Admissions Tests
There are no standard admissions tests.

🎒 Portfolios or Projects
Not required, but if you’ve completed a media project, extended essay, or creative portfolio that relates to culture or identity, mention it in your personal statement—it can help show your interest.

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Foundation Year in Arts, Humanities or Media
Many universities offer a foundation year for students who don’t meet standard entry requirements or are changing direction.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Humanities, Media or Social Science)
A popular route for mature students. Choose a course with strong essay-based units, and aim for Merits and Distinctions. Universities may still ask for GCSE English and Maths.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in a Cultural Studies degree

Is this a good fit for you?

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Interests that would make a Cultural Studies degree a good match for you

Careers a Cultural Studies degree could lead you to