What is the impact of the iPod generation? Is the world becoming a better place to live because we can carry our music collections in our pockets, and surf the web on the bus? Is our credit rating now the most important aspect of our individual identity? Do racial or ethic differences matter any more? Is there a relationship between terrorism and fantasy? And if not, why does camcorder footage of 9/11 look like a bad disaster movie? Has Bob Geldof made poverty history? Or just introduced a new craze for coloured wrist bands?
Culture is about both our everyday rituals and beliefs, and the artefacts that define who we are. Culture is why we work longer hours, and are becoming less skilled. Culture is why we don’t make eye contact with people on the tube, and why we think freedom and democracy should be imposed by force on the rest of the world. And culture is Bob the Builder, Pete Doherty and Mozart. Culture is the Gherkin, Tate Modern, and the 2012 Olympics in London. In Cultural Studies we think about the meaning of culture and how it is changing, and why.
Cultural Studies is about power: who has it, who doesn't, and the various forms it takes in a complex society. From the power of the media to shape our sense of self to the power of voters to alter government policy; from the power of individuals to re-invent themselves through art and fashion to the power of corporations to transform our world, we are concerned with the question of who runs things and how they do it.
We are concerned with the many ways in which the world is changing - from the sexual revolution to the impact of the internet - and with the question of why it is changing, and in whose interests.
Cultural Studies has arguably been the most important thing to happen to the humanities and social sciences in decades. Every branch of these disciplines has borrowed from it and is still borrowing from it. But Cultural Studies is also an important discipline in its own right, concerned primarily with the central question of how people make sense of the world around them and what forces shape their perceptions in the process. In Cultural Studies we use philosophy, economics, politics, literary theory and sociology to understand the meaning of anti-capitalist demos, reality TV, hip-hop, modern art, genetic engineering, Viagra, democracy and tourism
Cultural Studies at UEL is recognised by the government as being 'Excellent' in its standard of teaching and programme innovation. And the research activity of our teaching team is recognised as being of the highest standard, so you'll be taught by people at the cutting edge of their discipline. It is a dynamic programme that focuses on key contemporary issues and is taught in a workshop-based context for maximum interactivity between students and the programme team.
Level 0 entry (Extended 4 year full time route)
The minimum requirements for entry for Level 1 entry is 160 UCAS tariff points from:
A/AS level (Including 2 A2 passes), GNVQ, AVCE, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate. European Baccalaureate, BTEC / SCOTEC Diploma, Relevant Access Course or successful completion of the Level 0. Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered.
Applicants who do not fulfil the admission requirements for Level may be considered for entry into Level 0. Applicants should have 40 UCAS tariff points from GCE A2 or equivalent.
We also welcome applicants from mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience. Students applying to this programme will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in this area of study and should have a commitment to engaging with the subject. Applicants may be invited for interview.
Overseas Qualifications
The number of overseas qualifications which are accepted for entry are too numerous to list, but you can get advice from the British Council or our admissions unit on 020 8223 2835. You must be able to understand and express yourself in both written and spoken English and some evidence e.g. For level 1 entry a TOEFL score of 550 or an IELTS score of 6.0 (no skill level below 5) and for Level 0 entry an IELTS score of 5.5 (no skill level below 5) would be required
For an explanation of qualifications, have a look at our IAG page on this site www.creativeway.org.uk/quals.
A Progression Agreement is a formal arrangement between two or more
education providers. It spells out what a learner needs to do to be
considered for a place on a named programme of study. Progression Agreements
may vary in the conditions they specify but they all aim to give guaranteed
pathways into higher education.
Advice on courses and careers:-
The Creative Way IAG team provides a specialist service for anyone
interested in finding out about courses and careers in the creative and
cultural industries. We can provide information direct to Students,
Parents/ Carers, Tutors and Careers Advisers via email, phone or organised
workshops and 1 to 1 sessions.
To find out more, visit our IAG page on this site on
http://www.creativeway.org.uk/IAG Or contact one of our career advisers: Matt Ball 07889 001764
m.ball@uel.ac.uk or Sarah
Comerford 07515 051509
s.comerford@uel.ac.uk