- Communications and Marketing Advisor, Capilano University
- Cultural Operations Manager, Sncewips Heritage Museum
- Advisor, International Programs and Services, UBC’s Okanagan Campus
- Blogger, ANOKHI Magazine
- Social Media Intern, Jugni Style
Program information
Explore media and popular cultures, global cultural studies, and critical and cultural theory through courses in internet culture, film and television, activism, globalization, human rights, and more. You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills required for a wide variety of professions.
What you'll learn
Cultural Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to traditional humanities and social sciences, encouraging you to examine specific concerns, such as the construction of racial, gender, national, class, and sexual identities, issues of social change, and the experience of power.
You’ll study how different disciplines constitute knowledge and experiment with different approaches to knowledge production that may have more impact in the real world. For example, a student in a third-year documentary and docudrama course might submit a short essay and post an original film to YouTube in lieu of a typical research term paper.
Experiential learning and research
The first of its kind in western Canada, the Cultural Studies program offered by the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies seeks to approach questions of identity, power, and justice from an intercultural and global perspective. It gives you the ability to structure your degree in a way that fosters linkages between disciplines.
In your third or fourth year, you’ll have the option of taking Community-Engaged Research in Cultural Studies (CULT 499), a course that links experiential learning with the development of writing, research, and analytical skills. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with various community partners in a team-based setting to complete projects that support these groups.
Program advantages
You will build an exceptional foundation with global perspectives on media, identity, diversity, and justice, while challenging dominant or “normal” assumptions about who and how we are, in relation to others. You will learn in a self-critical, self-reflexive, and engaged teaching and research environment.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take within Cultural Studies. Here are a few you might like.
Introduction to media and cultural studies in a global context, specifically the critical analysis of cultural texts, cultural industries, and media audiences
A thematic exploration of contemporary Japanese society through popular culture narratives (such as manga, anime, film, and video games) in English translation
Examines war, conflict, struggles for social justice, and the ideal of human dignity in relation to narrative, discourse, and representation
The gothic/horror film as a genre that provides insight into cultural narratives regarding gender, sexuality, race, and class. Films may be approached from a number of critical perspectives, including psychoanalytic, feminist, and cultural theories
Outcomes
As a Cultural Studies graduate, you will be an empowered critic and theorist of historical and contemporary cultural activities, and possess the ability to generate learning that influences society. You’ll be prepared to live in a world where writing, reading, coding, and decoding are employable skills in high demand. Work in marketing, advertising, publishing, or web design, or continue your education to pursue a career in law or social work.
Program graduates
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“It is one thing to identify what is wrong with this world, but it’s another to see how people are managing to live and finding joy within it. Because this is where the changes are happening.”
Sophie H., Bachelor of Arts, Cultural StudiesRead Sophie's story
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Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Arts
- No specific courses required beyond those needed for general admission
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Second Languages
- Social Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you’re unable to visit UBC in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current UBC students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.