African Studies Joint Honours

The University of Birmingham offers a comprehensive joint honours degree in African Studies, providing students with an in-depth understanding of the diverse cultures, histories, languages, and societies across the African continent. This interdisciplinary programme combines core modules in African history, politics, languages, and social studies with complementary subjects, enabling students to develop a nuanced perspective on Africa’s complex and dynamic realities. Throughout the course, students explore key themes such as post-colonial development, African literature and arts, economic growth, political stability, and social change, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills vital for careers related to Africa or international development. The curriculum is designed to encourage active engagement with contemporary issues facing Africa today, supported by academic staff renowned for their expertise in African studies. Students have opportunities to participate in fieldwork, internships, and study abroad programmes, which enrich their academic experience and enhance their employability. The programme emphasizes language proficiency, with options to study one or more African languages, further enabling effective communication and cultural understanding. graduates of this joint honours programme are well-equipped to pursue careers in international organizations, NGOs, government agencies, research institutions, journalism, or academia, with a strong foundation in both regional knowledge and interdisciplinary skills. The flexible structure of the programme allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests while gaining a broad and detailed understanding of one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse regions. With dedicated support from faculty through academic guidance and extracurricular activities, students are prepared to contribute meaningfully to policy development, cultural exchange, and development initiatives focused on Africa. By choosing this programme, students join a vibrant academic community committed to fostering knowledge, respect, and sustainable engagement with Africa’s rich and varied societies.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

In this programme, you study half of your modules (60 credits) in African Studies and half in your other subject.

First year

African Studies: You will explore a wide range of issues relating to the African subcontinent from different academic perspectives. In the first year you are introduced to the history, cultures, environments, societies and contemporary political situations of Africa.

• Focus on studying societies
• 40 credits of African Studies modules

Second year

African Studies: In your second year you take Perspectives on Africa, which covers breaking news stories on Africa and provides dissertation preparation. You also choose two other African Studies modules.

Third year

African Studies: In your third year, you may write a Dissertation (10,000 words, 40 credits) or take an Independent Study (5,000 words, 20 credits). If you are undertaking independent research on the other side of your degree programme, however, we allow you to choose mainly taught modules in African Studies, so as to guarantee a reasonable amount of contact time.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 80(Grade A) TOEFL iBT® test : 93

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Number of A levels required: 3

Typical offer: ABB-BBB

International Baccalaureate: 32-34 points

Additional information:

Typical offer grades are for guidance only, and will depend on the subjects you are combining. Please read the entries for both subjects. Where there is a disparity between the typical offer for Subject A and the typical offer for Subject B, the higher offer should be taken as the usual offer for the combination of the two.
Other qualifications are considered

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Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Birmingham.

The African Studies Joint Honours program at the University of Birmingham offers students a comprehensive exploration of the diverse and dynamic continent of Africa, covering its history, cultures, languages, politics, and economic development. This interdisciplinary course is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of Africa's complex societies and the continent's role in global affairs. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and research projects, students engage with a wide range of topics, including African history from ancient civilizations to modern times, contemporary political challenges, social transformations, and cultural expressions across different regions of Africa. The program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, encouraging students to examine issues such as post-colonial development, social justice, and Africa’s diasporic communities around the world. Students have opportunities to study relevant languages, deepen their knowledge through fieldwork, and participate in exchanges or internships that connect academic theory with practical experience. The program benefits from the university’s strong links with institutions and organizations working on African issues, providing valuable networking and career development opportunities. Graduates of this program can pursue careers in international development, diplomacy, journalism, education, research, or further postgraduate studies in African studies, anthropology, political science, or related fields. The university’s facilities, including specialized library collections and dedicated academic staff, support students in their academic and personal growth. Overall, the African Studies Joint Honours program aims to produce informed, socially conscious graduates equipped to contribute to understanding and solving issues facing Africa today.