Cultural Studies

The Master of Arts in Cultural Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum designed to explore the diverse dimensions of culture and its role in contemporary society. This program aims to equip students with critical analytical skills and theoretical frameworks necessary for understanding the complex interplay of cultural phenomena within local, regional, and global contexts. Grounded in a broad range of disciplines including history, sociology, anthropology, media studies, and literature, the program encourages students to critically analyze cultural practices, representations, and discourses that shape identity, power, and social change. Students will engage with a variety of topics such as popular culture, ethnicity, migration, gender, media, and urban culture, fostering a nuanced understanding of cultural dynamics in Hong Kong and beyond.

The program combines coursework, seminars, research projects, and opportunities for fieldwork, enabling students to develop both theoretical acumen and practical research skills. Faculty members are distinguished scholars with expertise spanning multiple fields of cultural analysis, ensuring a vibrant and intellectually stimulating academic environment. In addition to core courses, students can select from a wide array of electives tailored to their interests, facilitating specialization in areas such as media and communication, heritage, or cultural policy. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary research methods and encourages students to undertake original research that contributes to contemporary debates within cultural studies.

Graduates of the program will be well-prepared for careers in academia, cultural institutions, media organizations, public policy, and community development projects. They will possess critical thinking skills, cultural awareness, and research expertise essential for engaging with cultural issues in diverse professional settings. The program's distinctive focus on Hong Kong’s unique cultural landscape, combined with its international perspective, provides students with a rich educational experience that combines theory and practice. Whether aiming to pursue further academic research or seeking to influence cultural policy and practice, students will find this program a rigorous yet rewarding pathway to deepen their understanding of culture in a rapidly changing world.

• The Making of Contemporary Culture
• Theories of Representation
• Bakhtin and Cultural Theory
• Topics in Comparative Literature
• Topics in Literature, Society & Politics
• Topics in Cultural Meaning and Interpretation
• Independent Study
• Special Topics (Special Topics in Intercultural Studies)
• French Feminisms
• Seminar on Cultural & Religious Studies
• The Sexual Body in Arts and Media
• Thing Theories
• Negotiating Chineseness

Requirements

• Graduated from a recognized university and obtained a Bachelor's degree, normally with honors not lower than Second Class; or
• Graduated from an honors programme of a recognized university with a Bachelor's degree, normally achieving an average grade of not lower than 'B' in undergraduate courses; or
• Completed a course of study in a tertiary educational institution and obtained professional or similar qualifications equivalent to an honors degree.
• TOEFL (normally not lower than 550 Paper-based; 213 computer-based; and 79 internet-based);
• IELTS (Academic) (normally not lower than Band 6.5);
• GMAT (Verbal, normally not lower than 21); 
• Confidential Recommendations from Two referees respectively (if not via online submission)
• Official Transcripts from the University attended by applicants
• Research proposal 
• A sample of writings (undergraduate term paper/research paper)
• Copies of identity card or passport
• Original of English proficiency proof
• Application fee receipt (if not paid by visa)
• Copies of degree certificates

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• Postgraduate Studentship (PGS) is a form of financial assistance provided to full-time postgraduate students registered in research degree programmes. Holders of such studentship are not employees of the University.
• The studentship is available in most Graduate Divisions. Normally, the award of a PGS will be made known to students at the same time as they receive their admission offers. Students need not make a separate application for obtaining the award. The provisional monthly stipend for Postgraduate Studentship is $15,000 for 2015-16.
• Students receiving PGS awards are expected to assist in the teaching and research work of the department to which they belong. Their duties will be assigned by the Department Chairperson.

The Bachelor of Social Science in Cultural Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong is an interdisciplinary programme aimed at providing students with a comprehensive understanding of culture from multiple perspectives, including historical, social, and theoretical approaches. The programme explores the role of culture in shaping identities, social practices, and power relations within diverse societies. Students engage in critical analysis of texts, media, art, and popular culture, fostering skills in research, interpretation, and communication. The curriculum typically includes core courses in cultural theory, media studies, and area studies, as well as elective options that allow students to specialize in particular regions, themes, or methods.

The programme emphasizes experiential learning through various projects, internships, and study trips, encouraging students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts. Students are expected to develop a nuanced understanding of cultural dynamics in a globalized world, with particular attention to Chinese culture and its interactions with other cultures. The department often collaborates with local cultural institutions and hosts seminars, workshops, and guest lectures by distinguished academics and practitioners, providing students with networking opportunities and exposure to current debates in cultural studies.

Graduates of the programme are equipped with critical thinking, analytical, and intercultural communication skills, preparing them for diverse career paths such as cultural policy, media and communication, education, arts management, research, and further academic pursuits. The programme also promotes awareness of issues related to identity, multiculturalism, and social justice, encouraging students to become responsible and culturally sensitive citizens. Overall, the Bachelor of Social Science in Cultural Studies offers a rich, multidisciplinary academic experience that combines theoretical inquiry with practical engagement, fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of culture in a complex, interconnected world.