Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies at Sabancı University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education that explores the diverse expressions and practices of human culture across history and contexts. The program is designed to provide students with critical insights into cultural phenomena, including art, literature, media, religion, and social practices, fostering a deep understanding of both historical developments and contemporary issues. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and empirical research methods, students examine how cultures shape identities, influence social dynamics, and respond to global challenges.

The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness, enabling graduates to analyze cultural texts, engage with diverse perspectives, and contribute thoughtfully to debates on cultural diversity, globalization, and social change. Students have the opportunity to specialize in various areas such as visual culture, media studies, ethnicity and identity, or cultural policy, allowing for tailored academic paths aligned with their interests and career aspirations. The program encourages active participation in seminars, workshops, and projects that promote experiential learning and foster a vibrant academic community.

Sabancı University's flexible and student-centered approach ensures that students benefit from personalized mentorship and innovative teaching methods. The program also emphasizes the importance of international perspectives and intercultural dialogue, preparing students to work effectively in multicultural environments. Graduates of the Cultural Studies program are equipped for careers in academia, media, arts and cultural management, public policy, non-governmental organizations, and other sectors where cultural insights are essential. With a strong foundation in critical analysis and cultural awareness, students are prepared to become engaged, informed professionals capable of contributing to societal development and cultural understanding both locally and globally.

The Bachelor's Degree in Cultural Studies at Sabancı University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum designed to deepen students' understanding of cultures, societies, and historical contexts. The program aims to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced perspective on the diverse cultural phenomena that shape our world. Throughout the coursework, students explore various themes such as cultural identity, representation, power dynamics, globalization, and social change, integrating insights from sociology, anthropology, history, philosophy, and literary studies.

The program emphasizes a balanced combination of theoretical foundations and practical applications. Students engage with a wide range of texts, media, and cultural artifacts, developing the ability to analyze and interpret complex cultural expressions. The curriculum also encourages active participation through seminars, workshops, and fieldwork, fostering an experiential learning environment. Additionally, students have opportunities to undertake research projects, internships, and cross-disciplinary collaborations to enhance their academic and professional skills.

Cultural Studies at Sabancı University prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, media, arts management, cultural policy, and international organizations. The department also promotes a global outlook, encouraging students to examine cultural issues from multiple perspectives and develop a critical awareness of the implications of cultural dynamics in contemporary society. The program's innovative teaching approach and supportive academic community aim to inspire students to become thoughtful, informed citizens who can contribute meaningfully to understanding and addressing cultural challenges worldwide.

Program requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies at Sabancı University typically include the completion of a total of 240 ECTS credits over the standard four-year period. Students are required to take a combination of compulsory core courses and elective courses to gain a comprehensive understanding of cultural theories, practices, and interdisciplinary approaches. The core curriculum generally covers foundational topics such as Introduction to Cultural Studies, Research Methods, and Critical Theory. Students must also complete courses in areas like Media and Communication, Gender Studies, and Contemporary Cultural Issues. Electives allow for specialization and may include subjects such as Popular Culture, Visual Anthropology, and Cultural Policy. In addition, students are expected to engage in an academically rigorous research project or thesis in their final year, demonstrating their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical cultural analyses. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary thinking, critical analysis, and active participation in cultural debates. Language proficiency requirements usually include English, and students may also have options to study additional languages or participate in exchange programs to broaden their cultural perspectives. Internship opportunities, cultural seminars, and workshops are integrated into the curriculum to provide practical experience. To graduate, students must pass all required courses, complete their thesis or final project, and accumulate the necessary credits. Attendance and participation are important, and students are encouraged to engage actively in class discussions, cultural events, and research activities. The flexible structure of the program allows students to tailor their studies toward specific interests within the field of cultural studies, preparing them for careers in academia, media, arts, cultural management, and related areas.

For graduate scholarships, your academic background is evaluated in accordance with the required criteria during the admittance and if you are considered to be eligible , various types of scholarships are granted with the decision of Sabanci University Scholarship Committee.

Although the scholarships go on being granted unless you fail to meet the determined criteria, at the end of each academic year the Scholarship Committee offers various types of scholarships to the honored merit degree students with respect to GPA. Each scholarship offered during education period is evaluated with respect to the scholarship's scope and the scholarship provided at the first entrance to the university may be cancelled in case of getting a higher scholarships.

For graduate scholarships, there are several opportunities for foreign students. Each year, many students are having different type of scholarships.

Arts & Social Sciences Graduate Programs

Students are informed regarding the scope of Graduate Educational Scholarship provided prior to their enrollment during the admission process. Graduate scholarship recipients are proposed by the Admission Jury based on students' academic history, then evaluated by the related Graduate School Administrative Board, and finally confirmed by the President of the University. Continuation of the scholarship depends on the decision of Faculty according to GPA.

2010-2011 Academic Year Graduate Scholarships

Students accepted to SU master or doctorate programs are offered one of the scholarships below. (IT, EMBA are non-scholarship programs)

FULL SCHOLARSHIP

It covers full tuition fee exemption, monthly stipend payment between September-June and dormitory/transportation support for ten months.

Master: Housing (room for double)(**) + 950 TL/ month

Housing Compensation: 1450 TL/month

PhD with BA/BS degree (*): Housing (room for double)(**) + 1000 TL/ month

Housing Compensation: 1500 TL/month

PhD with MA/MS degree (*): Housing room for double)(**) + 1200 TL/ month

Housing Compensation: 1700 TL/month

(*) The monthly stipend might increase to 1,400 TL after passing the Doctoral Qualifying Exam with housing and increases to 1,900 TL with transportation support.

(**) Housing support covers staying rooms for double. (If students want to stay in single rooms, they should pay the difference at the beginning of the semester.)

TUITION FEE EXEMPTION SCHOLARSHIP

One of the scholarships below could be offered :

* Full tuition fee exemption
* 2/3 tuition fee exemption
* 1/2 tuition fee exemption
* 1/4 tuition fee exemption

PROJECT SCHOLARSHIP

Students working within the context of research projects are provided monthly stipend.

TUBITAK BIDEB SCHOLARSHIP

Master or doctorate students who have full scholarships in domestic are provided full tuition fee exemption and housing(**) / housing compensation between September-June for 10 months

TUITION AND DORMITORY SCHOLARSHIP

Master or doctorate students are provided full tuition fee exemption and housing(**) /housing compensation between September-June for 10 months

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS

Aysegul Arsoy who has a great contribution at the stage of the foundation and envisagement of the university- Scholarship is granted by faculty for one of the MBA students each year. This scholarship includes tuition fee exemption, monthly 800 TL stipend payment between September-June, housing(room for double)(**) or 490 TL transportation support for ten months and book support up to 200$ annually.

The Cultural Studies program at Sabancı University offers a comprehensive multidisciplinary education designed to explore the complex intersections of culture, society, politics, and identity. The program aims to cultivate critical thinking and analytical skills among students by examining various cultural phenomena, including media, literature, art, and popular culture, within historical and contemporary contexts. Emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach, the curriculum combines insights from sociology, anthropology, history, political science, and media studies to provide students with a holistic understanding of cultural dynamics.

Students enrolled in the program are encouraged to engage in critical analysis of cultural expressions and to develop their interpretations through both theoretical frameworks and practical applications. The program promotes active learning through discussions, research projects, and collaborations with academic and cultural institutions in Turkey and beyond. It prepares graduates for diverse careers in fields such as media, journalism, cultural policy, arts management, non-governmental organizations, academia, and creative industries.

Sabancı University’s Cultural Studies program also places significant emphasis on research and independent thinking. Students are supported by experienced faculty members who are active researchers in various areas of cultural analysis and critique. Moreover, the university’s proximity to Istanbul, a vibrant cultural hub, provides unique opportunities for internships and cultural engagement, enriching students' practical knowledge and professional networks.

The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests through elective courses and minors. It also fosters an understanding of cultural diversity and promotes critical awareness of issues related to globalization, identity politics, gender, and race, preparing students to contribute thoughtfully to societal debates. With a strong foundation in academic research and practical skills, graduates are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees or to enter the workforce with a nuanced understanding of contemporary cultural challenges and phenomena.