Cultural Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies at Queen's University offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of cultural phenomena, practices, and expressions across various societies and historical periods. This programme is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of the ways in which culture shapes and is shaped by social, political, economic, and technological forces. Students will engage with a diverse range of topics, including popular culture, media, identity, race, gender, ethnicity, globalization, and heritage. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with empirical research, encouraging students to critically analyze cultural artifacts, media representations, and social narratives.

Throughout their studies, students will have the opportunity to participate in innovative coursework, seminars, and research projects that foster an understanding of cultural dynamics in both local and global contexts. The programme emphasizes the development of essential skills such as effective communication, cultural awareness, and interpretative analysis, preparing graduates for careers in areas such as media, arts, education, public policy, and cultural consultancy. The programme also supports experiential learning through internships, community engagement, and collaborative projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. With a flexible structure, students can tailor their degree to align with personal interests and career aspirations by choosing from a variety of electives and specializations within the field of cultural studies. Upon graduation, students will possess a sophisticated understanding of cultural processes and a critical perspective that enables them to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to diverse professional environments.

A completed PhD comprises coursework, qualifying exams, independent research and writing, and an oral defence. The cultural studies program is determined to make it possible for students to complete their degrees in four years, consistent with the funding that the program offers to all PhD students. Following consultation with students and faculty, we have produced the following table, which summarizes a plan for completing the PhD program in four years.

Year One

• Two courses + CUST802
• Apply for external funding
• Two courses + CUST802
• ​Begin preparing thesis/project proposal with budget and timeline
• Prepare for GREB if applicable
• Review goals for PhD 
• Confirm committee membership
• Read for qualifying exam

Year Two

• Submit proposal for preliminary bibliography for qualifying exam
• Meet with committee to discuss and set date
• Prepare further
• Apply for external funding if needed
• Submitted annotated bibliography and questions
• Write qualifying exam
• Begin preparing thesis/project proposal with budget and timeline
• Prepare for GREB if applicable
• Complete GREB if applicable
• Defend thesis/project proposal (may be in September)

Year Three

• Begin thesis/project research/productions
• Apply for external funding if needed
• Continue research
• Apply for conferences and seek other ways to share your work
• Continue thesis/proposal research

Year Four

• Continue research
• Apply for conferences, publication and exhibition opportunities
• Apply for jobs
• Complete thesis/project draft
• Select external examiner
• Schedule defence
• Defend your thesis or project
• Submit all materials for archiving

Throughout

• Stay in touch with your committee
• Pursue funding opportunities as available
• Attend pertinent events at Queen's
• Consult and share work with fellow students
• Reach out to potential colleagues, audiences, and supporters via conferences, community events, etc.

Requirements

• Academic average of at least a B+ when applying for a Master's degree
• Academic average of at least an A when applying for a Doctoral degree
• Two official transcripts for any degrees earned outside of Queen's
• Two letters of recommendation: Please note that referees listed on your online application will receive the link to Queen's online recommendation form after you submit your application
• A Statement of Interest outlining your research interests, why you consider the Cultural Studies a good fit for your research, and which faculty you have been in touch with as potential supervisors
• An academic writing sample, preferably a short research essay (approximately 10 pages) in PDF format
• A Curriculum Vitae when applying for a Doctoral degree
• A list of current courses
• A score of at least 600 on the paper-based TOEFL (For students whose native language is not English) OR
• A score of at least 88 on the web-based TOEFL (iBT) (For students whose native language is not English)

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

• Basic Funding Package (teaching and research assistantship, internal fellowships, bursaries and incremental growth).minimum $18,000; most students receive between $18,000 and $22,000 per year
• Queen’s Graduate Awards (QGA)
• Graduate Entrance Tuition Awards (GETA)
• International Tuition Awards (ITAs)
• Conference Travel Awards

The Cultural Studies program at Queen's University offers students a comprehensive exploration of the diverse ways in which cultures shape human experiences, identity, and societal structures. This interdisciplinary program integrates approaches from history, sociology, anthropology, and the arts to provide a holistic understanding of cultural phenomena across different contexts and historical periods. Students enrolled in the program engage with theoretical frameworks and critical methodologies that allow them to analyze cultural practices, texts, media, and institutions. The curriculum emphasizes both contemporary issues and historical perspectives, encouraging students to critically examine topics such as globalization, identity politics, media representation, and cultural production. Research opportunities and internships are often available, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and gain valuable experience relevant to careers in education, media, arts administration, policy analysis, and cultural consultancy. Faculty members are recognized experts in the field, contributing to ongoing research and publications that enrich the learning environment. The program fosters analytical skills, cultural awareness, and a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness of culture and society. Students can pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees, with options to specialize in areas such as media studies, gender studies, postcolonial studies, or visual culture. The program also encourages international exchange and collaboration, enabling students to broaden their perspectives through global engagement. Graduates of the Queen’s Cultural Studies program are well-equipped to pursue diverse career paths in academia, arts and cultural organizations, government agencies, and private sector companies dedicated to cultural affairs. The university’s supportive academic community, extensive resources, and commitment to interdisciplinary research make this program a dynamic choice for students passionate about understanding and influencing the cultural landscape.