Philosophy and Cultural Studies

The Philosophy and Cultural Studies program at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental questions and diverse perspectives that shape human thought and society. This interdisciplinary course explores the core themes of philosophy, including ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and logic, alongside the rich and dynamic field of cultural studies, which examines the arts, media, popular culture, and societal transformations. Designed for students passionate about understanding how ideas influence cultures and how cultural contexts shape philosophical inquiry, the program combines analytical rigor with critical reflection. Throughout the course, learners engage with classic philosophical texts and contemporary debates, developing skills in reasoning, argumentation, and interpretative analysis. The cultural studies component emphasizes the study of cultural phenomena, media analysis, identity, power relations, and global cultural exchanges, providing a broad perspective on societal issues. The curriculum is structured to foster both independent research and collaborative projects, encouraging students to explore their interests and develop their own viewpoints. With access to world-class facilities, expert faculty, and a vibrant intellectual community, students have opportunities for internships, study abroad, and participation in conferences and workshops. Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in academia, media, public policy, arts management, and beyond, thanks to the versatile skill set gained through rigorous study of philosophy and cultural analysis. The program emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and intercultural awareness, preparing students to contribute thoughtfully and ethically to diverse professional environments and global challenges. Whether students wish to pursue advanced research or enter the workforce directly, the Philosophy and Cultural Studies program at the University of Kent provides a solid foundation in understanding and engaging with the complexities of human culture and thought.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTS
Credits Total Kent credits: 360
Duration full-time 48 months Partnership Joint Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Part-time, Full-time Intensity Flexible More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

EN333 - Romanticism

EN302 - Early Drama

EN331 - Readings in the Twentieth Century

EN332 - Writing America

LS300 - Learning Spanish 3 (Post A Level)

LS302 - Intensive Learning Spanish 1 (Beginners)

LS312 - Introduction to Hispanic Culture

LS313 - Introduction to Hispanic Culture

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

LS504 - Learning Spanish 3B(Intensive Post A-Level)

LS505 - Learning Spanish 4

EN697 - Chaucer and Late Medieval English Literature

EN681 - Novelty, Enlightenment and Emancipation: 18th Century Literature

EN692 - Early Modern Literature 1500-1700

EN694 - Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama

EN695 - Empire, New Nations and Migration

EN677 - The Contemporary

EN689 - Modernism

EN672 - Reading Victorian Literature

EN675 - Declaring Independence: 19th Century US Literature

LS515 - Catalan Culture

LS548 - Contemporary Spanish Cinema

LS562 - The Legacy of Inequality: Race and Ethnicity in Latin America

LS568 - Second Year Extended Essay

LS571 - After Dictatorship: Spain and Latin America

LS578 - Dictatorship and Cultural Production in 20th Century Brazil & Portugal

LS579 - Barcelona and Havana: Icon, Myth and History

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Year abroad

You have the opportunity to spend a year studying in Spain, the USA or possibly Latin America.

Possible modules may include:

LA514 - Year Abroad Module

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

LS506 - Learning Spanish 5

EN701 - The Global Eighteenth Century

EN702 - Thomas Hardy

EN703 - The 'Real' America: Class and Culture in the American Gilded Age

EN704 - Discord and Devotion: Society & Spirituality in Middle English Literatu

EN705 - The Contemporary Memoir

EN707 - The British Novel in the 1860s: Sensing Modern Life

EN708 - Virginia Woolf

EN709 - Animals, Humans, Writing

EN710 - Victorian Aestheticism and Decadence

EN676 - Cross-Cultural Coming-of-Age Narratives

EN684 - Clouds, Waves & Crows: Writing the Natural, 1800 to the Present

EN687 - Poetry and Crisis, from the First World War to Occupy

EN580 - Charles Dickens and Victorian England

EN583 - Postcolonial Writing

EN586 - Language and Place in Colonial and Postcolonial Poetry

EN588 - Innovation and Experiment in New York, 1945- 1995

EN604 - The Unknown: Reading and Writing

EN623 - Native American Literature

EN633 - Bodies of Evidence: Reading The Body In Eighteenth Century Literature

EN637 - Unruly Women and Other Insubordinates: the dramatic repertoire of the Q

EN646 - Image, Vision and Dream: Medieval Texts and Visual Culture

EN655 - Places and Journeys

EN656 - Heroes and Exiles: An Introduction to Old English Poetry

EN657 - The Brontes in Context

EN658 - American Crime Fiction

EN659 - Contemporary Irish Writing

EN660 - Writing Lives in Early Modern England: Diaries, Letters and Secret Selv

EN661 - The Stranger

EN666 - From Book to Blog: Geoffrey Chaucer and his Afterlives

EN667 - Harlem to Hogan's Alley: Black Writing in North America

EN668 - Discovery Space: New Theatres in Early Modern England

EN669 - Marriage, Desire and Divorce in Early Modern Literature

EN670 - Lyric, Ballad and Popular Song

LS580 - Barcelona and Havana: Icon, Myth and History

SCL501 - Languages in the Classroom

LS563 - Terrorism and State Terror in Latin America

LS567 - Final Year Dissertation

LA515 - Gender and Sexuality in Afro-Luso-Brazilian Cinema

LS550 - Reading Monstrosity in Iberian Culture

LS554 - Writing the Cuban Revolution

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

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

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification Typical offer/minimum requirement

• A level: ABB including B in English Literature or English Language and Literature

• GCSE: C in a modern European language other than English

• Access to HE Diploma: The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma): The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

• International Baccalaureate: 34 points overall or 16 points at HL, including 4 at HL or 5 at SL in a modern European language other than English, HL English A1/A2/B at 5/6/6 OR English Literature A/English Language and Literature A (or Literature A/Language and Literature A of another country) at HL 5 or SL 6

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 Kent.

The Philosophy and Cultural Studies programme at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding human thought, cultural phenomena, and societal development. This degree is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation for the complexities of philosophical ideas and cultural expressions across different societies and historical periods. The programme combines core modules in philosophy, such as epistemology, ethics, and metaphysics, with specialised courses in cultural studies, including media, identity, representation, and societal change.

Students have the opportunity to explore diverse philosophical traditions, from ancient to contemporary philosophies, and engage in cultural analysis that incorporates literature, media studies, and visual culture. The programme encourages students to examine questions related to human existence, morality, and the nature of reality, while also critically analysing cultural practices and societal issues such as power, gender, race, and globalization. Lectures and seminars are conducted by experienced academics and researchers who are active in their fields, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education grounded in contemporary debates.

The course offers flexibility through optional modules, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests, whether in ethical theory, political philosophy, youth culture, or digital media. It typically includes a combination of lectures, tutorials, research projects, and independent study, fostering independent learning and scholarly skills. Opportunities for work placements, study abroad, and active participation in university clubs and societies are available to enhance practical experience and cultural engagement.

Graduates of the programme are well-equipped for careers in education, media, cultural sectors, public policy, and academia, as well as for postgraduate research. The university’s strong links with cultural institutions, arts organizations, and publishing houses provide pathways for internships and employment after graduation. Overall, the Philosophy and Cultural Studies degree at Kent provides a stimulating environment for students passionate about understanding human culture and philosophical inquiry, preparing them for a diverse range of futures in a globalized world.