Bachelor of Arts in Popular Culture

The Bachelor of Arts in Popular Culture at the University of Southern Queensland offers students an in-depth exploration of contemporary cultural phenomena, media, entertainment, and societal trends that shape our world today. This innovative program is designed for those passionate about understanding the dynamics of popular culture and its impact on society, providing a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications. Throughout the course, students will analyze various forms of media including television, film, music, social media, and digital platforms, gaining critical insights into how these mediums influence social identities, political movements, and consumer behavior.

The program encourages engagement with a broad spectrum of topics such as celebrity culture, fandom, advertising, gaming, and the role of culture in shaping community and identity. Students will develop skills in cultural analysis, research methodologies, and communication, preparing them for careers in media production, entertainment industries, cultural management, marketing, or further academic study. With a focus on critical thinking and cultural literacy, the program emphasizes understanding diverse perspectives and the social significance of popular culture phenomena. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and are supported by faculty who are experts in media studies, cultural analysis, and communication.

Designed to be flexible, the Bachelor of Arts in Popular Culture can be tailored to individual interests, combining core modules with electives that cover areas such as media studies, digital cultures, and cultural theory. The program also offers practical opportunities through internships and industry placements, enabling students to gain real-world experience. Graduates will leave equipped with analytical skills, cultural awareness, and practical knowledge, making them well-prepared to pursue careers in media, entertainment, cultural analysis, or related fields. By fostering a deep understanding of the role of popular culture in shaping contemporary society, this program aims to produce reflective and innovative professionals ready to contribute thoughtfully to the dynamic media landscape.

Program structure

COMBINATION 1

Courses to be studiedUnits

Core courses4

plus 1 x 12-unit Interdisciplinary Major 12

plus 1 x 8-unit Major 8 

Total24

COMBINATION 2

Courses to be studiedUnits

Core courses4

plus 1 x 12-unit Interdisciplinary Major12

plus 2 x 4-unit Minor8

or 1 x 4-unit Minor plus 4 x Electives

or 8 x Electives

Total24

Course codeCourse name

Core courses:

CMS1000Communication and Scholarship

EDC2200Indigenous Perspectives

HMT1000History of Western Ideas

HMT2000Ethical Issues and Human Rights

Popular Culture Major:Select four from the following:

CMS1010Introduction to Communication Studies

CMS1012Introduction to Media Studies

ENL1000Introduction to Literature

ENL1001Australian Stories

JRN1000Journalism Practice

MEA1004Cinematic Language

plus six from the following:

CMS2017Australian Television

CMS2018Audience and Industry

CMS2019Global Hollywood

ENL2003The Art of Storytelling

JRN2010News Literacy

MUI2006Musical Contexts 2: Western Popular Music

THE2002Community and Political Theatre

VSA2000Perspectives in Contemporary Art

plus two from the following:

CMS3013New Media

ENL3005The Australian Novel 1975-2010

HIS3003Contemporary America1

Footnotes

1 Offered in odd-numbered years (2013 etc).

The Bachelor of Arts in Popular Culture at the University of Southern Queensland offers students a comprehensive exploration of contemporary cultural phenomena, media, entertainment, and societal trends. The program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and an understanding of the impact of popular culture on society. Students will engage with a diverse range of topics including television, film, music, games, fandom, and digital media, analyzing their significance within historical and social contexts. The curriculum includes core subjects such as Cultural Theory, Media Studies, and Australian Popular Culture, complemented by electives allowing students to tailor their learning to specific interests. To complete the degree, students typically need to undertake a combination of coursework and research projects, culminating in a capstone project that demonstrates their ability to critically evaluate aspects of popular culture. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in media production, journalism, cultural analysis, education, and entertainment industries. General entry requirements include a completed secondary school qualification with evidence of academic ability. Students may also be required to demonstrate proficiency in English. Some courses may involve practical assessments, presentations, and research papers. Throughout the program, students have opportunities for internships and industry placements, providing real-world experience. Assessment methods vary but generally include essays, exams, project work, and oral presentations. The program encourages critical engagement with current cultural debates and promotes an understanding of the diverse perspectives within popular culture. Graduates will be equipped with the analytical tools necessary to interpret cultural trends and contribute to discussions in media and cultural industries. The duration of the program is typically three years of full-time study, with options for part-time study available. Upon successful completion of all coursework, students are awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Popular Culture, enabling them to pursue further academic study or enter relevant professional fields.

The University of Southern Queensland offers various financial options for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Popular Culture. Students can access federal government assistance programs such as student loans, including the Higher Education Support Act (HESA) for eligible domestic students. The university provides competitive scholarships, including academic excellence scholarships, regional scholarships, and scholarships for Indigenous students, which can significantly offset tuition costs. International students are required to pay tuition fees upfront or via payment plans, and they may be eligible for international student scholarships based on merit and need. The university encourages students to explore external funding sources such as government grants, private scholarships, and sponsorship opportunities. The university’s financial aid services offer counseling and guidance to help students understand their options and manage their tuition payments effectively. Additionally, students can choose from various payment plans that allow installment payments over the duration of their studies, making financing more manageable. Part-time work opportunities are available on and off-campus, providing students with additional income sources to support their studies. The cost of the program includes tuition fees, which vary depending on the student’s residency status, with domestic students generally paying lower fees than international students. The university also provides detailed information about potential additional costs such as textbooks, supplies, and access to digital resources. International students are advised to consider health insurance costs, which are mandatory and can be arranged through the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. Overall, students are encouraged to thoroughly review the university’s financial options and budgeting advice to ensure they can comfortably fund their education in popular culture studies at the University of Southern Queensland.

Popular Culture at the University of Southern Queensland offers students an engaging and dynamic program designed to explore various aspects of contemporary cultural phenomena. This program provides students with the opportunity to analyze popular media, entertainment, and societal trends through multidisciplinary approaches, including media studies, cultural analysis, and communication. The curriculum covers topics such as television, film, music, social media, fashion, and consumer culture, enabling students to develop critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of how popular culture influences and reflects society.

The program aims to equip students with practical skills for careers in media production, entertainment industries, advertising, marketing, and cultural consultancy. Students engage in a combination of theoretical coursework and practical projects, including media production, content analysis, and cultural research. The program encourages students to think creatively and critically about the role of popular culture in shaping social identities, political discourse, and economic development.

Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including media labs and multimedia production studios, to facilitate hands-on learning experiences. The university also fosters collaborations with industry partners and cultural organizations, providing internships and real-world project opportunities that enhance employability. Graduates of the program are prepared for diverse careers, including media analysis, creative content development, cultural policy, and academic research.

The program emphasizes a global perspective, examining popular culture from both local and international viewpoints. It integrates theoretical frameworks from sociology, anthropology, and media studies to foster a comprehensive understanding of cultural trends and their societal impacts. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate media narratives and participate in discussions on current cultural issues.

Overall, the Popular Culture program at the University of Southern Queensland offers a rich educational experience that combines academic rigor with practical application, preparing students to become thoughtful contributors to the dynamic field of popular culture analysis and production.