MA/PGCert/PGDip Cultural and Critical Theory

This MA studies the interdependence of philosophy and critical theory, and addresses their relation to political action, culture, aesthetics, and art.

The course offers two pathways:

Philosophy and Critical Theory
Aesthetics and Cultural Theory

The Philosophy and Critical Theory pathway studies key figures and issues in the history of modern Western philosophy. In doing so, it considers the ways in which these ideas have informed critical social theory.

The Aesthetics and Cultural Theory pathway uses that same intellectual background to explore the issues that have been raised in cultural studies, art theory and aesthetics during the Twentieth and Twenty First Centuries.

Both pathways are suitable for students who have already studied philosophy and cultural theory, and who want to gain a deeper understanding of particular topics or issues. Each pathway guides its students towards developing bodies of advanced specialist knowledge in their chosen areas.

Both are, however, also suited to students who are relatively unfamiliar with this material, and who want to explore it in detail at MA-level.

Our courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis in order to make sure that what you learn with us is relevant and that your course enables you to develop appropriate skills. When you apply to study with us, we will inform you of any new developments in your chosen programme.

Why study with us?

The course is surrounded by a vibrant postgraduate culture, and by a broad and inclusive research environment. Each year, we host many public lectures, workshops and conferences, all of which are open to our MA students. We also encourage participation in the many reading groups that take place at Brighton.
The course is run by staff who are experts in their specialist areas, and who have a wide range of research interests in philosophy, critical theory, aesthetics, and cultural studies. This expertise encompasses topics such as applied ethics; politics; political activism; art theory and art history; literature; feminism; issues concerning race and racism; psychoanalysis; and much more.
Tutorial support is available throughout the course, and advice is provided both before and after the submission of essays. Staff help students to select subjects for their dissertation, and to develop that subject into a focussed research project.
The MA includes a research methods module that helps students to improve their skills in independent study, and to develop their dissertation project. This can help to prepare them for doctoral work.
The course’s elective modules also offers students the opportunity to take MA-level courses from across the School of Humanities.

Careers

About a third of graduates from the Cultural and Critical Theory MA go on to PhD study, equipped with advanced research skills and specialist knowledge of their subject area. Others start or continue work as museum or gallery curators, in arts administration, journalism, social work, education or politics.

Students can exit with PGDip & PGCert.