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Cultural Critical Theory artwork

Cultural and Critical Theory MA (PGCert PGDip)

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Intro

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:

  1. Philosophy and Critical Theory
  2. 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.

Key facts

Location Brighton: City campus

Full-time 1 year
Part-time 2 years

Find out about postgraduate events

Apply online

Please review the entry requirements carefully and if you have any questions do get in touch with us.

Apply now for your place

“There are two things I especially appreciate about doing this Masters: one is its flexibility, and the other is being met with really understanding and supportive teaching staff. I think it’s great we can choose modules from other courses in the humanities.”

Cultural and Critical Theory student, Wiktoria

Course content

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. 
Humanities student

Course structure 

The Philosophy and Critical Theory pathway addresses some of the major figures and ideas in post-Enlightenment Western philosophy, and foregrounds the ways in which this material has informed critical social theory. By doing so, it helps students to gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding of contemporary philosophical and theoretical debates.

The Aesthetics and Cultural Theory pathway focusses on art and aesthetics, and on the theoretical dimensions of cultural studies. The first part of the pathway addresses topics such as the nature of beauty, art and the avant-garde; the second part discusses the political dimensions of modern culture.

Students also take a research methods module, which prepares them for this MA’s research project. The project itself normally consists of an 18-20,000 word dissertation (or 12,000 words alongside a video, an installation or studio-based work). Students are guided through their research projects by one-to-one supervision with staff.

In addition, students take two elective modules. These modules can take one of three forms:

  • A module from one of our other arts and humanities MA courses
  • A Higher Education Teaching and Learning Course in which the student shadows a tutor in the delivery of a module on the undergraduate programme
  • A 10,000-word extended essay with regular one-to-one tutorial supervision.

Taught courses are delivered with a maximum size of 12 students. Supervision for the project, and for pre- and post-essay tutorials, is on a one-to-one basis with the appropriate tutor.

Pathway 1 

The Philosophy and Critical Theory pathway

This pathway is composed of two modules, which address some of the major figures and ideas in post-Enlightenment Western philosophy. As a whole, the pathway studies the ways in which this material informed the emergence, development, and subsequent trajectory of German and French critical social theory.

In doing so, it covers a great deal of ground: it begins with the classical liberalism of Smith, Locke, and Hobbes, and closes by looking at the contemporary work of writers such as Žižek and Agamben. It thus provides a broad historical overview of an entire tradition of thought.

Module 1: The Philosophical Foundations of Critical Theory

This module begins by looking at the foundations of British liberalism in the work of Smith, Locke, Hobbes and Hume. It then turns to German idealism, and studies the work of Kant and Hegel. The course then focusses on Marx’s critique of capitalist society, and on early feminist critiques, before turning to Nietzsche and Freud.

Through introducing and discussing this material, the course introduces the central ideas that were taken up by Twentieth Century critical theory. It also offers students the opportunity to study these ideas in their own right.

Module 2: Traditions of Critical Theory

This module builds on the first by continuing to trace some of the major landmarks in Western philosophy, but focusses, primarily, on German and French critical theory. The module begins by looking at Sartre and existentialism, before moving on to address the work of the Frankfurt School. It then turns to some of the seminal figures in Western Marxism – Lukács, Gramsci and Althusser – before addressing structuralism and post-structuralism.

It looks at the way in which such ideas have informed feminist critiques, the work of writers such as Foucault and Derrida, and closes with a consideration of the contemporary work of Badiou, Agamben and Žižek.

Arts student

Pathway 2 

The Aesthetics and Cultural Theory pathway

The Aesthetics and Cultural Theory pathway is composed of two modules. The first considers a series of key ideas and issues concerning the nature of art and aesthetic judgement, and foregrounds the political dimensions of these topics.

The second module focusses on the politics of culture, and does so by looking at a range of ideas and political perspectives within the field of cultural studies. (Students on the Aesthetics and Cultural Theory pathway are strongly encouraged to attend the core lectures of the Philosophy and Critical theory pathway in addition to those of their own pathway, as this affords greater familiarity with the tradition of thought that informs their chosen material.)

Module 1:Aesthetics and Philosophy

This module introduces and discusses some of the key moments in modern aesthetics. It addresses topics such as: beauty and the concept of the sublime; the grotesque; Surrealism and the unconscious; the nature and role of the avant-garde; feminism; postmodernism and its critics, and postcolonial concerns.

Through doing so, it encourages critical reflection on the relationships between social context, artistic style and philosophy.

Module 2:Cultural Theory

The second module of this pathway considers developments in cultural theory from the last half of the twentieth century to the present day.

It begins by introducing the notion of cultural studies via a discussion of the seminal work of writers such as Williams, Hoggart, Hall and the Birmingham School, before looking at the latter’s work on ‘race’ and racism.

The course then turns to the cultural critique presented by the Frankfurt School, before looking at issues such as: globalisation, hybridity and cultural identity; feminisms; gender studies; semiotics, structuralism and post-structuralism; post-modernism and post-coloniality.

Arts student

Student studying at Pavilion Parade

Meet the team

Dr Tom Bunyard, course leader

Much of Tom Bunyard’s research has focused on the philosophical foundations of the cultural and critical theory produced by Guy Debord and the Situationist International. His current work is centred around contemporary readings of Hegel and new approaches to Marx’s theory of value. Read Tom’s full profile.

Other team members include:

  • Mark Devenney

  • Nicola Clewer

  • Jonathan Gilhooly

  • Cathy Bergin

  • Clare Woodford

  • Victoria Margree

  • Anita Rupprecht

  • Paul Hopper

  • Anthony Leaker

  • Toby Lovat

  • German Primera.

Student views 

“I am extremely pleased that I studied on the Cultural and Critical Theory MA. The course provided a detailed overview of contemporary philosophy and was very well structured.

The staff were extremely supportive, knowledgeable and always found time to help. The feedback on my essays was been very useful and ensured that the quality of my work improved over the duration of the course.

The skills I have learnt have been beneficial both academically and professionally. I would definitely recommend this course!” Luke

“Broadly speaking, I can confidently say I satisfied with the course. I moved here specifically for this masters degree and although I decided not to stay in Brighton, I do not regret my choice of course at all.

Coming from performance studies background, I have found this course to be just the right fit, a bridge between my interest in contemporary live and fine art and theory and I think it is a well-suitable choice for someone considering moving onto a PhD in the future.

There are two things I especially appreciate about doing this masters, one is its flexibility and the other being met with really understanding and supportive teaching stuff. I think it’s great we can choose modules from other courses in the humanities. …

Overall, my professors from my undergrad suggested to me that I apply to places that can offer engaging campus culture and can support my learning beyond providing a list of texts to read. I think this programme has a lot to offer on both levels and I am happy I ended up at this MA and not somewhere else.

I have mad respect for how dedicated, as overworked as you may all be, members of this faculty are." Wiktoria

How this course is delivered

How will my course be taught?
For the academic year that starts in September 2022 we’re planning for all students to be taught face-to-face on campus, enhanced by some online learning.

Students who started their course with us in 2021 are on campus for some face-to-face learning including tutorials, workshops, laboratory classes and studio sessions. They are also taking part in off-campus learning activities such as placements, field trips and study visits. And all of our campus facilities – libraries, learning spaces, restaurants, gyms and more are open.

Like all universities we are following government guidance and we are monitoring the pandemic very closely. Should Public Health advise it we have robust plans in place for additional safety measures to be introduced to enable everyone to continue learning on campus, and, as a last resort, for students to continue their learning remotely.

We will update you regularly on our teaching plans for the next academic year as you progress your application with us.

When does my course start?
The 2022 academic year begins on Monday 26 September 2022. Teaching for most courses starts the following week.

Many education courses, some health science courses including Medicine, and some postgraduate business courses have an earlier start date. Check your offer letter for the start date of your course.

Our latest news

The placement experience and knowledge will be a great addition to my C.V

The placement experience and knowledge will be a great addition to my C.V

Second year student Nell Gulliver talks about her placement with Screen Archive South East.

New UKRI funding for Brighton to accelerate real-world research impact

New UKRI funding for Brighton to accelerate real-world research impact

University of Brighton has received £450,000 to boost its innovative arts and humanities-based research and impact initiatives over the next three years.

Lecturer’s new book looks at life histories of radical figures in relation to black liberation struggle

Lecturer’s new book looks at life histories of radical figures in relation to black liberation struggle

Revolutionary Lives of the Red and Black Atlantic since 1917 co-edited by Christian Høgsbjerg is published on 19 April 2022 and brings to light the life histories of those whose political activity in relation to the black liberation struggle was profoundly shaped by the global impact and legacy of the Russian Revolution of October 1917.

Lecturers give free online talks as part of University exhibition looking at how objects are seen, from treasures to junk

Lecturers give free online talks as part of University exhibition looking at how objects are seen, from treasures to junk

From ‘The Fetishism of Commodities’ and ‘Graphic Interventions’, to ‘The Social Life of Unwanted Things’ and ‘Tracing the pursuit of (modern) happiness’ sign up to what promise to be fascinating events.

Read more from our blog

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.

Graduation

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

Degree and experience
Relevant honours degree (minimum second class). Admission by interview. Suitable professional experience considered.

English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall and 6.5 in writing.

International students whose language skills do not match the IELTS scores set out here should consider applying for this course through our Extended Masters programme.

Interview
Admission to this course is by interview only, which can be completed on the telephone or by Skype.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Fees

Course fees

UK (full-time) 7,866 GBP

International (full-time) 15,462 GBP

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students. Bursaries and loans may also be available to you.

Find out more about postgraduate fees and funding.

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in your fees, while studying a course in the School of Humanities and Social Science in the 2022–23 academic year are listed here.

  • For some assessments you may be required to print large format posters for presentations at a cost of £5–£10 per poster.
  • Most coursework submissions are electronic but you may wish to print notes and should budget up to £100 for printing.
  • Course books are available from the university but you may wish to budget up to £200 to buy your own copies.
  • Some courses include an optional placement module for which students will need to cover the costs of travel to and from the placement and DBS checks as required.
  • For the Humanistic Psychotherapeutic Counselling PGDip and Psychotherapeutic Psychodynamic Counselling PGDip, the following course-related costs are not included in the tuition fee:
    • Supervision fees: £1,170 for each full year. Estimated based on £45 per hour with fortnightly meetings. In some agencies, supervision will be provided at no cost. Where students have to pay, the cost will only begin when supervision begins.
    • Personal counselling/therapy: £2,000–£2,800 over the course. Estimated based on £40 per hour.
  • For a number of courses you will have the opportunity to attend field trips and off-site visits. These are optional and are not required to pass your course but under normal circumstances we would expect a budget of approximately £150 per year will cover the costs of particular trips. The amount spent would be based on location and number of trips taken.
  • You will have access to computers and necessary software, however many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2022–23.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

City campus

City campus is located at the heart of central Brighton.

The facilities for making and designing, the theatre, galleries, workshops, studios, archives and the independent arts organisations based on site provide a unique and inspiring environment where creativity thrives.

St Peter’s House library and Phoenix halls of residence are close to the exhibition and learning facilities in the Grand Parade main building where you will also find the student centre with careers, counselling, student advice service and disability and dyslexia support. Edward Street provides extensive teaching and gallery space for media, photography and film.

Also on site are Screen Archive South East and University of Brighton Design Archives.

Brighton Pavilion, Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, the iconic pier and beach are a very short walk away. The independent shops and businesses of the North Laine and Kemptown, and Brighton main line station, with frequent express services to London, are 10 minutes walk.

Grand Parade exhibition space

Accommodation

Brighton: City campus

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students who apply by 30 June.

Halls of residence
We have halls of residence across Brighton in the city centre, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer. All rooms are self-catered.

  • You'll be prioritised for accommodation in the halls that are linked to your teaching base, subject to availability.
  • City campus is linked to Phoenix halls, Mithras halls and Moulsecoomb Place.
    • Phoenix halls are a short walk from City campus in the centre of Brighton.
    • Mithras hall and Moulsecoomb Place are located on the Moulsecoomb campus, around two miles from City campus. Public transport in the city is excellent.

Want to live independently? We can help – find out more about private renting.

Phoenix Brewery Halls Accommodation

Accommodation for City campus is in the nearby Phoenix Halls

Student kitchen in Phoenix Halls

Student kitchen in Phoenix Halls

Relaxing in nearby Pavilion Gardens

Relaxing in nearby Pavilion Gardens

Local area

About Brighton

The University of Brighton is at the heart of our city’s reputation as a welcoming, forward-thinking place which leads the way when it comes to the arts, music, sustainability and creative technology. Brighton is home to a thriving creative community and a digital sector worth £1bn a year. Many of the work-based learning opportunities offered on our courses such as placements, live briefs and guest lectures are provided by businesses and organisations based in the city.

We provide support and venues for key events in the city’s arts calendar including the Brighton Festival, the Festival Fringe, the Great Escape, the Brighton Digital Festival, Brighton Photo Biennial and the CineCity Brighton Film Festival. Other annual highlights include Pride, the Brighton Marathon, and Burning the Clocks which marks the winter solstice. Our own Brighton Graduate Show transforms our campus into the largest exhibition space in the South East as we celebrate the outstanding talent and creativity of our students.

As a student you’ll get lots of opportunities to experience these events at first hand and to develop your skills through the volunteering and other opportunities they offer.

You'll find living in Brighton enriches your learning experience and by the end of your course you will still be finding new things to explore and inspire you.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Maps

City campus map

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more.

Students talking in a social area

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Cricket Academy

New for September 2023, our Cricket Academy offers aspiring players the opportunity to continue their cricket development alongside studying for a degree. The programme offers a world-class training environment with the highest quality coaching.

Find out more about the Cricket Academy.

Students playing frisbee

Stay in touch

Find out about postgraduate events

Ask a question about this course

Tom Bunyard
01273 643089
t.bunyard@brighton.ac.uk

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