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Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Cultural Studies (BACS)

Programme Overview

With a focus on critical writing, media literacy and cultural innovation, our interdisciplinary programme cultivates caring changemakers for the digital age.

“Culture” refers to the ideas we hold and the common ways of life we share. With this programme, you will be trained to examine a broad range of sociocultural topics in local and cross-cultural contexts. You will become more knowledgeable and aware of the diverse values and lived experiences that shape our everyday life in the contemporary world.

Our flexible programme structure is industry-focused and skill-based. With the support of academic experts from cultural studies, sociology, education, media studies, literature studies, environmental studies, and history, you will learn how to:

  • critically analyse and reflect on the complex interplay between individuals and society 
  • apply current theories to real-life practices through media production workshops, studio-based learning, capstone projects and internships

This programme is ideal if you want to:

  • enhance your competency in research creation, cultural production, and digital storytelling  
  • advocate and contribute to a more open, sustainable and inclusive community
  • pursue a career in non-profit, media, education, cultural or creative sectors

New Concentrations and Courses from 2023-24

From 2023-24, students will be able to declare a concentration in “Cultural Commons, Social Innovation and Creativity” and “Digital Culture and Media Practices”. Meanwhile, 11 new Programme Electives will be added for all BA Cultural Studies students, 7 of which are co-listed under the new Concentration “Cultural Commons, Social Innovation and Creativity”.

These two concentrations will enhance student experience and prepare student for community engagement and career development.

  • “Cultural Commons, Social Innovation and Creativity” Concentration

    Students* will be able to declare this concentration after completing any 4 courses (12 credits) from those listed below. The concentration will be shown on their transcript.

    Theory

    CUS2411Food, Technology and Environments^  
    CUS2412Platform Future and Open Co-operativism^
    CUS2415Theories of Cultural Innovations^  
    CUS3322City Cultures

    Policy and Governance

    CUS2413Reflexive Approach to Social Innovation^
    CUS3409Education and Cultural Politics
    CUS3410Cultural Policy & Community

    Practice

    CUS2407Creating Urban Commons: A Global Perspective^
    CUS2410Digital Technology and Creative Commons^
    CUS2414Social Value and Social Impact Assessment: A Critical Introduction^

    * Applicable to 2021-22 Year 1 intake, 2022-23 Year 1 and Year 2 intake, 2023-24 and later intake. For details, please refer to the programme structures here.

    ^ New courses offered from 2023-24.

  • “Digital Culture and Media Practices” Concentration

    Students* will be able to declare this concentration after completing any 4 courses (12 credits) from those listed below. The concentration will be shown on their transcript.

    CUS3001Curating Digital Practice
    CUS3003Media and Creative Industries
    CUS3004Media, Gender, and Sexuality
    CUS3005Media Networks and Everyday Life
    CUS3007Social Media Literacy
    CUS3009Special Topics in Digital Culture & Media Practices
    CUS3013Techno-culture
    CUS3310Media, Culture and Society
    CUS3411Media Creativity

    *Applicable to 2021-22 Year 1 intake, 2022-23 Year 1 and Year 2 intake, 2023-24 and later intake. For details, please refer to the programme structures here.

  • 11 New Programme Electives

    11 new courses will be added for all students,7 of which are co-listed under the new Concentration “Cultural Commons, Social Innovation and Creativity” (denoted by ^ in the list below).

    • CUS2406 Becoming a Social Media Influencer
    • CUS2407 Creating Urban Commons: A Global Perspective ^
    • CUS2408 Cyber Fandom and Everyday Culture
    • CUS2409 Digital Marketing for Social Causes
    • CUS2410 Digital Technology and Creative Commons ^
    • CUS2411 Food, Technology and Environments ^
    • CUS2412 Platform Future and Open Co-operativism ^
    • CUS2413 Reflexive Approach to Social Innovation ^
    • CUS2414 Social Value and Social Impact Assessment: A Critical Introduction ^
    • CUS2415 Theories of Cultural Innovations ^
    • CUS3316 Modern Chinese Thought #

    # The course was deleted from 2019-20, will be reactivated and listed as a programme elective from 2023-24.

    Ready for Diverse Career Pathways

    With its dynamic structure and liberal arts background, the programme prepares students for a wide range of careers in the following industries: 

    • cultural events planning and management 
    • creative art and curation 
    • cultural ecology and governance
    • media
    • cultural and social innovation
    • education
    • environment and sustainability
    • cultural exchange
    • government
    • business

    Graduate / Student Sharing

    Stephanie Fung (Class of 2015)

    Co-founder and curator, Common Sense HSK and UpCycling Plus

    “Cultural studies narrows your focus for a broader vision.”

    Chan Ho Kan, David (Class of 2013)

    Founder and Director, Phone Made Good Film Limited

    “Here I found the freedom and understood what being “creative” and “intellectual” really means. My professors and peers stimulated and pushed me to go further.”

    Daisy Chu (Class of 2005)

    Founder, foreforehead

    “Never conform to stereotypes, blur the lines, search for new possibilities – this is what Cultural Studies has taught me.”

    Fredie Chan

    Florence Lo