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MA/PGDip African Studies

The MA African Studies from University of Birmingham is one of the most exciting programmes open to anyone wishing to delve into Africa-focused research.

Quick Facts

  
Duration: 1 year (Full-Time MSc)
2 years (Part-Time MSc)
16 months (Part-Time PGDip)
Starting in: September
Tuition Fee: £21,960 per year
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

The multidisciplinary African Studies programme from University of Birmingham provides you with the research training necessary to undertake a broad-based, multidisciplinary study of contemporary Africa. It provides you with an understanding of major social, cultural, political and economic developments in Africa and the Diaspora.

It enhances your ability to prepare and present to an audience material you have researched. It also enables you to develop your critical and analytical powers in relation to current events in Africa, as well as your ability to approach contemporary African issues from interdisciplinary standpoints.

As well as offering a range of original, research-led modules, students are also encouraged to participate actively in the AFRICA Talks, the Graduate Fora, the annual Cadbury fellowships and conferences and explore African societies, past and present, from multiple disciplinary perspectives.

Courses included:

  • African Fiction and its Critics
  • Contemporary Gender Issues in Africa
  • Independent Study
  • Letting Them Speak: Ethnographies of Marginalisation
  • Livelihoods and Development in Africa
  • Slavery and Freedom in Twentieth Century Africa

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University’s Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

  • Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
  • Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
  • Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
  • Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV

Requirements

  • MA programmes normally require an upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent with some background in the disciplines to be studied.
  • Applicants with a background in other disciplines, or with less traditional qualifications, may be accepted for the Diploma in African Studies.

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