Trent University

Overview

Trent University’s Cultural Studies graduate programs are designed to cultivate advanced research skills and critical thinking in cultural, political, and interdisciplinary inquiries. Students engage with contemporary issues through the lens of critical theory and research creation, benefiting from close mentorship by faculty and active participation in a vibrant arts community.

What you'll study

The Cultural Studies program offers both Master’s (M.A.) and Doctoral (Ph.D.) pathways. The M.A. can be pursued through a one-year major research paper route or a two-year thesis route, while the Ph.D. focuses on original research culminating in a doctoral thesis. Students will engage with a diverse curriculum, including:

• Core and seminar-based courses in cultural and political theory
• Methods and research training to support thesis development
• Electives covering topics such as gender and sexuality, media and discourse, science and knowledge, and cultural politics

Indicative course offerings may include:

• Reading Toronto
• Arts of Conflict: Violence, Art, and the Irish Troubles
• Feminist, Gender & Women’s Studies
• Subjects of Desire

The capstone requirement includes either an M.A. major research paper (for the one-year route) or an M.A. thesis (for the two-year route), as well as a Ph.D. thesis for doctoral candidates.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Cultural Studies program does not require GRE or GMAT scores. Applicants should possess an honours degree, typically a four-year undergraduate degree, with a minimum average of B+ (77%) or equivalent in their last two years of full-time study or the equivalent of the last ten full academic credits. Demonstrated aptitude for interdisciplinary study is also essential.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Cultural Studies program are well-equipped to pursue diverse career paths in various fields, including academia, cultural institutions, media, and public policy. The skills developed throughout the program, such as critical analysis, research proficiency, and interdisciplinary understanding, position graduates for success in both professional and scholarly endeavors.