Master of Science in Social and Cultural Theory

at University of Bristol - Clifton Campus United Kingdom

The innovators of the 21st century will bring together arts, science, engineering, humanities and enterprise to deliver innovative products, services and ways of living. They will be team players with a breadth of skills and qualities that enable them to work across specialisms and cultures.

This course combines in-depth subject specialism in history with interdisciplinary breadth, creative teamwork and entrepreneurial skills. Alongside your history studies, you will apply your subject knowledge by translating ideas into plans for digital and creative enterprises, both social and commercial.

The course will equip you for researching and communicating history by treating you as a historian from day one. You will be supported in ‘doing’ history through a mix of core units, a wide choice of primary source-based optional units and substantial pieces of independent research. Small-group teaching, supported by lectures and workshops, facilitates student discussion and debate.
You will come together with students from other innovation disciplines, such as psychology and management, each contributing a unique perspective on a challenge as you identify needs and develop ideas. Ultimately, you'll create innovative solutions together.

By the time you graduate you will have a portfolio of work ranging from live client projects to planning your own entrepreneurial venture. You will have learned how to evaluate the potential of your product or service and how to finance it, and you will have a network of peers and advisers who have worked with you along the way

This course combines film with the study of Italian. It will suit those with an enquiring mind and a passion for exploring the culture of another country and society.

Italian language and culture have had a lasting impact on Europe. Today, Italy's innovative contributions to design, technology and fashion make it a major global commercial force. Italy is both traditional and modern and this tension is apparent throughout its history and culture. As the United Kingdom forges a new relationship with its European partners and seeks to develop its trading and cultural ties throughout the world, expertise in modern languages is more important than ever.

In the Department of Film and Television, guided by leading scholars and practitioners, you will explore the history of film and television. You will consider theoretical perspectives, appreciate how films are made and engage in practical filmmaking activities.

Alongside film you will study Italian language, history and culture units, choosing from a wide range of options that allow you to pursue your own interests. Both departments offer a vibrant learning environment with research-led teaching.

Our BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures degree offer an unmatched opportunity to study international cultural production in depth and breadth. You will study global literatures and cultures in comparative frameworks that draw on methodologies from textual, cultural and visual studies, as well as from translation, philosophy, history, social science and critical theory. Texts will be read in English translation.

Core units in years one and two currently include What is Comparative Literature and How Do We Practise It?; Introduction to Visual Cultures; Popular Representation and Institutions of Culture; Migrations of Culture. Additionally, you will have a wide choice of optional units based in the culture of a single language or a combination of cultures.

Your third year is spent in a German-speaking country, where you will undertake university study, a British Council assistantship or a work placement. You will follow a programme of study in German, developing linguistic skills enabling you to communicate easily in writing and orally. For more information about the year abroad visit Global Opportunities.

In year four you will complete an innovative supervised independent project, consisting of an extended essay on a topic of your choice and a public-facing element presented to the entire cohort (e.g. prospectus, interview, museum catalogue entries, newspaper article).

You will be taught by experts in the field and teaching is informed by staff research interests. Teaching is delivered in varied ways, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and one-to-one supervision. You will participate in small-group teaching and may be asked to give introductory talks to initiate discussion.

This programme encourages attributes highly valued by employers, including intercultural understanding, analytical and critical thinking, clarity and self confidence in communication, an aptitude for collaborative work and creativity. It will instil habits of curiosity, openness, rigour, self-reflection and evidence-based thinking, preparing you for careers in a variety of sectors.

Neuropsychology is the science linking the functioning of the brain with cognitive and emotional experience and behaviour. Neuropsychology represents the interface between the biological, psychological and social facets of human behaviour.  

This course is delivered in partnership with North Bristol NHS Trust. As a course team we are passionate about neuropsychology and its application to society to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of those affected by damage, disease or dysfunction affecting the brain.  

The taught content of the MSc is identical to the taught content we provide when training qualified clinical psychologists to specialise in neuropsychology. The programme therefore covers core content dictated by the British Psychological Society and delivers an authentic reflection of clinical practice. You will learn about a range of neuropsychological disorders and pathologies, as well as focusing on principles of assessment, formulation and rehabilitation. We also cover anatomy, neuroscience methods and theories of brain function.

Around 80% of our taught content is delivered by practising clinicians, and you will receive regular, structured tutorials with clinicians that allow you to explore different aspects of clinical practice and gain insight into patient pathways and evidence-based formulation. This programme is suitable for those looking to pursue a research career, professional positions (eg assistant psychologist) or further clinical training (eg Doctorate in Clinical Psychology).

The joint honours English and Portuguese degree allows you to study two complementary disciplines, both of which ask you to think carefully about culture and history and to pay close attention to detail while comprehending and analysing language.

Students on this course will join departments with top researchers in a great diversity of fields and will be encouraged to develop expertise and research skills relevant to both disciplines while also considering the relations between them.

You will explore a rich variety of texts in their social, political and historical contexts and will develop excellent critical and communication skills, both in English and in Portuguese. You will also have opportunities to study aspects of history, film and linguistics as part of your Portuguese programme.

You will spend a mandatory year abroad in a Portuguese-speaking environment to improve your language skills and global citizenship. You will develop excellent critical and communication skills that will prepare you for a wide range of professions. For further details of year abroad opportunities visit Global Opportunities.

All English and Portuguese students complete a dissertation during the final year; a project that will ask you to bring together the skills you have developed while studying both disciplines.