Master of Cultural Studies

About the course

The Master of Cultural Studies explores cultural theory and contemporary cultural practices across areas such as popular culture, media, gender and sexuality, globalisation and consumer culture. You’ll build conceptual and methodological skills to analyse cultural expressions using real-world examples, and tailor the degree with electives to suit your interests. The course culminates in capstone study with research on a topic of your choice in cultural studies at master’s level.

Career outcome

Graduates apply advanced cultural analysis skills to roles that require interpreting social and cultural change across media and creative industries, policy and community organisations, education, and research support. The program strengthens critical thinking, qualitative research capability and communication for work involving cultural strategy, content and audience insight, advocacy, and program development. It prepares you for professional pathways and further study in arts and humanities-related cultural studies at master’s level.

Living Costs in Sydney**

Restaurant (Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant) A$ 17 - 22	Rent per Month (1 bedroom in City Centre) A$ 2,207 - 2,918	Rent per Month (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) A$ 1,599 - 2,115
Transportation (Daily) A$ 9 - 10	Utilities per Month (Electricity, Mobile & Internet) A$ 219 - 290

Average Salary***

*Source: QS World University Subjects Rankings (2026)

**Source: numbeo.com

***Source: PayScale.com (2026)