MA Postcolonial Culture & Global Policy

Program Overview

The MA in Postcolonial Culture and Global Policy at Goldsmiths, University of London, explores the intersection of postcolonial theory and global political economy. It provides students with the tools to analyze contemporary global issues and developments, and prepares them for careers in policy research, NGOs, advocacy, and other fields. The program includes a practical placement and encourages interdisciplinary engagement.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• Understand contemporary developments and world(s) through post-colonial theory and international political economic issues.
• Grasp concepts like race, diaspora, hybridity, difference, grassroots development, HDI, multitude, immanence, and human rights.
• Analyze practical, policy and activist issues arising from globalization: global civil society, role of international organizations, intellectual property rights, social capital, financialisation, global governance and deep democracy.
• Deal with issues like terrorism, microfinance, indigenous people, gender and sexuality, multiculturalism and environmental justice.

Program Description:

• Explores the intersection of post-colonial theory and global political economy.
• Provides tools for analyzing contemporary global issues and developments.
• Examines themes like race, diaspora, hybridity, development, human rights, global civil society, and international organizations.
• Engages with practical issues like terrorism, microfinance, indigenous people, and environmental justice.

Outline:

Compulsory Modules:

• Postcolonial Theory (30 credits): Explores key concepts and figures in postcolonial studies.
• Globalisation: Politics, Policy and Critique (30 credits): Examines the political, economic, and social implications of globalization.
• Policy Lab and Placement (30 credits): Provides practical experience in policy research and advocacy.
• MA Postcolonial Culture and Global Policy Dissertation (60 credits): Individual research project on a chosen topic.

Option Modules:

• Students select 30 credits of option modules from across Goldsmiths departments and centers.
• Options include modules in Anthropology, History, Media, Communications and Cultural Studies, Politics, Sociology, and more.

Assessment:

• Essays and/or practical projects in each module.
• Dissertation for the MA Postcolonial Culture and Global Policy Dissertation module.

Teaching:

• Instruction by leading theorists and visiting lecturers.
• Emphasis on critical engagement with theoretical and practical issues.
• Opportunities for practical experience through the Policy Lab and Placement module.

Careers:

• Graduates pursue careers in policy research, NGOs, advocacy, charities, international organizations, cultural and political activism, global media, art and curating, and academia.

Other:

• The program includes a practical placement supervised and assessed.
• Placement options include NGOs in India or Africa, arts and conservation organizations in China, indigenous activists in Latin America, London-based global NGOs, diasporic communities, think-tanks, environmental organizations, publishers, or financial/microfinance organizations.
• The program has a strong focus on interdisciplinarity and encourages students to engage with a variety of perspectives.
• The program is offered full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years).

Summary:

The MA in Postcolonial Culture and Global Policy is a rigorous and comprehensive program that provides students with the tools and knowledge to critically engage with contemporary global issues. The program combines theoretical and practical learning, preparing graduates for a variety of careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.