BLACK studies is a degree topic that typically involves examination of the history, social movements, and cultures of people from the African diaspora. The topic is multidisciplinary and institutions offer courses with different weightings on more specific aspects of the field.
In the United States, a great many universities offer courses on African American history at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. As the name suggests, these degrees consider virtually all aspects of the African American experience and help to prepare students to be global citizens and social activists. In contrast to the vast choice on offer in the States, in the United Kingdom, only a few black studies options exist. Prospective students who want to gain a qualification in black history and study in Britain might have to consider other options.
Black Studies at UK Universities
This year, Birmingham City University has announced a new Black Studies undergraduate degree that will be welcoming its first cohort in September. The BA has been designed to provide students with a wide knowledge and understanding of the contributions and achievements of black scholars, activists, and communities. At present, this is the only full degree course in the UK that is dedicated to black studies.
The course spans a long history of the African diaspora, from times before the transatlantic slave trade to the current day. It will look at topics touching on areas all around the world, but will focus on ‘Blackness in Britain’. Tying in with the newly launched BCU Centre for Brexit Studies, students will be have the opportunity to look at the effects that leaving the EU might have on the cultural identities of Britain and Europe.
Similar Courses on Offer
Whilst the BCU one is the only specific black studies course, there are a small number of similar degrees on offer elsewhere in the UK. The University of Manchester, for example, offers a BA in History and American Studies. This course covers the entire history of America, from colonisation to present, whilst also offering full access to history modules, so students could study British or African history alongside the core American component.
In the same city, the University of Birmingham runs an African Studies BA, which offers module options such as African History, Politics, Society and Development, and Geography. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop a broad knowledge of all things Africa – from past to present – whilst focusing on their particular areas of interest.
Studying at SOAS University of London (claimed to be the world’s leading institution for the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East) could also be a good option: this institution offers an African Studies BA too, as well as the option to combine the course with a number of other subjects, such as history, economics, music, and social anthropology. SOAS also offers Masters courses in African Literature and African Studies, for those who wish to specialise further in postgraduate study.
Elsewhere in the country, the University of Oxford also has an African Studies MSc on offer, whilst University College London allows students to specialise at postgraduate level with courses such as “African Studies with Environment” and “African Studies with Health”.
Alternative Options
If the above universities or courses don’t suit, another option would be to read a history degree that offers black history and postcolonial modules. History degrees are on offer at almost every university in the country, many of which include optional modules that could be tailored to suit this interest. However, this route will only focus on black history rather than more modern aspects of culture, politics, geography and social movements.
Finally, some options are available for study through distance learning courses. If you are more interested in learning the content than in gaining a qualification, and are willing to learn remotely, then the number of options available to you opens up somewhat.
Yale University advertises a free online course entitled: “African American History: from emancipation to the present”. This course has a strong focus on America; it is free of charge and the lectures are available to the public online. Unfortunately, for public participants, no formal qualification is provided. Michigan State University has a similar course available, called “African American History: The Modern Freedom Struggle”; these lectures are also provided free of charge online. A wide range of different lectures relating to black history can be found on the Open University website, too.
For course information and inspiration, check out our courses section.
