In 2017, we introduced Europe’s first-ever Black Studies degree, and we now have two additional courses in this field: Black Studies with Criminal Justice and MA Black Studies, but what is it and why should you study it?
The UK had long lacked an independent area for this subject, as highlighted by the Black Lives Matter campaign and ongoing commentary on Megan Markle and the Royal family to name a few - this course provides a platform to open up dialogue about such issues. Let's take a closer look.
So, what is it?
Black Studies revolves around the teaching, learning and researching of historical and contemporary black social experiences. The course sheds light upon cultural and social activism for Britain and across the African Diaspora, whilst also focusing on engaging and inducting students on issues and topics surrounding the black community such as popular culture, politics, feminism and more.
This course brings a culturally diverse degree to one of Britain’s most multicultural cities, enabling you to help create a revitalised social space for the black movement. These elements of the degree set it apart from conventional sociology studies. We want to demonstrate the significance of how liberating, intellectual thought can contribute to global human rights, community self-representation and social justice in a positive and inspiring way.
Black Studies also acts as a celebration and acknowledgement of contributions by black people to British history, showcasing the achievements and actions of black individuals who have impacted the world directly or indirectly.
Criminal Justice
As an extension of Black Studies, we also offer the opportunity for you to learn about the specifics of criminal justice surrounding black perspectives and experiences. Black Studies with Criminal Justice directly examines the justice system and its relationship with the black community. This allows the expansion of Black Studies to not only be culturally, historically and politically informative, but also valuable in understanding inequality within the justice system. Alongside modules you find within the Black Studies degree, you will also take Criminology-specific modules.
Be a positive influence
It’s important to emphasise that Black Studies is a course for everybody, and the benefits and educational knowledge the course provides are vital to our generation. Black Studies graduates influence future societal developments and drive towards positive change by facing issues head on, continuing to open dialogue and challenge unjust ideologies.
Knowledge learnt on the course will also help form exciting careers and opportunities. Job roles range from community development, working with charitable organisations, the political sector and governmental roles as well as social and youth work and many more.
By celebrating Black culture and legitimising the academic nature of this subject, the Black Studies course also helps to play a major role in widening diversity in higher education.
Leading academics
Our research-active lecturers are amongst the most prestigious in the field and provide a wealth of knowledge and understanding of these important issues. The team includes:
- Professor Kehinde Andrews, named one of the Great Black Britons in 2020 who continually features in national publications debating topical issues, including the ongoing commentary on Meghan Markle and the Royal family.
- Dr Tony Talburt, Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for Black Studies, has a particular interest in the history of Africa and Black Diaspora.
- Dr Dionne Taylor leads the MA Black Studies postgraduate degree and specialises in black identity and the links between gender, race and ethnicity.
- Shey Fyffe has taught Sociology and Black Studies higher education since 2016. Shey’s interests lie in community and scholar activism alongside black political unity.
- Dr Kadian Pow has over twenty years of Black Studies experience and has taught in both the USA and the UK.