Study african studies abroad

Programs in African studies explore the history, language, culture, and geography of African nations.

You’ll develop an appreciation for the diversity of African societies, and consider the unique challenges they face. You’ll study the politics, economies, and religions of African countries, and could even learn a new language, like Zulu or Swahili.

Africa is a huge continent with a tremendous global influence. By studying overseas, you’ll see how African music, art, and literature are enjoyed across the globe. You’ll also learn about the migration patterns of African citizens, and immerse yourself in communities of African descent.

Most African studies degrees are only offered at the postgraduate level. To enroll in these programs, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in the humanities or social sciences.

Master’s degrees can be studied full-time over one year, or part-time over two or three. You could graduate with either an MA or MSc depending on the modules you select and the university you attend.

If you’re eager to conduct original research and contribute to scholarly discussions, you might consider pursuing a doctorate degree. PhDs normally take three years if you study full-time, or up to six years if you learn on a part-time basis.

You’ll spend most of your time studying independently, but taught-postgraduate programs will include some lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops too. If you choose language modules, you’ll have more class time to practice your speaking and listening skills.

There are so many aspects of Africa to explore, so tailoring your course to reflect your interests is easy. Here are some of the topics you could choose from:

• Introduction to African culture
• African geography
• Themes in African history
• Modern and contemporary arts in Africa
• Language, identity, and society in Africa
• African philosophy
• The politics of Africa
• Slavery and colonialism

African studies degrees provide a solid foundation for a vast array of rewarding careers.

Your knowledge, communication skills, and cultural awareness will be invaluable to employers in politics, international organizations, NGOs, the media, education, and more.

Here are just a handful of the career paths you could follow after graduation:

• Translator/interpreter
• Anthropologist
• International aid worker
• Chief executive officer of an NGO
• Cultural resources manager
• Civil servant
• Economic development officer
• Foreign service specialist

Work experience and volunteering opportunities are a great way of demonstrating your passion and commitment to potential employers. If you’d like some extra support, your university’s careers service can help you find and apply for placements.