Issued pursuant to Decision No. 1490/QD-XHNV dated March 19, 2026, by the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
PART I: GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE TRAINING PROGRAM
1. Some information about the training program
Program name:
+ Vietnamese: Cultural Studies
+ English: Cultural Studies
Name of the training program:
+ Vietnamese: Cultural Studies
+ English: Cultural Studies
- Training program code: 8229040
- Language of instruction:Vietnamese
- Standard training duration:2 years
- Name of diploma after graduation:
+ Vietnamese: Master's degree in Cultural Studies
+ English: The Degree of Master in Cultural Studies
2. Objectives of the training program
2.1. General Objectives
The Master's program in Cultural Studies aims to help students perfect their interdisciplinary knowledge in social sciences and humanities, update their theories and methods, and enhance their expertise in cultural studies to improve their research capabilities, critical thinking, innovation, analysis, and problem-solving skills in the field of Cultural Studies. Students will be able to apply interdisciplinary and specialized knowledge to evaluate and solve practical problems from a cultural perspective, thereby adapting to their careers, developing themselves after graduation, proactively seeking and developing new knowledge, and having the ability to pursue doctoral studies and lifelong learning.
2.2. Specific Objectives
- Specific Objective 1(O1): A supplementary training program to complete learners' interdisciplinary foundational knowledge in social sciences and humanities, systematizing in-depth theoretical knowledge and methods of cultural studies;
- Specific Objective 2(O2): The program facilitates learners in practicing scientific and professional working methods, thereby enhancing skills in research design and implementation, data collection, processing, and analysis to draw valuable conclusions and recommendations for solving practical problems; the ability to work independently and creatively; effective communication and teamwork skills; and integration into an international environment.
- Specific Objective 3 (O3): The training program helps learners develop the qualities of a cultural studies expert, continuously learn and improve their knowledge, and proactively and creatively apply their knowledge and skills to solve practical problems in various work environments.
3. Admission Information
3.1. Admission method:Admission is based on the regulations of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-Hanoi).
3.2. Eligibility Criteria
3.2.1. Educational requirements
- Applicants must possess a university degree in a relevant field with a GPA of at least "good" or higher, or have published scientific papers related to their field of study. If applicants require supplementary courses, these must be completed before applying.
- Diplomas issued by foreign educational institutions must undergo recognition procedures in accordance with the current regulations of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
3.2.2. Foreign language proficiency requirements
- Possess foreign language proficiency (in one of the following languages: English, French, Chinese, German, or Russian) meeting the requirements of the training program at Level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam. Foreign language proficiency can be demonstrated through one of the following diplomas or certificates:
+ A university degree or higher in a foreign language; or a university degree or higher where the program is primarily conducted in a foreign language;
+ A university degree or higher awarded by Vietnam National University, Hanoi, within the last two years, where the program's output meets the requirements of level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam;
+ A foreign language proficiency certificate equivalent to level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam, or equivalent, valid for 2 years from the date of the foreign language exam to the date of signing the master's entrance exam, issued by institutions recognized by the Ministry of Education and Training and Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
- Applicants who are foreign citizens must have a Vietnamese language proficiency level of 4/6 or higher according to the Vietnamese Language Proficiency Framework for Foreigners, or have graduated from a university (or equivalent qualification or higher) where the training program was taught in Vietnamese; and meet the requirements for a second foreign language as stipulated by the training program (if any).
3.2.3. Other conditions
- A clean personal record, not currently serving a sentence or higher in any legal penalty, and not currently serving a criminal sentence, as confirmed by the human resources department of the workplace or the local government where the individual resides.
- I am healthy enough to study.
- Meet other requirements of VNU.
- Commitment to fulfilling financial obligations during the training process as stipulated by the training institution.
3.3. List of suitable industries
- This field is in the same group as Cultural Studies.
- The field of study is defined in the training program standards issued by the Ministry of Education and Training.
- For cases where there are no established training program standards for the corresponding field or group of disciplines, the specialized unit must have a scientific and practical basis, determined by the Scientific and Training Council of the specialized unit and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, to identify the discipline with the closest professional foundation to the training program and determine the corresponding supplementary courses (if needed); report to VNU before enrollment and be responsible for this professional evaluation.
3.4. Projected enrollment quotas
- According to the quotas granted annually by Vietnam National University, Hanoi (expected to be 20-25 students per year).
- The detailed admission plan is implemented according to the Admission Regulations, the annual postgraduate admission guidelines of VNU, and the admission scheme of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities approved by VNU (if any).
PART II. LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM
1. Knowledge Output Standards
PLO 01:Applying in-depth cultural studies theories and methods effectively to professional activities in the context of digital transformation.
PLO 02:This study analyzes theoretical and practical issues in cultural studies based on knowledge of philosophical worldviews and methodologies; the theoretical system of cultural studies; and the legal and policy framework of the State, in order to clarify and resolve theoretical and practical issues in the context of cultural diversity, globalization, and international integration.
PLO 03:Assessing the impact of contemporary cultural transformations based on scientific criteria, conflicts between preservation and development, between tradition and modernity based on sustainable development standards, and trends in contemporary cultural transformation.
2. Skill Output Standards
PLO 04:Skillfully combine advanced approaches, theories, and research methods of cultural studies, new technologies, media, and interdisciplinary thinking to design or conduct independent research that meets scientific standards and assesses issues contributing to the sustainable development of socio-cultural aspects in an environment of international integration and digital transformation.
PLO 05:Communicating knowledge and research results to diverse audiences through clear and understandable spoken and written forms, meeting the requirements of digital transformation and international integration.
PLO 06:Achieving a foreign language proficiency level equivalent to level 4 of the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework used in Vietnam is essential for applying language skills in researching specialized documents, writing scientific reports, and presenting and discussing specialized issues.
3. Output standards regarding autonomy and responsibility.
PLO 07:Autonomy in developing and implementing cultural projects; accountability for the cultural and social impacts of cultural programs and projects in which they participate or lead.
PLO 08:Demonstrating social responsibility in guiding humanistic values, ensuring fairness in cultural enjoyment, and promoting sustainable development for the community.
PLO 09:Strictly adhering to research ethics and academic integrity, demonstrating a commitment to protecting cultural diversity.
4. Job positions that students can take on after graduation.
A Master's degree in Cultural Studies prepares graduates to address issues related to the diverse and complex cultures of society. Job positions that a Master's degree in Cultural Studies can lead to include:
- University/college lecturer: teaching foundational and advanced courses in cultural studies;
- Researchers: working at research institutes such as the Vietnam Institute of Culture, Arts, Sports and Tourism, the Institute of Cultural Studies, and specialized institutes under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences;
- Civil servants/officials managing culture: working at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Departments and Offices of Culture and Information, etc.;
- Heritage and Museum Management: Curator, conservation expert, managing operations at national monuments, world heritage sites, local monuments, public and private museum systems;
- Art and event project management: organizing festivals, exhibitions, and creative spaces;
- Cultural content editor/producer: working in the publishing, journalism, and television industries requires in-depth knowledge of culture;
- Cultural policy analyst: advising on socio-economic development projects that take into account the specific characteristics of the local culture;
- Expert in building brands based on cultural values: advising organizations and businesses on leveraging cultural materials and resources to create brand identity;
- Cultural tourism consultant: designing experiential and sustainable tourism products based on local cultural values and national cultural identity;
- Non-governmental project coordinator: managing projects related to ethnic cultural preservation, community development, etc.
5. Opportunities for further learning and professional development after graduation.
After graduating with a Master's degree in Cultural Studies, students are well-equipped to continue their studies and research to obtain a PhD in Cultural Studies or a PhD in Cultural Management. They can participate in training courses related to cultural studies to enhance their knowledge and professional skills, engage in research activities, and write and publish scientific articles. Master's graduates in Cultural Studies have many opportunities for career development through their studies, research, and participation in other social activities.
PART III: TRAINING PROGRAM CONTENT
TT | Course Code | Course name
| Number credits | Number of study hours | Code number course prerequisite | ||
Theory(1) | Practice(2) | Self-study(3) | |||||
I | General knowledge block | 9 |
|
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1 | PHI5002 | Philosophy Philosophy | 4 | 40 | 40 | 120 | |
2 | Foreign language B2(Choose one of the following foreign languages): | 5 |
|
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ENG5001 | Basic English Basic English | 5 | 75 | 0 | 75 | ||
FRE5001 | Basic French Basic cocktail | 5 | 75 | 0 | 75 | ||
RUS5001 | Basic Russian Basic Russian | 5 | 75 | 0 | 75 | ||
CHI5001 | Basic Chinese Basic Chinese | 5 | 75 | 0 | 75 | ||
WES5001 | Basic German Basic German | 5 | 75 | 0 | 75 | ||
II | Foundation and specialized knowledge blocks | 30 |
|
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II.1 | Required courses | 15 |
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3 | CUL6001 | The unity and diversity of Vietnamese culture Unity and Diversity of Vietnamese Culture | 3 | 40 | 10 | 100 | |
4 | CUL6002 | Culture and sustainable development Culture and Sustainable Development | 3 | 40 | 10 | 100 | |
5 | CUL6003 | The cultural industry in contemporary society Cultural Industry in Contemporary Society | 3 | 40 | 10 | 100 | |
6 | CUL6004 | Cultural heritage and contemporary social life Cultural Heritage in Contemporary Social Life | 3 | 40 | 10 | 100 | |
7 | CUL6005 | Religion and beliefs in Vietnam and their impact on contemporary life. Religion, Belief in Vietnam and TheirImpact on Contemporary Life | 3 | 30 | 30 | 90 | |
II.2 | Elective courses | 15/45 |
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8 | CUL6006 | Economic, cultural, and social relations between rural and urban areas in the cultural history of Vietnam. Socio -Economic- Cultural Relations between Rural and Urban Areas in Vietnamese Cultural History | 3 | 40 | 10 | 100 | |
9 | CUL6007 | Vietnamese art and architecture Vietnamese Fine Art and Architecture | 3 | 40 | 10 | 100 | |
10 | CUL6008 | Traditional festivals in modern Vietnamese society Traditional Festival in Vietnamese Contemporary Society | 3 | 40 | 10 | 100 | |
11 | CUL6009 | Develop a system for evaluating cultural activities. Developing Evaluation Systems for Cultural Activities | 3 | 40 | 10 | 100 | |
12 | CUL6010 | Gender and family in Vietnamese culture Gender and Family in Vietnamese Culture | 3 | 40 | 10 | 100 | |
13 | CUL6035 | Cultural media and the creative industries Cultural Communication and the Creative Industries | 3 | 40 | 10 | 100 | |
14 | CUL6011 | Early Modern Globalization and Some Issues of Cultural Exchange in Vietnam in the 16th-18th Centuries Early Modern Globalization and Acculturation in Vietnam from the 16th to the 18th Centuries | 3 | 40 | 10 | 100 | |
15 | CUL6012 | Vietnamese folk culture Folklore Culture in Vietnam | 3 | 40 | 10 | 100 | |
16 | CUL6013 | Some problems of modern culture Some Issues in Contemporary Culture | 3 | 40 | 10 | 100 | |
17 | CUL6014 | Traditional Vietnamese culinary culture Culture of Vietnamese Traditional Cuisines | 3 | 40 | 10 | 100 | |
18 | CUL6015 | The role of the community in cultural management Role of Community in Cultural Management | 3 | 40 | 10 | 100 | |
19 | CUL6016 | Vietnamese culture in the context of international integration. Vietnamese Cuture in the Context of International Integration | 3 | 40 | 10 | 100 | |
20 | CUL6017 | The guidelines of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the policies of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on culture. The Vietnamese Communist Party's and Socialist Republic of Vietnam's Policies of Culture | 3 | 40 | 10 | 100 | |
21 | CUL6018 | Cultural institutions in Vietnam: their development, current state, and role in contemporary Vietnamese society. Cultural Institutions: Evolution, Current Status and Roles in Vietnamese Society | 3 | 40 | 10 | 100 | |
22 | CUL6019 | The process of integration and modernization of Vietnamese culture The Integration and Modernization Process of Vietnamese Culture | 3 | 40 | 10 | 100 | |
III | scientific research | 26 |
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III.1 | Research topic | 12 |
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23 | SSH6003 | Research approaches and methods in the social sciences and humanities. Approaches and Research Methods in Social Sciences and Humanities | 3 | 20 | 10 | 120 | |
24 | SSH6004 | Schools of thought in the social sciences and humanities Schools of Thought in Social Sciences and Humanities | 3 | 36 | 0 | 114 | |
25 | CUL6020 | Fieldwork skills and methods for thesis writing. Skills and Methods for Fieldwork and Thesis Development | 3 | 30 | 15 | 105 | |
26 | CUL6021 | Overview Essay Literature Review Seminar | 3 | 40 | 10 | 100 | |
III.2 | Thesis | 14 |
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27 | CUL7001 | Master's Thesis Master's Thesis | 14 | 0 | 0 | 700 | |
Total | 65 |
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Note:One credit is equivalent to 50 hours of student-standard learning, including time spent observing lectures, guided learning, self-study, research, experiences, and participating in tests and assessments; for classroom teaching activities, one credit requires a minimum of 15 hours of lectures or 30 hours of practical work, experiments, and discussions, with one classroom hour counted as 50 minutes.
(1): Theory
(2): Practice, Experiment, Discussion
(3): Internship, Research, Self-study with assessment
Author:Department of Training and Student Affairs
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