London Metropolitan University offers the only undergraduate degree programme in Caribbean Studies in the UK. The course focuses on the Anglophone, French, Dutch and Hispanic Caribbean islands and the circum-Caribbean countries of Guyana, Suriname, Belize and Central America, as well as the Caribbean experience in Europe and North America. It addresses the historical, political, economic, literary and cultural links with former colonial powers, namely Britain, France, Spain and Holland, and the problems of contemporary development. The programme goes on to explore the complex interrelationship of race, colour, class and gender in a region where the indigenous people, the Amerindians, were largely decimated by European conquest and colonisation, and which was subsequently peopled for the production of tropical staples by successive waves of forced European, African and Asian labour. These factors, together with the resulting cultural diversity, have shaped the resilience, strength, mobility and creativity of Caribbean people at home and in the diaspora. The course attracts a range of students, many of whom are of Caribbean origin or descent and/or wish to work among Caribbean people in this country. No previous knowledge of Caribbean Studies is necessary for entry to the course. University staff have considerable expertise in understanding and meeting the differing needs of our diverse student population, and the mix of mature and younger students enriches the educational experience of both. If you are a mature student, we would welcome your application and it is possible that you will be awarded credits for qualifications already achieved or for your work experience.

Interdisciplinary Degree Scheme

Caribbean Studies is interdisciplinary in approach, focusing on History, Literature and Cultural Studies, while drawing on anthropology, politics and sociology. Our staff are all specialists and active researchers in their particular field. You may take Caribbean Studies as the minor, joint (equal combination), or major element of a degree programme, and in combination with one from a range of subject areas. Of these, some fall within the BA Combined Humanities Degree Scheme; alternatively you may take advantage of the facility for cross-departmental and cross-disciplinary combinations, in order to study it along with vocational subject areas. Options include: Arts Management, Computer Science, Ecology, Environmental Management, Events Management, Health Policy, Health Studies, Human Resource Studies, Information Management, International Business, Law, Business Law, Psychology, Public Administration, Social Policy, Social Research, Sports Science and Tourism Studies.

Course structure

Further information

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