“The School of American Studies has been like a second family to me over the past five years. All the faculty have been unwavering in their support and enthusiasm, and it is such a nice environment, not only to learn in, but also to make lasting friends.”

Laura Howells, 1st year PGR student

Research degrees

We welcome applications for research degrees at three levels: Masters by Research, MPhil and PhD. Studying for a PhD involves undertaking an original research project on a topic based on a research proposal from you, and producing a book-length thesis of up to 100,000 words. Students usually start in October, but it is possible to enroll at other times during the year. 

Research and supervision

The School has particular strengths in autobiography and biography; the historical and literary constructions of race, gender, sexuality and age as markers of difference; material culture; land, space and place in the American environment; post-colonialism; and visual culture. Please contact the School’s Postgraduate Research Director, Dr Rebecca Fraser, for further information concerning specific expertise in AMS.

Resources and research culture

The School’s research centre, the Arthur Miller Centre, promotes the study of American Studies throughout Europe and sponsors an annual prize for the best article published by a British scholar of American Studies. The Centre organises an annual International Literary Festival that brings major writers from around the world to UEA, including Arthur Miller, Norman Mailer, Kurt Vonnegut, Joseph Heller, Richard Ford, Toni Morrison, Stephen Fry, Germaine Greer, Seamus Heaney, Salman Rushdie, Zadie Smith and Jay McInerney.

We have a vibrant research community of scholars from the UK, USA and other countries, which regularly brings faculty and students together for seminars and social events. We also have long-established links to over 40 universities in the USA. The School runs a research seminar in which visiting speakers and American Studies staff present papers based on their research. The seminars provide a forum in which staff and postgraduate students with varying perspectives on American Studies come together. Research students are encouraged to present papers at a suitable point in their postgraduate studies.

Enquiries and how to apply

The School welcomes research enquiries from prospective students. Please contact individual academics or Dr Jonathan Mitchell, the School’s Postgraduate Research Director, to discuss your proposal.

For admissions enquiries and general information contact the PGR Office: Tel.: +44 (0)1603 591709; pgr.enquiries.admiss@uea.ac.uk .

How to apply
Studentships