BA (Hons) AMERICAN HISTORY
BA (HONS) AMERICAN HISTORY
Understanding the history of the world’s foremost superpower at this fascinating moment of crisis and change is more essential than ever.
On this four year course, which includes a year abroad, you’ll explore America’s emergence as a world superpower and its influence on global culture. You’ll follow the American story from the Revolution through the years of slavery and Civil War, the conquest and settlement of the West, and the development of modern society. You’ll explore Native American history, the world of enslaved communities in the Old South, the struggles of Black civil rights activists, and the crucial decisions of presidents who, by the atomic age of the Cold War, held the fate of humanity in their hands. By the end of your degree, you’ll not only know the history of America in depth, you will also have a keen understanding of the way our world has been shaped by this nation.
About
You’ll develop your skills as a historian through comprehensive study of one of the most intriguing and influential nations in the world.
You’ll have the chance to study with internationally renowned academics working in Native American, African American, gender, and diplomatic history. You’ll gain a detailed knowledge of the founding of the American nation, Indigenous history and culture, the workings of the US government and legal system, and Black freedom struggles, as well as the Cold War and America’s role in the world.
You’ll also gain first-hand experience of the US by spending your third year there before returning to UEA to complete your degree in your fourth year. Or you could add a comparative dimension to your understanding by studying in Canada or spending one semester of your year abroad in Australia, New Zealand, or Hong Kong and the other semester in the US.
Whichever path you choose through your studies, this degree will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how America has shaped and been shaped by the world around us. You’ll learn about the relationship between culture and politics, while gaining an in-depth knowledge of the forces that transform societies and forge nations. An American History degree will not only provide you with the analytical tools to better comprehend the United States, but also to grapple with the key political issues that shape our society today.

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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.Placement Year and Study Abroad
You’ll spend your third year studying abroad. Our Year Abroad programme has been running for more than 30 years and is one of the largest in the UK for American Studies. We have a wide range of partner universities and colleges across the US and Canada - from New England to California, Alaska to Louisiana, Vancouver to Ottawa. We also have a great number of partner institutions in Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand where you can experience American history from a Pacific Rim point of view.
Your time abroad will be an invaluable academic and cultural experience, one that most students consider to be the highlight of their time at university.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.

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After the Course
As an American History graduate you’ll be well placed to enter a wide range of professions and sectors. Undertaking in-depth research, studying abroad, and working across disciplines will give you key skills that are highly regarded by employers. You’ll also graduate as an expert researcher and communicator, skilled in analysing data, and good at working in a team.
Career destinations
Examples of careers you could enter include:
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Civil Service
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Law
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Journalism
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Financial services
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Publishing
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Teaching

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Assessment for Year 1
You’ll be assessed at the end of each semester primarily through coursework. In your final year, you’ll have the option to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice with the support of your tutors. Your final degree result is determined by the marks you receive in your second and fourth years.
For every piece of assessment that you submit you’ll receive written and verbal feedback from tutors. These comments and reflections will help you identify the methods and strategies that will improve your work and help you get the most out of your studies.
Assessment for Year 2
You’ll be assessed at the end of each semester primarily through coursework. In your final year, you’ll have the option to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice with the support of your tutors. Your final degree result is determined by the marks you receive in your second and fourth years.
For every piece of assessment that you submit you’ll receive written and verbal feedback from tutors. These comments and reflections will help you identify the methods and strategies that will improve your work and help you get the most out of your studies.
Assessment for Year 4
You’ll be assessed at the end of each semester primarily through coursework. In your final year, you’ll have the option to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice with the support of your tutors. Your final degree result is determined by the marks you receive in your second and fourth years.
For every piece of assessment that you submit you’ll receive written and verbal feedback from tutors. These comments and reflections will help you identify the methods and strategies that will improve your work and help you get the most out of your studies.
Assessment for Year 1
You’ll be assessed at the end of each semester primarily through coursework. In your final year, you’ll have the option to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice with the support of your tutors. Your final degree result is determined by the marks you receive in your second and fourth years.
For every piece of assessment that you submit you’ll receive written and verbal feedback from tutors. These comments and reflections will help you identify the methods and strategies that will improve your work and help you get the most out of your studies.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Students should take 60 credits from each semester.
Assessment for Year 2
You’ll be assessed at the end of each semester primarily through coursework. In your final year, you’ll have the option to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice with the support of your tutors. Your final degree result is determined by the marks you receive in your second and fourth years.
For every piece of assessment that you submit you’ll receive written and verbal feedback from tutors. These comments and reflections will help you identify the methods and strategies that will improve your work and help you get the most out of your studies.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Students spending a year in the USA/Canada must select AMAY5028Y. Students spending a semester in the USA/Canada and a semester in Australia must select AMAY5026B and AMAY5027A.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Students should aim to take 60 credits from each semester.
Assessment for Year 4
You’ll be assessed at the end of each semester primarily through coursework. In your final year, you’ll have the option to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice with the support of your tutors. Your final degree result is determined by the marks you receive in your second and fourth years.
For every piece of assessment that you submit you’ll receive written and verbal feedback from tutors. These comments and reflections will help you identify the methods and strategies that will improve your work and help you get the most out of your studies.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Entry Requirements
A Levels
BBB or ABC including History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, English Literature or Sociology or BBC including History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, English Literature or Sociology with an A in the Extended ProjectT Levels
No acceptable pathways for 2022 entryBTEC
DDM alongside grade B in History A-level (or equivalent qualification). Excluding BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business AdministrationScottish highers
AABBB including HistoryScottish highers advanced
CCC including HistoryIrish leaving certificate
2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3 including HistoryAccess course
Access to Humanities & Social Sciences pathway. Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in HistoryEuropean Baccalaureate
70% including 7 in HistoryInternational Baccalaureate
31 Points including HL 5 History or Global PoliticsGCSE offer
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE
Additional entry requirements
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes.
INTO UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
Alternative Entry Requirements
UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Students for whom english is a foreign language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
- IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
Gap year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.

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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
See our Tuition Fees page for further information.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds.
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
You are eligible for reduced fees during the year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fee website.
There will be extra costs related to items such as your travel and accommodation during your year abroad, which will vary depending on location.
View our information about Additional Course Fees.

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How rupture with mainland Europe caused Britain to falter for hundreds of years

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How to Apply
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The UCAS number for the University of East Anglia is E14.

Exploring Independence

How rupture with mainland Europe caused Britain to falter for hundreds of years

Placeless People

UEA Award

Ask a Student

Exploring Independence

How rupture with mainland Europe caused Britain to falter for hundreds of years

Placeless People

UEA Award

Ask a Student
Course Variants
Related Courses
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BA (HONS) Literature and History
Entry Requirements BBB -
BA (HONS) American Studies (with a Foundation Year)
Entry Requirements CCC -
BA (HONS) History (with a Foundation Year)
Entry Requirements CCC -
BA (HONS) Modern History
Entry Requirements BBB -
BA (HONS) History of Art
Entry Requirements ABB -
BA (HONS) History and Politics
Entry Requirements ABB -
BA (HONS) History and History of Art
Entry Requirements ABB
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