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BA (Hons) American Studies with a Year Abroad
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- T700
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
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Why you should choose us
5th
UEA is ranked 5th overall for research quality in Area Studies
The Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis95%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
The Graduate Outcome Survey 2020Course Overview
Get ready to learn all about the history, literature, and culture of the United States! Our American Studies degree explores seminal historical events, great books, films, and music. You’ll examine issues of race, gender, and civil liberties. You’ll learn about American politics, foreign policy, and how U.S. power projects around the world.
American Studies at UEA is one of the most established and highly regarded departments in the UK. It has been taught here for over half of a century. You’ll learn with experts doing world-leading research on U.S. history, literature, and culture. Working through a variety of subjects, the course responds to your interests.
In the third year, you’ll get to experience the U.S. first-hand. You’ll spend the entire year learning at an American university. You can also add a comparative dimension by studying in Canada. Or you could split the year with one semester in the U.S. and the other in Australia, New Zealand, or Hong Kong.
An American Studies degree provides tools to link the present with the past and the future. UEA is home to the Arthur Miller Institute, which hosts events throughout the year. Previous speakers to campus have included Norman Mailer, Joseph Heller, Toni Morrison, and Susan Sontag. We have partnerships with the American Library based in the Millennium Library, and host Congress to Campus visits where you can converse with US politicians. American Studies allows you to grapple with the key political and social issues of today and tomorrow.
Our course prepares you for a range of career options. Our graduates have moved into teaching, journalism, the Civil Service, and law. The creative and cultural industries, NGOs, PR, and marketing are among other destinations. Are you ready to start your American adventure?
Year 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 Studies 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.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll begin your degree by developing and consolidating your existing knowledge, before going on to develop your specialism in advanced subjects. Building on a solid foundation, you’ll gradually tailor your studies around your interests.
In your first year, you’ll acquire a comprehensive historical and literary overview of the United States, from its constitution in the late 18th century up to the Cold War. You’ll analyse a series of topical issues and political events to think through central issues shaping the American national consciousness. Through lectures and seminars, you’ll also cover the often fiercely contested development of a national literature in the United States. You’ll trace the ways in which a multitude of voices have interpreted the nation.
Throughout the year you’ll cultivate and hone the key academic and practical skills needed to study at university level.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Throughout your degree you’ll be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. We pride ourselves on our small group seminar teaching, which allows a greater level of discussion between academic staff and students.
In addition to timetabled lecture and seminar slots, each member of UEA staff holds dedicated office hours where you can come and seek additional advice on a one-to-one basis. You’ll also be assigned an adviser who will support you through your studies by providing academic and career guidance.
In first-year seminars, you’ll learn how to listen to and critique the ideas of others, as well as how to present and defend your own arguments effectively. You’ll be introduced to the specific study skills needed for success on the course, including dedicated sessions to help you make the most of UEA’s state-of-the-art library facilities. Through these sessions and your academic modules, you’ll gain the crucial research skills of uncovering resources and critically assessing sources.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods in modules, the majority of which are forms of coursework. In your first year, your assessment will focus on ensuring you have the skills of research and analysis you’ll need to pursue more independent learning as you progress through the degree.
Structure
You’ll choose from a range of module options that allow you to start specialising in a particular area or theme.
Modules currently on offer cover a broad range of topics such as gender and sexuality, race and racism, contemporary literature, American music and film, politics and law, foreign relations and international history.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
As you progress into the second year of your degree, you’ll develop as a self-motivated researcher and independent learner and thinker. You’ll choose from optional modules that allow you to plot a path through the course in line with your specific interests.
Assessment
In your second year you’ll have more autonomy over your assessment. For example, you may devise your own research questions or opt for a creative response to the module organiser’s prompts. You’ll continue to hone your ability to present your knowledge to others and to collaborate with peers.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year abroad. Most students consider this unique academic and cultural experience to be the highlight of their time at university. For further details, visit our Study Abroad section of our website.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
This year will be spent abroad, enrolling on modules related to the study of America at one of our partner institutions.
Assessment
You’ll spend this year studying abroad in one of our partner institutions. Although you’ll need to ensure you pass the modules you take this year, the marks you achieve on your year abroad don’t count toward your final degree classification.
Structure
In your fourth year, you’ll choose from optional modules relating to the research specialisms of academic staff within the department. You’ll also have the opportunity to write a bespoke dissertation. Guided by a supervisor, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in your chosen topic or specialise in an aspect of American history or literature.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 30, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 30)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 30)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your final year, you’ll develop your expertise in areas that align with the specialisms of UEA staff. Our academics are at the forefront of their fields, publishing widely on key issues that have shaped the development of American history. You’ll also have the opportunity to delve into your own research interest by writing a dissertation.
Assessment
In your final year, you’ll be assessed on the depth of your knowledge of specialised subjects. You’ll also have the option to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice with the support of expert staff. Your final degree result is determined by the marks you receive in your second and final years of study.
Employability
After the Course
As an American Studies graduate, you’ll be well placed to enter a wide range of professions and sectors. You’ll graduate as an expert researcher and communicator, skilled in analysing data, and good at working in a team. Working across disciplines, studying abroad, and undertaking in-depth research will give you key skills that are highly regarded by employers in fields such as publishing, law, journalism, financial services, the Civil Service, marketing and advertising, the cultural industries, teaching or lecturing, public relations and research.
Careers
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- Creative and cultural industries
- Law
- Journalism
- Teaching
- Civil service
- Marketing and advertising
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual: DMM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual: DMM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Contextual: DD plus C at A level
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
Contextual: D plus BC at A level
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
T levels
Not accepted
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - American Studies with a Foundation Year.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
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.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
ABB
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers 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.
- English 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. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
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.
-
- Deferred Entry
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.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
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. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You’re 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.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: