BA (Hons) American Studies with a Year Abroad
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- T700
- Entry Requirements
- ABB including History or English Literature, or a related subject
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2023
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Why you should choose us
UEA is ranked 5th overall for research quality in Area Studies
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Course Overview
Understanding America in the 21st century is more essential now than ever. Studying the world’s most significant superpower at this fascinating moment of crisis and change opens up a panorama of academic and career options.
American Studies at UEA is one of the most well-established and highly regarded departments of its kind in the UK, with a long heritage of researching and teaching all aspects of life and culture in the United States. You’ll be taught by scholars undertaking cutting-edge research in the fields of American literature, history, politics and cultural studies. And having chosen from a broad range of modules exploring the history, literature, politics and culture of the United States, you’ll enhance your understanding of them with a year spent studying abroad.
On this degree you’ll study the United States from literary, cultural and historical perspectives. Through the exploration of great novels, landmark historical events, original documents, film, comic books, photographs and paintings, you will gain detailed knowledge of the key moments and debates that have shaped the United States. You’ll get to grips with race, gender, civil liberties, and politics in America and examine how U.S. power has been projected around the world. And you’ll explore a range of aspects of American culture, from the popular to the avant-garde.
You’ll also gain first-hand experience by spending your third year in the U.S. before returning to UEA to complete your degree in your fourth year. You could also 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 U.S.
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. The interdisciplinary approach at the heart of an American studies degree will not only provide you with the analytical tools to better comprehend the United States, but also to grapple with the key political and social issues that shape our world today.
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 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
In your first year, you’ll acquire a comprehensive historical and literary overview of the United States. You’ll explore key topics such as the American Revolution, the writing of the Constitution, the Civil War, the Jazz Age, global conflicts, and 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 – including Mark Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Pauline Hopkins and William Faulkner – 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
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
Structure
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.
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional D Modules
(Credits: 20)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
Assessment
Structure
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
Assessment
Structure
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 60)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
Assessment
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB including History, or one of the essay-based subjects listed below: Ancient History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, English Literature, History of Art, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Film Studies, Media Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Geography. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Not accepted
- BTEC
- DDM excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration. A-level grade B also required in one of the essay-based subjects listed below: Ancient History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, English Literature, History of Art, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Film Studies, Media Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Geography.
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB including A in English or History or a related subject
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC including English or History or a related subject
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3, including English or History or a related subject
- Access to HE Diploma
- Access to Humanities and Social Sciences pathway accepted. Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3.
- International Baccalaureate
- 32 points, including HL5 in in one of the following subjects: English, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Social and Cultural Anthropology, Geography, Theatre, Visual Arts, Film
- GCSE
- You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- 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):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
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.
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:
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- 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.
- 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.
- Intakes
- This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
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.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
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:
Important note
Once enroled 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 enroled.
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 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.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
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:
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
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers you could enter include:
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Creative and cultural industries
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Law
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Journalism
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Teaching
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Civil service
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Marketing and advertising