BA (Hons) AMERICAN STUDIES
BA (HONS) AMERICAN STUDIES
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.
About
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.
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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.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.
Career destinations
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
We’re 5th for research quality!
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Assessment for Year 1
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 will need to pursue more independent learning as you progress through the degree.Assessment for Year 2
In your second year you will 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.Assessment for Year 3
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.Assessment for Year 4
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.Assessment for Year 1
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 will need to pursue more independent learning as you progress through the degree.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
In your second year you will 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.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.
Assessment for Year 3
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.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 4
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.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
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 acceptedBTEC
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 subjectScottish highers advanced
BCC including English or History or a related subjectIrish leaving certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3, including English or History or a related subjectAccess course
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.European Baccalaureate
75% including 7 in English, or History, or a related subject.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, FilmGCSE 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
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.
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):
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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:
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. We’re 5th for research quality!
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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.
We’re 5th for research quality!
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What's included in your 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:
We’re 5th for research quality!
The Lost Ones
UEA Award
Ask A Student
What's included in your fees
We’re 5th for research quality!
The Lost Ones
UEA Award
Ask A Student
What's included in your fees
Course Variants
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