On this degree you’ll study the United States from literary, cultural and historical perspectives. Through the exploration of great novels, landmark historical events, 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 and civil liberties in America and examine how US power has been projected around the world. You’ll consider the nation’s relationship with the history of the American West. 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 of the US by spending your third year there before returning to UEA to complete your degree in your fourth year. Alternatively, you could study in Canada or, indeed, divide your year abroad, studying for one semester in the US and the other in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or Hong Kong. 

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 American studies will not only provide you with the analytical tools to better comprehend the United States and its role in the world, but also to grapple with the key political issues that shape our society 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. 

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

Examples of careers you could enter include: 

• Creative and cultural industries 

• Law 

• Journalism 

• Teaching  

• Civil service 

• Marketing and advertising 

• Teaching