American Studies (History)

Description

Kent provides a blend of established staples in American Studies such as the Civil War, slavery and contemporary politics, along with innovative modules on Native American literature, US environmental issues, and Latin American history and culture (including a Spanish language option). A wide range of modules are on offer in both three- and four-year programmes.

This programme is a four-year degree (with one year abroad) and specialises in American history. You can take our three-year degree, with the option of spending one term at a US university in your third and final year. Each programme allows you to shape your degree into something unique and challenging.

The University of Kent has been teaching and researching in the field of American Studies since 1973. The programme is taught by an impressive range of internationally recognised scholars who specialise in American film, literature, history and politics. Students are encouraged to visit the United States or Latin America through our exchange system.

Independent rankings

In the National Student Survey 2013, American Studies achieved a 100% satisfaction rating for the second year running. And, American Studies at Kent was ranked 4th in The Times Good University Guide 2014 and 6th in The Complete University Guide 2014.

History at Kent was ranked 1st for research in The Complete University Guide 2014. And, in the National Student Survey 2013 History was ranked 10th for student satisfaction.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 240 ECTS
Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

• HI390 - The Emergence of America:From European Settlement to 1880
• HI391 - The Rise of the United States Since 1880
• EN303 - Introduction to American Studies

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

• EN665 - American Studies: Topics in the 20th Century
• HI742 - The Cold War, 1941-1991
• HI763 - How the West was Won (or lost): The American West in the Nineteenth Cen
• HI795 - Inviting Doomsday: US Environmental
• HI5023 - The American Civil War Era 1848-1877

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Year abroad

Students on the four-year programmes spend a year between Stages 2 and 3 at one of our partner universities in the USA (or South America for students on the Latin American pathway) taking specialist courses. American Studies students spending a year in the USA do not have to pay American universities’ (often high) tuition fees.

Possible modules may include:

• EN644 - American Studies: Year Abroad - Mark 1
• EN645 - American Studies: Year Abroad - Mark 2

Stage 3 Possible modules may include:

• HI560 - American Studies Extended Essay
• HI6039 - The Rights Revolution: The 20th Century US Supreme Court & Society
• HI6046 - Wolves, Walruses and the Wild
• HI6049 - The Rise and Fall of Slavery in the Atlantic World, c. 1500 - 1900
• HI5024 - The American Civil War Era 1848-1877
• HI5072 - The American Revolution
• HI747 - The Cold War, 1941 - 1991
• HI796 - Inviting Doomsday: US Environmental

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 75(Grade B) TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test : 85

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test. More About IELTS

Requirements

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification Typical offer/minimum requirement A level

• ABB including History grade

Access to HE Diploma

• The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma)

• The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

International Baccalaureate

• 34 points overall or 16 points at HL inc History 5 at HL or 6 at SL

International students

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2015 financial support package includes a £6,000 cash bursary spread over the duration of your course. For Ts&Cs and to find out more, visit our funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages. Please note that details of the scholarship for 2015 entry have not yet been finalised and are subject to change.