American and Canadian Studies with year abroad

The Bachelor of Arts in American and Canadian Studies with Year Abroad at the University of Birmingham offers students a comprehensive and immersive educational experience focused on the history, culture, politics, and society of North America. This program is designed for students who are passionate about exploring the diverse and dynamic contexts of the United States and Canada, and who wish to enhance their academic knowledge through practical intercultural engagement. The course combines rigorous academic modules with the opportunity to spend a year studying abroad, facilitating language development, cultural understanding, and global perspectives. Students will engage with a wide range of interdisciplinary subjects, including American and Canadian history, literature, film, politics, and contemporary issues, allowing them to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of North American societies. The Year Abroad component is an integral part of the program, providing students with firsthand experience in an American or Canadian university or relevant institution, fostering language proficiency, intercultural communication skills, and an appreciation for international diversity. Through seminars, lectures, group projects, and independent research, students will gain a profound insight into the social and political developments that have shaped North America. This program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in international relations, government, journalism, education, business, and cultural sectors, or for postgraduate study. The University of Birmingham’s vibrant campus environment, dedicated academic staff, and extensive support services ensure that students receive a high-quality education that combines academic excellence with practical experience. Whether you are interested in understanding the complexities of North American history, engaging with contemporary social issues, or pursuing a career that benefits from international experience, this program provides the knowledge, skills, and cultural awareness needed to succeed in a globalized world.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

At its core, this programme first revolves around the study of North American history and literature and then branches out to explore politics, culture, film and the United States international relations, in ways that become increasingly specialised. These elements can be combined in different ways and to different degrees depending on how your interests evolve. Opportunity exists to present assessments in a variety of forms, including audio-visual modes.

First year

You take a foundation course in American History and Literature up to 1890, together with an introduction to Canadian Studies. A group project module provides you with key research and IT skills. An ancillary study of a subject such as Film Studies will also be undertaken.

Second year

You study history and culture from 1890 to the present and begin to develop your own interests be these political, sociological, literary or multicultural by selecting specialist options from a list that includes the African-American Experience, Musicals, the CIA and International History, and Film-making practices (which can include some practical training).

Third year

You spend the third year with one of our North American exchange partners. In recent years our students went to the following universities:

• University of Wyoming-Laramie
• University of Iowa
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• University of Virginia
• University of Mississippi
• University of Cincinnati
• McGill University
• Dalhousie University
• Simon Fraser University
• University of Alabama
• Berry College
• Southern Birmingham College
• University of Ottawa
• University of Toronto

While abroad you are free to study a wide range of American and Canadian civilisation courses and to begin research on your dissertation, which is then completed in the final year of study back in Birmingham. This year abroad counts towards your final degree.

Please note, you must pass the second year course with a mark of at least 50% to be eligible for study abroad.

Final year

Your final-year courses are drawn from a wide range of options including Anti-Americanism, a variety of options exploring cross-cultural themes in American and Canadian History, and courses in Modern and Contemporary Literature and Film. At the very centre of your studies is a year long project, called the Dissertation, which gives you a chance to develop your own interests in considerable depth, whilst learning how to handle a sustained programme of research.

Joint Honours combinations

You can also take American and Canadian Studies as part of a Joint Honours combination, in which each subject makes up 50% of the course see American and Canadian Studies Joint Honours BA|.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 80(Grade A) TOEFL iBT® test : 93

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

Requirements

Number of A levels required: 3

Typical offer: ABB

International Baccalaureate Diploma: 34 points

International students:

Standard English language requirements apply: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band; TOEFL IBT 93

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 Birmingham.

The University of Birmingham offers a comprehensive undergraduate degree program in American and Canadian Studies with a Year Abroad. This program is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the history, culture, politics, and society of North America, with special emphasis on the United States and Canada. The curriculum is structured to combine core modules in American and Canadian history, literature, and contemporary issues, along with optional courses that allow students to tailor their studies to specific interests such as Film Studies, Politics, or Cultural Studies.

A distinctive feature of the program is the Year Abroad, which provides students with an invaluable opportunity to immerse themselves in American or Canadian culture through study at partner universities or placements. This experience enhances language proficiency, intercultural understanding, and employability skills by fostering firsthand engagement with North American environments. Students generally undertake this year of study in their third year of undergraduate study, though exact timing can vary based on individual planning and university arrangements.

The program aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a global perspective, preparing graduates for careers in areas such as international relations, journalism, education, public policy, or further academic research. The teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research. Assessment methods typically involve essays, presentations, exams, and projects, encouraging active participation and intellectual engagement.

Students benefit from the university's strong academic support and vibrant campus life, with access to specialized resources such as libraries, archives, and research centers focused on North American Studies. Entry requirements typically include A-levels or equivalent qualifications, with a focus on good grades in relevant subjects. The program encourages applications from students with a keen interest in North American history and culture, and it offers a dynamic, engaging academic environment dedicated to fostering a nuanced understanding of the continent's diversity and complexity.