American History (including Year Abroad)

The BA in American History at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive exploration of the historical development of the United States, from its founding to the contemporary era. This degree programme provides a detailed understanding of the social, political, economic, and cultural forces that have shaped America over the centuries. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of topics, including the colonial era, the American Revolution, westward expansion, the Civil War, Reconstruction, the rise of modern America, civil rights movements, and America’s role on the world stage. The programme encourages critical analysis of primary and secondary sources, enabling students to develop their research skills and historical interpretation abilities.

In addition to core modules, students have the opportunity to specialise in areas such as American political history, cultural history, or foreign policy. The Year Abroad component enriches the learning experience by immersing students in American academic or cultural settings, fostering language skills and intercultural understanding. The programme is designed to develop essential skills such as critical thinking, written and oral communication, and independent research, which are highly valued by employers across various sectors. With access to the university’s extensive resources and expert faculty, students gain a thorough understanding of American history and its global impact. Graduates of the programme are well-prepared for careers in education, public history, journalism, international relations, and beyond. The programme’s flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies to match their interests and career aspirations, making it an ideal choice for those passionate about understanding America’s past and its influence on the world today.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are choice and flexibility.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in each year). Each year you take a number of compulsory core credits which give you the necessary training in the discipline; around this core you are free to choose the modules you want to do. Each year there is a wide range of optional modules to choose from.
You can do as much History as you want, but we also encourage you in your first year to choose at least one module in another subject (an A-level subject you really enjoy, or a completely new subject you would like to try out!)This means that if you successfully complete your first year, then you may be qualified to enter the second year of a different course if you wanted to do so: for example, politics, philosophy or sociology, or a joint honours degree, combining History with another subject (providing places are available). It is also possible for you to continue your interest in a subject other than History in your second year, where you have the option of doing a 30-credit module in a different department.
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

• The Making of the Modern World 1776-1989
• History Workshop
• And choose 75 credits from a range of History options or outside options.

Year 2

• Making Histories: Concepts, Themes and Sources
• And choose from a range of History options and one optional outside option.

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

• Special Subject
• Independent Research Project
• And choose from a range of History options.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

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

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher level on a case-by-case basis)
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above).
• We welcome applications from students whose A-levels do not include History.

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

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 Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Bachelor of Arts in American History at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive exploration of the historical development of the United States, from its founding to the present day. This programme emphasizes critical analysis of political, social, economic, and cultural changes that have shaped America. Students will engage with a wide range of primary and secondary sources, developing strong research and analytical skills. The course covers key periods such as the American Revolution, the Civil War, the Progressive Era, both World Wars, the Civil Rights Movement, and contemporary issues.

A distinctive feature of the programme is the Year Abroad, which allows students to spend an academic year studying in the United States. This experience provides an immersive environment for language practice, cultural exchange, and in-depth understanding of American society. Students may choose partner universities across the United States, and the year abroad is designed to enhance language skills and intercultural competence, enriching their overall educational experience.

The programme is structured to include core modules in American history, alongside optional modules that give students the flexibility to specialise in areas of interest such as political history, social movements, historiography, or American literature. Students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects, which develop critical thinking and academic writing capabilities. The faculty team consists of experts with diverse research interests in American history, ensuring students receive high-quality instruction and mentorship.

Graduates of this programme can pursue careers in education, public history, archives and libraries, journalism, international relations, or further academic study at postgraduate level. The programme also prepares students to work in multicultural and diverse environments, equipped with a nuanced understanding of American historical contexts. The duration of the programme is typically three or four years, depending on whether students opt for the Year Abroad, which is integrated into the curriculum. Overall, this degree provides a rigorous and engaging pathway for students interested in understanding the complex history of the United States, supported by the university’s strong academic resources and international opportunities.