American History with Modern History

Exploring the complex narrative of American history from its colonial origins to the modern era, the American History with Modern History degree at the University of East Anglia offers students a comprehensive understanding of the social, political, economic, and cultural developments that have shaped the United States. This programme provides a multidisciplinary approach, combining historical analysis with insights from politics, culture, and international relations, enabling students to develop critical skills in research, analysis, and argumentation. Throughout the course, students will examine key events such as the American Revolution, Civil War, Civil Rights Movement, and recent developments in contemporary America, exploring their causes, impacts, and ongoing legacy. They will also study the evolution of American identity, governance, and society through various periods, including the 19th and 20th centuries, with a focus on understanding how historical forces continue to influence current American politics and culture. The programme includes a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent research projects, fostering a deep engagement with primary and secondary sources. Students will have the opportunity to specialise in particular areas of interest within American history, including race and ethnicity, foreign policy, or social movements, offering a tailored academic experience. Emphasising critical thinking, analytical writing, and historical interpretation, the degree equips graduates with the skills necessary for careers in education, research, publishing, policy analysis, or further academic study. The programme also encourages international perspectives, comparing American developments with global trends and fostering a nuanced understanding of America’s role in world history. With access to excellent resources, including archives and digital collections, students are supported throughout their studies to produce high-quality research. Graduates of this programme will emerge with a detailed understanding of American history, an ability to analyse complex information critically, and the skills to communicate their ideas effectively. This degree prepares students to contribute thoughtfully and professionally to discussions on American society and history, and to pursue careers in academia, government, media, or the non-profit sector.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10560 Year (EEA)
• EUR 14430 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU £9,000; International £12,300

• English

Course Content

In your first year you will take six modules. In addition to taking classes in American and Modern history, you will also take an introductory module that will equip you with the general intellectual and analytical skills necessary for this course.
In your second year, you will choose your six modules from a very wide range on offer in American history (for example: American and Vietnam; Race and Racism in the USA; Civil Rights and Black Liberation; Contemporary US Foreign Policy) and American Studies (for example: The American Dream; Looking at Pictures: photography and visual culture in the USA; American Music; Reading the Virgin Land).
Your third year is spent in the United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand.
Your final year includes: the writing of a research based dissertation; a two-semester documents-based special subject in American History (focusing, for example, on American Slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, Native American history, or the Cold War); and a fourth module chosen from a wide range of topics in American and Modern history.

Assessment

Key skills, issues and ideas are introduced in lectures given by all members of faculty. These are accompanied by more specialist study, undertaken in small seminar groups. You will also spend time studying and researching in the library. You will be assessed at the end of each semester on the basis of coursework, and at the end of each year by examination. In your final year, you will write a dissertation on a topic of your choice and with the advice of tutors. There is no final examination. Your final degree result is determined by the marks you receive in years two and four.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 88

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

Requirements

• Qualification: BA (Hons)
• A Level: AAB-ABB including History
• International Baccalaureate: 33-32 points including 5 in History
• Scottish Highers: At least one Advanced Higher preferred in addition to Highers
• Scottish Advanced Highers: AAB-ABB including History
• Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAABB-AABBBB
• Access Course: Please contact the university for further information
• HND: Please contact the university for further information
• European Baccalaureate: 80-75%

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in Reading and Writing with no less than 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 overall (minimum 20 in Reading and Speaking components, 19 in Writing component and 17 in Listening components.
• PTE: 62 overall (minimum 55 in Reading and Writing components with no less than 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Students will have the opportunity to meet with an academic on a Visit Day in order to gain a deeper insight into the course(s) you have applied for.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year.
Deferred Entry We also welcome applications for deferred entry, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

If you have alternative qualifications that have not been mentioned above then please contact university directly for further information.

GCSE Offer

Students should have GCSE Mathematics and English at Grade C or above.

Assessment

For the majority of candidates the most important factors in assessing the application will be past and future achievement in examinations, academic interest in the subject being applied for, personal interest and extra-curricular activities and the confidential reference. We consider applicants as individuals and accept students from a very wide range of educational backgrounds and spend time considering your application in order to reach an informed decision relating to your application. Typical offers are indicated above. Please note, there may be additional subject entry requirements specific to individual degree courses.

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 East Anglia.

The BA History program at the University of East Anglia offers students an in-depth exploration of both American History and Modern History, providing a comprehensive understanding of significant historical events, trends, and developments from different periods. The American History component covers topics such as the United States' political evolution, social movements, economic transformations, and foreign policy from the colonial period through the 20th and 21st centuries. The Modern History element includes an analysis of European and global events, including the impact of World Wars, the Cold War, decolonization, and contemporary issues in international relations.

Students enrolled in this program benefit from a diverse curriculum designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and an understanding of historical contexts. The program emphasizes primary source analysis, historiographical debates, and the development of research skills through a variety of modules and assessments. Students also have opportunities to engage in independent research projects, often culminating in a dissertation that allows for specialization in areas of personal interest within American or Modern History.

The faculty delivering the course are experienced historians and researchers who use innovative teaching methods to foster an interactive learning environment. The program also encourages students to participate in discussions, seminars, and workshops, often integrating guest lectures from leading experts in the field. The university's excellent archival and library facilities provide rich resources for historical research, and study abroad or internship opportunities are often available to enhance practical experience.

Graduates of the program are well-equipped for careers in education, research, public history, journalism, policy analysis, and other fields requiring strong analytical and historical skills. The program prepares students for postgraduate study in history or related disciplines, with many alumni continuing their academic careers at postgraduate institutions.

Overall, the BA History at the University of East Anglia offers a rigorous and engaging education that combines historical knowledge with critical skills, preparing students for diverse professional and academic pathways. The program's combination of American and Modern History disciplines ensures a well-rounded historical education, fostering a deep understanding of how past events shape contemporary society and international affairs today.