American Studies (History)

The Bachelor of Arts in American Studies (History) at the University of Kent offers students an in-depth exploration of the social, political, cultural, and historical aspects of the United States. This interdisciplinary programme combines the study of American history with insights from cultural studies, politics, and literary analysis, providing a comprehensive understanding of America's development and its influence on global affairs. Students will examine key historical periods, from the colonial era and the founding of the nation through the Civil War, Reconstruction, the rise of America as a world power, the Civil Rights Movement, and contemporary issues facing American society today.

Throughout the course, students will engage with a range of sources, including historical texts, visual media, and cultural artifacts, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. The programme emphasizes understanding the diversity of American experiences, including those of different ethnic, racial, and social groups, as well as the political and economic structures that have shaped the nation. Additionally, students will have opportunities to study American literature, film, and popular culture, examining how these mediums reflect and influence the country's social history.

The programme is designed to develop key transferable skills such as research, critical analysis, written and oral communication, and cultural awareness, preparing graduates for careers in education, media, public policy, international relations, and more. The university provides excellent resources, including access to digital archives, research libraries, and a vibrant academic community, all supporting students in their academic journey. Furthermore, the programme offers options for optional modules allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests, whether in American political history, social movements, cultural history, or American literature.

Students also benefit from work placement opportunities and the possibility of studying abroad in the United States, gaining practical experience and intercultural competence. The combination of historical analysis and cultural study makes this programme an ideal choice for those interested in understanding the complex fabric of American society and its historical roots. Graduates will leave equipped with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary for diverse professional roles or further postgraduate study.

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.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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.

American Studies (History) at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive exploration of American history, culture, and society, combining historical analysis with cultural studies to provide a multifaceted understanding of the United States. The program is designed to develop critical thinking, historical research skills, and cultural awareness, preparing graduates for careers in education, international relations, public history, media, and cultural sectors. Students engage with a diverse range of topics, including colonial and revolutionary America, civil rights movements, modern American politics, and cultural developments such as music, film, and literature. The curriculum incorporates lectures, seminars, and independent research projects, allowing students to explore specific interests in depth. The program emphasizes both theoretical and practical skills, encouraging analytical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to interpret complex historical data. The university provides access to extensive archives, libraries, and research facilities, supporting high-quality research and learning experiences. The program also offers opportunities for study abroad courses and placements, giving students practical experience and a broader perspective on American history and culture. Graduates of this program are well-equipped for further academic study or to enter employment sectors that value cultural literacy, historical knowledge, and research expertise. The University of Kent’s Department of History and American Studies faculty are experienced researchers and educators dedicated to providing a stimulating academic environment. Overall, the American Studies (History) program aims to produce informed, critically engaged graduates who understand the complexities of American history and society, and who can apply this knowledge in diverse professional contexts.