American Studies (Literature)

The American Studies (Literature) programme at the University of Kent offers students an in-depth exploration of American literary history, culture, and society. This interdisciplinary course combines the study of classic and contemporary American literature with critical analysis of the cultural, social, political, and historical contexts that have shaped the United States. Students will engage with a diverse range of texts, including novels, poetry, essays, and film, to develop a comprehensive understanding of American cultural identity and literary expression. The programme encourages critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling students to interpret texts through various theoretical lenses and to appreciate the complexities of American life and history. Throughout the course, students will examine significant themes such as identity, race, gender, and migration, and explore how these themes are reflected and challenged in American literature. The programme also provides opportunities for engaging with digital humanities and contemporary media, preparing students for careers in publishing, education, arts administration, and cultural analysis. With experienced faculty members who are experts in American literary studies, the programme offers a blend of historical insight and contemporary relevance, fostering a vibrant academic community. Situated within a university that is renowned for its supportive learning environment and strong links to cultural institutions, American Studies (Literature) equips graduates with both a profound understanding of American culture and transferable skills in research, communication, and critical analysis. This programme is ideal for students interested in literary studies, American history, cultural studies, or pursuing further academic research or careers abroad. It combines rigorous coursework with opportunities for independent research, group projects, and engagement with American literary and cultural institutions, ensuring a dynamic and comprehensive educational experience.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

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

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 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:

• EN303 - Introduction to American Studies

• EN333 - Romanticism

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
• EN675 - Declaring Independence: 19th Century US Literature
• PO617 - Contemporary Politics and Government in the United States
• HI795 - Inviting Doomsday: US Environmental
• EN677 - The Contemporary
• EN695 - Empire, New Nations and Migration

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.

Students on the three-year programme have the option of spending a term abroad in their final year.

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
• EN658 - American Crime Fiction
• EN667 - Harlem to Hogan's Alley: Black Writing in North America
• EN588 - Innovation and Experiment in New York, 1945- 1995
• EN623 - Native American Literature
• EN676 - Cross-Cultural Coming-of-Age Narratives
• EN701 - The Global Eighteenth Century
• EN703 - The 'Real' America: Class and Culture in the American Gilded Age
• EN705 - The Contemporary Memoir
• EN709 - Animals, Humans, Writing
• EN710 - Victorian Aestheticism and Decadence
• HI5024 - The American Civil War Era 1848-1877
• 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

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 A level English Literature or English Language and Literature grade B.

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 5/6/6 in HL English A1/A2/B.

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.

The BA (Hons) in American Studies (Literature) at the University of Kent offers a comprehensive exploration of American literary history, diverse cultural expressions, and key social and political issues through the lens of literature. The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the United States’ cultural landscape, examining major literary movements, influential authors, and significant texts that have shaped American identity over centuries. Students will engage with a wide range of literary genres, including poetry, fiction, drama, and non-fiction, from colonial times to contemporary works.

The curriculum integrates historical and cultural contexts to enrich students’ critical reading and analytical skills. It encourages interdisciplinary approaches, combining insights from history, cultural studies, politics, and media studies to foster a holistic understanding of American society. The program also places a strong emphasis on developing transferable skills such as academic research, textual analysis, and effective communication, which are valuable for careers in education, publishing, media, international relations, and cultural consultancy.

Throughout the course, students can expect to participate in lectures, seminars, and independent research projects. Optional modules allow for specialization in areas such as African American literature, gender and sexuality in American writing, American popular culture, and contemporary issues. The program also includes opportunities for placement and study abroad, enabling students to gain practical experience and international perspectives.

The University of Kent’s campus provides a vibrant academic community, with access to extensive resources including libraries, archives, and digital collections related to American literature and history. The program is aligned with the university’s emphasis on innovative teaching and research, ensuring students receive a high-quality education that encourages critical engagement and scholarly development. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue postgraduate study or enter various professional fields where a deep understanding of American cultural and literary contexts is advantageous.