American (United States) Studies with Film

The American (United States) Studies with Film program at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive understanding of American culture, history, politics, and society, combined with a specialized focus on film studies. This interdisciplinary degree is designed to provide students with critical insights into the diverse aspects of the United States, fostering analytical skills through the exploration of historical developments, social issues, literary works, and cinematic achievements. By integrating American Studies with Film, the program enables students to examine the cultural narratives and visual storytelling techniques that have shaped American identity and global influence. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of theoretical approaches and empirical research methods, encouraging them to develop sophisticated interpretations of texts, films, and societal phenomena. The curriculum includes modules on American history, politics, literature, film theory, and American cultural studies, ensuring a well-rounded academic experience. Practical components such as film analysis and production workshops provide hands-on experience and enhance students' critical viewing skills. The program emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, examining issues such as race, gender, ethnicity, and social justice within the American context. It prepares graduates for careers in media, film industry, education, cultural policy, and international relations, as well as offering pathways to postgraduate study. Students benefit from the university's active academic community, access to extensive library resources, and opportunities for internships and study abroad programs. The program aims to develop informed, culturally aware individuals capable of contributing thoughtfully to discussions about American society and its global interactions through a thorough understanding of its visual culture and historical context.

Detailed Course Facts

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

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
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 your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
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

Introduction to Film;
Introduction to Film Production;
The Enlightenment; and
one option

Year 2

Filmmaking;
Approaches to Text; and
two film options

Year 3

Three film options; and
one film, literature or outside option

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, including one A-level in a humanities subject
• GCSE English: C
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM in Fine Art or Media
• 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) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).

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.

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 Essex.

Funding

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

American (United States) Studies with Film at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive exploration of American culture, history, politics, society, and cinema. The program is designed to provide an interdisciplinary approach, combining the study of American society with film analysis to give students a broad understanding of the United States' cultural identity and cinematic contributions. Throughout the course, students will engage with a diverse range of topics, including the history of the United States, its political developments, social movements, racial issues, and popular culture, alongside an in-depth study of American film genres, industry practices, and critical theories.

The program emphasizes critical thinking, cultural awareness, and analytical skills, preparing students for a variety of careers in media, journalism, public policy, education, cultural analysis, and international relations. Students will have opportunities to analyze films both through theoretical frameworks and practical reviews, gaining skills in visual storytelling, critique, and media production. The curriculum integrates lectures, seminars, film screenings, and projects, often encouraging students to explore the relationship between American history and its portrayal through cinema.

Students enrolled in the program benefit from the university’s facilities, including access to specialized film archives, screening rooms, and research resources. The program also offers opportunities for study abroad, internships, and engagement with American cultural institutions, enhancing practical experience and intercultural competence. Faculty members are experts in American studies, film theory, and cultural analysis, providing mentorship and innovative research opportunities.

Graduates of the program are equipped with a nuanced understanding of American culture and film, enabling them to critically assess media and cultural texts and apply their knowledge in academic, cultural, or professional settings. The program aims to produce culturally aware graduates who can interpret American societal issues through both historical and cinematic lenses, fostering a global perspective on American influence worldwide.