DEGREE GUIDE
American Studies
What do American Studies degrees involve?
American Studies degrees teach you about the history, culture, politics, and global influence of the United States. You will explore key areas such as American history, literature, film, politics, and social movements, examining how the country has shaped and been shaped by global events. These courses help you develop strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills while exploring themes like race, identity, democracy, and popular culture. You may also have the opportunity to study American foreign policy, indigenous histories, and contemporary issues such as media influence and civil rights. With interdisciplinary learning, independent research, and study abroad opportunities, you’ll gain valuable insights into the complexities of American society, preparing you for careers in media, education, international relations, and cultural analysis.
Example
Modules
American History: Origins to 1900: Explore the early history of the United States, from colonial beginnings to the Civil War and Reconstruction, focusing on how ideas of freedom and identity developed.
American Literature: Nineteenth Century Voices: Study key works of fiction and poetry, examining how American writers shaped and challenged the literary tradition.
Approaches to American Culture: Investigate major themes in American culture through film, music, visual art and everyday objects.
Common Degree Names
💼 Some courses offer placements in archives, media, or publishing.
🌍 A year abroad in the United States is a core part of most American Studies degrees.
BA (Hons) American Studies
BA (Hons) American Studies (United States)
BA (Hons) American Studies and History
BA (Hons) American Studies and English
Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)
American Studies explores the history, culture, politics, and society of the United States. There are no required subjects – universities want to see that you can read critically, write persuasively, and engage with complex ideas.
Subjects that can strengthen your application:
History – especially useful for US or modern world topics
English Literature or Language – great for analysing texts and essay writing
Politics, Sociology, or Media Studies – helpful for understanding society and power
Modern Languages – useful if your course includes Canadian or Latin American topics
✨ At least one essay-based subject (like History or English) shows you're ready for the analytical and written aspects of the degree.
Universities may also accept:
BTEC Extended Diplomas (Occasionally). You will likely be required to have an additional A-level in an essay-based subject (such as English Literature or History). Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
BTEC National Extended Certificates or National Diplomas alongside relevant A-Level subjects
IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) with at least two IB Higher Level subjects (ideally three) alongside your Career-Related Study — see above for IB subjects that could strengthen your application
Always check individual university websites for the specific entry requirements for each course—they can vary in subject preferences and grade expectations.
Level 2 (GCSE / MYP / Nat 5)
Most courses ask for:
GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent qualifications like National 5s or MYP
📘 A strong grade in English is especially important due to the reading and essay writing involved.
Subjects like History or English Literature at GCSE level can also help build your skills and interest in the field.
Is this degree right for you?
Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:
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Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
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How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
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Career paths and where graduates end up
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Skills you would develop in X degree
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Is this a good fit for you?
Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations, Values, Work identity and skills that people who thrive in this course tend to have?
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Interests that connect well with an American Studies degree
Students who enjoy this degree often share these interests. You don't need to feel strongly about all of them, and interests develop over time. If one or two catch your curiosity, or sound like something you'd like to know more about, that's a good sign.
The Past & How It Shapes Us: American history is the backbone of the degree. You'll study how the United States was built, from colonial origins through the Civil War and Cold War to the present, tracing how historical events, ideas, and conflicts have shaped the country and its place in the world.
Fairness, Justice & Rights: Questions of race, equality, and democratic values run through the degree. You'll study the civil rights movement, the struggle for gender equality, debates over immigration and identity, and how Americans have fought to define who belongs and what freedom means.
Global Issues & International Affairs: America's role as a global power is a significant theme. You'll study how the United States has projected its influence through foreign policy, military intervention, and cultural dominance, and examine how events like the Cold War and the war on terror have shaped the international order.
Language, Stories & Writing: American literature is a major strand. You'll study novels, poetry, and cultural texts from the nineteenth century to the present, examining how American writers have grappled with themes of identity, race, freedom, and belonging that define the national story.
Different Cultures, Languages & Beliefs: American culture is studied in depth throughout the degree. You'll explore music, film, everyday traditions, African American experience, indigenous histories, and the ways different groups have shaped and been shaped by the United States.
Careers an American Studies degree could lead you to