A young university student researching in a library with a vintage map of the United States on the wall, surrounded by books and historical documents, representing the interdisciplinary study of American history and culture

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

A replica Statue of Liberty alongside vintage photographs, film reels and academic books on American history and culture, illustrating the cultural and historical focus of American Studies

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.

Some other qualifications are also accepted:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in relevant areas like Media, Travel & Tourism, or Public Services—ideally alongside an academic A-level
IBCP or Cambridge Pre-U with strong academic components may also be considered

✨ Always check individual university website 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.

💬 Interviews
Formal interviews are not normally part of the admissions process. Some competitive courses or combined honours programmes might include a short conversation, but this is rare.

📝 Admissions Tests
There are no standard admissions tests for American Studies. Some highly competitive universities may ask for a sample of written work, like a school essay, especially if the degree is taught within a History or English department.

If your current qualifications don’t match typical entry requirements, there are other ways to access an American Studies degree:

🌱 Foundation Year
Several universities offer a foundation year in Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences for students who don’t have the usual qualifications. This can help you build confidence with academic reading and writing before starting the main degree.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma
An Access to Higher Education Diploma in Humanities, Social Sciences, or History is widely accepted. Look for a course that includes essay-based subjects to prepare you for the degree.

💼 Level 3 Apprenticeships
While there aren’t specific apprenticeships for American Studies, a Level 3 apprenticeship in areas like Cultural Heritage or Library Services could support your application—especially if you combine it with additional academic study or a foundation course.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in an American Studies degree

Linguistic & Intercultural Fluency: Explore American culture, society, history, and politics, gaining a deep understanding of the United States' diverse identities.
Analytical & Critical Thinking: Critically examine and interpret American literature, politics, history, and culture from different perspectives.
Research & Data Analysis: Develop skills in sourcing, evaluating, and interpreting various forms of historical, cultural, and social data related to America.
Communication (Written, Verbal, Digital): Express ideas clearly and effectively about complex social and historical issues concerning the United States.
Social & Civic Engagement: Engage thoughtfully with discussions around social justice, community involvement, and current American social issues.
Emotional Intelligence & Empathy: Build understanding and sensitivity toward diverse experiences within American society.
Adaptability & Resilience: Adapt to changing debates, contexts, and interpretations in the study of American society and culture.
Problem-Solving: Learn how to address and propose solutions to social, historical, and political challenges relevant to American society.

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 and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

Not sure what your Holland Code is? Want to get a better understanding of yourself to help you understand if this would fit you? Explore our pages on Self-Knowledge here.

Interests that would make an American Studies degree a good match for you

Careers an American Studies degree could lead you to