Swansea University

What you'll study

This degree integrates American Studies and History to give a rounded understanding of the United States across cultural, political and social dimensions while grounding that knowledge in historical development and research methods. Core themes include US political institutions and foreign relations; race, ethnicity and migration; gender and sexuality in American culture; popular culture, film and media; social and economic history; and comparative transatlantic perspectives.

• Year 1 typically introduces key themes and methods: introductory modules in American history, US culture and literature, and basic historical methods and research skills.
• Year 2 builds depth with modules such as US politics and society, race and migration in the United States, cultural industries (film, music and visual culture), and historical approaches to modern America.
• Final-year work focuses on advanced topics and independent research. Students normally complete a substantial dissertation or independent project on a chosen American Studies or historical subject, plus options in areas such as environmental history, slavery and memory, the Cold War, contemporary US foreign policy, and archival practice.
• Teaching methods combine lectures, seminars, small-group tutorials and project supervision. Assessment typically includes essays, source-based assessments, presentations and the final dissertation.
• There are opportunities for work placements, internships and study abroad through university exchange arrangements, as well as skills development in research, digital humanities and public history.

Entry requirements

Typical entry is at undergraduate level; applicants should have a relevant secondary-school qualification (A levels, BTECs, International Baccalaureate or equivalent) and a demonstrable interest in history, culture or politics. Successful applicants normally show strong written communication and critical thinking skills. Specific offers can differ by year and by applicant profile, so check the university’s admissions pages for precise current requirements.

International applicants are expected to meet equivalent academic standards and, where English is not the first language, to demonstrate proficiency in English through an approved qualification or test score accepted by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates of American Studies and History develop skills valued by employers: research and information handling, critical analysis, clear written and oral communication, and project management. Common career paths include:

• Journalism, broadcasting and digital media
• Publishing and copy-editing
• Heritage and museum work, archives and public history
• Policy, public affairs and think tanks; roles in national and local government
• Education (often combined with teacher training such as a PGCE) and academic research at postgraduate level
• Marketing, communications and PR roles in cultural and voluntary sectors

Many graduates also progress to postgraduate study (MA or PhD) in history, American studies, cultural studies or related disciplines to specialise further or pursue an academic career.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea University offers this interdisciplinary programme within a research-active humanities environment, with staff who combine specialist research on American history and culture with teaching experience. The university’s campus life and coastal location provide a supportive student experience, and the institution maintains libraries and digital collections useful for American Studies research.

Students benefit from small-group teaching, dissertation supervision, and access to employability services that help secure placements, internships and postgraduate progression. The degree’s combination of cultural and historical focus is well suited to those who want both contextual depth and transferable skills for a wide range of careers.