A/AS-levels: AAB-ABB at A-Level. We prefer A-Level History, though this is not essential. Two AS-Levels considered in place of one A-Level. General Studies is accepted
EPQ with A-levels: ABB-BBB at A-Level + EPQ at grade B. We prefer A-Level History, though this is not essential
Access to HE Diploma: Pass relevant Diploma with 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at distinction
International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 30 points including 6 in one Higher Level subject
BTEC Nationals: Pass Diploma with D*DD
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Our History and American Studies BA brings together two popular and exciting subjects. Combine the excellence of our Centre for American Studies – one of the top 10 places in the UK to learn American Studies* - with the world-leading research of our History experts.
You will chart the history of America since its beginnings as an independent state all the way through to the modern day. Along the way, you will study the diverse people, ideas and events that have shaped the nation. Political, cultural and economic factors will all be discussed and you will learn how all of these contribute to the shaping of one of the most influential countries in the world.
You can pursue modules in American history, politics, and culture whilst also studying aspects of British, European and global history. This degree allows you to study American politics and culture in ways that will complement and extend your understanding of both American and world history.
You will also have the exciting option to immerse yourself in American culture by spending a year of accredited study at one of our partner institutions in the USA, including universities in New York, Florida, Texas, California and many other destinations across the country.
UCAS code: VT17
More Info: click here
Year 1
The first year provides a strong foundation for your degree, with core modules on American history since independence, US political institutions, processes and ideas, and the emergence of the modern world order. You will also choose from options on European, British and global history to understand American developments in a broader historical context.
Core modules
Making History
Introduction to American Government and Politics
The Shock of the Modern
People and Places
US History since 1877
Option modules
Choose one option module from:
Global History: Connections and Cultures in a Changing World, 1750 to the present
Great Britain: The State We're In
Europe 1861-1991: Emancipation and Subjugation
Year 2
The core modules will delve deeper into understanding the diverse people, communities and wider world relationships that have shaped America’s development, and will enhance your critical thinking, independent research, and intellectual creativity - skills you’ll put into practice in further optional modules.
Core modules
Perceiving the Past (double module)
Becoming the Historical Researcher (double module)
Option modules
Choose two option modules from:
Blood, Position and Power: The Nobility of Later Medieval England, 1066-1485
Madness, Monarchy and Politics in Georgian Britain
Jack-the-Ripper: Crime, Popular Culture and Policing in Victorian Times
Rise and Fall of the Soviet Union
The Making of Contemporary US Foreign Policy
Then choose two option modules from:
Enter the Dragon: Modern Chinese History, 1839-1989
From Beer to Fraternity: Alcohol, Society, and Culture in North America
History in the Classroom
Living with Dictatorship: European Societies, 1918-1941
Heritage Field Project
Foreign Policy Analysis
Year Abroad (optional)
Final Year
The final year is shaped entirely by your preferred areas of interest and specialisation. You will research and write an original dissertation – an independent research project of your own design – with the support of an expert supervisor. You will also choose from a wide range of optional modules that reflect the cutting-edge research expertise of your tutors.
Core module
History dissertation
Option modules
Choose one Special Subject module from:
Ideals of Womanhood in 19th Century America
The Holocaust: Genocide in Europe
After Hitler: Society, Culture and The Politics of The Nazi Past in The Two Germanies, 1945-1990
A Sea of Conflict? Christian Muslim Encounters c.1100-c.1300
Then choose one option module from:
The USA and the Vietnam War
Crime and Punishment in African American History
The Golden Age of Anglo-Saxon Northumbria
Disasporas and Migrations in the Modern World
From Empire to Nation: Modern South Asia, c. 1857-1947
Gender, Crime and Deviance in Eighteenth Century Britain
Finally choose one option module from:
The Imperial Economy: Britain and the Wider World, 1815-1914
What Difference Did the War Make? British Society and the Great War, 1900-1939
When Two Dragons Fight: China and Japan at War in the Twentieth Century
Indigenous Peoples of the Americas, c1350-1650
The Medieval Natural World
Abolitionists: Antislavery Activism in Britain and America, 1787-1865
We offer several practical or placement modules so that you can gain hands-on experience in your chosen career path. For instance, our 'History in the Classroom' module includes practical teaching experience by incorporating a placement in a local school and our 'Heritage Field Project' will give you hands on experience working in the heritage industry, offering you invaluable experience for the future.
We routinely develop paid internship opportunities for our students to gain additional, relevant work experience during their degrees. Roles such as research assistance, conference organiser, and editorial assistant have been offered in recent years.
OSHC - $12276 GBP / per year
