Program Overview

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American Studies

The Centre for American Studies at the University of Kent provides supervision in many aspects of American Studies. Supervision is team-based and reflects the active research interests of the Centre.

Overview

We treat the American experience in a critical and reflective manner, and offer an extremely good base for postgraduate study. While able to supervise a wide range of American topics, the Centre currently operates three specialist research clusters of particular interest to candidates; the American West; US Environmental Issues; Race, Ethnicity and Borders.

About the Centre for American Studies

American Studies at Kent dates back to 1973 and, over the last few decades, has developed a strong research culture; this matches the commitment of the University to interdisciplinary study as well as the mandate of American Studies to explore the American experience in ground-breaking ways.

Our team of scholars maintains close links with a number of North and South American research institutions and archives, and the University’s Templeman Library houses impressive collections on slavery, Native American culture, and photography/visual materials.

We treat the American experience in a critical and reflective manner, and offer an extremely good base for postgraduate study. While able to supervise a wide range of American topics, the Centre currently operates three specialist research clusters of particular interest to candidates:

• The American West
• The Study of US Environmental Issues
• The Study of Race, Ethnicity and Borders.

Entry Requirements

The University will consider applications from students holding a wide range of qualifications.

• A first or second class honours degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent) for MA.
• A first or upper-second class honours degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent) and, normally, a taught MA qualification for PhD.

All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.

English Language Entry Requirements

This course requires a Good level of English language, equivalent to B2 on CEFR. Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English Language requirements webpage.

• IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
• PTE Academic 63 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test
• A degree from a UK university
• A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country

Funding

Postgraduate research is a fantastic opportunity and significant investment in your future, enabling you to expand your knowledge, skills and career options – all while making a meaningful impact and contribution to an area you are passionate about.

At Kent, we also recognise the significant financial investment that comes with postgraduate study, and we offer a range of scholarships for our postgraduate researchers, to help keep your mind on your studies, and off your finances.

Fees

The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:

• American Studies - MA by Research at Canterbury:
  • Full-time: £5,006 (UK), £19,300 (International)
  • Part-time: £2,503 (UK), £9,650 (International)
• American Studies - PhD at Canterbury:
  • Full-time: £5,006 (UK), £19,300 (International)
  • Part-time: £2,503 (UK), £9,650 (International)

Study Support

Our expert teaching staff are leading researchers at the very forefront of their fields who use innovative teaching methods to provide you with high level supervision for your research project. Their guidance, combined with extensive facilities and support staff ensures you will get the most from your study.

Research

Staff interests broadly fit within the parameters of American literature, American history, American film and American politics, although we actively welcome interdisciplinary projects that investigate several areas of study.

Current strengths in American Studies at Kent are:

• Native American literature and culture
• African-American history
• Slavery and the Atlantic world
• The American West
• US environmental issues
• US visual culture
• Disney and recreation
• American realist fiction
• Modern American poetry
• US immigration politics
• American science fiction
• Hollywood
• US foreign policy

The American West

Kent is the only UK institution to operate a research cluster on the American West, with five members of the Centre specialising in trans-Mississippi studies. The research cluster engages in pioneering work on Native American literature, Western films and video games, female frontiering and several other elements of the Western experience.

The Study of US Environmental Issues

US environmental history is a relatively new field of study, but of increasing importance. Our two environmental specialists work on wildlife management, animal studies, nuclear protest and concepts of ecological doomsday.

The Study of Race, Ethnicity and Borders

The Centre has a long history of studying race and ethnicity. Currently, six members of the team cover a range of topics that include African-American political, cultural and social history, Native American literature, Latin American relations and immigration writing and politics.

Staff Research Interests

Kent’s world-class academics provide research students with excellent supervision. The academic staff in this school and their research interests are shown below. You are strongly encouraged to contact the school to discuss your proposed research and potential supervision prior to making an application. Please note, it is possible for students to be supervised by a member of academic staff from any of Kent’s schools, providing their expertise matches your research interests.

Your Future

Recent postgraduates now work in media, publishing and a variety of businesses in the UK, Europe and the USA. Teaching is also a popular option, as are marketing and public relations.

Career Support

Whether you want to get ahead in your current career, change lanes, or kickstart a new one – we are here to help you realise your ambition.

Next Steps

Learn more about the application process or begin your application. You will be able to choose your preferred year of entry once you have started your application. You can also save and return to your application at any time.