American Studies, BA (Hons)

The American Studies programme at Swansea University offers students an in-depth exploration of the United States, covering its history, literature, politics, and culture. This dynamic degree tackles urgent global issues such as civil rights, racial justice, and the rise of the new right.

Key Course Details

• UK/EU Fees: £9,535 (2026 entry)
• International Fees: £19,300 (2026 entry)
• Mode of Study: Full-time
• UCAS Code: T701 (3-year full-time), T70A (4-year full-time with foundation year), T700 (4-year full-time with year abroad), T70I (4-year full-time with year in industry)
• Typical Offer: ABB-BBC (A-level), DMM-MMM (BTEC), 32 points (International Baccalaureate)

Course Overview

To understand the United States, its history, literature, politics, and culture, is to understand the global forces that are shaping today's world. American Studies at Swansea University provides a comprehensive understanding of the most influential country of the modern era, from its colonial origins to contemporary challenges.

Modules

The programme includes a variety of modules, such as:

• Locating American Studies
• From Facts to Fake News: Being a Historian in the Twenty-First Century
• Who Sings America? Literature and Culture of the United States
• Forging a Nation: US History and Politics
• America in a Nutshell: A History of Pennsylvania from William Penn to Donald Trump
• The Making of Transatlantic America
• Race and Ethnicity: American Perspectives
• America in Crisis: From the Tet Offensive to Trump
• Global Justice and Human Rights in the Age of Globalisation

Entry Requirements

• A-level: ABB-BBC
• BTEC: DMM-MMM
• UK Access: 21 Distinctions and 24 Merits in Humanities or Social Sciences
• T Levels: Merit
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points

How You're Taught

At Swansea, students benefit from a high-quality, research-informed education that combines a range of effective and inclusive teaching methods. This includes lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions, as well as digital learning tools to enhance the learning experience.

Welsh Provision

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study some elements of this course through the medium of Welsh, but there is not yet enough provision to reach 40 credits in each year. Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually.

Careers and Employability

The Careers and Employability Team at Swansea University supports students at each stage of their career journey, helping them build a bright future. The team provides employability workshops, employers' talks, bespoke events, and careers fairs, as well as individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers.

Additional Costs

Students may face additional costs while at university, including travel to and from campus, printing, photocopying, binding, stationery, and equipment costs, as well as the purchase of books or texts. Access to a digital device and wifi in accommodation is also essential.

Study Abroad and Global Opportunities

This course offers students the opportunity to spend a year abroad in the United States or Canada, studying at one of Swansea University's partner institutions. This experience can help students develop new skills, gain international experience, and enhance their career prospects.

Year in Industry

The Year in Industry programme provides students with the opportunity to spend a year in industry, either in the UK or overseas, gaining valuable workplace experience and developing their skills and knowledge in a professional setting. The University advocates for only paid placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1920 as University College of Swansea
• Received its Royal Charter in 1948, becoming Swansea University
• Consistently ranked among the top 30 universities in the UK
• Home to over 20,000 students from over 140 countries
• Notable achievements include:
  • 2019 Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its work in developing and delivering innovative teaching methods
  • 2018 Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community
  • 2017 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results showed that 90% of Swansea University's research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent

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Student Life:

• Over 150 student clubs and societies
• Sports teams in a variety of disciplines, including rugby, football, and basketball
• Student support services include:
  • Counseling and mental health support
  • Disability support
  • Financial advice
  • International student support
• Campus facilities include:
  • Bay Campus: Modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities, including a library, sports center, and student union
  • Singleton Campus: Historic campus with a mix of traditional and modern buildings, including the iconic Singleton Abbey
  • Tycoch Campus: Home to the College of Engineering and the School of Management

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Academics:

• Academic resources include:
  • Over 400 undergraduate and postgraduate programs
  • World-class research facilities
  • Extensive library resources
• Faculty:
  • Over 1,000 academic staff, including internationally renowned researchers and industry experts
• Teaching methodologies:
  • Focus on student-centered learning
  • Use of innovative teaching methods, such as problem-based learning and flipped classrooms
• Academic support services:
  • Academic skills workshops
  • Writing center
  • Math and statistics support
• Unique academic programs or initiatives:
  • Swansea Employability Academy: Provides students with opportunities to develop employability skills
  • Swansea University Global: Offers international study and research opportunities

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Top 30 UK university
• Excellent teaching and research
• World-class facilities
• Strong industry connections
• Vibrant student life
• Notable alumni include:
  • Michael Sheen, actor
  • Catherine Zeta-Jones, actress
  • Sir Terry Matthews, entrepreneur

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center
• Housing services
• Library resources:
  • Over 1 million books and journals
  • Access to online databases and e-resources
• Technology support:
  • Free Wi-Fi across campus
  • Computer labs and printing facilities
• Career development services:
  • Career counseling
  • Job search assistance
  • Employer networking events