Politics and American Studies BA

Course overview

On this course you will study a range of compulsory modules in American history and literature, as well as the government and politics of the USA. You can also choose optional modules in both subjects as well as from a wide range offered across the University. There is an opportunity to transfer to a four-year degree course, spending your third year in North America, depending on satisfactory performance.

Year one

In year one you will take modules in political theory and in comparative politics. You will learn to compare political institutions and behaviour in western liberal democracies and gain a thorough understanding of the history of political ideas. You will also take modules in American history and literature in the School of American and Canadian Studies.

Year two

In year two, you will take the compulsory modules, Approaches to Political Studies, Designing Politics Research and Government and Politics of the USA. You will also take modules in American thought and culture, along with options in American studies.

Year three

In year three, you will undertake a dissertation under the supervision of a member of staff and also take optional modules in either politics or American studies from a wide selection of modules offered by both schools.

More information 

See also the Department of American and Canadian Studies.

Entry requirements

A levels: AAB, none specific but general studies and critical thinking not accepted

English language requirements 

IELTS 7.0 (including 6.0 in any element)

TOEFL iBT 100 (no less than 21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking)

Alternative qualifications 

For details please see alternative qualifications page

Modules

The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result, may change from year to year. The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer.

Typical year-one modules

• Power and the State
• Understanding Global Politics
• American History 1: 1600-1900
• Foundations for Politics
• Political Ideas in Conflict

Typical year-two modules

• American Thought and Culture 1: Settlement to World War 1
• American Thought and Culture 2: 1917-Present

Typical year-three modules

These modules will typically include Politics and Drugs, The Impact of Globalisation, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and The Far Right in Europe. 

 

Skills and careers

You will have a broad knowledge of American culture, politics and society, and an understanding of important political theories and concepts. You will also have the ability to develop and sustain a reasoned argument and to critically analyse political situations. If you were successful in transferring to the four-year degree, your overseas experience will recommend you to employers.

Average starting salary 

The average starting salary for 2009/2010 full-time graduates of the School of Politics and International Relations was £20,391.89 and for graduates of the Department of American and Canadian Studies it was £18,562.50.*

*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2009/10.