Triangle

Research overview

Studying American culture and history illuminates the crucial role the US has played in shaping the modern world. It also highlights the tensions around race, class, and gender that have fuelled the expression and reception of the nation's founding values.

If you already have a clear idea of the area and topic you wish to research as a PhD, then you can effectively lay the groundwork for this by doing a masters by research.

Our particular areas of research specialism include:

  • African American literature, history and culture
  • American art and visual culture
  • American intellectual history
  • American labour history
  • American music and popular culture
  • American political history
  • American print culture and book history
  • Asian American literature and culture
  • Border studies
  • Civil rights and social justice
  • Contemporary American fiction
  • Crime, prisons and criminal justice
  • Feminist theory
  • Gender and queer studies
  • Indigenous culture
  • Latinx culture
  • Memory Studies
  • Nineteenth-century American literature and culture
  • US foreign policy

Find out more about our research.

Course content

You will take 180 credits. This is made up of a selection of taught modules (worth 60 credits), and a 25,000-word research dissertation (worth 120 credits).

You will also attend research training sessions and weekly graduate 'work-in-progress' seminars, led by the research student community. They are an opportunity for everyone to present their ongoing research to their peers, supervisors and invited members of academic staff and research students. You will then receive feedback and support. You will contribute a paper in semester two.

Your core module is a 120-credit dissertation:

This module involves the selection, research and writing up of a 25,000-word dissertation in the field of American and/or Canadian Studies.

The dissertation is submitted at the end of the year and is marked by both an internal and external examiner. You will agree the topic with your supervisors (usually two co-supervisors). There is the possibility of a viva to confirm the award.

This module is worth 120 credits.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules.
You will take 60 credits from the following:

This module helps postgraduate students recognise the range of careers and opportunities that an Arts and Humanities MA/MRes can provide.

It highlights the skills and abilities present within these programmes and provides examples of the successful application of these skills. Students will explore how subjects within the arts can be ‘applied disciplines’ that serve to be impactful in wider society through research and engagement.

Through ‘live brief’ assessments, students work in groups, utilising their Arts and Humanities skill sets, to present and produce a consultancy report for a range of organisations, including SMEs/Third-sector.

An introduction to some of the key research skills required to become a more effective researcher and successfully complete your MRes.

You'll also develop a range of transferable professional skills - from writing and presentation to public engagement and project management.

You will also engage with key methdological concepts and debates within the arts and humaniities.

This module runs for one semester and is worth 20 credits.

Develop the practical and intellectual skills required to bring your MRes dissertation to completion.

You'll typically cover:

  • research planning
  • archive mining
  • data management
  • practical training in thesis presentation and structuring
  • key theories and approaches relevant to all students in the areas of arts and humanities

It is not necessary to do MRes Research Skills 1 to enrol on this module.

This is a full-year module worth 40 credits.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

QualificationMRes
Degree

2:1 (or international equivalent) in an arts, humanities or social science subject

QualificationMRes
Degree

2:1 (or international equivalent) in an arts, humanities or social science subject

International and EU equivalents

We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world.

For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.

IELTS7.0 (no less than 6.5 in each element)
English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us.

Applying

MRes applicants are encouraged to get in touch with the Departmental Director of Postgraduate Research (currently Dr Christopher Phelps) to discuss their areas of research interest prior to submitting their application.

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.

How to apply

Fees

QualificationMRes
Home / UK5,100
International21,500

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

Books

You'll be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to buy your own copies of core texts.

Placements

For voluntary placements (such as work experience or teaching in schools), you will need to pay your own travel and subsistence.

Funding

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Support

The department offers:

  • advanced research training
  • frequent reviews and feedback on progress
  • departmental research seminars/work in progress sessions
  • support for research trips and conference attendance
  • inter-library loan

We also offer a programme of visiting speakers and regular symposia, organised by staff and students.

You will be encouraged to organise and attend conferences, act as editors for postgraduate journals, and publish book reviews and articles.

There are regular opportunities to take part in outreach activities, public talks and departmental events. In addition to serving as Departmental Outreach and Engagement Coordinators and Directors of our LGBT and Black History Month programmes, students are given logistical and financial support in order to run their own conferences and organise a week-long research retreat.

Expert supervision

You will have two supervisors who are an active part of our established research staff. They will:

  • regularly read your work
  • attend your works-in-progress presentation
  • provide frequent reviews and feedback

View staff profiles for the Department of American and Canadian Studies.

Researcher training and development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.

Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.

Graduate centres

Our graduate centres are dedicated community spaces on campus for postgraduates.

Each space has areas for:

  • studying
  • socialising
  • computer work
  • seminars
  • kitchen facilities

Student support

You will have access to a range of support services, including:

  • academic and disability support
  • childcare services
  • counselling service
  • faith support
  • financial support
  • mental health and wellbeing support
  • visa and immigration advice
  • welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer.

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

  • international students
  • black and minority ethnic students
  • students who identify as women
  • students with disabilities
  • LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

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Where you will learn

University Park Campus

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Careers

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

The MRes in American Studies hones skills of research, analysis, writing, and verbal expression that are transferable across multiple occupations.

Our postgraduates go onto work in a range of fields, from university lectureships and post-doctoral fellowships to roles in the media, art councils and the creative industries.

Many of our research students publish high-quality books and articles and have secured teaching positions in universities both in the UK and abroad.

100% of postgraduates from the School of American and Canadian Studies secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £31,000.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on data from graduates who completed a full-time postgraduate degree with home fee status and are working full-time within the UK.

Hollywood Internships programme

This course is perfect for a career in the creative industries. At Nottingham, you can gain valuable experience through internships, placements, and work opportunities. No more so though than with our prestigious Hollywood Internships programme, unique to Nottingham. Previous internships have involved:

  • First-reading of incoming film and television scripts
  • Collecting audience data and preparing evaluation reports
  • Filming interviews with Hollywood veterans for the archive
  • Training, masterclasses, professional lectures and panels
  • Working front of house at special screenings and industry events

Indicative partner organisations include A24, CAA, Disney, Warner, Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate, UTA, and WME.

The partners, number and nature of the internships change each year, advertised in the Autumn term. These are highly competitive positions, and places are not guaranteed. Terms and conditions apply.

The internships are supported through the generosity of Peter Rice, Nottingham graduate and former Chair of Disney General Entertainment Content.

MatthewPethers
An interest in the remarkable cultural transformations which America underwent from the colonial period to the early twentieth century underpins all my research. The crucial role that periodicals, printing technologies, plays, novels and letter-writing have played in shaping America's relationship with Europe, and the nation's founding values’ expression and contestation through these media, is the recurring focus of my published work. I see such cultural forces as invaluable tools for considering the particular tensions around race, class, and gender that define the American experience, and how different artistic forms can be used to include and exclude certain social groups.”
Dr Matthew Pethers, Head of Department and Associate Professor in American Intellectual and Cultural History

Related courses

American Studies PhD

Research North America and the exchange of influences between North American cultures and those of Asia, Europe and the Americas.
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American and Canadian Studies PhD

Research North America and the exchange of influences between North American cultures and those of Asia, Europe and the Americas.
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American and Canadian Studies MRes

Produce original research in North American literature, history, culture and politics.
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Research Excellence Framework

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

  • 96% of research activity from the Department of American and Canadian Studies was assessed as ‘world-leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’
  • 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
  • 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
  • 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**

*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.

This content was last updated on 04 April 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.