FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What Degrees can I study in American Studies?
A. You can study American Studies as a Single Honours Degree or American Studies as a Joint Honours degree with English, History, Politics and International Relations, Law and a Modern Language.
Q. Do Joint Honours Degrees have equal recognition to a Single Honours Degrees?
A. Yes, single and joint honours degrees are both recognised Honours Degrees. A joint honours degree is an alternative option to a Single Honours degree is and gives you the option to study two subjects. Students on Joint Degree programs simply take half of their modules in American Studies and half in the other subject.
Q. What are the main subjects covered by American Studies?
A. The main areas you will cover are American History, Literature, Politics and Film, but opportunities to exist to explore a huge number of issues relating to American culture – from the influence of American music on the world to the impact of the American landscape upon art, photography and popular culture. Controversial issues of race, gender, class and money, are central to all our modules and help to provide a stimulating and original perspective on both the USA and its role in the world.
Q. What are the entry requirements?
A. Our preferred entry requirements are BBB at 'A' Level or equivalent to 300 tariff points (excluding General Studies). However, we welcome all applications and enquiries and attendance at interview/visit days allow us to make flexible offers. Candidates pursuing Scottish Highers, the Irish Leaving Certificate, Access courses, the International Baccalaureate, European Baccalaureate or Welsh Baccalaureate qualifications are also eligible. Normal entry requirements for International students is a minimum IELT score of 6.0, 550 in each part of the SAT reasoning and subject tests (or 1650 overall) or 32 International Baccalaureate points.
A. The four year degree scheme with Universities in the United States offers you an unparalleled opportunity to travel and study in America. You can also study a three year degree scheme with a semester in the USA or spend three years studying at Swansea with the added experience of being taught by a number of visiting American professors.
Q. Where can I study in the US?
A. American Studies has links with around twenty different exchange universities on the West Coast, East Coast, Mid-West, Wild-West and Deep-South. These include the State University of New York at Albany; the California State University system; Colorado State University, Fort Collins; University of Massachusetts, Amherst; University of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, and many others. For a full list see our web site.
Q. What careers might an American Studies degree lead to?
A. American Studies offers a range of skills that are much sought after by employers. These skills include the ability to analyse and use information from a variety of sources, to evaluate and interpret it, to solve problems and then to communicate your findings to others. Graduates have entered careers which allow them to use their degree discipline such as teaching, PR, advertising, the media, management consultancy, business administration, IT and many more. Many graduates go abroad again, teaching English as a foreign language, working in internship courses, and some study Masters or PhDs in the USA, using the contacts they have made while studying there. As most graduates will have had the experience of studying abroad, this also adds extra strings to their bows when seeking employment – students return from America more confident, experienced in different cultures, and eager to do well in life.
Q. How will my work be assessed in American Studies?
A. We provide a stimulating learning environment for all our students, because we believe in encouraging our students to think independently, and challenging them (and being challenged by them!) with new ideas and fresh perspectives. Courses are assessed through a range of flexible and dynamic methods – from traditional essays and exams to student presentations, research projects and independent study.
Q. Why study America?
A. As the world’s central superpower, the USA has an immediate and continuing impact on all our lives. It influences our culture, our economy and our political outlook. Its foreign policy affects our future. To know and understand the nature of America, its art, culture, historical and political traditions, is to appreciate more fully the real forces driving the Twenty First Century.
- Year 1 Modules
- Year 2 Modules
- Year Abroad
- Year 3/4 Modules
- Graduate Profiles
