COURSE OVERVIEW
Studying American Studies and Politics involves exploring the culture, history and politics of the most influential country in the world, alongside British and European politics, public policy, political theory and philosophy.
Our three-year BA degree opens up a range of exciting career possibilities by helping you to develop transferable skills, which are highly valued by employers.
You will have the chance to study American history, literature, politics and culture, stretching from colonization to the presidency of Donald Trump, and a range of politics topics from ancient philosophy and rhetoric to war and warfare in the modern world.
American Studies at Swansea is ranked number one in the UK for student satisfaction (NSS, Complete University Guide 2018) and Politics in the top 10 for teaching experience (Times and Sunday Times 2018).
WHY AMERICAN STUDIES AND POLITICS AT SWANSEA?
Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, American Studies at Swansea is ranked:
- 1st in UK for student satisfaction (NSS, Complete University Guide 2018)
- Top-10 for graduate prospects (Times and Sunday Times 2018)
Politics is ranked:
- Top-10 for teaching experience (Times and Sunday Times 2018)
- Top-20 in the Guardian University Guide 2018
- Top-20 for career prospects (Guardian University Guide 2018)
You will have the option of a semester in the USA during your second year.
Over 150 American students study at Swansea each year, giving you access to a ready-made network of contacts with links stretching across the USA.
YOUR AMERICAN STUDIES AND POLITICS EXPERIENCE
We offer varied and flexible course content, so you can shape your American Studies and Politics degree to your own interests.
Topics include American film, music, race, gender, migration and urbanization, social, economic and military history, terrorism, or civil rights and political protest; conflict and peace, democracy, politics, philosophy, international relations, international security, public policy or political economy.
Teaching is informed by our world-leading research and you can attend seminars organised through our guest speaker programme.
You will have an academic mentor for any pastoral and academic support you may need, and the American Studies Student Society organises a range of social and cultural events.
AMERICAN STUDIES AND POLITICS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Almost 93% of our American Studies Single and Joint Honours graduates are in work and/or further study six months after graduation (92.9% – HESA Performance Indicator sourced from the DLHE survey 2013/14) and American Studies at Swansea is ranked 1st for graduate prospects (The Guardian Good University Guide 2016).
Students on this course typically develop excellent oral and writing skills and you will learn to present your ideas in a range of formats, along with strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Our graduates enter careers in a wide range of sectors including:
- Education
- Marketing
- Government
- Research
- Events management
