COURSE OVERVIEW
Studying American Studies and History involves exploring the culture, history and politics of the most influential country in the world, alongside many aspects of British, European and world history.
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 history topics from the Crusades through the Enlightenment to 20th century Europe.
American Studies at Swansea is ranked number one in the UK for student satisfaction (NSS, Complete University Guide 2018) and History scores 93% (NSS 2017).
WHY AMERICAN STUDIES AND HISTORY 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)
History is ranked:
- Top-30 for research quality (REF 2014)
- 93% for student satisfaction (NSS 2017)
You will have the option of a semester in the USA, further enhancing your student experience and your career prospects.
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.
You will take a ‘special subject’ module focusing on a topic, culminating in an independent dissertation in the final year, and you’ll have the option of Welsh medium modules.
YOUR AMERICAN STUDIES AND HISTORY EXPERIENCE
We offer varied and flexible course content, so you can shape your American Studies and History degree to your own interests.
Topics include American film; popular music; race; gender and women’s history; migration and urbanization; social, economic, cultural and military history; the history of war and conflict; terrorism; civil rights; public history and heritage; modern British social history; the history of religion, health and medicine; and political protest.
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 both the American Studies Student Society and the History Student Society organise a range of social and cultural events.
AMERICAN STUDIES AND HISTORY 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
- Archives
- Heritage and museums
- Business
- Media and public relations
- Law and public services
