American Studies and Politics with a Year Abroad

Explore the ideas shaping our world with a BA in American Studies and Politics. This dynamic degree blends the study of the United States to its culture, history, literature, and politics-with British and European politics, public policy, political theory, and philosophy. You will study urgent global challenges such as racial justice, democracy, globalisation, conflict, and sustainability, gaining the tools to understand and influence the world around you.

From the American Revolution to contemporary US pop culture, and from classical political thought to modern-day debates on war, peace, and security, you’ll have the flexibility to customise your degree around your passions. You also have the chance to study for a year or a semester in the United States, discovering the subject first hand.

This programme is designed to unlock a wide spectrum of career opportunities by equipping you with transferable skills such as critical thinking, persuasive communication, problem-solving, and creativity, all skills that employers across industries are actively seeking.

As part of this programme, you will spend a year abroad between your second and final year, broadening your skills and experience. Our partner institutions span the globe, including the USA, with opportunities varying each year. If you wish to receive more information, please get in touch with us on study@swansea.ac.uk.

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including: Locating American Studies, Politics and the People.

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: The State and Political Institutions, The History of Political Thought.

In Year 3: Modules will be dependent on which partnership University you choose to study at.

In Year 4, you will typically study areas including: Parliamentary Studies, Genocide, Capitalism and Justice.

This degree programme is delivered through lectures, tutorials and seminars. You will usually receive nine hours minimum scheduled contact time with your teachers every week. Full attendance at lectures, seminars and personal tutorials (personal tutorials are obligatory). All Arts and Humanities degree programmes include independent learning which requires initiative and hard work.
We will challenge you with demanding teaching and assessment. Assessment includes essay, coursework and examination, presentations and a dissertation.