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History and American Studies

Course details
  • Bachelor of Arts (with Honours)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 21 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Singleton Park Campus
Awarded by:
Swansea University (Prifysgol Abertawe)

Course summary

On this fascinating three-year BA degree program, you will have the chance to explore the culture, history and politics of the United States of America, alongside many aspects of British, European and World History.

This degree program covers the period of American history from colonization through to the recent Trump presidency as well as spanning many history topics from the Crusades through the Enlightenment to 20th Century Europe.

Tailor this varied and flexible course to suit your interests, whether in American film, music, race, gender, civil rights and political protest to international relations, political economy, and conflict and peace. It addresses some of the most pressing issues in our contemporary world, including globalization and struggles for racial justice.

You also have the chance to study for a year or a semester in the United States, discovering the subject first-hand.

Teaching on this course is informed by our world-leading research and you can attend seminars organised through our guest speaker program. Visiting American professors also offer modules as part of the degree, and with more than 150 American students studying at Swansea each year, you will have access to a ready-made network of contacts with links stretching across the USA.

You will develop a wide range of transferable skills, which are highly valued by employers, including oral, writing and presentation skills, along with expertise across research and problem-solving. Our graduates enter careers in a wide range of sectors ranging from education, heritage and museums, media and public relations, law and public services.

Study at Swansea and you’ll be based on our Singleton Campus in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Outside of your lectures, you’ll be able to join our student societies, including the History Society and American Studies Society.

Modules

Course Modules

Your first year will include a mixture of compulsory and optional modules, with examples of compulsory modules from recent years including:
• Making History
• American History and Politics
• Field Trip Module: The Past in its Place

In your second year you will study a mixture of compulsory and optional modules, with your third year comprising entirely optional modules from a wide range of subject areas. Examples of optional modules in recent years have included:
• The Global First World War
• Britain in the Early Middle Ages: Slaves, Dragons, Queens and Vikings
• African American Literature 1910-1940: The Harlem Renaissance
• Dissertation

For the full programme structure and module breakdown, please visit our webpage at https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/culture-communication/american-studies/ba-american-studies-history

Assessment method

We offer a variety of assessment methods within our programmes. In addition to traditional examinations and essays, examples of alternative assessment include:
• Presentations
• Group Work
• Personal Reflection
Throughout your undergraduate American Studies and History degree, you will develop excellent research and analytical skills and learn to present your ideas effectively both verbally and in writing. For full breakdown of course structure and assessment please visit our course page https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/culture-communication/american-studies/ba-american-studies-history/ or get in touch with us at study@swansea.ac.uk

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
VT17
Institution code:
S93
Campus name:
Singleton Park Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
ABB-BBC

UCAS Tariff
128-112

Access to HE Diploma
Distinction: 21 Merit: 24

Access to Humanities Course

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSEs: English/Welsh Language Grade C

Extended Project

We recognise the EPQ as an excellent indicator of success.

If you are predicted a grade B or above in the EPQ, you will receive an offer with a one
grade reduction, to include your EPQ with a grade B.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
30-33

International students will also require a score of 4 at Higher Level English Language or Literature, or 5 at Standard Level English Language or Literature.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

Swansea University accepts the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales as fully equivalent to x1 A-Level.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM-DMM

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H3H3H3H3H3H3

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

Swansea University will accept the Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate as fully equivalent to one A-Level.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English we require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) and no less than 5.5 in each component.https://www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/english-language-requirements/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

UK applicants who meet course requirements are guaranteed a conditional offer. We assess applications on individual merit. We consider making reduced offers, eg. to Care Leavers or students with extenuating circumstances. We encourage you to disclose any relevant circumstances.

The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is considered as equivalent to one full A-Level and students can take x2 A-levels alongside this. EPQ students predicted Grade B or above will receive a one-grade offer reduction.

Learn more on the Swansea University website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Please refer to the Swansea course pages for tuition fee information.

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