American Studies (with a study abroad year)

2nd in the UK for American Studies (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)

3rd in the UK for American Studies (Complete University Guide 2025)

About the course

Intrigued by American culture, politics and history? Fascinated by the many facets of modern North American culture, including literature, film, popular culture and art?

On this course, you’ll learn from one of the largest groups of academics dedicated to American Studies in the UK. Your teaching is underpinned by our cutting-edge research expertise. This includes American culture, gender and sexuality, social and racial justice movements, women’s history, ideas in US foreign policy, American literature and philosophy, and literature’s scientific connections.

During your studies, you’ll:

• conduct research on topics related to North American history, literature, politics and popular culture

• get to grips with theoretical concepts in American Studies around race, class, nation, empire, gender and sexuality

• take electives from other subjects – from modern languages to media and law – to open your mind to other disciplines and tailor your degree to your interests

• learn how to critically analyse a range of media, including music, art, film, political documents and speeches

• hone your verbal and written presentation skills

• be a part of our active student community, with activities including field trips, social events and a seminar series.

Your exciting year abroad in North America is a highlight of this course. You’ll build your confidence and broaden your outlook. From Tulane University in New Orleans to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, we have many prestigious partner institutions all across the continent.

When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for a wide range of jobs – from the radio, tv and film industries, to the Civil Service, research, journalism, marketing and non-profit organisations.

About Sussex

Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.

Location

Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.