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American Studies (3 Years)

  • Bachelor of Arts (with Honours)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 21 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
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2025-20262026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Our three-year American Studies degree is very attractive to those wanting to develop a deep understanding of the US, both at home and around the world. You have the option of one semester of immersive study in North America. The course enables you to think in interdisciplinary ways about the United States, including its extensive forms of ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ power.

This course encourages you to integrate a variety of methods and approaches, allowing you to develop critical and contextual thinking. As you progress, you will have the choice to concentrate more on one approach: you might focus on historical topics – and we employ one of the largest groups of American historians in the UK, offering classes from the beginning of European colonization to the contemporary period – or you might decide to concentrate more on American literary and cultural studies.

At Manchester, we train our students to be attentive to the counter currents of US history, society and literature, and many of our course units emphasise the themes of race, capitalism, sexuality, the cultures of labour, political protest, environmental crises and questions of governance. You will learn how to analyse a wide range of texts and materials, including historical documents, literary works, social media communication, films, manuscripts, political rhetoric, marketing campaigns and popular music.

Having developed these interpretive skills, you will develop an advanced grasp of theories of change (and continuity) in a nation that continues to exert considerable influence over international politics, culture, and economics.

Modules

https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2027/12037/ba-american-studies/

Assessment method

Our assessment methods for this course are designed to improve your ability to work and think independently, to express your ideas with clarity, and to allow you to produce imaginative and incisive interpretations of the subject.

We are keen for our students to learn to write for different audiences.

To do this you will produce varied written work, including essays, journals, gobbet responses and your final-year dissertation.

Most units are assessed through a combination of an essays and final examinations.

American Studies modules also allow you to undertake more creative forms of assessment, such as producing visual essays, films, historical map-making, and short radio-style oral essays.

All modules encourage you to work collaboratively with other students.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 21 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
T701
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Manchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

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:
T701
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
ABB

ABB including one essay based subject.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.

Typical Contextual offer: BBC including one essay based subject.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher

We normally require grades ABBBB in Scottish Highers.

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/ Intermediate 2 grade C/ Standard Grade Credit level grade3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

AS

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Access to HE Diploma

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.

The specific course requirements are 30 Distinctions and 15 Merits in Level 3 credits .

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 6 in English Language and Grade 4 in Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of  our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications  or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.

Scottish Advanced Higher

We normally require grades ABBBB in Scottish Highers.

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/ Intermediate 2 grade C/ Standard Grade Credit level grade3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD

We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DD plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade B.

Extended Project

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
DM

We consider the Technical Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades Distinction, Merit, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade A in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics .

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Not accepted

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 34

34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We welcome and recognise the value of the Baccalaureate Wales and accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.

For applicants who have studied the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (pre-2023), this qualification will still be accepted in lieu of one A-level (normally the lowest A-level grade listed).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the admissions team.

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

We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades   DDM plus one A Level in an essay based subject at grade B.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
D

We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with a Distinction grade, PLUS one A-level at Grade B in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics, PLUS an EPQ or AS at Grade B.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
Not accepted

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D

We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade   D plus additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades BB.

OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
DD

We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grades D plus additional level 3 qualifications such as an A Level at grade B and EPQ at grade B.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
D

We consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade Distinction, plus two additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades BB, one of which must be in an essay-based subject such as English or History.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme. Please contact us for further advice.

Additional entry requirements

Interview
We only interview students studying alternative qualifications to the A level syllabus, for example students studying Access courses and students that may have been out of education for some time.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)77.0 overall with 6.5 in each component.

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either: - GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade B/6, or; - IELTS Academic or IELTS UKVI 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each component, or; - An acceptable equivalent qualification. Please note we accept in-person IELTS tests taken in official IELTS test centres only. You should review our English Language requirements page for a list of acceptable IELTS tests. If you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of  our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications  or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School/Department for clarification. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level.https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/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.

We operate contextual admissions meaning many applicants receive an offer and are admitted at least one grade below standard entry requirements. Entry requirements for applicants meeting contextual admissions criteria are listed next to the standard entry requirements on course profiles.

Contextual admissions means we consider your application in context helping us to ensure everyone has a fair chance of getting into Manchester. The data we use is automatically provided on your UCAS form.

Learn more on the University of Manchester website

International entry requirements

The University welcomes applications from appropriately qualified candidates across the world. We value global talent and are proud to receive applications from a wide range of educational systems and national backgrounds.

Because international qualifications vary widely, it is not possible for us to list entry information for every country on this page. If your country is not listed below, please contact us and a member of our team will be happy to assist you: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/contact-international-team/ https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/country-specific-information/

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

The tuition fees for 2027 are yet to be confirmed.

Related courses

At University of Manchester

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