American Studies

American studies is the interdisciplinary examination of the history, politics, literature, culture, and society of the United States, and it is a field that has never been more relevant. The cultural, economic, and political influence of the United States on the rest of the world is profound and pervasive, shaping everything from film and music to trade policy, international security, and the global information environment. Understanding America, its internal contradictions, its democratic ideals alongside its history of racial violence, its creative richness alongside its commercial dominance, is essential to understanding the world we live in.

At the University of Sussex, this four-year full-time degree incorporates a foundation year for those who need to build their academic foundations before entering the main programme. The degree explores American history, politics, literature, and culture in an interdisciplinary way that develops your intellectual flexibility and your cultural and political awareness. While the programme's four-year structure includes a study abroad element embedded in the degree, allowing you to spend time in an American or international institution, this is built into the programme's architecture rather than listed as a separate structural feature.

Sussex has a strong tradition of American studies and provides a challenging, critical environment for engaging with one of the world's most consequential societies.

American studies graduates are valued across a wide range of careers because the degree develops the capacity to think critically and comparatively about culture, politics, and society in ways that are applicable far beyond the United States itself. Many graduates work in journalism, publishing, the civil service, international organisations, education, and cultural institutions. Others move into law, politics, communications, and the creative industries.

The degree is an excellent foundation for postgraduate study in American studies, history, politics, international relations, or cultural studies. The typical entry tariff is 120 points.