History and American Studies

History and American studies is a combination that allows you to engage with the past through two complementary lenses. History develops your ability to work with primary sources, evaluate competing historical interpretations, and construct arguments about how and why the past unfolded as it did. American studies brings a multi-disciplinary approach to the United States, examining its literature, culture, politics, and society as an interconnected whole rather than treating any single dimension in isolation.

Together they produce graduates who understand both the methods of historical inquiry and the richness of one of the world's most globally influential national cultures.

At Northumbria this three-year full-time degree draws on the university's strengths in both history and cultural studies to give you a rigorous and engaging curriculum. You will study British, European, and American history across different periods, alongside American literature, film, politics, and popular culture. The programme includes a sandwich year, giving you the opportunity to spend a substantial period in professional work before your final year, and a year abroad, which for an American studies student may mean time spent in the United States or at a partner university with strong American studies resources.

Work placement activity is embedded throughout, building your professional CV alongside your academic knowledge.

Graduates of history and American studies programmes move into careers in journalism, publishing, teaching, broadcasting, the civil service, cultural organisations, and the many sectors that value graduates who can research, write, and think clearly about complex material. The American studies dimension is particularly relevant for roles with US-facing organisations or in industries where knowledge of American culture and media is commercially useful. Postgraduate study in history, American studies, cultural studies, or a related field is a well-trodden route for those who want to pursue research or an academic career.