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Prefer to see our subject areas?

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Research

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We are different and we are the same. #WeAreEssex

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American (US) studies

American (US) studies

America: land of the free, home of the brave? At Essex, American Studies (US) unravels the intricacies of American history and culture but also equips you with the knowledge to comprehend America's profound impact on the global stage.

Apply now through Clearing

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Land of the free, home of the brave.

At Essex, you'll discover the history, politics and sociology of one the most influential countries in contemporary history. Your degree will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how America has shaped the world as we know it today.

American Studies is for you if you frequently find yourself lost in Hollywood movies and American Literature. You would love to spend part of your studies immersing yourself in US culture. You’re intellectually curious and want to gain a broader understanding of the country that has secured its place as a global leader.

Visit our department page to learn more about our faculty, research opportunities, and the home of American Studies at Essex.

Why study here?

Our academics’ common interest in American Studies means our research spans several areas, including American politics, African American history and American crime fiction.
Benefit from our flexible course structure to tailor-make your degree.
You can study abroad at a wide range of excellent partner universities across the US.

Career prospects

American Studies offers you the chance to gain a wide-ranging knowledge of many aspects of American life and intimate acquaintance with the region in the United States where you will have spent a period of study.

This provides excellent preparation for careers in media, education, politics, the Civil Service, international organisations such as the UN and NATO or non-governmental organisations, and many other fields. Our graduates have gone on to work in a wide range of desirable roles including an events co-ordinator for Age UK, a business provision manager for BT, an accountant in London, and an account executive for Bluesky PR.

We also work with the university's Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities. Explore the career opportunities American Studies can provide.

“We have a broad range of lecturers who each add a different perspective. We're lucky to have such great minds at our disposal.”

Talia Burr BA American Studies (United States)

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