American Studies: The University of Manchester

Course description
This is an inter-disciplinary degree programme which offers you the opportunity to study the history, literature, film, politics and popular culture of the United States. The first year is taught mainly by lecture and tutor-led sessions, which gives you a solid grounding in debates (both historical and contemporary) about the character, nature and purpose of America, and which introduces you to US literature and history before 1900.
In the second year you may have the opportunity to study at a North American university for one or both semesters. Their exchange partners include the University of California, Arizona State University, the University of Massachusetts and the University of Toronto.
In the final year you complete a compulsory dissertation and select five other course units from a list of options, taught by a weekly seminar taken by a specialist member of staff. These options, which change from year to year, reflect the research interests and expertise of the American Studies staff and may include courses on Conspiracy Culture, Film and Politics, American Masculinities, African-American Writing, the Civil Rights Movement, American Slavery, Race Mixing in American Literature, Independent Cinema, the History of California and Hip-Hop and Hollywood.
Career opportunities
Graduates of English and American Studies enjoy career opportunities in a wide range of professions. 'Traditional' careers in publishing, journalism, teaching and librarianship are still followed, but graduates increasingly pursue careers in law, banking, advertising, accountancy, business management, commerce, computing, archive studies, the media and the civil service.
Entry requirements

• English language:
  • Minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent
  • eg. NCUK EAP minimum Grade of A with range of 70-79
  • TOEFL: PBT score of 600; CBT score of 250; TWE score of 5.5; IBT score of 100
• A level: Grades ABB. AS-levels are not accepted in place of an A-level.
• Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications.
• GCSE: Minimum of grade B in English Language, English Literature or English Language and Literature.
• Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification.
• International baccalaureate: 33 points overall including 6 points in English or History at Higher level, PLUS grade 6 or 5 in a further two subjects at higher level.