History and American Studies: The University of Manchester

Course description

The BA (Hons) History and American Studies is an interdisciplinary degree course which offers students the opportunity to combine study of the history, literature, film, politics and popular culture of the United States with the opportunity to study diverse historical periods and cultures, whilst developing your own research and analytical skills to a high level.

In the second year you can choose to go abroad for one semester or for the whole year, or instead you can stay in Manchester. Students in Manchester select from a range of courses offered in American Studies and History.

There are three possible pathways that students can follow:

• Study at the University of Manchester for the whole year
• Study at the University of California for the whole year
• Study in Manchester for the first semester, then spend the second semester in North America or Canada (at one of eight selected US and Canadian universities).

Career opportunities

BA (Hons) History and American Studies offers multi-disciplinary training, which equips students for a variety of careers. Employers value the transferable skills students acquire, such as skills in advanced research methods, analytical techniques and excellent verbal and written communication skills. As a result, graduates are highly employable.

In recent years graduates have found jobs in the insurance industry, banking, retailing, publishing and journalism, the police force and probation service, and university administration. journalism, teaching, television, social work, the Civil Service, accountancy, business management and hospital administration. Some graduates go on to do postgraduate work at the University of Manchester, elsewhere in Britain or in the United States. Others have undertaken teacher training courses or qualified for the law while many undertake further study.

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: AAB to include A in History. General Studies is welcomed but is not normally included as part of the standard offer. Two Grade A AS levels may be accepted in place of one A-level.
• AS level: AA accepted instead of 3 rd 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.
• Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification.
• International baccalaureate: 35 points overall, including 6 or 7 points in three Higher level subjects, one of which must be History.