American Studies and Politics (with a study abroad year) BA (Hons)

at University of Sussex

Year 1

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

• British Political History

• Explanatory Concepts in Political Science

• Introduction to American Studies

Spring teaching

• Foundations of Politics

• Modern America

• Research Skills and Methods in Political Science

Year 2

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

• European Politics

• Modern Political Thought

• Theoretical Concepts for American Studies

Spring teaching

• American Cities

Year 3

Options

You choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.

While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.

Autumn teaching

• American Studies Dissertation

• American Teen Cinema: Coming of Age on Screen

• Death of Socialism?

• Political Change: Contemporary France

• Political Change: Eastern Europe in Transition

• Political Change: Global Crisis and European Political Economy

• Political Change: India

• Political Change: Political Parties and Party Systems

• Political Change: Politics and International Business

• Political Change: The European Union as a Global Actor

• Political Change: the Politics of Brexit

• Political Change: The Rise of Anti-politics

• Race and Ethnicity in Popular Cinema

• Special Subject: Israel - US Special Relations and the New Diplomatic History Part A

• Special Subject: The Civil Rights Movement

• Special Subject: The Civil Rights Movement Part A

• The Golden State: Art in California, 1945-1981

Autumn and spring teaching

• History Special Dissertation Israel - US Relations

• History Special Dissertation: Israel - US Relations and the New Diplomatic History

• History Special Dissertation: The Civil Rights Movement

Spring teaching

• America in the 21st Century

• Democracy and Inequality

• Feminism and Women's Political Activism in Britain

• Governing Technology

• Hollywood Industry and Imaginary

• Independent Study/Internship Option

• Parties and Voters in the UK

• Political Corruption

• Queer Literatures

• Special Subject: Israel - US Relations and the New Diplomatic History Part B

• Special Subject: The Civil Rights Movement Part B

• The Politics of Feeling

• What is War

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer    

30 -32 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer    

Overall result of at least 75% to 77%.

Other international qualifications

Typical offer    

Standard XII results

• 80% from ISC Indian School certificate of Education (CISCE)  

• 80% from SSC All India Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE)

• 80% HSC Higher Secondary Certificate ( Maharashtra )

English language requirements

• IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component

Home students: £9,250 per year

Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £9,250 per year

International students: £18,500 per year

By thinking critically across disciplines, you learn a broad range of analytical and communication skills. These will be enhanced on your year abroad where you’ll gain invaluable cultural and social perspectives. As a result, you will be in demand in fields such as:

• journalism and marketing

• TV and film production

• policy research.

Our recent American Studies graduates have started work as:

• Junior Account Executive, Alexandra Public Relations

• Fundraising and Social Media Officer, St Michael’s Fellowship

• Education Co-ordinator, Whitechapel Gallery