What would I need to get onto the Course?
"American Studies" is not a school subject and therefore
doesn’t spring quickly to mind for the majority of prospective
students faced with a blank UCAS form. If, however, you are studying,
or interested in, one or more of the following subjects, it could
be the degree for you: Sociology, History, Politics, English Literature,
Geography and Economics. For some courses, especially those with
a high Popular Culture content, Media Studies could be useful too.
Because of its interdisciplinarity American Studies is also attractive
to students who have done Access courses, GNVQs and other, often
broader based, alternatives to A-levels.
What will I study?
American Studies is an exciting option for students wishing to
explore the life, culture and society of the world’s pre-eminent
nation. The United States has such a large influence on politics
and culture world-wide that the study of the social structure and
the ideals that created it provides a valuable insight into many
other communities. Most students who do American Studies at University
find it to be intellectually stimulating and a lot of fun. The knowledge
and skills they acquire help them to find jobs in a broad range
of interesting careers, in the UK, the US and elsewhere.
Can I go to America?
Many American Studies programmes offer a period of time abroad
at a university in the United States, selecting subjects to study
in accordance with student interests and the requirements of their
UK institution. This type of exchange is a great adventure and offers
intellectual and cultural advantages, students study the United
States while experiencing its culture directly. On some courses
this study period is assessed and your grades in America will count
towards your degree. Sometimes this visit affects the length of
the degree, so at some Universities a BA (Hons) in American Studies
may take 4 years rather than the usual 3.
Is it OK to take a Gap Year before I start?
The majority of American Studies Departments are happy, for their
students to take a year out. Most would actively encourage students
with exciting gap year plans, like travelling, to do that before
embarking on their degree. It’s also possible for students
to find interesting vacation jobs in the United States if they wish
(e.g. Camp America).
What happens after a Degree in American Studies?
Students who undertake American Studies degrees have a wide range
of career options. Some go onto further study either here or in
the US, while many go into law, journalism, retailing, the civil
service, and various aspects of the media. While there is no single
set curriculum, American Studies encourages students to synthesise,
analyse, frame arguments, apply data to complex problems, and work
in groups. Employers find such skills useful and often welcome the
breadth of educational experience gained by American Studies students.
The Authors
Dr Jay Kleinberg, Head of American Studies and History, Brunel
University U.K.
Jae Hopkins, Admissions Manager, Faculty of Arts, Brunel University
U.K.
This article first appeared in School Leaver
