Our three-year BA American Studies course will give you a grounding in the history, culture, and literature of the US, from colonisation through to contemporary times.
At Manchester, we train our students to be attentive to the counter-currents of US history and literature, and our course places a particular emphasis on the themes of race, capitalism, sexuality, the cultures of labour and political protest.
You will master the approaches and tools found in several academic disciplines, including cultural theory, history, visual studies, literature, and politics. ...
Our three-year BA American Studies course will give you a grounding in the history, culture, and literature of the US, from colonisation through to contemporary times. <br/><br/>At Manchester, we train our students to be attentive to the counter-currents of US history and literature, and our course places a particular emphasis on the themes of race, capitalism, sexuality, the cultures of labour and political protest. <br/><br/>You will master the approaches and tools found in several academic disciplines, including cultural theory, history, visual studies, literature, and politics. You will also learn how to analyse and discuss a wide variety of materials. <br/><br/>Years 1 and 2 will give you a wide knowledge of US politics and history, and American literature and film, and will familiarise you with concepts such as: <br/><br/><br/>- mass incarceration; <br/><br/><br/>- inequality; <br/><br/><br/>- racial stratification; <br/><br/><br/>- poverty; <br/><br/><br/>- the logics of policing; <br/><br/><br/>- the changing nature of work and leisure; <br/><br/><br/>- radical organising; <br/><br/><br/>- military power; <br/><br/><br/>- cultural imperialism; <br/><br/><br/>- climate change; <br/><br/><br/>- urban politics; <br/><br/><br/>- conspiracy theories; <br/><br/><br/>- gender and sexuality; <br/><br/><br/>- literature and film analysis. <br/><br/><br/>You will also have the option to study abroad for a period in Year 2. <br/><br/>In Year 3, you will be able to choose from one of the richest selections of American Studies units in the country while completing a substantial piece of independent research.
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
21/09/2026
Campus
Main Site
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
T701
Institution Code
M20
Points of Entry
Year 1
Not Accepted
We normally require grades ABBBB in Scottish Highers. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/ Intermediate 2 grade C/ Standard Grade Credit level grade3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course. The specific course requirements are 30 Distinctions and 15 Merits in Level 3 credits .
34
34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
DDM
We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, Merit, plus one A-level in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics.
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 6 in English Language and Grade 4 in Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE
DD
We consider the National Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus one A-level at Grade B in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics.
AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.
DM
We consider the Technical Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades Distinction, Merit, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade A in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics .
Not Accepted
We normally require grades ABBBB in Scottish Highers. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/ Intermediate 2 grade C/ Standard Grade Credit level grade3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
D
We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with a Distinction grade, PLUS two A-levels at Grades BB (one of these A-levels should be in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics).
Not Accepted
D
We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with a Distinction grade, PLUS one A-level at Grade B in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics, PLUS an EPQ or AS at Grade B.
DD
We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level/A Level at min. Grade B an essay-based subject such as English or History, PLUS an EPQ or AS Level at grade B.
D
We consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade Distinction, plus two additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades BB, one of which must be in an essay-based subject such as English or History.
A,B,B
ABB including one essay based subject. Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels. Typical Contextual offer: BBC including one essay based subject. Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this. The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
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Unfortunately, we're unable to gather fee information for this course. Click here to find out more about American Studies (3 Years) BA (Hons)'s funding options on the university's website.