BA (Hons)
English and American Studies
Explore different critical approaches to literature
Course Overview
Why take this course?
In this lively, multi-disciplinary course, you will develop skills and knowledge across a range of disciplines, and ally in-depth knowledge of North and South America in their global context to a deeper understanding of literature in English.
The breadth of themes and analytical approaches in this programme provides a sound preparation for work or further study.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Apply for an internship in the heart of the American political process
- Spend a period in one of our link universities in the USA or Mexico
- Tailor your study to reflect the interests you develop during your studies
What opportunities might it lead to?
This course will equip you with the capabilities for a wide range of careers, in the US or UK, with a broadened world view that will help you apply your skills in any job that calls for analysis, argument or communication. Here are some routes our past graduates have pursued:
- publishing and editing
- journalism
- media
- teaching
- marketing and sales
- local government
I really liked the friendliness of the lecturers on the open day. I can always contact my lecturers if I have a problem, and they are always prepared to spend time with students if they need help.
Blake Sears, BA (Hons) American Studies student 2013
Key Facts
- UCAS Course Code:
- QT37
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Entry
240-300 points from 3 A levels or equivalent, to include 100 points from A level English.
Other qualifications- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £8,750 p/a*
International full-time students: £10,500 p/a*
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- humanities.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 8299 - Department
- School of Languages and Area Studies
Subject:
English, Film, Journalism and Media
Find out what our students say about studying at Portsmouth, including:
- Getting the chance to develop practical skills alongside learning the theory
- The high-quality teaching and flexibility of options that enables you to tailor your course to your own interests
- The passion and knowledge of the lecturers that makes studying so enjoyable
Visit us at our open day
Wed 10 Jul
Structure & Teaching
Year one
In the first year you will study introductory units to the various disciplines that you will cover on the course, working towards a coherent understanding of the Americas as a whole and a solid foundation for advanced literary study in years two and three.
- Introduction to Latin American History
- Introduction to North American Studies
- Literary History 1: Sixteenth to Nineteenth Century
- Literary Theory
- Studying at University
- Introduction to Poetry
Year two
In the second and third years of study a range of options allows you to pursue your own particular interests. Options may vary from year to year but will always offer the opportunity to study in-depth critical and theoretical approaches to a wide range of subjects.
- US Foreign Policy: Ideals & Self Interest
- Literary History 2: 19th Century to Present Day
- Race, Slavery and Emancipation in the Americas
- Literary Prizes and Public Acclaim
Options Including:
- American Civil War
- Democratisation in Latin America
- Early Modern Drama
- American Literature
- Nation and Travel
- Victorian Literature & Visual Culture
Year three
A large part of the final year is given over to the preparation of a dissertation, which is a major piece of independent work on a topic of your own choice. The dissertation can be on an American Studies or an English topic, or combine the two.
- Dissertation/Major Project
Options including:
- Early Modern Literature and The Bible
- Enlightenment: Literature, Culture and Modernity
- Tracing Borders: Women and Writing 1890-1940
- Twentieth Century Avant-Garde Fiction
- Friendship, Community and Identity in 17th Century Poetry
- Holocaust Literatures
- US Masculinities
- Civil Rights in the USA & its Legacy
- Borderland America
- City & Nation: The Latin American Urban Experience
- Transitional Justice & Human Rights
- African American History & Culture
Teaching and Assessment
We aim to provide a varied, challenging and stimulating learning environment. But most of all we want you to become an independent learner so that you will continue to learn beyond your time at the University.
Our staff are highly motivated and research active, ensuring that you are taught by specialists in their subjects.
How are you assessed?
You will have relatively few formal lectures as most of our teaching is done in smaller groups and we encourage you to work together in groups or small teams. Our assessment methods are varied too, incorporating some formal examinations but also case studies, projects and presentations.
Visit us open day
Facilities & Features
Pan-American Approaches
Studying beyond the borders of the USA
Washington Internship
The Brockport Washington Intern Program
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books
Pan-American Approaches
At Portsmouth, the entire pan-American region is explored through a wide range of disciplines and perspectives. You may study the US; you may equally study the Caribbean, Central or South America. You may also be able to study for a period abroad in one of our partner universities in the Americas
Washington DC Internship
Students on this programme are eligible to apply for an internship through the Brockport Washington Intern Program, offering work experience and learning opportunities in the heart of the American political process.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
You will develop a wide range of skills and capabilities that are valued by prospective employers, such as analysis, criticism and argument. Your global world view and, potentially, study experience abroad will make you more appealing to many employers. You will be eligible to apply to an internship programme in Washington DC where, if successful, you can develop personal and professional skills at the heart of US politics.
Roles our graduates have moved into include:
- editor
- copywriter
- projects administrator
- archivist
- government administrator
- journalist
Work experience
In addition to the Washington internship opportunity, you may study abroad in the first semester of the final year, either in the United States or Mexico. This course also allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option, which lets you earn credits toward your degree for work/research placements, volunteer roles or internships undertaken alongside your studies. The option gives you the opportunity to enhance your employability skills, to reflect on the ways in which you've done so, and to learn to express this to potential employers.
The School of Social Historical and Literary Studies can offer you a number of work experience opportunities in a range of local organizations during your degree course. Currently these include projects at the National Museum of the Royal Navy and the New Theatre Royal, with local government departments and political groups, and a number of our students have worked on small research projects for the local community.
Career planning
6.04 minutes
Finding a job is a competitive business, but the statistics show that 89 per cent of our 2011graduates went into employment, further study or training within six months of finishing their degrees.
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.
Open Day
Our next open day is Wed 10 July
VISIT US! Have a look around and get a feel for what it’s like to live and study here. We’ll be on hand to talk to you about your course interests and show you all of our amazing facilities. You’ll also get to meet tutors and other students…
Application, Fees and Funding — find out more