American Studies

A master's in American Studies enables students to gain a full appreciation and understanding of American culture, politics and society within an interdisciplinary framework. Ideal foundations for research or careers in North American institutions, teaching, public relations, media and publishing or the financial sector.

• Offers the opportunity to study with leading international experts dealing with North America
• As an interdisciplinary programme, the MA enables students to study North America from a variety of different perspectives.
• A wide range of optional taught modules drawing on King’s-wide expertise.
• We accept students from a wide range of academic backgrounds, so specific training on North America is not necessary.
• The unrivalled location in the heart of London brings outstanding advantages. Students enjoy excellent academic, social and cultural opportunities, unrivalled access to library and archival resources, and easy access to resources in Europe.

Student destinations Programme leader/s Awarding Institution Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent) Duration Location Year of entry 2012
Offered by Closing date Intake Fees Contact information Email

Gain a full appreciation and understanding of American culture, politics and society within an interdisciplinary framework.

The degree concentrates on an interdisciplinary and contextualised understanding of American culture, history and society. It consists of one core module, Contemporary North America, plus module options and a dissertation.

Options include:

• The British Empire
• Cinema and the City
• Civil War in the United States, 1861-1865
• Film & American Culture
• History of the Built Environment
• History of Sports in America
• Music & American Culture
• Poetry Place & Perception
• Internship Module
• Globalization, development, and the Americas
• Inter-American politics in the 20th and 21st Century
• United States and Latin America in the 19th Century
• Writing Race and Slavery in the Atlantic World and the Extended Caribbean
• US Foreign Policy
• US Religious History

Core programme content
• Contemporary North America
• Dissertation



Indicative non-core content

• The British Empire
• Cinema and the City
• Civil War in the United States, 1861-1865
• Film & American Culture
• History of the Built Environment
• History of Sports in America
• Music & American Culture
• Poetry Place & Perception
• Internship Module
• Globalization, development, and the Americas
• Inter-American politics in the 20th and 21st Century
• United States and Latin America in the 19th Century
• Writing Race and Slavery in the Atlantic World and the Extended Caribbean
• US Foreign Policy
• US Religious History

Taught core and optional modules assessed mostly by coursework, with a few optional modules having an unseen examination, plus a dissertation.


General entry advice

Your application will be assessed by the Programme Director, who will consult other members of the academic staff involved in teaching the programme. Once references and transcripts are received, we aim to process all applications within four to six weeks although this may take longer in February, March and over holiday periods.


Please submit a one page personal statement with your application, explaining why you wish to apply for this programme and why you feel it matches your interests, academic background, and, if relevant, your career plans.


Self-funded, AHRC, Graduate School studentships and bursaries.