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.
• Students are able to take an internship in an American cultural or political institution as part of their studies to increase employability.

Student destinations Programme leader/s Awarding Institution Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent) Duration Location Year of entry 2013
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 two core modules, Introduction to American Studies and US Political Culture in the 20th Century, plus module options and a dissertation.

There are also a range of optional modules from the Institute which can be chosen from (see course structure tab). Outside of the module students have the option to take certain modules within other departments including all the Global Institutes (Brazil, India, China, Russia and International Development), English, History, CMCI (Culture, Media and Creative Industries), Film Studies, War Studies, Institute of Contemporary British History and The Dickson Poon School of Law.

Core programme content

• Introduction to American Studies
• US Political Culture in the 20th Century
• Dissertation.

Indicative non-core content
The Institute of North American Studies offers the following optional modules:

• Mediating America
• Religion and Politics in the 20th Century
• US Sports Cultures
• American Empire
• Cultures of Secrecy - America and Beyond
• Passing in American Culture
• US Political System
• American Popular Culture
• American Gothic
• American Studies Internship

Note: module availability will vary slightly each year

There are also options available from other departments including all the Global Institutes (Brazil, India, China, Russia and International Development), English, History, CMCI (Culture, Media and Creative Industries), Film Studies, War Studies, Institute of Contemporary British History and The Dickson Poon School of Law.

Optional modules offered by other departments:

Film & American Culture
Music & American Culture
Cinema & the City
Liberty and Inequality in the Early American Republic
Civil War in the US
History of Sexuality in America
The Transatlantic in Literature
The Graphic Novel: Origins & Aesthetics
American Folks

 

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 an admissions tutor, 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.