BA Degree in American Studies – Richmond University
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  • Tuition Fee

    £9,250 (UK/EU)
    £14,750 (INT)
    $38,000 (US)

  • Duration

    3 Years (Full-time)
    4 Years (Full-time)

  • Location

    Richmond Hill Campus

Programme Overview

If you are fascinated by the United States of America and want to learn more about its culture, history, and politics, explore our BA in American Studies.

As the only American University in the UK, Richmond has an authenticity which few can match when it comes to American Studies. Our programme, which is based on the American liberal arts system of learning, aims to develop an understanding of the United States of America from an international perspective.

The programme enables students to take courses in American history, politics and foreign policy alongside courses on film, literature, popular music, globalisation and contemporary popular culture. Students on this programme will also share courses with students majoring in International Relations, Politics, History, Communications, Journalism and other disciplines.

Step outside the classroom and explore a different side of America through visits to The American Museum and Gardens in Bath, the Benjamin Franklin House in London and the British Museum. With all of London’s museums, art galleries and theatres on the doorstep, there are many ways to discover different aspects of America.

You will also have the opportunity to benefit from the numerous exchange possibilities with universities and colleges in the United States, Canada and Latin America.

Top 5 reasons to study this programme:

  • Develop a broad understanding of American Studies, touching on areas such as International Relations, Political Science, Cultural Studies, Film Studies, Communications and Art & Design
  • Opportunity to study alongside American and international students creates lively discussions and brings American Studies alive
  • Build expertise in the changing relationships between North America and South America
  • Specialise in specific aspects of politics, history, and culture in the Americas, including US politics and foreign policy, the ‘Pink Tide’ in Latin America, and the study of film, music, theatre, art and design
  • Study abroad in the USA, Canada or Latin America through Richmond’s partner programmes

  • After you graduate

    Career Paths
    Embassy of the Dominican Republic, European Commission, Moody’s Investors Service, PwC, US Department of Homeland Security, AXA Rosenberg, Deutsche Bank, Mercedes-Benz, The Albert Baker Funs, BB, Bloomberg L.P., EMI Music, 19 Entertainment, Walt Disney Entertainment

    Further Education
    College of Law, London College of Fashion, London School of Economics and Political Science, Monterey Institute of International Studies, Royal Central School of Speech & Drama

    Career paths for American Studies graduates
    Media, Marketing, Advertising, Music, Film and Television Industry, Events Management

  • Career Support

    We offer career support and advice through our Careers & Internships Office that will assist and guide you in your study choices to make sure you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Through internships you will gain business acumen, beneficial work experiences and transferable skills which will give you a competitive advantage in a fast-paced working environment. Work while you study across 5 continents through our partners Connect123 and CRCC Asia with destinations in Spain, Argentina, South Africa, China, Japan, Vietnam and Australia.

Modules Breakdown

3 Years pathway

Core Modules & Electives

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

YEAR 3

Fall Semester

Fall Semester

Fall Semester

Foundations of Sociology

When Worlds Collide

Senior Seminar I

Comparative Political Systems

Intro to IR

Contemporary America Culture

Intro to Visual Culture

Scientific Reasoning

History Since 1972

Research & Writing I

Cultural Theory

Elective

Creative Expression

Politics in the USA

Elective

Spring Semester

Spring Semester

Spring Semester

Foundations of AMS

Power in the Americas

Senior Seminar II

Versailles to Vietnam

American Television Drama

The American Presidency

Film in the Americas

Social Research

Pop to Present

Research & Writing II

Mainstream Cinema

Elective

Quantitative Reasoning

US Grand Strategy

Elective

4 Years pathway

Core Modules

CORE SUBJECTS

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

YEAR 3

YEAR 4

Foundations of American Studies

Introduction to Visual Culture

Power in the Americas

Contemporary American Culture

Comparative Political Systems

Film in the Americas

Cultural Theory

The American Presidency

Foundations of Psychology

When Worlds Collide: Race & Empire 1400-1888

Mainstream Cinema: Studies in Genre

Senior Seminar in American Studies 1

Transitions I

Versailles to Vietnam: US and the World

Social Research

Senior Seminar in American Studies 2

Transitions II

Introduction to International Relations

4 FHEQ Level 5 Electives

US History Since 1972

Quantitative Reasoning

And all of the following:

 

From Pop to Present: Themes in Contemporary American Art

Scientific Reasoning

Research and Writing II

  

Creative Expression

4 FHEQ Level 4 Electives

  

Research and Writing I

   

QCT Level 3 Elective (can be Gen Ed Hum SS requirement)

   

Electives

ELECTIVE MODULES

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

YEAR 3

YEAR 4
   

Plus 4 of the following OR Internship and 2 of the following:
   

World Internship in American Studies (6 CREDITS)
   

Internship in American Studies (6 CREDITS)
   

New Media
   

History on Film
   

Culture, Power and Empire
   

Migration and Diasporas
   

Conflict And Peace Studies
   

International Human Rights
   

Foreign Policy Analysis
   

Global Energy Politics
   

Ethnicity and Identity
   

Religion, Identity And Power
   

Democracy and Democratization

3 Year Pathway Entry Requirements

A Level: 3 C’s or equivalent*

*All other equivalent eligible transfer credits will be determined by Admissions.

4 Year Pathway Entry Requirements

A Level: 96 UCAS points

US High School Diploma (or equivalent): 2.5 GPA minimum (on 4.0 scale)

International Baccalaureate: 24 IB points (year 1) BTEC National Diploma: MMM.

Completion of Year 12-13 International equivalent secondary school qualification with a minimum grade average of grade of C including mathematics and English

English Language Requirements (Non Native English Speakers)

Qualification

Undergraduate

Validity Period

IELTS (Academic)

5.5 with 5.5 in Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing

2 Years

TOEFL IBT

72 with 17 Listening, 18 in Reading, 17 Writing, 20 Speaking

2 Years

Pearson Test of English

51 with 51 in each component

2 Years

First, Advanced, Proficiency – taken after January 2015

162 overall (no less than 162 in each component)

No Expiry

Cambridge First: Advantage, Proficiency – taken before January 2015

Cambridge First: Grade B overall (No less than B in any component)

No Expiry
 

Cambridge Advanced: Grade C (no less than C in any component) less than C in any component)

No Expiry
 

Cambridge Proficiency: Level C1 certificate

No Expiry

How to apply

You apply directly using the Common Application ($50.00) or the Richmond online Application. In order to submit your application you will need the following information

  • Details of your education history, including the dates of all exams/assessments
  • The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively an electronic copy of your academic reference
  • A personal statement – this can either be emailed as a Word Document or PDF, or completed online
  • An electronic copy of your in process or completed high school (secondary school) transcript and graduation certificate

When to apply

We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you are completing your undergraduate programme of study. In this case you will be offered a place that is conditional on successfully completing a specified qualification and English language qualification if applicable. If you would like your application to be considered for a Richmond bursary, an early application is strongly recommended

Application process

Admission is by interview unless you live outside the UK when we may interview you via Skype or by telephone. We may also determine your suitability on the basis of their application and qualifications alone. Find out more about applying.

UCAS Course Code

3 year pathway

RU01

4 year pathway

T700

Programme Duration

Full Time 3-4 Years

Including one year at QCF Level 3
(subject to credit transfer)

Contact our admissions team for more details:
admissions@richmond.ac.uk

Please note: Non US students are eligible

  • The programme is recognised in the US via our MSCHE accreditation.
  • The programme is currently validated in the UK by The Open University.
  • Major
  • Minor
  • US Federal Aid is available
  • SFE loans currently awaiting designation.

Useful Links

Programme Specification
How to apply
Scholarships

Undergraduate Prospectus

What our students say

Studying for a BA in American Studies at Richmond University was the best decision I made in the last three years (better than the time I said yes to eating an oven baked tarantula, lightly salted).

The classes at Richmond are small – in terms of student numbers, but also dimensionally – and all the better for it. Class discussions are the perfect setting to explore the subject and extract sordid details. Class contact hours are numerous and the work load is high but time spent with our tutors is extensive which I know, having done the first year of my degree at a British University, is an exceptional quality unique to Richmond University.

With quite a broad subject, taking the degree in the direction I wanted to is routinely encouraged, as is free thinking and the development of my ideas. If you want a challenge and to develop an incredible understanding in your field, Richmond American International University in London is the place to go, despite its lengthy title which I may have just got wrong.

Emily KimberBA degree in American Studies (with optional study in the USA)
The reason I chose Richmond’s BA programme in American Studies was because I wanted to gain a broad understanding of American politics and culture, and it was important for me to study in a genuinely American environment, which is provided at Richmond.  As we study so many different topics we can choose any minor, I’m planning on doing Political Science which I think will be really helpful for my career options.
Alice, age 19, from Bromley, UKSecond year BA American Studies student

Where to find us

Richmond Hill Campus

Queen’s Road
Richmond-upon-Thames
TW10 6JP
England

+44 (0) 208 332 8200 (Main Switchboard)

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