History and American Studies BA (Hons) with a placement year

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The History and American Studies BA (Hons) with a placement year at the University of Northumbria Newcastle equips you to critically analyse complex global issues through the lens of historical events and American society. This undergraduate degree is ideal if you are driven to understand the forces that shape our world, from the evolution of empires and the making of contemporary Europe to the intricate narrative of US history from its founding to the present day. You will gain essential skills in historical research and interpretation, preparing you to engage with diverse historical periods and ideologies, including the study of the American environment and the African American freedom struggle.

Studied full-time on campus over four years, this programme offers a dynamic learning journey. You will explore core modules like 'Introduction to American Studies' and 'From Sea to Shining Sea: US History from 1776 to 2008', alongside a rich selection of optional subjects that allow you to specialise. A distinctive feature is the opportunity to undertake a paid work placement year, providing invaluable professional experience. You will graduate from the University of Northumbria Newcastle with a robust understanding of historical inquiry and a strong foundation for careers in heritage, policy, research, education, and beyond.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) in History and American Studies provides a comprehensive exploration of both historical and American studies topics. You will delve into foundational concepts of American Studies and global histories, alongside the evolution of Europe and the United States from its founding to the present day. The program progresses to examine specific periods and themes in American and European history, including the 1960s in America, and offers opportunities for extended essays and study abroad. The final year allows for specialized study in areas such as the American environment, the African American freedom struggle, or various aspects of European history, culminating in a dissertation.

1 Year one

Introduction to American Studies Core
The Making of Contemporary Europe Core
From Sea to Shining Sea: US History from 1776 to 2008 Core
Late Medieval and Early Modern Europe 1200-1720 Core
Making History Core
Cultures, Empires and Ideas: Global Histories of Power and Ideology Core
Academic Language Skills for Humanities and Social Sciences Core

2 Year two

Humanities Study Abroad Optional
American Studies Extended Essay Core
American Studies Extended Essay Optional
Affluence and Anxiety: The US from 1920 to 1960 Optional
America in the 1960s Core
Your Graduate Future Optional
From Reconstruction to Reunification: Europe, 1945-1991 Optional
The Holocaust Optional
Civilians and the Second World War Optional
Setting America Right: Conservatism in the United States, 1933 - 2016 Optional
Early Modern Monarchies: Power and Representation, 1500-1750 Optional
Dictatorship and Development: Central America, 1912-1996 Optional
The Making and Breaking of Industrial Britain, 1770-1990 Optional
Rise of the Russian Empire: the Romanovs, 1613-1855 Optional
Power and Freedom: West African History, 1850 to 2010 Optional
Witches, Knights and Plague: Medieval Europe on Film Optional
History/Film: Using Popular Film as Historical Evidence Optional
Field Notes: Politics and Policy Making in Place Optional
Migration Nation: Britain’s History of Immigration, Multiculturalism and Race Optional
Al-Andalus to America: Spain and the New World Optional
People Power before Democracy: The United Kingdom, 1790-1914 Optional
Foreign Policy Analysis Optional
Unilang - Languages for all - Level 5 Placeholder Optional
Cultural Identities on Screen Optional
Academic Language Skills for Humanities and Social Sciences Core

3 Year three

Humanities Work Placement Year Optional
Humanities Study Abroad Year Optional

4 Year Four

Red, White and Green: The American Environment Through Time Core
Vamps and Virgins: Gothic Sexualities Optional
Postwar US Writing Optional
The African American Freedom Struggle Since 1945 Optional
Civil War and Reconstruction Optional
Women, Crime and Subversion in Early Modern Europe Optional
Joint Honours Dissertation Optional
Northern Ireland: The 'Troubles' and the Search for Peace Optional
Barricades and Boulevards: Revolution, Culture, and Urban Life in Nineteenth-century Paris Optional
Recording the Past: Making Your Own History Documentary Optional
Men of War: Masculinities and Warfare in Britain 1914 -1945 Optional
Environmental disaster in modern Britain Optional
The British Women's Suffrage Movement in History and Memory Optional
Russia Between Democracy and Dictatorship: Gorbachev to Putin, 1985-2008 Optional
How to Kill a King: Monarchies in Crisis, 1547-1689 Optional
Dissertation with Public History Optional
From the Campus to the Streets: Student Activism and Youth Movements since 1900 Optional
Modern India: Making the World’s Biggest Democracy Optional
From Grand Tours to Dirty Weekends: Travellers and Tourists in Britain, Ireland and Beyond Optional
Media Power and Propaganda Optional
Popular Music on Film and Television Optional
Cult Film and Television Optional
The Modern Horror Film Optional
Cinema and Society Optional
Academic Language Skills for Humanities and Social Sciences Core

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

19% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 16,771.00 USD 20,784.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 20,784.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 20,784.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 20,784.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 79,123.00 USD 83,136.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 520.00 - USD 1,323.00
Food & Groceries USD 6,283.00 - USD 10,149.00
Transport USD 1,048.00 - USD 1,309.00
Utilities & Bills USD 3,496.00 - USD 6,976.00
Estimated Total USD 10,827.00 - USD 18,173.00

Living cost estimates are based on Newcastle City Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Amusement & Recreation ServicesDevOps & Site Reliability EngineeringEdTech & E-LearningEducational Support ServicesLive Events & ConcertsMedia Production & EditingMedia Research & AnalyticsMusic & Performing ArtsNetworking & Internet ServicesSocial Media & Community Management

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Arden University

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Ministry of Justice UK

NHS

NHS England

Newcastle University

Northumbria University

Nottingham Trent University

Why Study History and American Studies BA (Hons) with a placement year at University of Northumbria Newcastle

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Northumbria Newcastle in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about History and American Studies BA (Hons) with a placement year at University of Northumbria Newcastle

Can I work while studying?

You can work up to 20 hours per week during your studies. Outside of study commitments, you may work up to 40 hours per week on a Student visa.

Is this qualification recognised internationally?

Please confirm accreditation details directly with the institution.

What English language score do I need for this course?

Applicants must meet specific English test requirements, including an overall IELTS score of 6.0 and no individual score below 5.5. This ensures that all students are equipped to engage with the course material effectively.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue various career paths, including roles in heritage, policy, research, and education.

What will I actually study in this course?

This degree explores the societal, cultural, and political developments in America alongside global historical contexts. Core modules include 'Introduction to American Studies' and 'The Making of Contemporary Europe', equipping you with valuable analytical skills.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the BA (Hons) History and American Studies is in September. Make sure to prepare your application in advance to secure your spot for this dynamic program.
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