University of Portsmouth United Kingdom

History with American Studies BA (Hons)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

Embark on a compelling journey through time and across continents with the History with American Studies BA (Hons) at the University of Portsmouth. This undergraduate degree is designed for curious minds eager to understand the forces that have shaped our world, with a particular focus on the complex and influential history, politics, and culture of the United States. You will explore diverse historical periods and global events, from the foundations of modern Europe to the intricacies of American society, politics, and its global impact. This course is ideal if you seek to develop a nuanced understanding of historical causality and the interconnectedness of cultures.

You will study this programme full-time on campus over three years, immersing yourself in a rich curriculum that includes modules such as 'Beliefs, Communities and Conflicts' and 'US Politics'. Throughout your degree, you will develop critical skills in historical research, analysis, and interpretation, learning to engage with primary sources and academic debates. The syllabus highlights opportunities for practical experience, including a 'Professional Experience' module and the chance to undertake a significant 'Dissertation (History)' or 'Major Project' in your final year. You will graduate with a versatile skill set, prepared for diverse career paths in research, education, heritage, policy, and beyond.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) program offers a comprehensive exploration of history and American studies. You will delve into diverse historical periods and themes, from early modern Europe to contemporary global issues, while also examining American society, politics, and culture. The curriculum emphasizes critical engagement with historical sources and methodologies, allowing you to develop a nuanced understanding of the past and its impact on the present through a range of specialist options and a dissertation or major project.

1 Year 1

Beliefs, Communities and Conflicts: Europe 1400-1750 20 credits
Discovering World Histories: Peoples and Places 20 credits
Societies, Nations and Empires: Europe 1750-2000 20 credits
Thinking Like an Historian 20 credits
Traces of the Past: Exploring Lives Through Sources 40 credits

2 Year 2

Debating the Past: Historical Case Studies 20 credits
Working with the Past 20 credits

3 Optional modules

US Politics 20 credits
Women's Writing in the Americas 20 credits
Envisioning Ourselves: Media and the Making of Modern Britain, 1850-2000 20 credits
Introduction to Teaching 20 credits
The Hidden Lives of Things: Material Culture in the Early Modern World 20 credits
Underworlds: Crime, Deviance and Punishment in Britain, 1500-1900 20 credits
A History of US Foreign Policy: From the Great War to 9/11 20 credits
Puritans to Postmodernists: American Literature 20 credits
Empire and its Afterlives in Britain, Europe and Africa 20 credits
Professional Experience 20 credits
Slavery and Resistance in the Atlantic World 20 credits

4 Year 3

Specialist Option: Empires and Identities 20 credits
Specialist Option: Popular Cultures 20 credits
US Masculinities 20 credits

5 Optional modules

Dissertation (History) 40 credits
Major Project 40 credits
Civil Rights USA 20 credits
Magical Realism 20 credits

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,195.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,195.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,195.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 72,586.00

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

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 912.00 - USD 2,400.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Portsmouth Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

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

Common Graduate Roles

Amusement & Recreation ServicesAnimation & Visual EffectsCommercial & Industrial ConstructionCorporate Training & DevelopmentEnvironmental & Sustainable ConstructionIndustrial & Offshore ConstructionMuseums & Cultural HeritageProject & Construction ManagementReal Estate DevelopmentSports & Athletics

Top Employers Hiring for this course

European commission

National History Museum

Why Study History with American Studies BA (Hons) at University of Portsmouth

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Portsmouth 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 with American Studies BA (Hons) at University of Portsmouth

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time for degree courses. Additionally, students can work full-time during breaks without needing a separate work permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English language requirements, you can choose from TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE tests. For example, a TOEFL overall score of 91 with specific listening, reading, speaking, and writing scores is needed.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as historians, political analysts, educators, or cultural researchers, among others.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program combines a rich exploration of global history with a specific focus on American politics and culture. You'll engage with topics such as American society's foreign policy and the histories of minorities and gender.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the History with American Studies BA (Hons) program is September. Make sure to prepare your application ahead of this date to ensure a smooth enrollment process.
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