Why study here?
You'll enjoy a teaching experience like no other university, with almost 70 years' experience in the field, exclusive access to rare collections and more on offer to our students.
Manchester is ranked 3rd in the UK for American Studies (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022)
As an interdisciplinary subject, American Studies brings together the training and knowledge of several subject areas. We place a particular emphasis on the study of the history, literature and filmic cultures of the United States.
Manchester was the home of the first Department of American Studies in the UK, and has been offering degrees in the subject for almost 70 years. Our staff have expertise in three centuries of American literature and history, modern music, politics and political culture, and cultural analysis.
Opportunities
- Enjoy teaching from the first department of American Studies in the UK.
- Exclusive access to Special Collections of The John Rylands Library.
- Learn from internationally recognised specialists in American Studies.
- Apply to supplement your studies with a semester abroad at a North American university.
- Study literature, film, politics, and popular culture of the US.
- Become the best you can be by participating in Stellify for true personal and professional growth.
Careers and employability
Study American Studies at Manchester and you will develop a range of flexible skills that can be applied to many careers.
The University of Manchester is also the most targeted university in the UK for top graduate employers, according to High Fliers Research.
Find out more on the Careers and employability page.
Hear from our staff and students
Watch the video below to find out more about American Studies directly from some of our current staff and students.
Within the American Studies department you quickly establish and realise the dedication of your lecturers and teachers to their particular field of expertise. This creates an environment in which you feel very trusting and grateful to be studying under the guidance of those that carry great knowledge, but are also passionate about their subject areas.
Isabel Pugh / BA (Hons) History and American Studies
Watch the video below to find out more about our History and American Studies combined course:
