BA English and American Studies

This joint degree allows you to explore the relationship between English and American literature and culture. Modules complement each other with a stimulating mix of English and American literature and American history and film.

The English courses gives you a full history of English, from Shakespeare to the twenty - first century as well as an introduction to a variety of critical approaches. The American courses offer an exciting combination of American literature, film and history.

As part of the degree, you may apply to study for a year abroad at a partner institution in the USA or Europe.

Degree outline

First year

You will take half your modules in the School of English and half in the Centre for American Studies. In English, you will study modules on The Novel, Renaissance Drama, and Reading English. In American Studies you take modules on nineteenth-century American literature, twentieth-century American literature, and American History 1861-2001.

Second year

You will continue to take half your modules in English and half in American Studies. In English, you will study Renaissance Literature, Literature 1660 - 1789, and Concepts in Criticism. In American Studies you will explore ethnicity and diversity in American literature and society, and take a module on American Film and Visual Culture.

Third year (or fourth year for year abroad students)

You must do a minimum of 40 credits in each subject. After that, there is a wide choice of modules, dissertations and special subjects available. You take modules in Romantic, Victorian, modern and contemporary literature. You can also choose from a rich menu of Special subjects encompassing topics including postcolonial literature, film adaptations, New York fiction, 1950s and 60s American culture, autobiography and Hollywood directors.

Students must do a dissertation in either English or American Studies.

Year abroad students

The BA English and American Studies offers the unique opportunity at Leicester for students to take a year of accredited study in their third year in the USA or in Europe.

Our partner institutions include universities in New York, Florida, Texas, California, Virginia, Amsterdam, Salzburg, Helsinki, and Turin.

Interactive map of our partner institutions on the American Studies website

Students will be able to transfer onto the four year degree at the end of their first year, dependent on satisfactory grades.

Degree structure

* Please visit the Centre for American Studies website for detailed descriptions of the American Studies modules.

Come and see for your yourself

There is no substitute for personal experience. We believe that witnessing what the school, university and campus has to offer first-hand will allow you absorb what it is actually like to be a student; and that is something you cannot get from a book or website.

Book a place on an open day

Entry requirements

For the most recent information on our entry requirements please refer to our online prospectus - link below.

English prospectus