American and Canadian Studies (Study Abroad) with Foundation Year BA

Whether you've come to the subject through an interest in global relations, politics, or even a love for American television shows, our expert-led courses let you design your degree to suit your strengths and interests.

This course is designed for talented UK students with an interest in all things American and Canadian but whose personal circumstances make achieving our usual entry requirements difficult (see Personal Circumstances below for more information). 

Through a range of engaging modules spanning the arts and humanities, the foundation year gives you an opportunity to develop key skills such as communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and digital capability. Your foundation year tutors will support you in developing the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence for undergraduate study.

During the foundation year you will be a full member of the university, with all the opportunities this offers, including the same accommodation options as direct entry students.

Upon progressing from the foundation year to the four-year American and Canadian Studies (Study Abroad) BA you'll explore American and Canadian history, literature and culture, selecting optional modules on everything from North American politics, music, art, film and television. You can also experience North America, by studying abroad for a year at a US or Canadian university.

What do past students say about the Arts Foundation Year?

Calvin, a past Arts Foundation Year student 

Our Undergraduate Prospectus lists entry requirements for A levels and International Baccalaureate students for each course.

Students taking the Tawjihi (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) or American High School Diploma (no APs or SAT Iis) or International Baccalaureate Certificate are usually required to take a foundation course.

Students who have completed one or two years of university study may be eligible for bachelors admission, if relevant subjects have been studied and strong grades achieved. 

Students taking APs or SATs should refer to our entry requirements for the USA.

How to apply Search for courses English language requirements

Evidence shows that students commencing their university study at foundation level achieve the same levels of undergraduate degree as their fellow direct-route students, which in turn leads to the same wide range of career options.

In addition to your study we recommend that you participate in at least some of our cv-enhancing programmes which include:

• Nottingham Advantage Award
• Student Ambassador scheme
• subject-specific volunteering programmes

You will also be able to take advantage of the wide range of services offered by our dedicated Faculty of Arts careers team within the Careers and Employability Service.

More information about subject-related careers opportunities from our Careers and Employability Services.

How to Apply

We encourage you to apply as early as possible, particularly if you are intending to apply for funding - many applications to scholarships require you to have a firm offer of a place before you can be considered.

Online Application Procedure

The online application is the quickest and easiest way of applying to The University of Nottingham and gives you ongoing information about the progress of your application.

The Postgraduate Applications online system enables you to fill out a standard application form online and submit this to the University immediately. When you have submitted your application, you can view its progress by using the tracking system online.

APPLY;

There is no application fee for Postgraduate courses in the School of Physics & Astronomy which are research based not taught course.

When filling in the application form it is;important to specify your area of interest - Astronomy, Condensed Matter Theory, Experimental Condensed Matter & Nanoscience, Magnetic Resonance Imaging & Spectroscopy, Particle Theory or Cold Atoms;& Quantum Optics Group;in your personal statement.;

For the Research Proposal Section of the application all you need to do is clearly indicate which of the above area of Physics you are interested in studying.

Please attach a transcript and evidence of any English Language qualification to your application.

When you apply online can you please also send a one line email to [email protected] telling us that you have applied (if possible also including your NottinghamHub ID in the message). This is for our School records to help us keep track of your application.

Application Process

Once the on-line application is submitted you will be sent an acknowledgement and your application will be passed to the School of Physics & Astronomy for prompt consideration. Home candidates are normally invited to visit the School to meet potential supervisors. Interested supervisors normally contact international applicants by telephone or Skype.

For enquiries regarding the progress of applications contact:;

The Admissions Office
The University of Nottingham
University Park
Nottingham
NG7 2RD

Standard Start Dates

The start date must be one of the following standard start dates:

1st October, 1st November, 1st January, 1st April, 1st August

Virtual Open Day

Visit the;Virtual Open Day website to assist with your application.