American Studies BA

John F. Kennedy. The Vietnam War. Hollywood. The US presidential election. There is no place on earth like the USA.

If you are fascinated by the United States of America and want to learn more about its culture, history, and politics, explore our BA in American Studies. At Richmond, you can graduate with two degrees, one from the US, one from the UK, creating more opportunities for you on both sides of the Atlantic and internationally.

As the only American University in the UK, Richmond has an authenticity which few can match when it comes to American Studies.

Our programme, which is based on the American liberal arts system of learning, aims to develop an understanding of the United States of America from an international perspective.

The programme enables students to take courses in American history, politics and foreign policy alongside courses on film, literature, popular music, globalisation and contemporary popular culture.

Students on this programme will also share courses with students majoring in International Relations, Politics, History, Communications, Journalism and other disciplines.

Step outside the classroom and explore a different side of America through visits to The American Museum and Gardens in Bath, the Benjamin Franklin House in London and the British Museum. With all of Londons museums, art galleries and theatres on the doorstep, there are many ways to discover different aspects of America.

You will also have the opportunity to benefit from the numerous exchange possibilities with universities and colleges in the United States, Canada and Latin America.

At Richmond our undergraduate degree programmes, which are based on the US educational approach, are offered on a four year pathway. Every undergraduate degree student will first enter our Liberal Arts programme before specialising in their Major.

This programme can also be taken as a three year pathway depending on previous qualifications. The entry requirements for all undergraduate programmes at Richmond are the same, regardless of your chosen Major.

Academic Entry Requirements

Below is information on our entry requirements for both 4 years and 4 years with foundation programmes.

• A Levels: 96 UCAS points
• US High School Diploma (or equivalent): 2.5 GPA minimum (on 4.0 scale)
• International Baccalaureate: 24 IB points (year 1)
• BTEC National Diploma: MMM
• Completion of Year 12-13 International equivalent secondary school qualification with a minimum grade average of grade of C including mathematics and English.

• GCSEs: 5 at grade C or above / grade 4-9 (or equivalent)

We understand that not every student is in the same situation, if you have any questions about your qualifications, please get in touch with us [email protected].

The University offers personal development seminars, leadership opportunities and access to work experience, volunteering and internships. There is also a dedicated, personalised service for assistance with CV writing, interview preparation tips and much more.

Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to build links with industry experts and Richmond alumni, connecting you to a vast and influential worldwide network.

Internships
We offer career support and advice through our Careers & Internships Office that will assist and guide you in your study choices to make sure you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Whether you are interested in gaining work experience in London or internationally, we will be here to help you find the best possible opportunities.

Through internships you will gain business acumen, beneficial work experiences and transferable skills which will give you a competitive advantage in a fast-paced working environment.

Work while you study across 5 continents through our partners Connect123 and CRCC Asia with destinations in Spain, Argentina, South Africa, China, Japan, Vietnam and Australia.

Graduate Destinations
Below is a list of where some of the graduates of this programme have gone on to work.

• Embassy of the Dominican Republic
• European Commission
• Moodys Investors Service
• PwC
• US Department of Homeland Security
• AXA Rosenberg
• Deutsche Bank
• Mercedes-Benz
• The Albert Baker Funs
• BB
• Bloomberg L.P.
• EMI Music
• 19 Entertainment
• Walt Disney Entertainment

You apply one of three ways, either apply directly through us, apply through UCAS and for our US students, via the Common Application ($50.00).

In order to submit your application you will need the following information

• Details of your education history, including the dates of all exams/assessments
• The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively an electronic copy of your academic reference
• A personal statement this can either be emailed as a Word Document or PDF, or completed online
• An electronic copy of your in process or completed high school (secondary school) transcript and graduation certificate

Visit our How to Apply webpage for more information regarding Entry Requirements, admissions processes and to start your application.

When to apply
We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you are completing your undergraduate programme of study. In this case you will be offered a place that is conditional on successfully completing a specified qualification and English language qualification if applicable.

If you would like your application to be considered for a Richmond bursary, an early application is strongly recommended.