American Studies with a Foundation Year, BA (Hons)

To understand America’s history, culture and politics is to appreciate the forces that shape the world today. American Studies explores the culture, history, and politics of the most influential country in the world, from colonization to the present. It addresses some of the most pressing issues in our contemporary world, including globalization and struggles for racial justice. The Foundation Year gives you an exciting introduction to Higher Education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful on your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after Further Education or are returning to education after a gap. You will have the chance to explore American history, literature, politics and culture, stretching from colonization to current presidencies. You can shape the degree to your own interests, whether in US popular culture or political protest. You also have the chance to study for a year or a semester in the United States, discovering the subject first hand.

Our standard entry requirement is CDD-DDD at A-level or equivalent. We require a minimum of 5 passes at Grade A*-C, including Welsh/English Language. Entry requirements are flexible and all offers are made following a review of the application form, predicted/achieved grades and subjects, the reference and personal statement. The course is also a widening access programme and has been developed to support those who may not have been able to otherwise gain access to HE.

All students must demonstrate that they have achieved a certain level of English before starting their programme. You will need to provide a recognised English language test or qualification before you can be accepted to Swansea University

Specific English requirements are listed on each course page under the 'entry requirements' section. Our English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but we accept the wide range of other English language tests shown below.

Please note that some research scholarship, funded positions, may require a higher English Language test score than standard to be obtained prior to enrolment or held at the point of application. Details of possible bespoke English Language entry requirements are listed on each separate scholarship advert. Our current active research scholarships can be found here.

If your English scores do not exactly meet our requirements, you could still be accepted if you successfully complete an English Language Pre-sessional Programme at Swansea’s English Language Training Services (ELTS) at the required level before starting your academic programme.

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