History with American Studies BA (Hons), sandwich with work placement

Combine a wide-ranging history degree with an interdisciplinary focus on American studies. If you want to explore history, while specialising in the politics and culture of the USA, there’s no better place to study it than Portsmouth, a city with a rich heritage of its own.

On this BA (Hons) History with American Studies degree, you'll benefit from expert teaching from history, politics and literature specialists as you explore the impact of the cultures of North America in the past and the present.

When you explore the USA, you'll examine contemporary and historical issues about American society, such as its politics and constitution, literature and culture, its foreign policy and global impact, the founding of the Republic, and minority and gender histories.

You'll develop your skills in research and analysis across global cultures, and gain sought-after workplace qualities in communication and teamwork.

Employers from every area of industry value today’s history and American studies graduates. When you complete the course, you'll have the ability to analyse and manage large amounts of information, communicate effectively, research in groups or independently, and write in a concise and informative way.

What can you do with a History with American Studies degree?

You can move forward to further study and research or put your degree to work in areas such as:

• archives and information management
• corporate governance
• creative industries
• heritage
• law
• primary and secondary education
• higher education
• charity / not-for-profit organisations
• publishing and media
• trade unions

Studying for my BA (Hons) History with American Studies degree was transformative. The staff cultivated a supportive environment and encouraged the development of a multitude of skills that helped me excel in both my academic pursuits and personal development.

Pauline Standley, BA (Hons) History with American Studies and winner of the Robbie Gray Memorial Prize for the Best Dissertation in History, Graduation 2023

Roles our graduates have taken on include:

• administrator for social enterprise
• barrister
• case worker for MP
• development editor in publishing
• exhibitions project manager
• founder of a digital solutions company
• researcher and writer for TV
• teacher
• workplace financial education consultant

Portsmouth alumni have worked with organisations including:

• central and local government
• higher education providers
• National Trust
• National Maritime Museum
• NHS
• the probation service
• Royal Navy

Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate

Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.

Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Careers and Employability Service to help you find your perfect role.

This course allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option. This means you can earn credits towards your degree for work, volunteer and research placements that you do alongside your study.

Placement year (optional)

After your second year, you can undertake an optional work placement year. This is an exciting opportunity to get invaluable work experience relevant to your intended career path.

The University can provide support and advice to help secure a work placement best suited for you. You can find placements in the UK or beyond, depending on your identified career plans.

Placement destinations

History students undertake placements in a variety of areas, including in the not-for-profit sector, in museums and heritage sites, in digital content management and with legal firms.

Current and recent students have secured placements at:

• Freedom from Torture, a charity which supports survivors of torture who seek protection in the UK
• Shrewsbury Museums
• Darton Law Ltd
• Posada & Company (Law)

We'll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You'll get mentoring and support throughout the year.