American Studies and English (with a study abroad year)

2nd in the UK for American Studies (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)

3rd in the UK for American Studies (Complete University Guide 2025)

94% of our research overall in English Language and Literature was assessed to be world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

About the course

American Studies at Sussex takes an interdisciplinary approach to studying America. By examining the history, politics, literature and culture of a nation that has been pivotal in shaping the 20th and 21st centuries, you’ll better understand the world we live in today. In English, we offer a bold, forward-thinking curriculum that allows you to study a thousand years of literature in new and progressive ways. We offer you a distinctive approach to a radical breadth of literary texts.

You’ll learn from one of the largest groups of experts dedicated to American Studies in the UK. Our faculty’s broad research interests are also reflected in our module options. You can tailor your course according to the areas that interest you. You also have the opportunity to study for a year at a university in North America, building your confidence and expanding your horizons.

Our teaching has involved:

- working with unique archives such as the private letters of Virginia Woolf and Doris Lessing

- field trips to literary landmarks such as Woolf’s house and the Globe Theatre.

You’ll have the opportunity to experiment with your own writing, supported by our experts. They have many links with the creative industries as well as literary events in Brighton, including the poetry series Placeholder and the festival The Coast is Queer. We’ve also previously offered our students career-building experience through schemes – such as Sussex Writes – that bring the power of reading and creative writing to the public.

About Sussex

Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.

Location

Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.