American Studies with a Foundation Year, BA (Hons)

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Course Overview

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.

Why American Studies with a Foundation Year at Swansea?

Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, our American Studies programme is highly regarded by employers. It includes the option of studying in the United States for a semester or a year, further enhancing your student experience and career prospects. 

American Studies at Swansea is ranked:

  • 3rd in the Uk for Graduate Prospects (Times Good University Guide 2025)
  • Top 5 in the UK for Teaching Quality (Times Good University Guide 2025) 
  • 2nd in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2025)
  • 1st in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025)
  • 5th in the UK for American Studies (Complete University Guide 2025)

Your American Studies with a Foundation Year Experience

During your Foundation Year, you will learn the key skills you’ll need to make your degree a success while developing knowledge of your subject area and how it relates to the humanities and social sciences.

You will start the degree course in your second year, when we offer varied and flexible course content, so you can shape your American Studies degree to your own interests, whether in American popular culture, civil rights or political protest.

Our interdisciplinary approach means you can make connections across a range of subject areas – from visual culture and music to history and politics.

Teaching is informed by our world-leading research and you can attend seminars organised through our guest speaker programme. You will have a personal tutor for any pastoral and academic support you may need.

During your time at Swansea University, you will have the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of clubs and societies. The American Studies Student Society organises a range of social and cultural events.

American Studies with a Foundation Year Employment Opportunities

The breadth of American Studies fosters transferable skills valued by employers, including creative thinking, critical awareness, team working, and advanced oral and written communication skills. American Studies graduates are known for their adaptability and creativity because the course requires students to make connections between disciplines and traditions.

Our graduates enter careers in a wide range of sectors including:

  • Education
  • Marketing
  • Government
  • Research
  • Events management

Modules

In your Foundation Year, you will take a selection of modules that will provide you with key study skills, subject knowledge, and awareness of the importance of the humanities and social sciences.

You’ll then progress to your degree where the early part will introduce you to the history, politics, culture and literature of America.

You will then choose your pathway by selecting modules to suit your own interests, before focusing in depth on your chosen research project to produce a dissertation.

American Studies with a Foundation Year, BA (Hons)