American Studies

Why study American Studies at Dundee?

Dundee is the only Scottish university to offer joint Honours degrees in American Studies.

Looking beyond the stereotypes to explore the complexities and contradictions of the United States, our American studies degrees deal with the issues which are important today - issues of gender, race and ethnic relations, economic and political conditions, as well as exploring the impact of popular culture on the development of American society.

American studies is grounded in the traditional disciplines of history, literature, politics and philosophy and offers you the chance for true interdisciplinary study. This means you will learn how to make connections between different subjects, for example, you can study the history of America through its literature, or use film to understand changes in American society.

Research-led teaching

Each of the contributing departments is a leader in its field with many obtaining top ratings in research and in teaching in the recent RAE and QAA assessments. Our courses are created around the expertise of contributing scholars, most of whom have international recognition.

What's so good about American Studies at Dundee?

In the 2010 National Student Survey, 92% of our students said they found their American studies degree 'intellectually stimulating'.

Transatlantic Student Exchange Programme

You will also have the opportunity, through our Transatlantic Student Exchange (TSE) programme, to study in one of a number of universities in the US or Canada, as well as having top scholars and visiting guests share with you their experiences of the culture of America.

American Studies Student Society

We pride ourselves on the friendliness and activities of both staff and students through the very active American Studies Student Society which hosts trips, parties, balls, and weekly events throughout the academic year. The society also produces a student newsletter highlighting events and offers a forum for student expression.

Degree Combinations

Teaching & Assessment

This degree course is based in the School of Humanities.

All the core teaching in American Studies comes from the varying perspectives of history, literature, and politics.

Our Level 2 modules are taught by a team from across the School of Humanities, to discuss common topics and periods from different disciplinary perspectives.

Modules in Levels 3 and 4 are taught by subject specialists within the School, all of whom are active researchers within the field. Many of our modules use different media (film, video, music, novels, etc.) to examine common themes with different approaches.

Careers

Studying American studies provides you with a broad range of transferable skills which are both important and persuasive to employers.

As well as expanding your knowledge, you will also develop:

• analytical and critical skills
• the ability to integrate large quantities of complex information
• the ability to argue rationally, cogently and persuasively, both orally and on paper
• excellent communications skills

A degree in American Studies can lead to a wide range of career options. Recent graduates have gone into such diverse fields as journalism, politics, information technology, teaching, banking, human resources, the civil service and areas of entrepreneurship.

Some graduates have continued their studies with us at postgraduate level, studying one of a range of MLitt Humanities programmes on offer.

Entry Requirements

The following are the minimum requirements, please note qualifications have to be obtained at the first sitting of examinations.

Courses starting September 2013

Level 1 entry

Qualification	Grade
SQA Higher	AABB
GCE A-Level	BBB
ILC Higher	AABB
IB Diploma	30 points (including 5, 5, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects	None, but see requirements for other Joint Honours subjects
EU & International	Visit our EU and International webpages for entry requirements tailored to your home country

Advanced Entry (to Level 2)

Qualification	Grade
SQA Advanced Higher	AB (Advanced Higher) + BB (Higher) in different subjects
GCE A-Level	AAB
IB Diploma	34 points (including 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects	None, but see requirements for other Joint Honours subjects

Other Qualifications

Qualification	Grade
SQA	A relevant HNC with grade B in the Graded Unit (Level 1 entry) A relevant HND with grade BB in the Graded Units (Level 2 entry)
Scottish Baccalaureate	Pass with CC at Advanced Higher (Level 1 entry) Distinction with AB at Advanced Higher (Level 2 entry)
SWAP Access Programmes	Relevant subjects with ABB grades to include English Literature/Language at SCQF Level 6 and Communication 4 plus Literature 1 (Level 1 entry)
EDEXCEL	A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DDM (Level 1 entry) A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DDD (Level 2 entry)
Advanced Diploma	Grade B with ASL-A Level at B (Level 1 entry) Grade A with ASL-A Level at B (Level 2 entry)
Welsh Baccalaureate	Pass with A Levels at BB (Level 1 entry) Pass with A Levels at AA (Level 2 entry)
Entry to English Literature courses requires Higher at B, A-Level at C or equivalent in English/English Literature.
Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website.

Joint Honours Degrees

For details of typical entry requirements for joint honours degrees, please visit the relevant webpage for the other subject.

Fees and Funding

There have been many changes to the arrangements for funding students entering higher education in recent years, yet a degree from the University of Dundee, with its high rate of employment success, remains a cost-effective option.

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

Fee category	Fees for students starting September 2012	Scholarships & Bursaries applicable
Scottish students	£1,820 per year of study. You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.	School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
Students from the rest of the UK	£9,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years, even if you are studying a four year degree. You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of the tuition fees, from the Student Loan Company.	University of Dundee Bursaries School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
EU students	£1,820 per year of study. You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.	Other Scholarships
Overseas students (non-EU)	£9,700 per year.	School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships

The fee shown is annual, and maybe subject to an increase each year.

Living Costs

• Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
• Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
• As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

All applications must be made through UCAS

UCAS Codes

Institution Code: D65

Degree	UCAS Codes	KIS data
MA Degree Programmes
MA American Studies and Business Economics with Marketing	TLN0	View KIS data for this course
MA American Studies and English	QT37	View KIS data for this course
MA American Studies and Geography	LT77	View KIS data for this course
MA American Studies and History	TV71	View KIS data for this course
MA American Studies and International Relations	LT2R	View KIS data for this course
MA American Studies and Philosophy	TV75	View KIS data for this course
MA American Studies and Politics	LT27	View KIS data for this course
MA American Studies and Psychology	CT87	View KIS data for this course

UCAS Application Process

International Applicants

We have information specifically for international applicants on our International website:

• Your Home Country - including information about qualifications from individual countries
• Fees and Funding
• English Language Requirements
• International Student Support

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?

The Dundee MA degrees follow the distinctive pattern of many Scottish universities by offering a broad-based education that requires you to study a number of different subjects in Levels 1 and 2 (Level 2 only for the Advanced Entry Honours degrees).

You do not have to finalise your choice of degree course until you are better able to appreciate both the nature of the subjects you are studying and the relationships between them. However, you must make an initial choice of course on the application form and we would expect you to provide some evidence of your enthusiasm for your chosen course and details of any relevant experience.

We use a range of learning methods at Dundee: you will be expected to respond to the information and advice provided by academic staff, especially in lectures; to prepare for and participate in tutorial discussion or to work in practical classes; to work individually or in groups on set assignments such as essays and projects; and to 'read round' the subject. Consequently, we are looking for evidence that you are capable of working systematically, of responding to the guidance of your teachers, and that you have both the ability and enthusiasm to successfully complete a degree programme.

The American Studies programme at Dundee is genuinely interdisciplinary and you are expected to take a rounded view of the subject. A wide range of disciplines are offered; the programme is particularly strong in English, History and Politics. You will be required to be aware, through familiarity with quality media, of contemporary developments in US domestic and foreign policy, news reporting, environmental issues and new publications in the field of American Literature.

Tips for your application

What is important to us, in your application, is the evidence provided by the grades you have attained, or are predicted to attain, in your examinations, along with whatever you and your referee can point to indicating both your special interest in any of our subject areas, and your general liveliness of mind.

Your personal statement is an opportunity to say why you should be offered a place to study in Dundee. We are looking for applicants with an ability to express opinions clearly with reasoned support and evidence, who are open to critical guidance, and who have a commitment to high standards of achievement in all they do. These qualities can be demonstrated through academic attainment, paid or voluntary work, and extra-curricular activities of all kinds.

Referees should concisely indicate your analytical abilities, communication skills, capacity for academic work, and commitment to your studies. We will be interested to hear about examples of initiative, leadership, and any evidence of organisational skills. Indicators of a positive outlook and engagement with social and cultural activities will be welcome, as will an assessment of your potential to develop in the university environment.

We will consider applications to one or more MA courses at Dundee: each application will be considered on its merits. We are looking for applicants who either have achieved, or will achieve, the published requirements in terms of Highers, Advanced Highers, A-Levels or acceptable alternative qualifications.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in 3 years if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact: