International Relations and American Studies, BA (Hons), with industry placement

Studying American Studies and International Relations at Swansea University offers an in-depth exploration of the United States' culture, history, politics, and global economic dynamics. This four-year BA degree, including a year in industry, equips students with transferable skills for diverse careers in sectors like education, government, and marketing. Ranked first in the UK for graduate prospects and fifth for teaching quality (Times Good University Guide 2024), the program features partnerships with the UK Parliament and opportunities for placements with the Welsh Parliament.The curriculum covers topics from American colonization to contemporary politics, alongside international relations themes such as globalization and human rights. Students engage in compulsory and optional modules, including global justice and US cultural studies, and complete assessments like essays, case studies, and reading diaries. Enhanced by world-leading research and guest speakers, the degree fosters skills through seminars and a year abroad, preparing graduates for roles with organizations like PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

We offer varied and flexible course content, so you can shape your International Relations and American Studies degree to your own interests. Your first year of your undergraduate International relations and American Studies with a Year in Industry BA (Hons) will introduce you to the history, politics, culture and literature of America, as well as international relations and politics. The majority of first year modules will be compulsory, examples of recent compulsory modules include: Introduction to International Relations War and Peace in the Nuclear Age American Politics and Society The American Experience 1492-2000 Your second year of degree studies will include a mixture of compulsory and optional modules covering a broad range of themes. Examples of optional modules covered in recent years include: Global Justice and Human Rights Contemporary Moral Controversies America in Crisis: Political Culture and Society from the Tet Offensive to Trump Race and Ethnicity: American Perspectives You will have the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry between your second and final year, broadening your skills and experiencing different cultures. Our partner institutions span the globe, with opportunities varying each year In your final year you will complete an independent dissertation project or you have the competitive option of undertaking a work placement module with the Senedd Cymru/ Welsh Parliament. You will also complete a compulsory group work project plus optional modules chosen from a wide variety of subject areas. Examples of optional modules from recent years include: Politics and International Development Shadow Wars: US Presidents and covert action from the Cold War to Trump The Story of the USA on Film and Television, 1865–2008 The Aftermaths of War For the full programme structure and module breakdown, please visit our webpage at https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/social-sciences/politics-philosophy-international-relations/ba-international-relations-american-studies/ or get in touch with us at study@swansea.ac.uk.