American Studies and English, BA (Hons), with study abroad

Sussex ranks 2nd in the UK for American Studies according to The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, 3rd per the Complete University Guide 2025, and boasts 94% world-leading or internationally excellent research in English Language and Literature (REF 2021). Our American Studies programme adopts an interdisciplinary approach, exploring the history, politics, literature, and culture of the US to illuminate its global impact. Students engage with a broad curriculum spanning a millennium of literature, supported by experts in one of the UK's largest American Studies teams. Options include tailoring modules to personal interests, studying abroad in North America, and hands-on experiences like working with archives of Virginia Woolf and Doris Lessing or visiting literary sites.At Sussex, we foster innovation in research, teaching, and student development, with a vibrant campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park, near Brighton & Hove and Gatwick airport. Opportunities extend to creative writing, industry links, and events like Placeholder poetry series. For detailed modules, refer to our course page.

See the modules you will study by year by going to the ‘visit our course page’ link at the bottom of the page.