This course starts in 2021

American Studies and Politics (with a study abroad year) BA (Hons)

American Studies and Politics (with a study abroad year) BA (Hons)

Back to Course menu

Key information

Duration:
4 years full time
Typical A-level offer:
AAB-ABB
Contextual A-level offer:
ABB-BBB
UCAS code:
TL7F
Start date:
September 2021
  • 3rd in the UK for American Studies (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020)
  • Top 5 in the UK for the best political scene (Which? University 2019)

An understanding of modern politics cannot be complete without considering the influence of America.

With our American Studies and Politics BA, you’ll explore the literature, history and culture of a global powerhouse. You’ll also learn from leading political experts who influence debate on topics ranging from corruption to international governance.

You’ll join a politically engaged community in one of the UK’s most politically diverse cities. During your year abroad, you’ll gain first-hand experience of American culture and politics. We’re proud to have more prestigious American partner institutions – including UC Berkeley and Georgetown – than any other programme in England.

INTERNSHIP

As a final-year student, you can apply for a competitive internship with a Westminster MP or in local government with Brighton & Hove City Council.

Book on an Open Day
Back to Course menu

Entry requirements

A-level

Typical offer

AAB-ABB

Contextual offer

ABB-BBB

Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan

GCSEs

You should have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Extended Project Qualification

We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer.  We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact us

Other UK qualifications

Access to HE Diploma

Typical offer

Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 24-27 credits at Distinction

Subjects

Humanities or social sciences.

Cambridge Pre-U Principle Subjects (including A-level mixes)

Typical offer

M1, M1 and M2 in the Pre-U

If you have one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principle Subjects, we would expect you to have a grade B in the A-level and M1 and M1 in the two Pre-Us.

If you have two A-levels and Cambridge Pre-U Principle Subjects, we would normally expect you to have grades AB in the two A-levels and M2 in the Pre-U. 

GCSEs

You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer

32-34 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level

Typical offer

Grade A in A-level, plus DM in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.

GCSEs

You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels

Typical offer

Grades AB in A-levels plus Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate. 

GCSEs

You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)

Typical offer

DDD

GCSEs

You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Scottish Highers

Typical offer

AAABB-AABBB

Additional requirements

If you are taking Advanced Highers we would normally expect you to have at least BBB.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

Typical offer

Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-level grades AAB – ABB

GCSEs

You should have a broad range of GCSEs A*-C (9-4), including good grades in relevant subjects.

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer

32-34 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer

Overall result of at least 77% - 80%.

Other international qualifications

Australia

Typical offer

Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and between 92% to 88% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER, or a Queensland OP of 3 to 4 or better.

 

 

Austria

Typical offer

Reifeprüfung or Matura with an overall result of between 1.8 to 2.0 or better for first-year entry.

Belgium

Typical offer

Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) or Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs with a good overall average. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bulgaria

Typical offer

Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with excellent final-year scores (normally 5.5 overall with 6 in key subjects).

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Canada

Typical offer

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 75% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses.

British Columbia Certificate of Graduation AAABB-AABBB from 5 grade 12 courses.

We also recognise the High School Diploma from other provinces -including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick- where we look for strong performance in grade 12 subjects, and the Diplome d'Etudes Collegiales (DEC) from Quebec.

China

Typical offer

We usually do not accept Senior High School Graduation for direct entry to our undergraduate courses.

However, we may consider you if you have studied one year or more of Higher Education in China at a recognised degree awarding institution, or if you are following a recognised International Foundation Year.

If you have the Senior High School Graduation, you may be eligible to apply for our International Foundation Year. If you successfully complete an International Foundation Year, you can progress on to a relevant undergraduate course at Sussex.

Check which qualifications the International Study Centre accepts for the International Foundation Year.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Croatia

Typical offer

Maturatna Svjedodžba with an overall score of between 4.5 and 4.2

Cyprus

Typical offer

Apolytirion of Lykeion with an overall average of between 19 /20 and 18.5 /20 will be considered for first-year entry.

Czech Republic

Typical offer

Maturita with a good overall average.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Denmark

Typical offer

Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) or Studentereksamen with an overall average of at least 7 on the new grading scale.

Finland

Typical offer

Pass Ylioppilastutkinto with overall final result of at least EEEM

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

France

Typical offer

French Baccalauréat with overall final result of at least 13/20 to 14/20.

Germany

Typical offer

German Abitur with an overall result of 1.8 to 2.0 or better.

Greece

Typical offer

Apolytirion with an overall average of at least 18.5 will be considered for first-year entry.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hong Kong

Typical offer

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with grades of 5, 5, 4 to 5, 4, 4 from three subjects including two electives

Hungary

Typical offer

Erettsegi/Matura with a good average of at least 55544.

India

Typical offer

Standard XII results

  • 80% from ISC Indian School certificate of Education (CISCE)  
  • 80% from SSC All India Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE)
  • 80% HSC Higher Secondary Certificate ( Maharashtra )

 

Iran

Typical offer

High School Diploma and Pre-University Certificate.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ireland

Typical offer

Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) at H1,H1,H2,H2,H3 to H1,H2,H2,H3,H3.

Israel

Typical offer

Bagrut, with at least 8/10 in at least six subjects, including one five-unit subject.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Italy

Typical offer

Italian Diploma Di Maturità or Diploma Pass Di Esame Di Stato with a final Diploma mark of between 81/100 and 85/100.

Japan

Typical offer

Upper Secondary Leaving Certificate is suitable for entry to our Foundation Years. Find out more about Foundation Years.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Latvia

Typical offer

Atestats par Visparejo videjo Izglitibu with very good grades in state exams.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Lithuania

Typical offer

Brandos Atestatas including scores of 80-90% in at least three state examinations (other than English).

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Luxembourg

Typical offer

Diplôme de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malaysia

Typical offer

Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades of  AAB-ABB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3.5 or UEC with an overall average grade B3 (75%).

Netherlands

Typical offer

Voorereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO), normally with an average of at least 7.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nigeria

Typical offer

You are expected to have one of the following:

  • Higher National Diploma
  • One year at a recognised Nigerian University
  • Professional Diploma (Part IV) from the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology of Nigeria
  • Advanced Diploma

You must also have a score of C6 or above in WAEC/SSC English.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Norway

Typical offer

Norwegian Vitnemal Fra Den Videregaende Opplaering - Pass with an overall average of between 4 to 4.5

Pakistan

Typical offer

 You can apply for direct entry to Year 1 if you are completing at least two years of Bachelor degree studies. 

You'll normally need to complete a Foundation year after taking Intermediate Certificate or the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC).  You might choose one of our International Foundation Years at the International Study Centre on campus.

 

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Poland

Typical offer

Pass Matura with least 3 Extended level subjects in the 75th percentile.

 

Portugal

Typical offer

Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark of between 17/20 and 18/20.

Romania

Typical offer

Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall average of 8.5.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Singapore

Typical offer

A-levels, as well as certain certificates and diplomas.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Slovakia

Typical offer

Pass Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške (Maturita)  with an average grade of 1.8 from 4 subjects. 

Please note: Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

 

Slovenia

Typical offer

Secondary School Leaving Diploma or Matura with at least 25 points overall.

South Africa

Typical offer

National Senior Certificate with very good grades. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Spain

Typical offer

Spanish Título de Bachillerato (LOGSE) with an overall average result of at least 8.0.

Sri Lanka

Typical offer

Sri Lankan A-levels.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sweden

Typical offer

Fullstandigt Slutbetyg/Högskoleförberedande Examen with a total of 2,500 credits to include B grades in the majority of subjects.

 

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Switzerland

Typical offer

Federal Maturity Certificate.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Turkey

Typical offer

We'll consider students who have taken the Lise Diplomasi or Lise Bitirme, with a score of at least 4/5 or 80/100 in their final year, on a case by case basis for direct entry to year 1.

Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years

USA

Typical offer

We look at your full profile taking into account everything you are studying, including the high school graduation diploma, Grade 12 GPA, SAT tests and subject tests and/or ACT grades  We are particularly interested in AP tests and would ideally like to see 3 good AP scores

Advanced Placement Tests with scores of between 554 to 544.

If you have taken the SAT reasoning tests we'd normally expect a combined score of at least 1300 and will look for around 600 in relevant subject tests.

If you've taken the ACT we'd expect to see a composite score of at least 26.

 

 

My country is not listed

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

6.5 overall, including at least 6.0 in each component

Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about IELTS

Other English language requirements

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

176 overall, including at least 169 in each skill

Check your Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

176 overall, including at least 169 in each skill

Check your Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency.

Duolingo English test (for 2020 entry)

115 overall

Check your Duolingo English test qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Duolingo English test 

Pearson (PTE Academic)

62 overall, including at least 56 in all four skills.

Check your Pearson (PTE Academic) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic).

TOEFL (iBT)

88 overall, including at least 20 in Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking, 23 in Writing.

Check your TOEFL qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about TOEFL (iBT).

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

AS/A-level (GCE)

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language

German Abitur

A score of 12 or above in English.

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

 Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70% 

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A – C in English

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-5 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades 1-6 in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

Select to see the list of exempt English-speaking countries

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirements. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Canada**
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Ireland
  • Jamaica
  • New Zealand
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • United Kingdom
  • USA

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

Admissions information for applicants

Transfers into Year 2

Yes. Find out more about transferring into Year 2 of this course. We don’t accept transfers into the third or final year.

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

Don’t meet our entry requirements?

If you don't meet our entry requirements, we recommend our in-house Foundation Year course to prepare you for Year 1 of your chosen degree:

Book on an Open Day
Back to Course menu

Modules

This is a joint-honours course, offering you a combinations of subjects, each taking up 50% of your time.

Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits

These modules are running in the academic year 2020/21. We also plan to offer them in future academic years. They may become unavailable due to staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of such changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Core modules

    Autumn teaching
    Spring teaching

    Options

      Autumn teaching
      Spring teaching

      These modules are running in the academic year 2020/21. We also plan to offer them in future academic years. They may become unavailable due to staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of such changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

      Core modules

        Autumn teaching

        Options

          Autumn teaching
          Spring teaching

          You spend your third year studying at one of our US or Canadian partners’ campuses. Our range of partner institutions represents every facet of the American experience, and includes:

          • UC Berkeley and UCLA
          • Tulane University in New Orleans and the University of North Carolina
          • Georgetown University and George Washington University, Washington, DC.

          Whether you are interested in Native American culture, the Civil Rights movement, or American modernist poetry, Sussex offers you a unique experience while studying in North America.

          Please note: Programs with a study abroad year are not eligible for USA federal Direct Loan funds. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid

          These modules are running in the academic year 2020/21. We also plan to offer them in future academic years. They may become unavailable due to staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of such changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

          Options

            Autumn teaching
            Spring teaching

            Find out about American Studies at the University of Sussex

            Book on an Open Day
            Back to Course menu

            Our staff

            American Studies

            Politics

            Apply now
            Back to Course menu

            Fees

            Fees are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2021. Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis.

            Find out about typical living costs for studying at Sussex

            Find out about our terms and conditions

            Scholarships

            We believe in helping students in need of financial support so we continue to attract talented people. Scholarships for 2021/22 entry aren’t available yet, but check back soon for details.

            Book on an Open Day
            Back to Course menu

            Careers

            By thinking critically across disciplines, you learn a broad range of analytical and communication skills. These will be enhanced on your year abroad where you’ll gain invaluable cultural and social perspectives. As a result, you will be in demand in fields such as:

            • journalism and marketing
            • TV and film production
            • policy research.

             

            Working while you study

            Our Careers and Employability Centre can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work

            Book on an Open Day
            Return to top of page

            Contact us

            Admissions enquiries

            Contact us with any questions around entry requirements or English language qualifications.

            If you haven’t applied yet:
            +44 (0)1273 876787
            Ask us a question

            After you’ve applied:
            +44 (0)1273 678416
            ug.applicants@sussex.ac.uk

            Course enquiries

            +44 (0)1273 876787
            ug.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk

            Find out more about the Sussex Centre for American Studies

            Victoria Gill
            I wanted to know how we could move beyond typical representations and give people a voice.”Victoria Gill
            American Studies (with a study abroad year) BA

            Read Victoria’s story

            Explore our campus

            Experience Sussex life in our virtual tour.

            Start your virtual tour

            What do you want to do next?