American Studies PhD

Program Overview

This research doctorate program culminates in a comprehensive written thesis of up to 100,000 words and a verbal examination. Students engage in research training sessions and present their ongoing work in weekly graduate seminars for feedback and support. The program explores North American studies and its global connections, with specialisms in areas such as African American culture, American music, and US foreign policy. Graduates have a high employment rate and typically earn competitive salaries.

Program Outline

Outline:

• You will complete a written thesis of up to 100,000 words.
The topic will be agreed with your supervisors (usually two co-supervisors).
• You also take a verbal examination (viva voce) at the end of your thesis, where you explain your project in depth to an examination panel.
• You will also attend research training sessions and weekly graduate 'work-in-progress' seminars, led by the research student community.
They are an opportunity for everyone to present their ongoing research to their peers, supervisors and invited members of academic staff and research students.

Careers:

• 100% of postgraduates from the School of American and Canadian Studies secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.
The average annual salary for these graduates was £31,000.

Other:

• Our research focuses on North America itself, as well examining the exchange of influences between North American cultures and those of Asia, Europe and the Americas.
• Work in the department reflects and leads a growing transnational agenda and research students are encouraged to think about America in a global context.
We have long-standing experience and expertise in supervising PhDs to successful completion.
• Particular areas of research specialism include:
• African American literature, history and culture
• American art and visual culture
• American intellectual history
• American labor history
• American music and popular culture
• American political history
• American print culture and book history
• Asian American literature and culture
• Border studies
• Civil rights and social justice
• Contemporary American fiction
• Crime, prisons and criminal justice
• Feminist theory
• Gender and queer studies
• Indigenous culture
• Latinx culture
• Memory Studies
• Nineteenth-century American literature and culture
• US foreign policy

International fees: £21,500