American Studies is the perfect course if you want to learn more about the history, literature, politics, film, art and popular culture of the United States. Whether your interests lie in the Civil War or the War on Terror, Walt Whitman or Walt Disney, this course will help you to develop your critical and imaginative skills in the context of the American experience and its global significances. If you want to gain an in-depth understanding of US society and how it has come to exert such a powerful influence on the modern world, Northumbria is the university for you. We have one of the largest concentrations of US specialists working outside North America. We also offer opportunities to spend a semester or a whole year at at one of our partner institutions located throughout the US, from New York to California. The cornerstones of American Studies are History and English, meaning our graduates have excellent employment prospects similar to students from those disciplines. Possible careers after successful completion of the course include journalism, publishing, teaching and government service.As an American Studies student at Northumbria, you will develop the kinds of analytical and communication skills that are invaluable in any number of careers. If you take up the opportunity to spend time in a partner institution in North America, you will gain a broader cultural exposure that is attractive to potential employers. For those who stay in the UK, you will undertake a module called ‘Your Graduate Future’ which includes a work placement and which will help you to develop additional skills focused specifically on employment. All students will be able to take advantage of the services of our Careers and Employment Service, which offers CV advice, interview preparation and portfolio development. At the end of a thoroughly enjoyable educational experience, you will emerge from your time at university with the characteristics of a Northumbria graduate. These include critical reflection and self-learning, collaboration and curiosity, and the ability to apply your knowledge to solve problems in ways that are sustainable and ethical. American Studies graduates are especially valued because of their excellent communication skills and the way they think intelligently, critically and laterally as they draw on a wide range of disciplinary perspectives. You'll be attractive to employers in the areas of teaching, publishing, journalism, cultural administration, advertising, public relations, the civil service, heritage management, social research, non-governmental organisations, public history and the diplomatic service.