American Studies at UEA

American Studies at UEA is a centre for world-leading research into the life and culture of the United States and beyond. Area Studies at UEA has come fifth in the UK with 87.6 per cent of its research rated 4* (world leading) or 3* (internationally excellent) in The Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), a major Government analysis of university research quality. As one of the longest-established and largest dedicated centres for American Studies, the department at UEA is internationally recognised as founders of the field in the UK.

Research Expertise

Our research strategy is driven by a desire to enhance understandings of human cultures and communities, their historic and literary transformations, and by the questions of power and identity that issue from such investigations. We have research groups in American Histories, American Literatures, American Studies and Area Studies. Our expertise is wide with research strengths in the American nineteenth and twentieth centuries, histories of power and protest; space, place, and environment; popular and avant-garde writing; transatlantic and transpacific studies, and interdisciplinary work across cultures, texts and communities.

Staff research interests in American Studies include:

• American history
• American literature
• Environment, space and place
• Histories of power and protest
• Popular and avant-garde cultures
• Transatlantic and transpacific studies

Working closely with an academic supervisor gives you the support to carry out your own independent research and make your own mark. We have a wealth of remarkable academics, but how do you know which team will be right for you? Explore our American Studies page to learn more about our academics and their latest publications. We recommend that you identify at least one member of staff at UEA who your supervisor might be and that you contact them, to express your interest and discuss your research proposal. You will need to submit a research proposal of no more than 1,500 words with your application.

There are four research degrees available:

• PhD
• PhD by Publication
• MPhil
• Master's by Research

Full- and part-time options are available.

Entry requirements

The minimum academic requirement for entry to a doctoral degree and MPhil degree is a UK upper second class undergraduate honours degree and a Master's degree, or equivalent.

The minimum academic requirement for Master's by Research is a UK upper second class undergraduate honours degree, or equivalent. Details of the PhD by Publication, including entry requirements, can be found here.

If English is not your first language or you are from a country that is not on the UKVI list of English speaking countries, you may be required to provide evidence of your proficiency in the English language.

Deadlines

For more information on PhD and studentship deadlines, visit our website.

The School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies accepts research students to start on 1 October, 1 February and 1 June.

Further information

To find out more about the application process, please visit UEA studentships how to apply.

Please enquire by emailing: pgr.enquiries.admiss@uea.ac.uk for further information.