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American Studies and Politics (with a study abroad year)

  • BA (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 09/2026
  • Undergraduate
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Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

2nd in the UK for American Studies (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)

3rd in the UK for American Studies (Complete University Guide 2025)

=9th in the UK for Politics (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)

About the course

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.

About Sussex

Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.

Location

Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.

Modules

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

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
TL7F
Institution code:
S90
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1, 2

University of Sussex has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
TL7F
Institution code:
S90
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study American Studies and Politics (with a study abroad year) at University of Sussex: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

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Entry requirements

A level

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

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

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

Access to HE Diploma

Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 24 credits at Distinction. The Access to HE Diploma should be in the Humanities or Social sciences.

Scottish Higher

AABBB

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

32 points

Extended Project

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 Admissions at ug.applicants@sussex.ac.uk

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Including at least 5.5 in each component. We accept IELTS One Skills Retake. We do not accept IELTS Online.
PTE Academic59Including at least 59 in all four skills. We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.
TOEFL (iBT)80TOEFL (iBT), including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing. We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

Please see our English language requirements. http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/international-qualifications/english-language-requirements

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

At Sussex, we recognise that not everybody has the same support to help them get to higher education. At Sussex it’s important to us to have a diverse, inclusive university community with a range of voices and experiences. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education ensuring that we have fair access to all regardless of background. A contextual offer is a reduced grade offer which is given to students who meet certain eligibility criteria.

Learn more on the University of Sussex website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Fees are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2026-27. Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis.

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