American and Canadian Studies (Study Abroad) with Foundation Year

Whether you've come to the subject through an interest in global relations, politics, or even a love for American television shows, our expert-led courses let you design your degree to suit your strengths and interests.

This course is designed for talented UK students with an interest in all things American and Canadian but whose personal circumstances make achieving our usual entry requirements difficult (see Personal Circumstances below for more information). This could be your opportunity to study your subject of choice at a top 10 university for American Studies (The Times Good University Guide 2024).

Through a range of engaging modules spanning the arts and humanities, the foundation year gives you an opportunity to develop key skills such as communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and digital capability. Your foundation year tutors will support you in developing the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence for undergraduate study.

During the foundation year, you will be a full member of the university, with all the opportunities this offers, including the same accommodation options as direct-entry students.

Upon progressing from the foundation year to the four-year American and Canadian Studies (Study Abroad) BA you'll explore American and Canadian history, literature and culture, selecting optional modules on everything from North American politics, music, art, film and television. You can also experience North America, by studying abroad for a year at a US or Canadian university.

Personal circumstances

As well as meeting the academic entry requirements (BCC), you must have attended a UK state school/college and meet at least one of the following personal background criteria:

• You live in an area where people are less likely to go to university

• You were in receipt of free school meals (FSM) on any census day in the six years before the census day of your final KS4 year (that is, the year you were aged 15-16 years old)

• You are the first generation in your family to enter higher education

• You will be over 21 years old when you begin your course

• You have spent more than three months in local authority care (for this criterion you do not need to have attended a state school)

• You have refugee status from the Home Office

• You need to study in the East Midlands (for example for family, cultural or financial reasons)

• You provide long-term care of a sick or disabled family member

Where relevant you should include reference to the final three points in your personal statement, or provide this information via artssupport@nottingham.ac.uk when you submit your UCAS application.

Teaching sessions vary, including lectures, seminars and interactive digital media workshops. All students take the same core modules: Important Thinkers through History, Critical Thinking and Reflective Learning, Language and Culture, Media, Communication and Society, Narrative and Creativity, and The Project. Students progressing to modern language degrees may take 20 credits of modules in the Language Centre in place of The Project.

You will also meet tutors from your chosen degree.