Keele was a pioneer in American Studies in Britain in the 1960s, and this remains one of the leading programmes in the UK. America is the largest industrial nation, and a superpower. From music to McDonald’s, movies to military engagement, it impacts on the daily lives of people in every corner of the world. If you want to understand current events and culture, you must understand historical and contemporary America. American Studies at Keele examines historical, literary, cinematic, political and geographical perspectives on issues such as slavery, crime, power, imperialism, conflict, security and the presidency, and compares the USA with Great Britain. You could choose to spend a year studying abroad at a partner university in the USA or Canada.

By the end of the academic programme students will have acquired a specialised knowledge of US society and a range of specialised skills in research and presentation. Students will also have significantly enhanced their experience of other societies through the curriculum and the exchange programmes, acquiring both subject-specific skills and transferable skills valued in the world of work. American Studies destinations for graduates who completed their undergraduate course in 2011: Of those who responded: Working only 50.0% Studying only 25.0% Working and studying 10.7% Assumed to be unemployed 3.6% Other 10.7% Total 100% Want to work in? Many students are excited by careers that utilise the academic knowledge and skills developed on their degree: * Secondary School Teacher * Journalist * Editorial Assistant * Academic Librarian * Social Researcher * Museum Conservator What else? For those who do not wish to pursue a career directly related to their degree, here are some career ideas to open up options: * Advertising Copywriter * Marketing Executive * Politician's Assistant * Public Relations Officer