Enter OTP
5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of EssexThe BA American Studies (United States) with Film at the University of Essex offers a unique blend of cultural, historical, and cinematic study, designed for students curious about American society and its rich media landscape. This program suits students who want to explore American history, politics, and film while developing critical analysis and research skills.
Curriculum Structure:
Foundation Year:
The foundation year prepares students for degree-level study by developing essential academic skills and a solid grounding in American history and culture. Students engage in modules like Introduction to American History, Foundations of Film Studies, and Academic Skills for Humanities, building a strong base for their undergraduate journey.
Year 1:
The first year introduces core concepts in American culture, politics, and cinema. Modules such as US Society and Politics, History of American Film, and American Literature help students analyze the historical and social contexts that shape American identity, while developing critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
Year 2:
In the second year, students deepen their exploration of American society and film. Key modules include Hollywood and American Culture, Civil Rights and Social Movements, and Intermediate Film Studies, where students study the interplay between media and society, examining how film reflects and influences cultural trends.
Year 3 (Year Abroad optional):
The final year allows students to apply their knowledge in international or practical contexts, including a Year Abroad experience in the US. Modules like Advanced American Film Studies, Capstone Project in American Studies, and Contemporary US Issues encourage independent research and specialized focus, preparing students for professional or academic progression.
Focus Areas:
American history, US politics, film studies, cultural analysis, media theory.
Learning Outcomes:
Critical understanding of US society and culture, analytical and research skills in humanities, advanced knowledge of American film and media, ability to contextualize historical and contemporary American issues.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
While the degree is primarily academic, it equips students for careers in research, media, cultural institutions, and education, aligning with professional standards in humanities and media studies.
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Essex is highly regarded for employability and humanities, consistently ranked among the top UK universities for student satisfaction and graduate prospects.
Experiential Learning at the University of Essex – BA American Studies (United States) with Film
At the University of Essex, students on the BA American Studies (United States) with Film programme gain hands-on experience that brings their studies to life. Through a combination of practical modules, immersive cultural exposure, and research-led teaching, you develop both academic insight and real-world skills. From engaging closely with film and media studies to exploring American culture firsthand during a study abroad, Essex ensures learning goes beyond the classroom. Small class sizes and direct access to expert staff support collaborative projects and independent inquiry, while specialist facilities empower students to experiment, create, and analyse effectively.
This practical approach includes:
Study Abroad Opportunities: Spend a term or full academic year at one of fifteen partner universities across the United States, experiencing American culture and society directly.
Film and Media Facilities: Access resources and equipment through the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies for practical film analysis and production exercises.
Essex Libraries: Extensive collections supporting research in American studies, film, history, and related disciplines.
Group Projects & Collaborative Learning: Engage in seminars and workshops that foster teamwork and critical discussion.
Research-Led Modules: Explore topics like racial justice, Native American histories, and environmental protection under expert guidance.
Specialist Institutes & Centres: Benefit from Essex’s interdisciplinary research environment within the School of Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies.
Academic Skills Support: Foundation year modules enhance research, writing, and critical thinking skills to prepare for higher-level study.
This combination of field-based experiences, collaborative projects, and access to specialised facilities ensures you graduate with both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills to succeed in film, cultural research, and related careers.
Future Progression & Opportunities:
Graduates from this program leave with a unique combination of cultural insight, critical analysis, and media expertise, opening doors to creative and research-focused careers. Many alumni pursue roles in the film, media, and cultural sectors, including positions such as film programmer, archive curator, content producer, or research assistant:
University Support for Employment: The Essex Employability & Careers Centre offers tailored advice, internship opportunities, CV workshops, and networking events to help students secure roles aligned with their career goals.
Employment Stats & Salaries: Essex graduates benefit from strong employability outcomes, with a significant percentage securing professional roles within six months of graduation, earning competitive starting salaries in media and cultural industries.
University–Industry Partnerships: The program leverages partnerships with film festivals, media organizations, and archives, giving students real-world exposure and networking opportunities.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: Essex’s BA degrees are widely respected, offering a strong foundation for both professional work and advanced academic pursuits.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni frequently enter roles that combine research, analysis, and creative production, including positions in television, film, cultural heritage, and media research.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue their studies through master’s programs in fields such as Film Studies, Media and Cultural Studies, American Studies, or Digital Media Production, preparing for specialized careers or academic research in their chosen area.
A-levels: DDD / 72 UCAS tariff points from at least two full A-levels, or equivalent.IB: Points 18English IB: Standard Level or Higher Level grade 4 in any of the below modules: Language and Literature / Literature / English Literature and PerformanceGCSE: Grade C or 4 IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each componentTOEFL: 72 overall, with a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writingFor Indian Applicants: Overall average from 4 best subject (excluding PE & local language) CBSE, CISCE and other regional and national boards - 60%Karnataka (Bangalore), Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh boards / Kolkata (West Bengal board) - 50% For US Applicants: A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the USA High School Graduation Diploma.US English Requirements: minimum grade of C/ 75%/ GPA 3.0 OR 3 in AP EnglishIf 1st Language English then ACT English with minimum grade of 22 OR additional English language test will be required.Film criticScreenwriterFilm researcherArchivistMuseum curatorMedia producerDocumentary filmmakerCultural analystTelevision researcherContent strategistScript editorPublic relations specialistAcademic researcherFilm festival programmerMarketing coordinator
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
