American Studies, Ph.D.

COURSE OVERVIEW

A PhD or MPhil in American Studies at Swansea enables you to undertake a substantial project led by your own passions and interests.

It represents a highly respected qualification which can present a pathway to a career in academia, or widen your scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector.

The PhD takes three years full-time or six years part-time, and the MPhil takes two years full-time or four years part-time.

You will submit a thesis of up to 100,000 words for PhD assessment and 60,000 words for MPhil assessment, demonstrating original research with a substantive contribution to the subject area. This is followed by an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination, or viva).

Our dynamic research environment is driven by committed staff who are all active researchers with a diverse range of interests and expertise through our Research Groups:

• The Conflict, Reconstruction and Memory Research Group (CRAM)
• Global Drug Policy Observatory (GDPO)
• International Studies, Conflict and Security (ISCAS)
• Political Analysis and Government (PAG)

This expertise includes:

• the American civil war
• US foreign policy
• the US ‘war on drugs’
• US politics and government
• surveillance and urban America
• American conservatism
• American military history
• 20th century American literature, film and popular culture

You will develop and hone research skills needed for high-level work in any field of American Studies, while skills and training programmes available on campus provide further support. You will have the opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars, and at the College of Arts and Humanities Postgraduate conference.

You may also have the chance to teach undergraduate tutorials and seminars from the second year, for which you receive training and payment. Financial support is also provided (subject to approval) for attending conferences or conducting research away from Swansea.

Career Opportunities 

Having a PhD demonstrates that graduates can work effectively in a team, formulate, explore and communicate complex ideas and manage advanced tasks. Jobs in academia (eg postdoctoral research, lecturing), education, government, management, the public or private sector are possible. Examples include administrators, counsellors, marketing specialists, and researchers.

The Postgraduate Research Office Skills Development Team offer support and a training framework for example in creating a researcher profile based upon publications and setting up your own business. The Swansea Employability Academy assists students in future career opportunities, improving CVs, job applications and interview skills.