Postgraduate Prospectus 2013 - Swansea University

American Studies
Research opportunities
MA by Research/MPhil/PhD
RAE2008 30% of research rated
world-leading (4*) or internationally
excellent (3*)
Professors
J Roper
Academic and research staff
American Studies students are located in
numerous Departments within the College
of Arts and Humanities. For details, please
see: www.swansea.ac.uk/
artsandhumanities
Understanding the forces that have
moulded and continue to shape America
helps us to make sense of our contemporary
world. The comparative study of the
history and culture of the United States
addresses themes such as immigration,
democracy, slavery, imperialism,
multiculturalism, religion, the economy
and, more recently, terrorism. These issues
do not just concern the past; they are
directly relevant to the world we live in.
We welcome proposals for postgraduate
research projects that complement staff
research interests.
Research degrees in American Studies
will:
• provide you with new and specialised
research skills
• prepare you for a career in academic
research and teaching
• equip you with skills relevant for a
rewarding career in a range of diverse
fields
Entry requirements:
Normally a 2.1 Honours degree, or higher
degree, or an equivalent qualification.
English Language requirement:
IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each
component) or Swansea University
recognised equivalent.
Scholarships and Bursaries
A range of postgraduate scholarships
and bursaries is available. For details,
please visit: www.swansea.ac.uk/
scholarships/Postgraduate
Research Strengths
Staff research interests cover the core
disciplines of American Studies: literature,
history, politics and film. Particular
research strengths include:
• American Politics and Government
• US Foreign Policy
• US “War on Drugs”
• The American Civil War
• The American South
• The Impact of War on American society
• Hollywood film and American society
• Ethnicity and multiculturalism
• African-American Literature and Culture
• The Harlem Renaissance
• The American West
• Contemporary Literature
• Silent Cinema
• Representations of the Vietnam War
American Studies is involved in
collaborative research projects with
several universities across the United States
and there is a programme of visiting
speakers from Britain and the USA. Staff
have written and edited book-length
studies of literature, popular culture,
modern poetry, labour leaders, political
processes and philosophy.
Funding for research work is available from
several sources, including the Leverhulme
Foundation and the Fulbright Commission.
Graduates are currently funded by the
University of Wales, Tempus, bursaries and
assistantships. Opportunities for graduate
research in the United States may be funded
by the Department.
Research Institute for Arts and Humanities
The Research Institute for Arts and
Humanities (RIAH) supports two major
Research Centres, including the Callaghan
Centre for the Study of Conflict, Power,
Empire. The Callaghan Centre produces
world-class research in the areas of conflict
and security, empire and postcolonialism,
‘digital’ war, and conflict and culture. It
also manages major Research Council
funded projects, and promotes
collaboration between scholars,
policymakers and cultural providers.
RIAH also supports a wide range of
research groups, which provide a focus
for specialist projects, postgraduate
research, grant applications, seminar
series, and contact with external partners.
Research groups include:
• CECSAM, the Centre for the
Comparative Study of the Americas
• C-SCAP, the Centre for the Study of
Culture and Politics
• GENCAS, the Centre for Research into
Gender in Culture and Society
How can I find out more?
Visit our website:
www.swansea.ac.uk/artsandhumanities
Contact the PCS Admissions Tutor:
Professor Roland Axtmann
Email: COAHGradCentrePGRAdmissions@
swansea.ac.uk@swansea.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1792 295926
All American Studies research students belong
to the Graduate Centre in the College of Arts
and Humanities. The Centre provides pastoral
as well as administrative support and is also
responsible for research skills training and
support, and facilitating a lively intellectual
environment for the College’s postgraduate
research community of 200 students.
For further information about RIAH, visit:
www.swansea.ac.uk/artsandhumanities/riah
Visit the University:
see page 174 for details
Applications can be made online
at: www.swansea.ac.uk/applyonline
– see pages 176 – 177 for further
information
“The faculty are brilliant, my supervision has been exemplary
– just enough push to make me get down to work, and always
enthusiastic about my topic. The library resources are good for
my area of study and staff are always willing to help.
”
Linda Phillips,
PhD American Studies
Research Degrees – American Studies
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