University College London (UCL)
United States Studies: History and Politics MA
London, United Kingdom
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
The program offers a comprehensive study of US history and politics, designed for those interested in understanding the complexities of American society. Students explore key historical events, social movements, and political developments, gaining insights into how the US has evolved over time. The curriculum combines both historical analysis and political theory, helping students develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of contemporary issues. This balanced approach provides a firm foundation for careers related to government, policy, research, or further academic study.
Throughout the program, students have opportunities to engage with diverse perspectives on US history and politics through lectures, seminars, and research projects. The course aims to foster analytical skills and encourage independent thought, preparing learners to navigate complex debates and challenges. Designed with flexibility, it allows students to tailor their learning experience according to their interests, whether focusing on specific time periods, themes, or political theories. The program supports those eager to build a solid understanding of how historical forces shape present-day America, making it a valuable stepping stone for various professional paths or further academic pursuits.
UCL Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to postgraduate students, including our UCL Masters Bursary for UK students and our UCL Global Masters Scholarship for international students. You can search via the scholarships finder for awards that you might be eligible for. Your academic department will also be able to provide you with more information about funding.
External Scholarships
Online aggregators like Postgraduate Studentships, Scholarship Search, Postgraduate Funding and International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search contain information on a variety of external schemes.
If you have specific circumstances or ethnic or religious background it is worth searching for scholarships/bursaries/grants that relate to those things. Some schemes are very specific.
Funding for disabled students
Master's students who have a disability may be able to get extra funding for additional costs they incur to study.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures, presentations, research skills training, independent reading and research.
Assessment is through written assignments (which may include essays, term papers and analytical exercises, depending on selected options), group and seminar presentations, and the dissertation.
Contact time takes various forms:
- Lectures.
- Seminars.
- Fieldwork.
- Dissertation/ Project supervision.
- Assessment feedback sessions.
The credit value of the module indicates the total learning hours you will spend to achieve its learning outcomes. One credit is often equated to 10 hours of notional learning, which includes all contact time, self-directed study, and assessment.
For full-time students, typical contact hours are around 7- 8-hours of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials per teaching week. Outside of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, full-time students typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, using their remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.
In term three and the summer period students will be completing their own dissertation research, keeping regular contact with their dissertation supervisors.
Modules
Full-time
In terms one and two, you will take one compulsory research skills module which provides guidance for undertaking the research dissertation in term three. You will then select five modules of further substantive subject options from a broad range of options. Full time students usually take two of these options in term one and three in term two.
In term three, you will fully develop your research dissertation in consultation with a specifically designated dissertation supervisor. Many of our Master's students undertake fieldwork in order to carry out research for their dissertation projects.
Part-time
Part-time students will split the taught modules between year 1 and year 2. The research skills module is usually taken in year 1, the dissertation is taken in year 2.
All part-time students must complete a minimum of 60 credits in their first year. These include any core modules that need to be taken in year 1.
Compulsory modules
- Researching the Americas
- Dissertation
Optional modules
- Post-Cold War US Foreign Policy
- From the New South to the Modern South: The (Re)Making of an American Region
- Challenging the Straight State: Regulation Repression, and Resistance in US Sexual Politics
- States of Exception: US State-building through its Exceptional Geographies
- The Making of the Modern U.S. Presidency
- The United States at War: Decolonial Perspectives, 1898-present
- Politics of US Foreign Policy
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MA in United States Studies: History and Politics.
Fieldwork
Many of our Master's students undertake fieldwork in order to carry out research for their dissertation projects.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.
What this course will give you
The UCL Institute of the Americas offers the largest teaching portfolio for the study of Canada, Latin America and the United States in the UK. Being multidisciplinary, you will be taught by experts on social sciences and modern history all under one roof.
Students in the Institute benefit from:
- Teaching by world-leading scholars at the cutting edge of research that was ranked 1st in Area Studies and Impact in the REF 2021.
- Close relationships with cultural and diplomatic organisations in the Americas
- Links with businesses with interests in North America and Latin America.
- Invitation to Institute’s Seminar Series
The foundation of your career
According to the Graduate Outcomes survey 2017-2022, upon completing this degree, you will have skills well suited for jobs in sectors such as:
- Policy and government
- NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations)
- Business and financial services
- Media and journalism
- Academia and education
Employability
Graduates have acquired transferable skills attractive to employers in a wide range of businesses and sectors:
- Theoretical and critical analysis.
- Writing and communication skills.
- Time management.
- IT skills.
You will also learn to solve problems and issues and to build positive working relationships.
Networking
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The institute runs seminar series and events with invited speakers from academia, government, and NGOs. They also host careers talks with returning alumni from different organisations and professions. Students can also also attend U.S. history and politics events organised by the Institute of Historical Research and the British Library’s Eccles Centre.
Our central London location gives students access to a host of networking activities and events across the capital. You will be able to attend events in the high commissions and embassies of the region in London.
Finally, UCL student union societies can also further develop your interests and experiences. You may wish to consider joining:
- Women and Politics Society
- Diplomacy Society
- Government and Politics Society