Master in American Studies MRes

Research Overview

Studying American culture and history illuminates the crucial role the US has played in shaping the modern world. It also highlights the tensions around race, class, and gender that have fueled the expression and reception of the nation's founding values.
If you already have a clear idea of the area and topic you wish to research as a PhD, then you can effectively lay the groundwork for this by doing a masters by research.

Our particular areas of research specialism include:

• African American literature, history and culture
• American art and visual culture
• American intellectual history
• American labour history
• American music and popular culture
• American political history
• American print culture and book history
• Asian American literature and culture
• Border studies
• Civil rights and social justice
• Contemporary American fiction
• Crime, prisons and criminal justice
• Disability studies
• Feminist theory
• Gender and queer studies
• History of psychiatry
• Immigrant writing
• Indigenous culture
• Latinx culture
• Memory Studies
• Nineteenth-century American literature and culture
• US foreign policy

The University of Nottingham is a research-intensive Russell Group university known for its global outlook and vibrant campus life in the historic city of Nottingham. Founded in 1881, the university combines a broad academic portfolio with strong research centres across faculties, offering students access to high-quality teaching and a wide range of disciplines. Its University Park campus provides extensive facilities and a lively students' union supporting societies, volunteering and entrepreneurial activities.

Students benefit from comprehensive careers support, placement opportunities and an environment that encourages innovation and employability. With large international cohorts and partnerships worldwide, Nottingham fosters collaborative research and multicultural learning experiences. Academic staff are active researchers, and many courses include practical projects, industry links and options for study abroad or global placements.

The city of Nottingham adds cultural depth with theatres, sports venues and green spaces, while affordable student living and strong transport links make it an attractive base for study. International students receive tailored support services covering visas, accommodation and wellbeing. For those seeking a research-led institution with broad course choices, strong career services and a dynamic student community, the University of Nottingham offers an engaging and internationally minded experience.