Triangle

Research overview

We are the only department in the UK to combine American with Canadian Studies. Our research in North American histories and cultural expression addresses concerns of race, gender, and sexuality. 

Our particular areas of research specialism include:

  • Asian North American literature and culture
  • Canadian literature and culture
  • Contemporary American fiction
  • Criminal justice history
  • Diplomatic history
  • Disability studies
  • Ethnic-minority writing
  • Feminist theory
  • Film adaptation
  • Gender and queer studies
  • History of medicine
  • Immigrant writing
  • Indigenous literature and culture
  • Memory studies
  • North American border studies
  • North American film
  • North American music
  • Print culture
  • Settler-colonialism
  • U.S. foreign policy
  • Women's writing

Find out more about our research.

Course content

You will take 180 credits. This is made up of a selection of taught modules (worth 60 credits), and a 25,000-word research dissertation (worth 120 credits).

You will also attend research training sessions and regular graduate 'work-in-progress' seminars, led by the research student community. They are an opportunity to present your ongoing research to your peers, supervisors and invited academic staff and research students. You will then receive feedback and support. You will contribute a paper in semester two.

Core module

This module involves the selection, research and writing up of a 25,000-word dissertation in the field of American and/or Canadian Studies.

The dissertation is submitted at the end of the year and is marked by both an internal and external examiner. You will agree the topic with your supervisors (usually two co-supervisors). There is the possibility of a viva to confirm the award.

This module is worth 120 credits.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on 03 March 2025.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

QualificationMRes
Degree

2:1 (or international equivalent) in an arts, humanities or social science subject

Applying

MRes applicants are encouraged to get in touch with the Departmental Director of Postgraduate Research (currently Dr Ruth Maxey) to discuss their areas of research interest prior to submitting their application.

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.

How to apply

Fees

QualificationMRes
Home / UK£5,006
International£23,000

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

Books

You'll be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to buy your own copies of core texts.

Funding

There are funding opportunities which are only open to students within the Faculty of Arts.

Postgraduate funding for Faculty of Arts students

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Support

 The department offers:

  • advanced research training
  • frequent reviews and feedback on progress
  • departmental research seminars/work in progress sessions
  • support for research trips and conference attendance
  • inter-library loan

We also offer regular conferences and symposia organised by staff and students.

You will be encouraged to organise and attend conferences, act as editors for postgraduate journals, and publish book reviews and articles.

There are regular opportunities to take part in outreach activities, public talks and departmental events. In addition to serving as Departmental Outreach and Engagement Coordinators and Directors of our LGBT and Black History Month programmes, students are given logistical and financial support in order to run their own conferences and organise a week-long research retreat.

Expert supervision

You will have two supervisors who are an active part of our established research staff. They will:

  • regularly read your work
  • attend your work-in-progress presentation
  • provide frequent reviews and feedback

View staff profiles for the Department of American and Canadian Studies.

Researcher training and development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.

Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.

Graduate centres

Our graduate centres are dedicated community spaces on campus for postgraduates.

Each space has areas for:

  • studying
  • socialising
  • computer work
  • seminars
  • kitchen facilities

Student support

You will have access to a range of support services, including:

  • academic and disability support
  • childcare services
  • counselling service
  • faith support
  • financial support
  • mental health and wellbeing support
  • visa and immigration advice
  • welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer.

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

  • international students
  • black and minority ethnic students
  • students who identify as women
  • students with disabilities
  • LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

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Where you will learn

University Park Campus

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Careers

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

stephanielewthwaite
Whether you’re into popular culture, social movements, political activism, or rights and social justice, all of those things are absolutely vital to American studies. I think with American studies, and learning these things, it’s about giving students the skills and knowledge to orient themselves in the world today.”
Stephanie Lewthwaite, Associate Professor in American History

Related courses

American Studies MRes

Produce original research in North American literature, history, culture and politics
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American Studies PhD

Research North America and the exchange of influences between North American cultures and those of Asia, Europe and the Americas.
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American and Canadian Studies PhD

Research North America and the exchange of influences between North American cultures and those of Asia, Europe and the Americas.
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Research Excellence Framework

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

  • 96% of research activity from the Department of American and Canadian Studies was assessed as ‘world-leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’
  • 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
  • 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
  • 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**

*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.

This content was last updated on 03 March 2025. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.