Upon completing a Bachelor’s degree, students can pursue a year-long research program that involves the production of an 18,000-20,000 word thesis.

This can be a capstone to your pursuit of American Studies at the undergraduate level, giving you an edge on other graduates with your level of expertise in a specific area of enquiry. In addition, this also acts a significant independent project to prepare graduates for the workforce, as the autonomous pursuit of information and personal setting of targets and goals makes the transition to project-based work easier. Honours in the first or second class is also a great pathway into PhD research.

"I’ve always been passionate about America and exploring its role in the world and an American Studies honours year allowed me to delve even deeper. At the US Studies Centre, I know I can pursue my interest surrounded by a world-class community of students and academics." Jay Ng

Our previous honours students have researched such diverse subjects as the Women’s National Basketball Association, political memes, Hollywood bromances, race and fashion, religion and US foreign policy, and American exceptionalism.

To qualify for admission to candidature for honours, a student must meet the requirements of the Coursework Policy and in addition:

(a) have completed a major with an average of 70% or above in the intended subject area/s; and

(b) have the permission of the relevant Chair of Department or program coordinator.

As part of the course, students will attend two seminars that meet weekly for 2 hours each in semester one

• AMST4115 – American Studies: Theory and Practice
• AMST4112 – Cultural Capital – Kant to Kardashian

The deadline to apply to Honours is 30 November of the preceding year.

We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited.

More information about the program is available on the University of Sydney website.

Honours Scholarship:

United States Studies Centre Travel Support Scheme - Honours

The United States Studies Centre Travel Support Scheme - Honours was established to assist students with travel costs to conduct research whilst enrolled in the American Studies Honours program. This Scholarship is intended to support travel costs related to student's travel to archives, special collections and/or research institutes relevant to the advancement of the student’s research.

USSC will be offering two scholarships per annum to currently enrolled full-time American Studies Honours students valued at $2,500 per student. Applications for 2020 will open early next year.

Honours coordinator

If you are interested in honours in American Studies, please contact Dr Rodney Taveira to discuss your candidacy.