American History

Overview

During the American History programme at The University of Edinburgh, you will have the opportunity to take a comparative or transnational approach to the history of the Americas, as well as to study some countries and regions in more depth.

The University has an exceptional range of historians of the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean, which allows us to provide courses and research supervision in a wide array of topics and time periods, ranging from the American Revolution to comparative slavery; from the Latin American dictatorships to the Cold War foreign policy of the United States.

You will take a variety of seminar-style courses in small groups while developing your own research project in consultation with a member of an internationally-respected team of historians. The programme provides advanced knowledge and understanding of selected topics in American history, and will enhance your skills in independent research, critical analysis, and both oral and written presentation.

You are also encouraged to participate in a vibrant research culture that includes regular lectures, seminars, and other events on American topics involving leading historians from the United Kingdom and internationally. Our staff strengths are complemented by the impressive combined resources of the University’s Main Library and the nearby National Library of Scotland, which boasts one of the UK's largest collections of Americana, encompassing excellent collections for Caribbean and Latin American history as well as US history.

Career opportunities

Our students view the programme and a graduate degree from Edinburgh as an advanced qualification valued and respected by many employers. Those students interested in long-term academic careers consider the programme as preparation for a PhD.

The combination of specialised skills training courses and seminars, and the opportunity for independent research provides you with transferable skills that will be beneficial whatever path you choose. Graduates pursue work in related areas such as museums, policy think-tanks, national and international civil services, non-governmental organisations, galleries, libraries and historic trusts whilst others build on the transferable skills gained and enter areas as diverse as business, media, public administration and marketing.