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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes North American Studies
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North American Studies

Do you aspire to a career in global politics, media, business, journalism, or education? Are you interested in all things American, from the U.S. political system to cultural imperialism, and from literature and film to contemporary digital cultures?

Would you like to spend a semester studying abroad at one of our partner universities in the U.S. or Canada?

Our American Studies MA will provide you with an English language learning environment that challenges you to develop your own interests and formulate your own arguments in small-group seminars. Along the way, you’ll be guided by our team of leading international researchers in the field of American Studies.

Since at least 1945, American culture and American politics have sat at the heart of our contemporary world, and American Studies is the interdisciplinary, wide-ranging study of that culture and politics and the ways that they interact not just in the United States but around the world. But doing American Studies involves more than mastering knowledge related to America and its place in the world.

After completing our MA in North American Studies, you’ll certainly know a lot about America. But you’ll also be able to think, talk, and write critically about it, independently analyze any aspect of its culture that fascinates you, and conduct your own research project that cuts across traditional academic boundaries. We don’t use boring textbooks, and we don’t just ask you to summarize what others think about a topic. We challenge you to build your own persuasive analysis of whatever it is about America that interests you.

Our students’ research topics are as diverse as America itself. From the Stars Wars franchise and its place in U.S. and global culture to gerrymandering, voter suppression, political polarization, or the history of Audubon's Birds of America –in American Studies, we let you follow your own path. And through a specially designed writing course and our network of local, national, and international partners, our students also learn how to write and communicate their ideas in English to a wide variety of public audiences.

In your first semester, we make sure you’re up to date on the latest developments in the exciting and often argumentative field of American studies, while also teaching courses based on our own research interests. Students can also do an internship during their degree. From small Dutch tech start-ups to national newspapers and consular offices in the U.S., those who have hosted our American Studies students send back glowing reports of culturally savvy, intellectually mature, and highly effective interns.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MA in North American Studies
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
60845
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Arts
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Interdisciplinary approach to the Americas: history, popular culture, politics, economics, ideology, ethnicity, etc.
  • Experienced and highly trained international teaching staff
  • Wide range of transferable skills, such as fluency in spoken and written English, critical thinking, and cultural adaptability
Programme
Programme options
American Studies (track)

The one-year, interdisciplinary Master's track in American Studies offers exciting research seminars taught from a wide range of theoretical, historical, social-political, and cultural approaches to the Americas.

More information about this option

Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
American StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

NL studenten: Geldt voor alle WO instellingen in Nederland. International students: Refers to all Research universities within the Netherlands

History (part-time)University of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a pre-Master's/ Faculty Minor (30 ECTS) in American Studies

Arts, Culture and MediaUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a pre-Master's/ Faculty Minor (30 ECTS) in American Studies

Media StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a pre-Master's/ Faculty Minor (30 ECTS) in American Studies

ArchaeologyUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a pre-Master's/ Faculty Minor (30 ECTS) in American Studies

English Language and CultureUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a pre-Master's/ Faculty Minor (30 ECTS) in American Studies

European Languages and CulturesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a pre-Master's/ Faculty Minor (30 ECTS) in American Studies

International Relations and International OrganizationUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a pre-Master's/ Faculty Minor (30 ECTS) in American Studies

Classics (part-time)University of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a pre-Master's/ Faculty Minor (30 ECTS) in American Studies

Middle Eastern StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a pre-Master's/ Faculty Minor (30 ECTS) in American Studies

Art HistoryUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a pre-Master's/ Faculty Minor (30 ECTS) in American Studies

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
American StudiesAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

NL studenten: Geldt voor alle WO instellingen in Nederland. International students: Refers to all Research universities within the Netherlands

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

All students with a Bachelor's diploma of American Studies from the University of Groningen or from another Dutch university are directly admissible to the programme. Additionally, UG students with a Bachelor's diploma in:

  • Archaeology
  • Art History
  • Arts, Culture and Media
  • Classics
  • English Language and Culture
  • European Languages and Cultures
  • History
  • International Relations and International Organization
  • Media Studies
  • Middle Eastern Studies

with a pre-Master's/ Faculty Minor (30 ECTS) in American Studies are also admissible to the programme

The Admissions Board is responsible for assessing whether students without a Bachelor's degree are admissible on the basis of sufficient knowledge, understanding and skills at the level of a Bachelor's degree.

language test

Additional requirements English: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 100 (with a minimum of 25 on writing skills), or IELTS 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 185.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 August 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
language test

Additional requirements English: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 100 (with a minimum of 25 on writing skills), or IELTS 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 185.

1. Students who have been admitted to a degree programme on the basis of a foreign certificate or degree may be asked by the Board of Examiners – before registration – to pass an English language test, to be administered by an agency stipulated by the Board. 2. The English language proficiency requirement will be met by passing an examination in English at the level of the Dutch VWO final exam, or by passing the TOEFL internet-based test with a score of at least 100, with a minimum score for speaking and writing of 25 (each), or an IELTS score of at least 7.0 (with a minimum of 6.5 for all components).

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 August 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 18700full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

The track's interdisciplinary curriculum and specializations gives you ample opportunity to find out what topics interest you most and what areas of employment you wish to explore. Pursuing an internship while in the program is a great way to gain experience in the field prior to seeking full-time employment. As an American Studies graduate, you will gain competency in a broad range of transferable skills which will diversify your career prospects.

Your expertise in the US economic, political, cultural, commercial and social domains, coupled with your highly proficient English communication skills and cultural adaptability through your study abroad experience, will set you apart from other job candidates.

Job examples

  • Journalism

    Depending on your areas of specialization, a job in journalism is a possibility. Students interested in journalism may consider using their proficiency in US political and cultural affairs to work as correspondents or reporters for international or US media outlets.

  • Business

    Interested in marketing or international business? Then utilize your knowledge of US economic and commercial policies and practices by assisting companies seeking to expand into the European and US markets.

  • Culture and Arts

    You might prefer to think about working in the cultural field, for example, a job in a museum or organizing a film festival. The American Studies program offers many possibilities for international contacts, which can be utilized for job options in a range of cultural industries. In addition, your cross-cultural experiences and English skills will also prepare you to work in the travel industry, especially organizing and leading guided trips.

  • Public Sector

    Your subject-matter expertise in U.S. socio-political affairs and proficient English skills are relevant transferable skills for work in the public sector. Consider working for an NGO or governmental entity, in positions ranging from Media and Communication Coordinators to Information Officers.

  • Education

    Your highly proficient English skills will also prepare you to work at education institutions, in particular in the area of the internationalization of teaching and learning. A number of graduates also work in high schools and institutions of tertiary education, where they teach primarily English or History. Several American Studies graduates also wish to continue their studies by completing PhD degrees, either in The Netherlands, the UK or the US.

Research

Research Approach and Themes

The research carried out by the Department of American Studies mirrors the main concentrations in our educational agenda. At the heart of our research and curriculum, are three separate themes:

  • Early American culture and history
  • Contemporary socio-political issues
  • Popular culture and media studies

The key distinguishing feature of research in American Studies is that it is interdisciplinary in approach. Individual researchers actively work across different disciplines and methodologies.

The same is true for our teaching agenda: teachers are required to be versatile in more than one discipline as all major survey courses combine a range of disciplinary areas, approaches and methodologies.

Research Team and Projects

Please visit the Faculty Roster on the Department of American Studies website to view current American Studies faculty members and their research initiatives.

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Master's Weekdiverse locatiesMore information

Contact

Liaison Officer Europe at VH Strategies

During my Master's degree program in American Studies I gained a lot of knowledge about the United States. I also improved my research, writing and spoken English skills. This is of great benefit in my current work for an American political consultant. I deal with transatlantic issues and developments in American politics on a daily basis.

What attracted me to the Master’s program in American Studies was that you learn how to critically analyse culture, history and politics. Following this program also gave me the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of two areas that interest me: the history of the American Revolution and American political culture.
The Lantos Congressional Fellowship was a major highlight for me. In my six months as Lantos Fellow I worked for Congresswoman Napolitano in the House of Representatives. It was a fantastic experience to be able to walk round right at the heart of American democracy.
I also did an exchange at Central Michigan University. This too was one of the best experiences of my studies. Although I really enjoy my current work in American politics, in the future I would like to study for a second Master’s degree at a top university in the United States.

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The Americas have always piqued my curiosity with its similarities and stark differences to European cultures.

My name is Taran Draper, and I am a recent graduate of the Bachelor of American Studies and 1st year student of the Master North American Studies. After having lived abroad for my entire life, yet being Dutch and having family throughout the Netherlands, I decided to come study at the University of Groningen and pursue a degree in American Studies. I enjoy reading, writing, watching all the latest TV shows and most of all following American politics.

A Fascinating Culture

American Studies matches my interests precisely because for me the U.S. and its wide variety of inhabitants are the source of many into questions from an outsiders perspective. The Americas have always peeked my curiosity with its similarities and stark differences to European cultures. The U.S. is also the source of many cultural aspects of our everyday lives and the study of how this culture has evolved helps us understand elements of modern day life. The Masters program gives you the opportunity not only to learn more about this fascinating culture but also to develop your skills in academic writing and critical thinking.

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Study associations

EPU

E Pluribus Unum (EPU) is the study association for students who study American Studies. EPU's main goal is to unite all American Studies students, both from the Bachelor and Master programs. By doing so, the study association can represent the entire student body in their interests, and provide them with ample opportunities to expand those interests. EPU organizes a vast array of activities, ranging from monthly (themed) drinks to study trips abroad.
https://svepu.nl/
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Study support

Each Master's degree programme has a study advisor whom you can contact if you have questions or need advice about your degree programme and other study-related matters. Everything you discuss will be treated confidentially. If you have a more complex problem, for example study delay, a performance disability or if you are ill for a long time, you should contact a student counsellor.

In addition, you can also follow various courses at the Study Support section of the Student Service Centre (SSC), for example on study stress and holding presentations.