Key information
- Duration:
- Up to 4 years full time, 8 years part time
- Start date:
- Choose to start in September 2026, January 2027 or April 2027
- Apply by:
- 1 month before start (UK), 3 months before start (international)
American literature is a huge field intersecting with other global literatures, cultures and nations, reaching from the colonial period to its current, enormously powerful position.
Areas of study
This degree focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to the literature of North America. Our research strengths range from the early US republic to modern and contemporary poetry, culture, and fiction. We welcome applications in all these fields and we particularly encourage projects that engage with history, film, music, media studies, art, and other disciplines in relation to literature.
You’ll also be able to take advantage of the cutting-edge research in American studies conducted in the . You’ll have access to expertise in the history of slavery, the Cold War, US foreign policy and international relations, the politics of sex and gender, and the long, global history of civil rights – all of which have profound resonance in American literary culture.
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
Explore our free PhD webinars
Courses, applying and masterclasses – find out about postgraduate research at Sussex
March to July 2025
Entry requirements
| Degree requirements | You’re normally expected to have a Merit (an average of 60% overall) in a Masters degree. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
Please select your country from the list.
Argentina
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado/Titulo with a final mark of at least 7.5-8.5 depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Australia
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with second-class upper division. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Azerbaijan
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Magistr or Specialist Diploma with an average mark of at least 4 or 81% |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bahrain
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with CGPA 3.0/4.0 (Grade B). |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bangladesh
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | A 4-year Bachelor degree with GPA of at least 3.3/4.0 |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Brazil
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bacharel, Licenciado or professional title with a final mark of at least 7.5 or 8 depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Brunei
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors (Honours) degree with second class upper division or CGPA 3.1/4.0. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Canada
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with CGPA 3.3/4.0 (grade B+). |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Chile
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado with a final mark of at least 5-5.5/7 depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
China
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 70%-75% depending on your university. Sussex uses Project 211/985 to inform offer levels. As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both a Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Colombia
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado with ‘Acreditacion de alta calidad' and a CGPA of 3.5. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Cyprus
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree or Ptychion with a final mark of at least 7.5. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Denmark
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 7 (Good Performance). |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ecuador
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado with a final mark of at least 17/20. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Egypt
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree from a university with an overall grade of at least 70-75% depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
France
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licence with mention bien or Maîtrise with a final mark of at least 13. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Germany
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree or Magister Artium with a final mark of 2.4 or better. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ghana
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree from a public university with second-class upper division. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Greece
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Ptychion from an AEI with a final mark of at least 7. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Hong Kong
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class upper division. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
India
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 55-70% depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Indonesia
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree from an 'A' accredited university with CGPA 3.0/4.0. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Iran
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree (Licence or Karshenasi) with a final mark of at least 15. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Italy
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Diploma di Laurea with an overall mark of at least 105. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Japan
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a minimum C/GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |