Each year, BAAS offers a growing list of awards, prizes, teaching assistantships, and research assistance awards.
In recent years, we have added new essay awards for students of colour at school, undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and, in light of the climate crisis and our commitment to promote low-carbon research practices, we transformed the travel awards into research assistance awards, offering the possibility of hiring research assistants to pursue archival research remotely.
BAAS is committed to promoting best practice in matters of equality and diversity, and will be attentive to issues of equality and diversity when judging all applications.
The programme depends for its funds entirely on public contributions, and can only have a long term impact if BAAS members and other interested persons continue to be generous with donations. The Treasurer of BAAS welcomes contributions small and large, and invites anyone wishing to support BAAS in maintaining its work in this area to do so by following this link to make a donation. If you require further information please contact Ben Offiler via treasurer@baas.ac.uk. BAAS is a registered charity (No. 1002816).
BAAS Awards 2026
The 2026 BAAS awards will open soon. Please check back later.
Submission Information
Before sending your submission, make sure to read the submission guidelines for each award below. If you are applying for a Research Assistance Award, do read the Research Assistance Award FAQ.
For more specific questions and enquiries about the awards, contact awards@baas.ac.uk.
Below you will find guidance and submission information for each award. Click the title of each to expand the section and access the content.
(NOT YET OPEN) Barringer/Monticello Teacher Award to Attend the Monticello Teacher Institute (Charlottesville, Virginia)
Barringer/Monticello Teacher Award to Attend the Monticello Teacher Institute (Charlottesville, Virginia)
The Barringer/Monticello Teacher Award is a collaboration between BAAS, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation (TJF), and the International Center for Jefferson Studies (ICJS). Teachers based in the UK are invited to apply for an opportunity to attend the Monticello Summer Institute, a week-long immersive, professional development programme that provides educators the opportunity to research and learn at Monticello in Charlottesville, VA.
Deadline:
11:59pm, 17 December 2025
Award Value
The exact award value varies, but comes with full funding to attend the Monticello Summer Institute, including return travel from the UK, accommodation and food (see below for more details about financial award).
Who can apply?
To be eligible to apply for these awards, applicants should have at least two years teaching experience, and teach A Level or Advanced Higher materials relevant to the Fellowships.
It is expected that these awards will be of particular interest to teachers covering the following A-level modules: AQA Birth of the USA, 1760-1801; AQA America: A Nation Divided, c1845-77; OCR The American Revolution, 1740-96; Cambridge International paper, The History of the US, 1820-1941.
Required documents
- Completed application form
- A CV
- A brief, one-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in the Monticello Summer Institute
- The name of two references who will only be contacted if you are selected for the award
More information on the award
The Monticello Summer Institute (July 12-17 and July 26-31) is an intensive, one-week institute during which a small group of highly-motivated teachers from across the US and the world go on special tours, have discussions with leading Jefferson scholars and collaborate with fellow educators on topics related to Jefferson and the legacies of slavery in America. Teachers walk out of Monticello with new classroom materials, lesson plans and related materials, as well as a network of similar-minded teachers, inspirational discussions about pedagogies, and first-hand experience visiting historically significant places.
The programme will be of interest to educators who teach the history of the US in the 18th and 19th centuries and/or the workings of American constitutional government. In general, this one-week institute is ideal for teachers interested in the lives and work of the Founding Fathers, the history of the American Revolution and early Republic and/or the place of slavery in the early republic and the Atlantic world.
The successful applicant will be offered:
- Accommodation and meals once at Monticello; the Monticello Teacher Institute is all-inclusive, providing stipends for participation and meals. Lodging and transportation to all sessions are provided during the fellowship.
- In addition, BAAS will provide a travel award of up to £1,200 to pay for international travel from the UK to Charlottesville (Virginia, USA).
Some testimonies by teacher-participants:
“The advantage of being here on site is that I can go back and give my students a first-hand account of the material we are studying”
“The collaboration and community with teachers I got to meet and work with and discuss our issues with have shown me a bunch of different things I can take to my classroom”
“Monticello allows educators to reframe and rethink what it is that we give to students in our classrooms”
Find out more information about the Institute.
Additional information:
The successful applicant will be chosen by BAAS and then confirmed by the ICJS. Their application must demonstrate that the Fellowship will relate to and directly benefit their A Level or Advanced Higher Teaching. They will be contacted by the Monticello staff before the appointment to provide additional information and to select their date preference for the Monticello Teachers Institute.
The successful applicant will be required to share their experiences and relevant teaching materials on the BAAS website for school teachers.
BAAS is committed to promoting best practice in matters of equality and diversity, and will be attentive to issues of equality and diversity when judging applications.
(NOT YET OPEN) Research Assistance Awards
Research Assistance Awards
The BAAS Research Assistance Awards support research by postgraduate students, early career academics, and established academics based in the UK. The funds can be used for short-term visits to the United States or for hiring research assistance to consult archives remotely.
Deadline:
11:59pm, 17 December 2025
Award value:
The maximum of each grant will be £1500.
It is expected that research funded by these awards will take place between May 2026 and April 2027. Additionally, while it is recognised that awards under the scheme may need to be supplemented, it is not intended that they should be used to supplement or extend much longer-term awards.
Who can apply?
Applications are invited from persons normally resident in the UK, and from academics currently working or studying at UK universities and institutions of higher education.
Membership of BAAS is mandatory in order to be eligible to receive one of these awards.
Required documents:
- Application form (with different sections depending on whether one applies for travel funding, remote research assistance, or both) (available in the BAAS Awards page in the members area)
- Reference contact details (nb: there is no need for a full letter of reference)
More information on the awards:
In line with BAAS’s commitment to do its part in combating climate catastrophe, the awards support low-carbon and more inclusive research practices. Practically speaking, this means that the awards can be used to hire a research assistant to consult archives remotely or purchase an individual subscription to an online resource database. In addition to reducing our carbon emissions related to transport, we hope that by offering solutions for remote research we will encourage a more inclusive research culture that takes into account scholars with disabilities and/or caring responsibilities. If remote research is not possible, scholars can also apply to travel to the US for research purposes, but they will have to include a brief statement explaining why travel is necessary.
It is intended that the grants be awarded for the study of subjects where the principal aim is the study of American history, politics, society, literature, art, culture, etc., and not subjects with other aims, the data for which happen to be located in the USA. Conversely, and considering the transnational nature of American studies, scholars can apply to consult archives located in Europe (or elsewhere) as long as the project pertains to the study of the US.
Only one application per applicant will be considered. It is not permissible to apply for separate awards to support research travel and remote research support. A single application may incorporate both travel and remote research support elements, but total funding awarded per applicant will not exceed £1500.
Additional information:
BAAS is committed to promoting best practice in matters of equality and diversity, and thus encourages scholars who have historically been underrepresented in academia (scholars of color, women and non-binary scholars, LGBTQIA+ scholars and disabled scholars in particular) to apply.
Award winners are invited to attend a virtual awards ceremony in April, and are encouraged to invite friends and family along to help celebrate. They are also required to provide a brief report of their research trip or of the research material acquired thanks to the award. These reports can be published as a brief post on USSO (US Studies online) or form the basis of an interview on the USSO podcast. Successful candidates are also requested to acknowledge the assistance of BAAS in any other publication that results from research carried out during the tenure of the award.
For enquiries about the awards, contact awards@baas.ac.uk.
(NOT YET OPEN) School Essay Award
BAAS School Essay Award
The BAAS School Essay Award recognises exceptional essays (or comparable work) on topics in American Studies by students in the UK.
Deadline:
11:59pm, 17 December 2025
Award Value
The award for the winning author will be £150. Potential runner-up prize(s) are £50 each.
Who can apply?
Anyone studying at a UK secondary school, sixth form, or college is eligible to apply for the Schools Essay Award.
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Essay (max 1,500 words, not including footnotes or bibliography)
- Teacher name and email address
- Signed letter from your teacher certifying the applicant’s status including the teacher’s email address
*** All essays should be anonymous. No names or institutional affiliation can appear on the essay itself, only on the covering letter attached with the essay. ***
More information on the award
We are looking for essays that explore any aspect of the American experience, from the perspective of history, literature, film, politics or any other related or inter-related discipline. If you feel more comfortable to do so, you are welcome to respond to a specific question of your own choosing. No preference will be given, whether you choose to write on a topic of your own choice, or if you respond to a specific question from a teacher.
Submissions that engage with some aspect of social justice, such as (but not limited to) voting rights, environmental justice, Indigenous rights, racial justice, healthcare, gender justice, immigration, or equality, are of particular interest to the awarding panel, but there is no expectation or requirement that you do write on these topics.
Essays may be adapted from coursework or ongoing research projects that students are engaged in, but they must conform to the length of 1,500 words. You are encouraged to include references and a bibliography, but this is not essential and will have no bearing on the award. However, any materials used should be listed and the award panel will not tolerate any form of plagiarism. The 1,500 word count only refers to the body of the essay, and not any details of sources used.
You can find more specific advice about writing American Studies essays on this page.
Your essay will be assessed according to the following criteria:
- Is there a clear and compelling argument?
- Are claims accompanied by evidence and analysis?
- Does the essay include some close reading of a primary text (or texts)?
- Does the essay engage with secondary sources, thereby understanding what other scholars have argued?
Additional information:
BAAS is committed to promoting best practice in matters of equality and diversity, and thus particularly encourages students from minoritised backgrounds to apply for our awards.
Award winners are invited to attend a virtual awards ceremony in April and are encouraged to invite friends and family along to help celebrate. Winners also have the opportunity to write a short piece for US Studies Online and/or participate in the USSO podcast if they wish to disseminate their work further. This will also be a valuable opportunity to include on the winner’s CV.
For enquiries about the awards, contact awards@baas.ac.uk.
(NOT YET OPEN) BIPOC School Essay Award
BIPOC School Essay Award
The BAAS BIPOC School Essay Award recognises exceptional essays (or comparable work) on topics in American Studies by BIPOC students in the UK.
In order to tackle the significant obstacles in higher education that are caused by systemic racism, and to make clear not only the commitment of BAAS to making the study of America in the UK more inclusive, but also to demonstrate the fundamentally important place scholars of colour have, BAAS is eager to support scholars of colour through this essay prize which is open exclusively to Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latinx, Arab, and any other students of colour.
Deadline:
11:59pm, 17 December 2025
Award Value
The award for the winning author will be £150. Potential runner-up prize(s) are £50 each.
Who can apply?
Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latinx, Arab, and any other students of colour studying at a UK secondary school, sixth form, or college are eligible to apply for the BIPOC Schools Essay Award.
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Essay (max 1,500 words, not including footnotes or bibliography)
- Teacher name and email address
- Signed letter from your teacher certifying the applicant’s status including the teacher’s email address.
*** All essays should be anonymous. No names or institutional affiliation can appear on the essay itself, only on the covering letter attached with the essay. ***
More information on the award
We are looking for essays that explore any aspect of the American experience, from the perspective of history, literature, film, politics or any other related or inter-related discipline. If you feel more comfortable to do so, you are welcome to respond to a specific question of your own choosing. No preference will be given, whether you choose to write on a topic of your own choice, or if you respond to a specific question from a teacher.
Submissions that engage with some aspect of social justice, such as (but not limited to) voting rights, environmental justice, Indigenous rights, racial justice, healthcare, gender justice, immigration, or equality, are of particular interest to the awarding panel, but there is no expectation or requirement that you do write on these topics.
Essays may be adapted from coursework or ongoing research projects that students are engaged in, but they must not exceed the length of 1,500 words. You are encouraged to include references and a bibliography, but this is not essential and will have no bearing on the award. However, any materials used should be listed and the award panel will not tolerate any form of plagiarism. The 1,500 word count only refers to the body of the essay, and not any details of sources used.
You can find more specific advice about writing American Studies essays on this page.
Your essay will be assessed according to the following criteria:
- Is there a clear and compelling argument?
- Are claims accompanied by evidence and analysis?
- Does the essay include some close reading of a primary text (or texts)?
- Does the essay engage with secondary sources, thereby understanding what other scholars have argued?
Additional Information
BIPOC students are encouraged to submit work for this award and for the School Essay Prize, but these submissions cannot be duplicated: different essays must be submitted to each award category.
BAAS is committed to promoting best practice in matters of equality and diversity, and thus particularly encourages students from minoritised backgrounds to apply for our awards.
Award winners are invited to attend a virtual awards ceremony in April, and are encouraged to invite friends and family along to help celebrate. Winners also have the opportunity to write a short piece for US Studies Online and/or participate in the USSO podcast if they wish to disseminate their work further. This will also be a valuable opportunity to include on the winner’s CV.
For enquiries about the awards, contact awards@baas.ac.uk.
(NOT YET OPEN) Undergraduate Essay Award
BAAS Undergraduate Essay Award
The BAAS Undergraduate Essay Award recognises exceptional essays on topics in American Studies by undergraduate students in the UK.
Deadline:
11:59pm, 17 December 2025
Award Value
The award for the winning author will be £500.
Who can apply?
Anyone studying at a university or equivalent institution in Britain is eligible to apply for the Undergraduate Essay Award.
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Essay (2,000 – 3,000 words, not including footnotes or bibliography)
- Signed letter from the student’s Head of Department or tutor certifying the applicant’s status including their email address
*** All essays should be anonymous. No names or institutional affiliation can appear on the essay itself, only on the covering letter attached with the essay. ***
We request that no more than six essays per undergraduate department or programme be submitted in a given year.
More information on the award
We are looking for essays that explore any aspect of the American experience, from the perspective of history, literature, film, politics or any other related or inter-related discipline. Submissions that engage with some aspect of social justice, such as (but not limited to) voting rights, environmental justice, Indigenous rights, racial justice, healthcare, gender justice, immigration, or equality, are of particular interest to the awarding panel, but there is no expectation or requirement that you do write on these topics.
Essays may be adapted from coursework or ongoing research projects that students are engaged in, but they must conform to the 2,000 – 3,000 word limit (not including footnotes and bibliography) and use an appropriate bibliographic referencing system.
You can find more specific advice about writing American Studies essays on this page.
Your essay will be assessed according to the following criteria:
- Is there a clear and compelling argument?
- Are claims accompanied by evidence and analysis?
- Does the essay include some close reading of a primary text (or texts)?
- Does the essay engage with secondary sources, thereby understanding what other scholars have argued?
Additional information:
BAAS is committed to promoting best practice in matters of equality and diversity, and thus particularly encourages students from minoritised backgrounds to apply for our awards.
In addition to the financial prize, award winners will have the opportunity to participate in one-to-one workshops with the editors of the Journal of American Studies, and the editors of the European Journal of American Culture.
Award winners are invited to attend a virtual awards ceremony in April and are encouraged to invite friends and family along to help celebrate. Winners also have the opportunity to write a short piece for US Studies Online and/or participate in the USSO podcast if they wish to disseminate their work further. This will also be a valuable opportunity to include on the winner’s CV.
For enquiries about the awards, contact awards@baas.ac.uk.
(NOT YET OPEN) BIPOC Undergraduate Essay Award
BAAS BIPOC Undergraduate Essay Award
The BAAS BIPOC Undergraduate Essay Award recognises exceptional essays on topics in American Studies by undergraduate BIPOC students in the UK.
In order to tackle the significant obstacles in higher education that are caused by systemic racism, and to make clear not only the commitment of BAAS to making the study of America in the UK more inclusive, but also to demonstrate the fundamentally important place scholars of colour have, BAAS is eager to support scholars of colour through this essay prize which is open exclusively to Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latinx, Arab, and any other BIPOC students.
Deadline:
11:59pm, 17 December 2025
Award Value
The award for the winning author will be £500.
Who can apply?
Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latinx, Arab, and any other BIPOC students enrolled in a university or equivalent institution in Britain are eligible to apply for the Undergraduate Essay Award.
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Essay (2,000 – 3,000 words, not including footnotes or bibliography)
- Signed letter from the student’s Head of Department or tutor certifying the applicant’s status including their email address
*** All essays should be anonymous. No names or institutional affiliation can appear on the essay itself, only on the covering letter attached with the essay. ***
We request that no more than six essays per undergraduate department or programme be submitted in a given year.
More information on the award
We are looking for essays that explore any aspect of the American experience, from the perspective of history, literature, film, politics or any other related or inter-related discipline. Submissions that engage with some aspect of social justice, such as (but not limited to) voting rights, environmental justice, Indigenous rights, racial justice, healthcare, gender justice, immigration, or equality, are of particular interest to the awarding panel, but there is no expectation or requirement that you do write on these topics.
Essays may be adapted from coursework or ongoing research projects that students are engaged in, but they must conform to the 2,000 – 3,000 word limit (not including footnotes and bibliography) and use an appropriate bibliographic referencing system.
You can find more specific advice about writing American Studies essays on this page.
Your essay will be assessed according to the following criteria:
- Is there a clear and compelling argument?
- Are claims accompanied by evidence and analysis?
- Does the essay include some close reading of a primary text (or texts)?
- Does the essay engage with secondary sources, thereby understanding what other scholars have argued?
Additional information:
Undergraduate Scholars of Colour are encouraged to submit work for this award and the Undergraduate Essay Prize, but these submissions cannot be duplicated: different essays have to be submitted to each award category.
BAAS is committed to promoting best practice in matters of equality and diversity, and thus particularly encourages students from minoritised backgrounds to apply for our awards.
In addition to the financial prize, award winners will have the opportunity to participate in one-to-one workshops with the editors of the Journal of American Studies, and the editors of the European Journal of American Culture.
Award winners are invited to attend a virtual awards ceremony in April and are encouraged to invite friends and family along to help celebrate. Winners also have the opportunity to write a short piece for US Studies Online and/or participate in the USSO podcast if they wish to disseminate their work further. This will also be a valuable opportunity to include on the winner’s CV.
For enquiries about the awards, contact awards@baas.ac.uk.
(NOT YET OPEN) Postgraduate Essay Award
BAAS Postgraduate Essay Award
The BAAS Postgraduate Essay Award is awarded for the best essay-length piece of work on an American Studies topic written by a student currently registered for a postgraduate degree at a university or equivalent institution in Britain.
Deadline:
11:59pm, 17 December 2025
Award Value
The award for the winning author will be £500.
Who can apply?
Anyone enrolled in a postgraduate programme at a university or equivalent institution in Britain is eligible to apply for the Postgraduate Essay Award.
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Essay (3,000 – 5,000 words, not including footnotes or bibliography)
- Signed letter from the student’s Head of Department or tutor certifying the applicant’s status including their email address.
*** All essays should be anonymous. No names or institutional affiliation can appear on the essay itself, only on the covering letter attached with the essay. ***
We request that no more than six essays per postgraduate department or programme be submitted in a given year.
More information on the award
We are looking for essays that explore any aspect of the American experience, from the perspective of history, literature, film, politics or any other related or inter-related discipline. Submissions that engage with some aspect of social justice, such as (but not limited to) voting rights, environmental justice, Indigenous rights, racial justice, healthcare, gender justice, immigration, or equality, are of particular interest to the awarding panel, but there is no expectation or requirement that you do write on these topics.
Essays may be adapted from coursework or ongoing research projects that students are engaged in, but they must conform to the 3,000 – 5,000 word limit (not including footnotes and bibliography) and use an appropriate bibliographic referencing system.
The essay should form a self-contained piece of writing, suitable for publication as an article in a professional journal. Care should accordingly be taken with matters of presentation and documentation. Prize-winning essays will be offered publication in US Studies Online: the BAAS Postgraduate Journal.
You can find more specific advice about writing American Studies essays on this page.
Your essay will be assessed according to the following criteria:
- Is there a clear and compelling argument?
- Are claims accompanied by evidence and analysis?
- Does the essay demonstrate impressive close reading of a primary text (or texts)?
- Does the essay demonstrate knowledge of, and critical engagement with, the field of scholarship?
- Does the essay demonstrate originality of thinking?
- Does the essay represent impact within its field?
Additional information:
BAAS is committed to promoting best practice in matters of equality and diversity, and thus particularly encourages students from minoritised backgrounds to apply for our awards.
In addition to the financial prize, award winners will have the opportunity to participate in one-to-one workshops with the editors of the Journal of American Studies, and the editors of the European Journal of American Culture.
Award winners are invited to attend a virtual awards ceremony in April and are encouraged to invite friends and family along to help celebrate. Winners also have the opportunity to write a short piece for US Studies Online and/or participate in the USSO podcast if they wish to disseminate their work further. This will also be a valuable opportunity to include on the winner’s CV.
For enquiries about the awards, contact awards@baas.ac.uk.
(NOT YET OPEN) BIPOC Postgraduate Essay Award
BAAS Postgraduate Essay Award
The BAAS Postgraduate Essay Award is awarded for the best essay-length piece of work on an American Studies topic written by a BIPOC student currently registered for a postgraduate degree at a university or equivalent institution in Britain.
In order to tackle the significant obstacles in higher education that are caused by systemic racism, and to make clear not only the commitment of BAAS to making the study of America in the UK more inclusive, but also to demonstrate the fundamentally important place scholars of colour have, BAAS is eager to support scholars of colour through this essay prize which is open exclusively to Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latinx, Arab, and any other BIPOC students.
Deadline:
11:59pm, 17 December 2025
Award Value
The award for the winning author will be £500.
Who can apply?
Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latinx, Arab, and any other BIPOC students enrolled in a postgraduate programme at a university or equivalent institution in Britain are eligible to apply for the BAAS BIPOC Postgraduate Essay Award.
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Essay (3,000 – 5,000 words, not including footnotes or bibliography)
- Signed letter from the student’s Head of Department or tutor certifying the applicant’s status including the teacher’s email address.
*** All essays should be anonymous. No names or institutional affiliation can appear on the essay itself, only on the covering letter attached with the essay. ***
We request that no more than six essays per postgraduate department or programme be submitted in a given year.
More information on the award
We are looking for essays that explore any aspect of the American experience, from the perspective of history, literature, film, politics or any other related or inter-related discipline. Submissions that engage with some aspect of social justice, such as (but not limited to) voting rights, environmental justice, Indigenous rights, racial justice, healthcare, gender justice, immigration, or equality, are of particular interest to the awarding panel, but there is no expectation or requirement that you do write on these topics.
Essays may be adapted from coursework or ongoing research projects that students are engaged in, but they must conform to the 3,000 – 5,000 word limit (not including footnotes and bibliography) and use an appropriate bibliographic referencing system.
The essay should form a self-contained piece of writing, suitable for publication as an article in a professional journal. Care should accordingly be taken with matters of presentation and documentation. Prize-winning essays will be offered publication in US Studies Online: the BAAS Postgraduate Journal.
You can find more specific advice about writing American Studies essays on this page.
Your essay will be assessed according to the following criteria:
- Is there a clear and compelling argument?
- Are claims accompanied by evidence and analysis?
- Does the essay demonstrate impressive close reading of a primary text (or texts)?
- Does the essay demonstrate knowledge of, and critical engagement with, the field of scholarship?
- Does the essay demonstrate originality of thinking?
- Does the essay represent impact within its field?
Additional information:
BAAS is committed to promoting best practice in matters of equality and diversity, and thus particularly encourages students from minoritised backgrounds to apply for our awards.
In addition to the financial prize, award winners will have the opportunity to participate in one-to-one workshops with the editors of the Journal of American Studies, and the editors of the European Journal of American Culture.
Award winners are invited to attend a virtual awards ceremony in April and are encouraged to invite friends and family along to help celebrate. Winners also have the opportunity to write a short piece for US Studies Online and/or participate in the USSO podcast if they wish to disseminate their work further. This will also be a valuable opportunity to include on the winner’s CV.
For enquiries about the awards, contact awards@baas.ac.uk.
(NOT YET OPEN) Peter Boyle MA Graduate Assistantship (University of Mississippi)
The Peter Boyle MA Graduate Assistantship in Southern Studies at the University of Mississippi, is awarded for two years of graduate study, assuming satisfactory progress toward the MA degree and adequate performance of GA duties. Successful candidates will start their studies at the University of Mississippi in August 2026.
Deadline:
11:59pm, 17 December 2025
Award Value:
The Assistantship provides a stipend to cover living expenses (c. $14,625), health insurance, and remission of tuition fees while the recipient of the award pursues graduate study for an MA. The successful applicant would also be able to apply for programme funds to travel to conferences and paid internships. The exact value of the award is determined by the University of Mississippi, so more precise numbers are not available to BAAS.
Who can apply?
Candidates will normally be final-year undergraduates in American Studies and related fields and disciplines at a British university, but applications will also be accepted from recent graduates.
Required documents:
- Completed application form
- A curriculum vitae;
- Transcript of undergraduate work;
- A statement of purpose (300-500 words)
- Two (2) letters of recommendation (sent directly from the recommenders to awards@baas.ac.uk. Applications without references will not be considered.
More information on the award:
During the two years the GA could expect to assist in the teaching of two courses (leading discussions, marking essay exams, etc.), conduct research in support of a faculty member’s project, and participate in grant-supported activities that would lead outside the university. The GA could demand between 15-18 hours of work per week.
While applicants will be interviewed by a BAAS panel, the recommendation of the panel needs to be ratified by the University of Mississippi through their internal application process. This will be simplified for the BAAS awardee (with only a statement of purpose and a writing sample needed), but it does involve an application fee to the University. The successful candidates would begin their studies at the University of Mississippi in August 2026 for the two years, 2026-28.
Additional information:
Applicants will be reviewed by a BAAS panel, which will draw up a shortlist for an interview in January 2026.
BAAS is committed to promoting best practice in matters of equality and diversity, and will be attentive to issues of equality and diversity when judging applications.
BAAS members are asked to encourage applications for the BAAS Graduate Assistantships from suitably qualified students.
(NOT YET OPEN) Teaching Development Awards
Teaching Development Awards
The BAAS Teaching Development Awards seek to support innovation and inclusion in American Studies teaching. The Grants are open to anyone teaching in Higher Education in the UK, from PGRs to senior staff, interested in developing some aspect of their teaching.
Deadline:
11:59pm, 17 December 2025
Award value:
The maximum of each grant will be £1500.
It is expected that the project will take place in the academic year following the award.
Who can apply?
Applications are invited from persons normally resident in the UK, and from academics currently working or studying at UK universities and institutions of higher education.
Membership of BAAS is mandatory in order to be eligible to receive one of these awards.
Anyone from postgraduate researchers to senior staff involved in teaching American Studies in Higher Education at any level (e.g. undergrad, postgrad, research supervision) including lectures, seminars, research supervision, tutorials, etc. is encouraged to apply.
Required documents:
- Application form (including project proposal, budget, etc.) (available in the BAAS Awards page in the members area)
- Reference contact details (nb: there is no need for a full letter of reference)
More information on the awards:
The grants can be used to support innovative, inclusive, and sustainable teaching interventions such as (but not limited to):
- Improving the quality of teaching materials through graphic design or instructional design support
- Collaborating with students (who are paid for their time) to develop or refine assignments or activities
- Collaborating with colleagues at different institutions to develop shared resources or materials (in this case, funds could be used to support travel for collaborators to meet)
Regardless of the focus, successful applicants will be expected to share the final results of their project – whether it be a revised assignment, updated syllabus, model for interdisciplinary or inter-institutional collaboration, etc. – either via the BAAS website or through publication in JAS or USSO.
We encourage ambitious and creative projects and, as such, realise that things might not always work out as planned. In this case, grant recipients would be expected to write a short blog post for USSO sharing the details of the project as well as their thoughts about why it was ultimately unsuccessful.
These awards are intended to support sustainable teaching interventions and as such, funds cannot be used for hardware, software licenses, or one-off activities. If you are unsure as to whether your project is appropriate for a BAAS Teaching Grant, email awards@baas.ac.uk.
Additional information:
BAAS is committed to promoting best practice in matters of equality and diversity, and thus encourages scholars who have historically been underrepresented in academia (scholars of color, women and non-binary scholars, LGBTQIA+ scholars and disabled scholars in particular) to apply.
Award winners are invited to attend a virtual awards ceremony in April, and are encouraged to invite friends and family along to help celebrate. They are also required to provide a brief report of their research trip or of the research material acquired thanks to the award. These reports can be published as a brief post on USSO (US Studies online) or form the basis of an interview on the USSO podcast. Successful candidates are also requested to acknowledge the assistance of BAAS in any other publication that results from research carried out during the tenure of the award.
For enquiries about the awards, contact awards@baas.ac.uk
(NOT YET OPEN) Teaching Prize
The BAAS Teaching Prize recognises excellence and innovation in teaching American Studies at the undergraduate and postgraduate level. Anyone who has had success in implementing innovative and inclusive teaching practices is encouraged to apply.
To be eligible, the nominated practice/innovation must have been taught in the past two years. Additionally, the applicant must be able to both demonstrate that the intervention was successful and to articulate how the practice promotes inclusivity in American Studies education.
Deadline
11:59pm, 17 December 2025
Award Value:
£500
Who can apply?
Applications are invited from persons normally resident in the UK, and from academics currently working or studying at UK universities and institutions of higher education.
Membership of BAAS is mandatory in order to be eligible to receive one of these awards.
Anyone from postgraduate researchers to senior staff involved in teaching American Studies in UK Higher Education at any level (e.g. undergrad, postgrad, research supervision) including lectures, seminars, research supervision, tutorials, etc. is encouraged to apply.
Required documents
Application form (online) (available in the BAAS Awards page in the members area)
- Application form (online) (available in the BAAS Awards page in the members area)
- 750-word description of the practice/intervention including:
- the specific teaching context (e.g. undergrad or postgrad? lecture, seminar, tutorial, etc.? are you the convenor or is this someone else’s course?)
- detailed description of the innovation
- explicit discussion of the ways in which this practice/intervention promotes inclusion
- evidence of its success (e.g. notes from teaching observations, peer dialogues, feedback from students, etc.)
- One letter of reference substantiating the teaching practice
More information on the award
The £500 prize will be awarded at the BAAS awards ceremony and the recipient will be expected to share their practice/innovation with the larger BAAS community by either uploading resources or a toolkit on the BAAS website or writing a blogpost for USSO (or similar).
Additional information:
BAAS is committed to promoting best practice in matters of equality and diversity, and thus encourages scholars who have historically been underrepresented in academia (scholars of color, women and non-binary scholars, LGBTQIA+ scholars and disabled scholars in particular) to apply.
Award winners are invited to attend a virtual awards ceremony in April, and are encouraged to invite friends and family along to help celebrate. They are also required to provide a brief report of their project to be published as a brief post on USSO (US Studies online) or form the basis of an interview on the USSO podcast.
For enquiries about the awards, contact awards@baas.ac.uk
(NOT YET OPEN) BAAS Book Prize 2025
BAAS Book Prize 2025
The BAAS Book Prize is awarded annually to the best published book in American Studies. The prize celebrates books that contribute to the development of American Studies as an interdisciplinary field, and particularly to the development of the field of American Studies in the UK.
Deadline
11:59pm, 17 December 2025
Award Value:
£500
Who can apply?
To be eligible for the 2026 BAAS Book Prize, books must have been published in English between 1 January and 31 December 2025 and authors must be members of BAAS.
The panel will be looking for books that do American Studies work across disciplinary boundaries, but books that are solely focused in one subject area–literature, history, etc–will not be disadvantaged.
Required documents
- Intention to Submit form (including a brief paragraph on how the book contributes to American Studies in the UK) (available in the BAAS Awards page in the members area)
- Four (4) physical books sent to the address provided upon receipt of the application form. (These must be received by the deadline below for the book to be considered)
More information on the award
The judges will consider the book’s interdisciplinarity, its originality, its significance to the field, its intellectual rigour, its innovations in American Studies, and the quality of the writing. In short, we will be looking for books that not only contribute to American Studies as it stands, but also help to push the field in new and innovative directions.
Books received after the deadline will not be eligible for consideration. Authors and publishers submitting books for consideration should ensure they are sent in time to arrive before the deadline. If your book is due to be published close to the deadline then please contact us at awards@baas.ac.uk.
Additional information:
Please note that the Arthur Miller First Book Prize is also available for submissions. If you are considering submitting your first monograph, we would strongly recommend you submit it to the AM prize instead of the BAAS Book Prize. You cannot submit to both.
Authors or publishers sending books should confirm their intention to submit items for this award by e-mailing awards@baas.ac.uk. You may also submit e-book copies alongside the physical ones, should you have it available.
BAAS is committed to promoting best practice in matters of equality and diversity, and will be attentive to issues of equality and diversity when judging applications. For enquiries about the awards, contact awards@baas.ac.uk.
(NOT YET OPEN) The Arthur Miller Insitute Prizes
The Arthur Miller Institute Prize for Best Journal Length Article
The Arthur Miller Institute Prize of £500 is awarded for the best journal length article on any American Studies topic by a United Kingdom citizen based at home or abroad or by a non-UK citizen who publishes their essay in a United Kingdom journal, providing that the entrant is a member of the British Association of American Studies in the year of submission.
To be eligible, articles must be published online or in hard copy between 1 January and 31 December 2025.
Submissions, including the article and publications details, should be e-mailed to Emma Long at emma.long@uea.ac.uk or, if preferred, three hard copies should be mailed to the address below.
Deadline: 11:59pm Wednesday 17 December 2025
The Arthur Miller Institute First Book Prize
The Arthur Miller Institute First Book Prize of £500 is awarded for the best first book on any American Studies topic in the preceding calendar year by a United Kingdom citizen based at home or abroad or by a non-UK citizen who publishes a book, providing that the entrant is a member of the British Association of American Studies in the year of submission.
The prize celebrates books that contribute to the development of American Studies as an interdisciplinary field. Books that are solely focused in one subject area–literature, history, etc–will not be disadvantaged, but the panel will be looking for books that do American Studies work across disciplinary boundaries.
The judges will consider the book’s originality, significance to the field, and its intellectual rigour. We will be looking for books that not only contribute to American Studies as it stands, but also help to push the field in new and innovative directions.
To be eligible for the 2026 Arthur Miller Institute Book Prize, books must have been published in English between 1 January and 31 December 2025 and authors must be members of BAAS.
Please note that the BAAS Book Prize is also available for submissions. If you are considering submitting your first monograph, we would strongly recommend you submit it to the Arthur Miller prize instead of the BAAS Book Prize. You cannot submit to both.
Those interested in entering a book for consideration should submit four copies, including publication details, to:
Dr Emma Long
The Arthur Miller Institute Prize Committee
c/o School of Art, Media, and American Studies
Arts and Humanities Building, Room 2.08
University of East Anglia
Norwich
NR4 7TJ
UK
Please note that books should arrive no later than Wednesday 17 December 2025. Books received after this date will not be considered. Authors are responsible for ensuring that publishers send books to arrive before the deadline. Those submitting the books, whether authors or publishers, should confirm their intention to submit for the award by e-mailing Dr Emma Long at Emma.Long@uea.ac.uk thus hopefully mitigating against any postal delays.
For more details about these awards, please contact Dr Emma Long at emma.long@uea.ac.uk. The Awarding Committee includes a representative from the American Studies Sector at UEA and a BAAS committee member. The Awarding Committee is unable to notify unsuccessful applicants or to return copies of books and articles submitted for consideration.
BAAS is committed to promoting best practice in matters of equality and diversity, and will be attentive to issues of equality and diversity when judging applications.