British Studies

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British Studies Program Overview
The British Studies Program, founded in 1976, is organized by Southern Miss offering nine to twelve different courses in various disciplines. Students will take one course and earn credit hours through lectures taught by British scholars, artists, business leaders, and government officials, and through field excursions to various locations in and around London. On British Studies, London will become the students' classroom as they experience their subject first-hand and conduct research supervised by their professor.  

British Studies with SLIS
Have you ever dreamed of being in the 'sceptered isle' of Chaucer, Shakespeare, Kipling, Lewis Carroll, C.S. Lewis, Jane Austen, and Neil Gaiman - of strolling along the Thames or through the verdant British countryside?

Students spend time in the United Kingdom earning credit while learning about historic and modern British libraries, archives, and special collections on-site from distinguished British librarians, archivists, and information specialists.

Students have the opportunity to accompany faculty to sites such as Oxford and The British Library - and time to explore sites of interest on their own. In addition to participating in scheduled lectures and tours, students are required to submit book reviews and a reflective journal for LIS 480/580 and research paper on an approved topic for LIS 487/587.

Note: This program includes extensive walking and taking stairs. There are also crowds in public transportation (buses and tube) and public attractions. The climate difference tends to affect allergies.

British Studies Course Offerings

LIS 480. Studies in Librarianship. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Comparative studies of library and information-related institutions, bibliographic organization, models of service and professional practice in the United States and Great Britain.

LIS 580ca. British Libraries, Archives, and Special Collections. 3 hrs. Comparative or historical studies of library and information institutions, collections, models of service, or professional practice in the United Kingdom. 

LIS 487/587ca. British Studies Research. 3 hours. Provides the opportunity for an in-depth research paper using the resources of metropolitan London and/or the United Kingdom.

Upcoming Program Opportunities

Winter In London – Jan. 2026
This class offers an immersive experience of libraries, archives, and museums in London, England. Students will spend roughly 2 weeks exploring the wealth of collections and cultural institutions the city has to offer. From the Bodleian Library in Oxford to the British Museum in the heart of London, students will experience a variety of up-close and behind-the-scenes tours of renowned libraries and museums and learn from experienced British librarians, archivists, and curators about librarianship in one of the world’s great capital cities.

The Winter in London program is housed in a hotel in Central London, just minutes from Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, and the National Theater.

Interested in attending the Winter In London Program? Make an appointment or email the program at WinterInLondonFREEMississippi.

Study Abroad Contact: Jessica Bunales, Assistant Director (Jessica.L.BunalesFREEMississippi)

Faculty Contact: Dr. Kaeli Gretter (Kaeli.GretterFREEMississippi)

British Studies – Summer 2026
Dates and more information forthcoming.

Student Articles on British Studies

• "Crossing the Pond: MLIS Students Researching in the U.K." by Martha Attridge Bufton, Open Shelf, March 2016
•  "A Study Abroad Adventure in London" by Taylor Atkinson and Jessica Dai, SLISisten Up, August 2014
• "Librarians in London" by Lauren Dodd, ALA Student Voice, Fall 2009
• "American Library Student Explores British Libraries" by Nicole Powell, International Leads, December 2009.

Application
All students who are U.S. citizens must have a valid passport. Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for obtaining any additional documents required for entry into the U.K. Contact the nearest U.K. consulate for information.

Registration is handled through the Southern Miss Office of Study Abroad so questions about course registration or fees should be directed to them (phone: 601-266-4344, email: studyabroadFREEMississippi). Questions about required assignments, academic credit, or grades should be directed to the course faculty.

Visit or apply at British Studies Program at Southern Miss to find out more about studying abroad and the application process for British Studies.

Financial Aid
Students who are accepted for participation in the British Studies Program may apply for financial aid if they meet federal requirements for a Guaranteed Student Loan.

Southern Miss students requiring financial aid should contact the British Studies Program Office before requesting a summer study-abroad financial aid application from the university's Financial Aid Office.

Summer Pell Grants, faculty/staff dependent scholarships, faculty/staff tuition waivers, and graduate assistantships are also accepted. Students are advised to begin the financial aid process well in advance of these deadlines.

Non-Southern Miss students should apply for financial aid through the school in which they are currently enrolled and seeking a degree. Financial aid agreements between Southern Miss and other schools are available if requested. If more information is needed, contact the Southern Miss Office of Study Abroad at (601) 266-4344.