Opinion on ‘Mickey Mouse’ subjects in a joint degree?

Hello everyone. I have an accepted offer to study History and American Studies from a very good university. I prefer the course to the straight History as the credit split can be 80/40 (favouring History) in the 2nd and 3rd year with the other 40 credits being specialist American history modules, no need to choose one or two certain History modules that aren’t of my interest (can stick to a wide variety of History but no need to pick modules on topics that don’t interest me as much as others at all), option to pick a dissertation or an extended essay. Practically, it’s a degree that is History with a specialism in American history. However, I have been reading that having a subject with the name ‘Studies’ etc can impact employability (I intend to do a PCGE in History and have asked a couple universities already and they say they accept it as long as it’s at least 50% History content) so was asking if it’s better to switch to a single honours which is a slightly less appealing course but practically I would be taking the same modules except 3/4 out of 17/18 modules to which either degree I do. Thanks.

As long as it is over 50% history content it shouldn't be an issue. If you're majorly worried, then contact a few more universities, but I'm sure they'll say the same thing. Study the course you prefer. Once you get your PGCE, the title of your degree won't be as relevant to employers.

Thank you. In terms of general employment, do you think I would be disadvantaged degree wise to a single honours History student. I would assume not.

No I don’t think you would be disadvantaged. If anything it might even give you more of an advantage if you end up applying to teach at schools with a US history specialisation in their specification, as you’ll likely have a more in depth knowledge to explain it well and engage students.