History, BA (Hons)

Course summary

Why study BA History at GoldsmithsHistory is a relevant, dynamic, fascinating and important field of study which, at Goldsmiths, is approached in creative, innovative and exciting ways.

• We are global. You will learn about the history of the world and the global connections that span our multicultural world.

• We are relevant. You will learn about the continuing legacies of key events in history. Ideas such as democracy, liberalism, identity - how to look beyond the words on the page, delve into the emotional meaning of images and spoken word, and to dig into the truth behind the data.

• We help you explore your interests. Across the degree, you will be able to choose from a wide variety of modules including options at Birkbeck, Kings, Queen Mary, Royal Holloway, and UCL.

• We are interdisciplinary. Explore connections between history and other disciplines and learn about issues of identity and environment. You can also choose an interdisciplinary module option from other disciplines such as anthropology, politics, media studies, and sociology.

• We are research-led. You will learn how to think critically by being introduced to cutting-edge research in fields like non-traditional military history, Black British history, and Queer history. You will be introduced to innovative historical methods from oral and public history.

• We help you achieve academic success. Meet your personal tutor during induction and every term to help you set goals and improve your skills. You will participate in diverse assessments, so you can apply your learning to practice, and learn with the support of peers in small group seminars, field trips, and film screenings.

• We develop you to succeed in your future career. You will gain career knowledge and experience, including through our work placement module, which will help you stand out to future employers.

• We open doors. Whether you see your future in law, business, teaching or further study, this degree will help you get there. If you are not sure what your future holds, studying History can help you find your path. Take your first step, by choosing BA History at Goldsmiths.

Goldsmiths has a rich heritage of social awareness, civic engagement, creative arts, digital innovation, and equality, diversity, and inclusion. As a Goldsmiths graduate, you will be among the most critically engaged, interdisciplinary educated, and socially aware graduates of the University of London.

Modules

Year 1In your first year, you'll take the following compulsory modules:Global Connections Historical Controversies Reading and Writing History Identity, Agency & Environment 1 Identity, Agency & Environment 2 You'll also be able to choose two optional modules from across the Department of History from a list that is published annually.Year 2Your second year will give you the chance to broaden your intellectual horizons, and have more freedom over what you study. You will take these compulsory modules:The Goldsmiths Elective The Goldsmiths Project You'll also choose 90-credits worth of optional modules, which may comprise of modules from the Department of History, relevant modules from other departments (known as Connected Curriculum), and up to 30 credits from a University of London Intercollegiate Group II module from a list approved annually by our partner institutions. Partners include: Birkbeck; King’s College London; Queen Mary; Royal Holloway; University College London.Year 3Your final year will be spent developing your specialist interests and knowledge.You'll undertake a Special Subject module, worth 60 credits, that includes a dissertation and runs for 20 weeks across the autumn and spring terms.You can choose to undertake your Special Subject module at Goldsmiths or you can choose a University of London Intercollegiate Group III Special Subject module from a list approved annually by our partner institutions. Partners include: Birkbeck, King’s College London, Queen Mary, Royal Holloway, University College London.You also have a free choice of modules to the value of 60 credits, which can include both 30-credit and 15-credit modules. Up to 30 credits can be a ‘related studies’ module taken in another Goldsmiths department.Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

Assessment method

A wide and innovative variety of methods are used to assess learning, these include essays, reviews, source analyses, blogs, videos, walks, presentations, exams, and dissertations. Some modules are assessed by portfolios of coursework, or by a combination of coursework and an examination. Others are assessed by long essays or dissertations on topics approved with the tutor. Assessments vary in length according to the type of assessment and/or level of module.Assessment supports student progression across the programme, as assessments in the first year aim to measure a set of baseline skills and competencies which are enhanced, deepened and broadened in subsequent years. Lecturers return assessments and provide useful and constructive feedback in a timely manner so as to ensure that students learn from the feedback and have the opportunity to improve subsequent work.

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Year 1 In your first year, you'll take the following compulsory modules: Global Connections Historical Controversies Reading and Writing History Identity, Agency & Environment 1 Identity, Agency & Environment 2 You'll also be able to choose two optional modules from across the Department of History from a list that is published annually. Year 2 Your second year will give you the chance to broaden your intellectual horizons, and have more freedom over what you study. You will take these compulsory modules: The Goldsmiths Elective The Goldsmiths Project You'll also choose 90-credits worth of optional modules, which may comprise of modules from the Department of History, relevant modules from other departments (known as Connected Curriculum), and up to 30 credits from a University of London Intercollegiate Group II module from a list approved annually by our partner institutions. Partners include: Birkbeck; King’s College London; Queen Mary; Royal Holloway; University College London. Year 3 Your final year will be spent developing your specialist interests and knowledge. You'll undertake a Special Subject module, worth 60 credits, that includes a dissertation and runs for 20 weeks across the autumn and spring terms. You can choose to undertake your Special Subject module at Goldsmiths or you can choose a University of London Intercollegiate Group III Special Subject module from a list approved annually by our partner institutions. Partners include: Birkbeck, King’s College London, Queen Mary, Royal Holloway, University College London. You also have a free choice of modules to the value of 60 credits, which can include both 30-credit and 15-credit modules. Up to 30 credits can be a ‘related studies’ module taken in another Goldsmiths department. Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.