BA (Hons) History & Journalism

at Goldsmiths University of London

Program structure

Year 1

You will take the Reading and Writing History module and the Historical Perspectives module, both of which run for 10 weeks in the autumn term. You also choose to take EITHER the Global Connections module OR the Historical Controversies module (both of which run for 20 weeks across the autumn and spring terms) OR you choose two 15-credit option modules (both of which run in the spring term) from a list approved annually by the Department of History. You also take the Introduction to Multimedia Journalism module, and both the Media, History and Politics module and the Introduction to Power, Politics and Public Affairs module (which run for 10 weeks in the spring term).
 

Year 2

You have a free choice of modules to the value of 60 credits from a list approved annually by the Department of History and at least 30 of those 60 credits must come from History and Journalism designated modules. Some modules, worth 30 credits, run for 20 weeks across the autumn and spring terms and other modules, worth 15 credits, run for 10 weeks, some running in the autumn term and others in the spring term.

You also take the Media Law and Ethics module and the Feature Writing module (both of which run for 10 weeks in the autumn term), the Extended Feature Research and Writing module (which runs for 10 weeks in the spring term) and you choose one other 15-credit module offered by the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies (which could run in either term).
 

Year 3

You complete a 60-credit interdisciplinary final project that is jointly supervised by staff in both departments. You then have a free choice of modules to the value of 60 credits. Some modules, worth 30 credits, run for 20 weeks across the autumn and spring terms and other modules, worth 15 credits, run for 10 weeks, some running in the autumn term and others in the spring term. Students must select 30 credits from the Department of History and 30 credits from the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies.

As part of their History credits, students can elect to take a 30-credit Special Subject module (excluding dissertation) from a list approved annually by the Department of History or from a list of University of London Intercollegiate Group III Special Subject modules approved annually by our partner institutions. Partners include: Birkbeck, King’s College London, Queen Mary, Royal Holloway, University College London.

Year 3

You will take the following compulsory modules.
 

You should have Grade C/Grade 4 or above in GCSE Mathematics.

We accept the following qualifications:

• A-level: BBB

• BTEC: DDM

• International Baccalaureate: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655

• Access: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject-specific modules

• Scottish qualifications: BBBBC (Higher) or BBC (Advanced Higher)

• European Baccalaureate: 75%

• Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H2 H2

Additional requirements

As the course demands significant amounts of writing, it's important that you are able to cope with the rigours of the course.

At Goldsmiths we offer innovative and challenging degrees, in a stimulating environment, amongst a diverse and exciting community of students. Many of our students have achieved high A-level grades, and that is reflected in our standard A-level offer.

Above all, though, we are looking for potential students who can demonstrate the range of skills, talents, and interests necessary for this work, either through traditional A-levels or otherwise. We believe that all able students, of whatever age and background, who have the ability, should have the opportunity to study at Goldsmiths. We actively encourage applications from students with a wide range of relevant qualifications, especially the access diploma.

We also offer a foundation year for students who need more preparation and experience before embarking on the BA. This is a longstanding commitment and practice and, over many years, a large number of our students have come from non-traditional backgrounds.

If you're interested in applying to Goldsmiths, whether you're currently studying or have been out of education for some time, we'd be delighted to hear from you. If you'd like further advice or have specific questions, please get in touch with the Admissions Officer listed above.

Given the range of students that the programme is designed to attract, applicants may be asked to attend an interview, where the following criteria are evaluated:

• reasons for applying to study this particular degree

• reasons for applying to Goldsmiths

• background knowledge/expectations of the discipline(s)

• intellectual potential and analytic skills

• ability to express ideas verbally and engage in debate

• motivation to complete the programme

Performance at interview can alter the usual criteria for entry on a case-by-case basis.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.

Annual tuition fees

These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2022/2023 academic year.

From August 2021 EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for 'Home' fee status. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will be classified as 'International' for fee purposes.

• Home - full-time: £9250

• International - full-time: £17890

Career Opportunity

Equipping graduates with the flexibility, skills, and confidence needed to achieve their ambitions and ensuring that all students have clear opportunities to develop within, and beyond, their curriculum (through, for example, work placements and overseas study) are essential components of this degree programme.

History and Journalism are both very transferable subjects and both the Departments of History and Media. Communications and Cultural Studies at Goldsmiths have an excellent pedigree in providing careers-orientated opportunities for students.

A wide array of transferable skills is acquired throughout the programme. All modules foster skills in: effective reading; critical analysis
and evaluation; assessment of arguments, ideas, and evidence; independent thinking and working; academic writing within a specified word-limit; group-working and collaboration; designing and delivering presentations; and creating a wide variety of outputs and materials. Students learn how to: effectively manage their time and their timetable; meet deadlines, to sensibly and pragmatically schedule time and activities; present themselves with self-assurance and confidence. Information and resource management skills are developed and honed as part of wider research processes and a wide range of library and IT skills are also delivered.