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History at Goldsmiths, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 2025
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Goldsmiths, University of London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

What does this TEF outcome mean?

Course summary

History is a relevant, dynamic, fascinating, and important field of study which, at Goldsmiths, is approached in creative, innovative, and exciting ways. History is the study of the past. Through history, we uncover the richness of human experience across different societies, cultures, times, and places. We learn how the everyday representations and realities of our lives came to be. History enables us to better understand ourselves. History helps us make a better future. Many aspects of Goldsmiths BA History set it apart from other history degrees. The Department has been rated top 20 in the UK for quality of teaching in the Guardian University League Table 2023. 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. Why study BA History at Goldsmiths

  • We are global. You will learn about the history of the world from Britain to the Balkans, from Ireland to India, and from Africa to America. You will learn about the depth and breadth of global connections that span our multicultural world.
  • We are relevant. You will learn about key events in history, from the Silk Road to the Cold War. You will discover their continuing legacies. You will learn about the long history of ideas such as democracy, liberalism, identity, equality, terrorism, gender, health, and sexuality. You will learn how to think critically about knowledge production and communication; 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 optional modules. In years 2 and 3, you can choose to study module options at Birkbeck, Kings College London, Queen Mary, Royal Holloway, and University College London. In your final year, you will undertake a research dissertation on a topic of your own choosing.
  • We are interdisciplinary. In year 1, you will learn key academic skills and explore connections between history and other disciplines such as management, computing, and education. You will learn about issues of identity and environment. In year 2, you will undertake project work to address UN Sustainable Development goals. You can also choose an interdisciplinary module option from another academic discipline such as Anthropology, Politics, Media Studies, and Sociology. This is part of our Connected Curriculum.
  • 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. Archival collections at Goldsmiths and Senate House, and numerous digital collections, will be at your disposal.
  • We help you achieve academic success. Whatever your prior learning experiences, you will learn how to sharpen your academic skills. You can study through our online module so you’re ready to hit the ground running when you arrive on campus. You'll meet your personal tutor during induction and once per term to help you set goals and improve your skills. You will participate in diverse assessments, so you can apply your learning to practice. You will 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. You make your voice heard by becoming a student representative or taking part in our Student Ambassador scheme.

Modules

Year 1 You take the following compulsory modules: Global Connections: the violence and exchanges that shaped the modern world 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. Compulsory modules: The Goldsmiths Elective Goldsmiths’ Social Change Module You'll also have 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.

Assessment method

A wide and innovative variety of different 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.

How to apply

31Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

At Goldsmiths we offer innovative and challenging degrees in history, as well as a stimulating environment amongst a diverse and exciting community of students. Many of our students have achieved very high A-level grades, and that is reflected in our standard A-level offer. But above all we're 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 chance to study at Goldsmiths, and we actively encourage applications from students with a wide range of relevant qualifications, especially the access diploma.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6With a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Additional fee information

To find out more about fees and funding, please check our undergraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office https://www.gold.ac.uk/ug/fees-funding/
History at Goldsmiths, University of London - UCAS