Bachelor of Arts [B.A] [English and History BA] From Goldsmiths, University of London

Why study BA English and History (Hons)Êat Goldsmiths, University of London?

• YouÕll look at how texts represented and defined the attitudes of their time, and how they challenged or shocked the readers of the past. YouÕll learn to respect the power of the written word, and understand its potential for both positive and negative impacts.
• The best way to understand any words on a page is to understand the culture and society in which they were written. By studying both the texts themselves, and the history behind them, youÕll go beyond the boundaries of the text; understanding what you read as part of a wider discourse.Ê
• YouÕll be able to choose a range of modules from both English and History. In the final year, youÕll bring the two disciplines together with a dissertation that interrogates the literature weÕve studied and uses it to answer a historical question that has piqued your interest.
• Our optional History at Work module gives you the chance to learn about working as a historian.

• YouÕll gain important skills including the ability to analyse and evaluate texts, spot biases, write summaries and draw evidence-based conclusions. The course is particularly useful for any career that involves analysingÊ or processing large amounts of information.

Careers

Our degrees open up a wide range of careers by developing critical and analytical skills, proficiency in assessing evidence, the clear expression of ideas, and the ability to bring together insights from a range of subjects Ð all of which are attractive to a variety of employers. You learn to solve problems, to think critically and creatively, and to communicate with clarity.

Our graduates have a good employment record: professions include publishing, journalism, PR, teaching, advertising, civil service, business and industry, European Union private sector management and personnel work, and the media.

History at Work

History at Work is an exciting and innovative new initiative which offers some second and third year students taking History single and joint honours programmes the chance to apply their academic skills within the workplace.

Students spend one day a week over one term undertaking a project within a museum, archive or library: places which collect, process and present the 'raw material' of history. These organisations include the Wellcome Library, Royal Pharmaceutical Society, London Transport Museum and the V&A Museum of Childhood.

The project might involve archiving, conservation, building an exhibition, or developing a public engagement project. Students will be invited to apply for places on the programme each February. It should give students a great chance to test out their career ideas, develop skills and increase their employability.