BA and Diploma in English

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Is this programme for me?

BA

An opportunity to study and enjoy some of the great literatures of the world, immersing yourself in a range of works written in different styles and periods from the Middle Ages to the present day. Optional units allow you to specialise in areas such as the novel, modern drama, Shakespeare, modern American literature or postcolonial literature.

Diploma

This comprises the first four units only of the English degree. It is an ideal option if you don't feel ready to commit to a full degree programme or don't satisfy the entrance requirements for the degree. Once you pass the Diploma you will be invited to transfer your registration to the BA.

Note: These courses are specifically concerned with the study of English Literature and it is assumed that prospective students will already be fluent in spoken and written English. The degree and diploma contain no element of language proficiency training.

Course aims

SURVEY:

New Humanities courses planned
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WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY:

'The programme trained me in critical thinking, to address things from a wider perspective, and expanded my boundary of thoughts. It helped me establish my own ideas, and opinions. This is especially useful to me in my artistic endeavours, contributing to my pursuit in the Visual Arts as an artist.’ read more » [pdf: 1pg, 1.1MB]
Christina Yew, Singapore
BA English

'Employers are conscious of how valuable a critical arts degree is in creating forward-thinking employees. I think the skills you learn in an English degree such as langue-based critical analysis, strong writing skills, quick reading skills etc are all enormously helpful in any arts or humanities work context.’
Jackie Shapiro, Australia
BA English

The course has two main aims. The first is to challenge and inspire you to read widely across the full range of literatures in English, as well as to engage closely with selected works. Secondly, it will help you to develop the necessary critical and linguistic skills to read, discuss and write about literary and non-literary texts effectively and with confidence.

Be guided by the experts

The course has been developed by Goldsmiths, one of the highest ranking English departments in the UK. It has a thriving research environment embracing traditional and new approaches to English studies.

Develop transferable skills

Although relatively few careers demand a BA in English, the skills learnt in presenting ideas clearly and logically, critical thinking and ability to analyse complex information are applicable for many careers including publishing, teaching and research, journalism, media and advertising.

Flexible study at a reasonable cost

You have 3-8 years to complete the BA degree, and 1-5 years to complete the Diploma. For the BA, the total fee payable to the University is £3,313; the total fee for the Diploma is £1,251. Please note that these figures do not reflect any annual fee increase and assume completion in the minimum study period permitted. Suitably qualified candidates may apply for exemption from any of the Foundation units of the BA English. Additional optional costs include a Summer School, e-seminars (offered weekly from January to April at £20 per seminar) and an essay marking (£25 per essay).

Study materials

The study materials that we send you include:

Studying for a Degree in the Humanities and Social Sciences
Student handbook
Subject guides
Past exam papers and Examiners' reports
Regulations

Note: You need to provide your own textbooks - they provide the main focus of your studies - so before you register for the programme we do advise you to consider the facilities available to you locally, and how accessible books are likely to be.

Study support and online resources

You can either study independently at a pace that suits you, or enrol for additional classes at a local institution (either full or part time) and benefit from the more formalized support this provides.

Other support includes:

Academic advice is offered from the Programme Director, although they cannot engage in tuition or regular contact.
Goldsmiths offer an essay marking scheme, providing marks and feedback. They also run a Summer School at the College, designed to introduce you to the units and provide advice on structuring your study time. It also focuses on revision methods and exam techniques, and offers you the chance to meet with other students from around the world.
Goldsmiths provide a programme of e-seminars on a weekly basis between January and April. These are led by academic tutors and offer you the chance to discuss and debate ideas as you prepare for exams.

Summary of key dates

Application deadline	17 September (non-EU) 17 October (EU) in the year before you intend to sit your first examinations
Registration deadline	30 November
Despatch of study materials	Shortly after your registration form is received
Start studying	As soon as you receive your study materials
Examinations take place	May