BA English

The BA English degree at Goldsmiths offers a dynamic and diverse exploration of literature, encouraging students to engage critically and creatively with texts across various historical periods, cultures, and genres. You will delve into canonical works alongside contemporary and marginalized voices, examining literature within its broader cultural, artistic, and political contexts. The program fosters a passion for reading against the grain, developing your ability to analyze complex themes such as gender, class, race, and ethnicity. You will have the opportunity to study American literature, Caribbean writing, and indigenous literatures, expanding your understanding of global literary traditions. This degree is designed to be both intellectually rigorous and imaginatively stimulating. You will be introduced to theoretical approaches like feminism and post-colonialism, and explore literary engagements with critical issues such as climate change and political activism. Goldsmiths English is at the forefront of research in areas including gender studies, environmental humanities, Caribbean literature, linguistics, and modernism. The program also provides opportunities to connect your studies with creative industries and future employment, preparing you to articulate your insights with rigour and confidence.

Curriculum

The BA English program offers a flexible curriculum where you build your studies around areas of literary interest. The program is structured over three years, with a mix of compulsory and optional modules designed to deepen your critical and creative skills. Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, and workshops, supplemented by independent study.

1. Year 1
   • Explorations in Literature
   • Approaches to Text
   • Genre
   • Contemporary Creative Industries
   • Critical Writing
2. Year 2
   • Reading the Past
   • Revolutions in Writing and Society
   • Special Topics in English
   • The Goldsmiths Project
3. Year 3
   • Challenging World Literature: Diversity and Difference
   • Modern and Contemporary Literatures
   • Research Topics in English
   • Creative Critical Project

Careers

The BA English program equips you with strong critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, making graduates highly employable across various sectors. Eight out of ten Goldsmiths students progress to highly skilled work or further study within 15 months of graduation. The program also offers opportunities to connect your studies with potential career paths through the curriculum and optional modules like work placements.

• Publishing
• Editing
• Writing
• Journalism
• Marketing
• Communications
• Education
• Cultural Sector roles

Frequently asked questions

What are the entry requirements for the BA English programme?

For A-levels, you need CCC. For BTEC, DMM is required, and for the International Baccalaureate, 27 points overall with three HL subjects at 555.

How long is the BA English programme and what are the tuition fees for international students?

The programme duration is 3 years for full-time study. The tuition fee for international students is £22,000 per year for full-time enrolment.

How do I apply for the BA English programme?

Most UK and international students should apply through UCAS using the code Q300. Applicants from specific regions such as Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, or Syria must use Goldsmiths' alternative application form.

What career paths can I pursue after graduating from the BA English programme?

Graduates are well-prepared for roles in publishing, editing, writing, journalism, marketing, communications, education, and the cultural sector. The programme also offers work placement opportunities with organizations like Penguin.