BA (Hons) Journalism & History

Year 1

Compulsory modules

In your first year, you'll take the following compulsory modules:

Module title	Credits
Reading and Writing History Reading and Writing History 15 Credits This module provides guidance on how to develop and perfect the skills that you need to write an undergraduate-level history essay. We'll emphasise the centrality of problem-solving and critical thinking, demonstrating how essays should be used to explore academic debates. You'll learn skills specific to the discipline of history, such as identifying primary and secondary sources, evaluating their suitability and analysing them to answer historical questions. You'll also gain the necessary skills for academic work in other disciplines and for employment, including relevant referencing techniques, planning to meet deadlines, analyzing data, making a clear argument, using relevant technologies in research and presentation of data, working in groups and making oral presentations. For deep learning to take place, you'll practice the skills you've learnt by completing a series of structured tasks that contribute to a summative essay engaging with a specific historical problem. You'll receive feedback on each stage of the process, enabling you to develop and improve your skills. The module is taught with a narrow focus on the lived experience of a defined group of people during a specified historical period (for example the working life of South and East Londoners in the mid-Nineteenth Century) depending on the expertise of the member of staff running the module. Some sessions concentrate on the knowledge required, others on how to apply this knowledge to solve a given historical question. The module also provides specific guidance on the preparation for history examinations.	15 Credits
Historical Controversies Historical Controversies 15 credits This module introduces you to a range of historical controversies in order to engage you in a critical manner with competing perspectives on a range of different issues and events. The module will contain six, three-week blocks on various sub-disciplines within history, including, social, cultural and political history, across different periods and geographic areas. Throughout, it will focus on work on historiography, considering issues such as the influence of issues contemporary to authors on their writing; the impact of authors’ politics and/or wider values system on their work; the evolution of controversies over time; and theoretical explanations of controversies. In addition, it will take a comparative approach to controversies, with assessment including an option to compare two historical controversies or to analyse one controversy in more depth. Lectures and seminars at the beginning and end of the module, and at the point of handover from one block to another, will discuss comparative themes. The History Department will publish a list of six blocks each year, from at least the following: Acts, Identities and the Origins of Homosexuality The Greatest Whodunit in History: Who Caused the First World War? The Decline of the Liberal Party in the UK and the Rise of Labour Guilty Men? British Appeasement Policy and the Causes of the Second World War in Europe. Fire in Babylon: The New Cross Fire and the Black People’s Day of Action The Unnatural Disaster of Hurricane Katrina Revolutionary Ireland, 1912-23 The English Revolution, 1641–1660 Nations and Nationalism	15 credits
News and Culture News and Culture 15 credits Because it provides most of our information about public affairs, news is considered to be a vital element of a democratic society. But as news comes to us through more channels and in more forms than ever before, journalists are under increasing pressure from different forces and institutions that wish to determine what the public reads as ‘news’.   This module will take a broad view of what constitutes news and the debates about news. By taking a sociological perspective, we’ll focus on the working practices of those who manufacture the world’s news, and the broader social context of news production. We’ll consider news stories as the outcome of particular social practices and will examine how news is produced in the press, in broadcasting and other contexts.   Starting with key theoretical issues relating to news content and news production, we’ll consider how the product we call “news” is created, by examining the working practices of journalists, the relationship between journalists and their sources, the professional codes and values of journalism, and the institutional environment in which journalists work. The module examines issues of race, gender, and equality in news journalism, and considers audience reception of the news.	15 credits
Introduction to Power, Politics and Public Affairs Introduction to Power, Politics and Public Affairs 15 credits This module is designed as a practical introduction for journalism students to central and local government, the major offices of state, the public and private sectors and organisations and institutions such as the police, the NHS, utilities providers and major corporations. You’ll learn how government bodies and corporations operate, how public relations and press offices work and where journalists can look for information. You’ll discover the core principles of basic journalistic research in these sectors.	15 credits
Introduction to Multimedia Journalism Introduction to Multimedia Journalism 30 credits This module will introduce you to the basics of online journalism. We’ll focus on key fact-checking, news gathering and writing skills along with building a critical understanding of news. You’ll learn how to structure news stories, how to source appropriate multimedia content to include in such stories and make them ready for online publishing. You’ll also be introduced to court reporting, subediting, interviewing and writing features.	30 credits

Optional modules

You'll also take either two 15-credit optional modules from the Department of History, or the following module - Global Connections. 

Take a look at the full list of Year 1 History options.

Module title

Credits

Global Connections: the violence and exchanges that shaped the modern world Global Connections: the violence and exchanges that shaped the modern world 30 credits This module explores the multiplicity of contacts which have shaped the last half millennium of global history. Empire and religion, commerce and colonialism, race and space, and disease and healing all drove and moulded the encounters between distant cultures that created our modern world. This module explores some of these global connections, from trade and the exchange of goods and ideas, to practices of violence and resistance. The module will introduce students to core and emerging debates and approaches within the field of global history. The module will contain five four-week blocks on various topics within modern global history. The History department will publish a list of five blocks each year, from at least the following: Germany’s African Road to the Holocaust Global Sports and the African Diaspora The Ottoman Empire in European History (De)Colonising Enlightenment Political Thought Mosquitos, Microbes and Empire Travellers, Stories, Materials and Knowledges across Eurasia Balkan Migrations and Diasporas African encounters: European travellers and slavers in Africa, c. 1490 – c. 1775

30 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

In your second year, you'll take the following compulsory modules:

Module title	Credits
Extended Feature Research and Writing Extended Feature Research and Writing 15 credits You'll learn the basic skills, conventions and requirements of feature writing for journalistic purposes. You'll gain an understanding of how to use and enhance those skills for more in-depth research and long-form writing with a historical focus. You'll explore a blend of historical sources such as public and private archives and online historical databases as well as more contemporary sources to investigate and analyse subjects, themes and ideas from both the past and present for journalistic purposes. This might include researching recently released PRO files for ideas for journalistic work, which could then be explained, analysed and amplified using both alternative historical as well as contemporary sources. You'll be encouraged to use images and other digital material as primary sources as well as for illustration and added value. The module will be delivered through a series of weekly presentations and workshops that will demonstrate different sources of information and their use in a variety of different journalistic work with a historical theme and published in different formats. Special personal skills for extended research work such as in depth interviewing of sources and recording and the organisation of research material will also be addressed.	15 credits
Media Law and Ethics Media Law and Ethics 15 credits The module investigates the nature of media law and ethical regulation for media practitioners primarily in the UK, but with references to the experiences of media communicators in other countries. You’ll be directed towards an analysis of media law as it exists, the ethical debates concerning what the law ought to be, and the historical development of legal and regulatory controls of communication. You’ll learn about: media jurisprudence - the study of the philosophy of media law media ethicology - the study of the knowledge of ethics/morality in media communication media ethicism - the belief systems in the political context that influence journalistic conduct and content The module evaluates media law and regulation in terms of its social and cultural context. The module includes discussion of multi-media examples of media communication considered legally and/or morally problematic. Through this module, you’ll be able to understand and show awareness of key legal, ethical and regulatory issues relevant to media, such as reporting abroad, different jurisdictions, the use of social media and online content, coverage of traumatic events, violence and death, and more.	15 credits
Feature Writing Feature Writing 15 credits This module will equip you to create features in journalism. Teaching will be in the form of presentations and writing workshops. You’ll learn the difference between news and features, the varying forms of features and conventions of features journalism. You’ll learn to research an audience, develop feature ideas and pitch to editors. Emphasis will also be placed on writing and editing skills.	15 credits

Optional modules

You'll have 60 credits worth of optional modules from the Department of History, and may also include 30 credits relevant modules from other departments (known as Connected Curriculum). See the full list of year 2 History option modules.

You'll also take an additional 15 credits of optional modules from the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies from a list approved annually by the department.

Year 3

Compulsory modules

In your final year, you'll take the following compulsory modules:

Module title	Credits
Interdisciplinary Final Project Interdisciplinary Final Project 45 credits This modle gives you the opportuntiy to demonstrate what you have learnt throughout your degree. You'll produce an extended piece of journalism on a historical theme or subject using a blend of both traditional historical research techniques and contemporary sources where appropriate. The work should be of a standard for publication on an appropriate journalistic platform and conform to legal and ethical considerations where appropriate. It should contain both extensive written content which could be supported by other visual or digital material where relevant and appropriate. You'll take part in a series of workshops to refresh your skills in journalistic and historical research, explore the different types of journalistic product for different platforms and introduce some essential digital and online content management skills, all placed in the context of historical themes. You'll develop your individual project in a workshop/lab environment under the supervision of staff from both departments with appropriate technical support. Individual tutorials, group and class feedback and refresher sessions will be given as required.	45 credits
Asking the Right Questions: Research and Practice Asking the Right Questions: Research and Practice 15 credits This module is aimed at giving you direct practical research skills and knowledge which will inform all your work, including your time working for Eastlondonlines.  You'll gain critical, analytical and practical skills to research and construct stories for publication. This involves three key elements: The procedural - knowing when and how to ask the right questions of the right people and organisations and to find the required information. The broader perspective - knowing the sources and context of the story and the ways in which it will be perceived as well as the consequences of publication. The personal - knowing what skills you can or cannot bring to the story.    The module will help you develop a critical approach to the many different sources journalists use, the compromises involved and constraints within which they work. It also equips you with specific practical skills.	15 credits

 

Optional modules

You'll take 30 credits of optional modules from the Department of History. See the full list of year 3 and Special Subject History modules.

You'll also take an additional 30 credits of optional modules from the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies from an approved list produced annually by the department.

Teaching style

This programme is mainly taught through scheduled learning - a mixture of lectures and seminars. You’ll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out required and additional reading, preparing topics for discussion, and producing essays or project work.

The following information gives an indication of the typical proportions of learning and teaching for each year of this programme*:

• Year 1 - 14% scheduled learning, 86% independent learning
• Year 2 - 14% scheduled learning, 86% independent learning
• Year 3 - 14% scheduled learning, 85% independent learning

How you’ll be assessed

You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include coursework assignments such as extended essays, reports, presentations, practice-based projects or essays/logs, group projects and reflective essays, as well as seen and unseen written examinations.

The following information gives an indication of how you can typically expect to be assessed on each year of this programme*:

• Year 1 - 56% coursework, 19% written exam, 25% practical
• Year 2 - 91% coursework, 9% practical
• Year 3 - 100% coursework

*Please note that these are averages are based on enrolments for 2022/23. Each student’s time in teaching, learning and assessment activities will differ based on individual module choices. Find out more about .

Credits and levels of learning

An undergraduate honours degree is made up of 360 credits – 120 at Level 4, 120 at Level 5 and 120 at Level 6. If you are a full-time student, you will usually take Level 4 modules in the first year, Level 5 in the second, and Level 6 modules in your final year. A standard module is worth 30 credits. Some programmes also contain 15-credit half modules or can be made up of higher-value parts, such as a dissertation or a Major Project.

Download the programme specification.

Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

You should have Grade C/Grade 4 or above in GCSE Mathematics. Please view our list of accepted UK GCSE equivalencies.

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.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

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.

To find out more about your fees, please check our undergraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.

Funding opportunities

We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries, and our careers service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies. Find out more about funding your studies with us.

Career-orientated Skills

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.

Links with employers, placement opportunities and career prospects

The departments of History and Media, Communications and Cultural Studies establish and foster a range of partnerships with some of the leading historical, cultural and media organisations in London and beyond, including the Black Cultural Archives, the George Padmore Institute, English Heritage, Historic England, Historic Royal Palaces, the Horniman Museum, the National Archives, Queer Britain and various newspapers and national media organisations.

Students on the BA Journalism and History programme can choose to undertake the Department of History’s work placement module, History in Practice. The module runs for two terms and, in the first term, students prepare for their placement through a series of classes and workshops on public history, museum studies, and working in archives and libraries. Students also choose their placement partner and visit them to identify and plan the activities they will be undertaking during their placement. The placement itself takes place in the second term of the module and consists of one day per week at the placement partner. Students continue to be supported throughout by the module convenor and, at the end of the module, are assessed on the work they have undertaken with the placement organisation.

There are also opportunities for students to pursue work placements through the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural studies with the support and guidance of staff in that department.

In addition to the resources provided by the programme and by the department, the Goldsmiths Careers Services offer significant support to students as they pursue their career, with general support in such areas as preparing a CV and interview skills, as well as bespoke events that work in partnership with the degree programme.

You can also read more about employability at Goldsmiths and career options on our dedicated History careers page.

Student journalism

EastLondonLines is an independent news website run by the School of Journalism in the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies. The site runs throughout the year and students on all journalism programmes spend time working on the site, gaining valuable experience and building up their CVs. You work under the supervision of School academic and technical staff.

It began in November 2009 as a means of giving students an opportunity to work as professional journalists in a real life environment. The area covered by the site is a large, diverse, multi-cultural and vibrant part of London, ranging from inner city Hackney in the North to Croydon on the southern borders of London and provides exciting and varied journalistic challenges.

Visit the EastLondonLines website. 

Journalism students also contribute to London Multimedia News which collates London based news stories with a radio and sound focus and are able to take part in broadcasts through our radio and television studios.