Integrated Degree in English (including Foundation Year)

Returning to education after so much time out seemed daunting, so I decided to do a Foundation year to rebuild my confidence and both introduce me to and prepare me for the standard of studying a degree.

When the final weeks of my A Level studies were approaching, I was excited about starting university, yet equally nervous, as many college students are. But wondering whether I had made the right choice in my studies, I decided to take a break from education. Working as a bartender enabled me to save enough money for travel in South East Asia, South America and multiple countries in Europe. The combination of my pre-existing interest in English Literature with my newfound curiosity in other languages and desire to travel made my future transparent for the first time in my life: I would teach English around the world!

Returning to education after so much time out seemed daunting, so I decided to do a Foundation year to rebuild my confidence and both introduce me to and prepare me for the standard of studying a degree. My decision was truly justified as my experience of the Foundation Year was incredibly helpful in not only restoring my confidence in writing but refining it with sophistication and style. I was always told that university studies require much more independence, which is true, so the support from my personal tutors and their readiness to help me throughout was a pleasant surprise! The fact I am still in contact with them as I enter my third year of study speaks for itself.

I was also introduced to Goldsmiths’ ‘Learn a Language’ programme where I met a foreign Goldsmiths’ student who tutors me in Japanese and I, in turn, tutor in English. This easily became the highlight of my Foundation Year and gave impetus to my decision to teach and live in Japan for several years after my graduation.

Starting my Foundation Year at 23 years old allowed me to start my studies with a clear idea of what I wanted to achieve from it, yet it also opened many unexpected avenues. I still enjoy work as a bartender and my developed writing skills have given me the confidence to secure several short-term copywriting internships. I am currently in the process of building a portfolio of my experience with hopes of creating my own freelance copywriting service as a side profession to teaching. The level of my results thus far and my experience of university life have encouraged me to consider my own future role within academia. I am beginning to think about studying for a Masters degree with hopes of specialising in a field of English Literature in order to end my career as a university lecturer.  

I had assumed, as a mature student (twenty years older than some of the students!), I would feel somewhat isolated but, to my constant surprise, I felt very much part of the social aspect: friendships were formed quite quickly which also served as a study support network.

I came to the Foundation Year as a 43 year old musician following an obsessive passion for literature I discovered in my mid 30s. Before that my entire existence revolved around music only, so much so that I dropped out of high school at 16. I didn’t know what to expect from the Foundation Year but I quickly saw, that I had to learn how to be and think like a student.

The classroom experience was more enjoyable than I would have imagined. I had assumed, as a mature student (twenty years older than some of the students!), I would feel somewhat isolated but, to my constant surprise, I felt very much part of the social aspect: friendships were formed quite quickly which also served as a study support network. 

The biggest takeaway for me was that I saw I was capable of academic work. The course gave me the skills I needed for the literature degree I went on to do afterwards but, possibly equally important, gave me the confidence and self belief to do it.

I have completed my English and Comparative Literature degree. The experience, of which my Foundation Year was a crucial part, has been profound.

Elia finished his BA in with a first-class degree in 2020

When I came across the Integrated Degree in English at Goldsmiths it was perfect for me.

At the age of 29, the idea of returning to my studies was a daunting one. I had always loved literature and I hope to teach and inspire English students myself one day. But having been out of education for so long, I had no idea where to begin. When I came across the Integrated Degree in English at Goldsmiths it was perfect for me. I had spent the last 10 years as a stay-at-home mum and now had four young children.  My decision to enrol was the one of the best I have made. Not only have I spent the last year learning about a subject I love, but during that year I felt both supported and confident, with the help of my tutors and fellow students. The texts we studied were both engaging and interesting, and really gave me a chance to reignite my love for literature whilst expanding my ability and understanding academically. I finished the foundation year full of pride at what I had achieved, and confident to start my English BA.