BA Hons History & Politics at Goldsmiths College University of London
Our interdisciplinary approach will give you insights into the ways that social, cultural and political institutions have shaped, and continue to shape, our society. Taught jointly by the Departments of History and Politics, this degree applies methods and concepts from both areas to inform your studies, and you are encouraged to examine links between the two disciplines. And at Goldsmiths you’ll be well placed to enjoy a wider range of museums, galleries and exhibitions than in any other UK city.
What you Study
In the first year you study a foundation course in historical methods and concepts, as well as one other option of your choice selected from cultural history, history of ideas, modern political history or religion, peace and conflict. You also choose two introductory politics courses..
You study modern political theory in your second year, plus another politics course of your choice, and two history options. Politics options cover: the evolution of European society since 1945; key issues in British politics from the end of the Second World War to the present day; and the politics of the European Union. History courses currently available allow you to focus on areas including: Italy, France and Germany since 1870; East European history; democracy and dictatorship in interwar Europe; South Asian and African history, Medieval Islamic empires, Venice and the Ottoman empire; the historical context of literary visions of London; philosophers of history and culture from the mid-16th century to the present day; early Buddhism; and the everyday lives of British people from 1800 to the present, featuring issues such as migration, political movements, and new literacies. You can also take a course in a modern foreign language or apply to take a ‘related study’ – a relevant approved module from another department.
In your third year you write an interdisciplinary dissertation that will develop your own personal interests and demonstrate an integrated understanding of both history and politics. A range of specialist courses from the two departments are taken, and you also have the option of taking a Special Subjects course selected from the 40 or so available through the other University of London institutions.
Assessment
Each course unit is examined at the end of the year in which you’ve taken it, using either written exams or coursework; all courses contribute to your final result