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Course review
Review by: Claire P
University: Goldsmiths, University of London
Course: English
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
8
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
English is the only A-Level I would recommend for BA English. However, essay-based subjects such as History, Politics and Philosophy may also be useful.
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
English is my strongest subject and I enjoy it immensely, to the extent it doesn't feel like I am studying at all.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
I wish I had known how the course was broken up and also how the course was marked.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
The course is divided into four modules, each of which has a one hour lecture and one hour seminar per week. The seminar is largely based on what has been discussed in the lecture.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
There is a reading list, however there is not a great deal of work required.
Is there anything else you think is relevant or that you would like to add in respect of your course?
Goldsmiths is quite unusual in the respect that the first year counts towards the overall degree.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
The wide variety of literature I am required to read.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
The more boring lecturers!
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
The facilities are good, although (and I think this is the case in most places) the library is somewhat limited because everyone doing the same course requires the same books at the same time. I have no complaints about the academics, although they do not have a great deal of contact with undergrads.
Explain how you expected your course to be and how it compares to how it actually is. Give an outline of the content of the course.
For my first year, the course was divided into four modules: The Short Story, Engaging Poetry, Explorations in Literature and Approaches to Text. For each module there was a weekly hour-long lecture followed by a seminar of the same length. The seminar usually addressed points raised in the lecture and attendance is compulsary.
At Goldsmiths, you are largely free to work on your own and it is down to the individual to perform; there is little supervision. I suppose if a student was keen for one-on-one attention, it would be provided although it is only imposed once or twice a term.
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Other reviews for English
Peter J, 2nd Year doing English at University of Dundee
Kimberley B, 1st Year doing English at Oxford University Jamie G, 1st Year doing English at Oxford University Mary L, 1st Year doing English at University of Exeter Tom R, 2nd Year doing English at Durham University
Martin W, 1st Year doing English and American Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London Stephanie S, 2nd Year doing English at University of Manchester Tilly L, 2nd Year doing English and Drama at Brunel University Jim G, 2nd Year doing English and Education Studies at University of Wales Institute, Cardiff Susanna W, 2nd Year doing English and Creative Writing at University of Winchester Emma G, 2nd Year doing English at Durham University
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University review
Review by: Claire P
University: Goldsmiths, University of London
Course: English
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Visit the Goldsmiths, University of London forum and see what people are discussing right now!
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Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
Goldsmiths is cool, hip and cutting-edge. From its location to its students, everything is up and coming. Despite having pretentions, it is a lovely place full of beautiful, interesting people. I would not recommend it to anyone who enjoys conformity.
What is the academic life like at your university?
I think it is largely undermined by its social life! Obviously there are exceptions but I have the impression that most people enjoy living the Goldsmiths life until shortly before exam time, when everyone congregates in the library to cram!
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
Fresher's week was not very 'Goldsmiths': the events organised were not truly representative of the university. However, I met many good friends and had a very good time. It was better than I expected.
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
The best thing about Goldsmiths is the relaxed and creative attitude. This is also the worst thing!
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
Goldsmiths is an arts university so stereotypically one would not expect there to be a large sports scene. There are all the usual sports teams one would expect from a uni which compete in external leagues. There are also all the usual societies, and notably, the first university-based Women's Institute.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
The social scene is orientated around the SU where the usual university-type events are organised: club nights akin to teenage discos and the occasional act. Many drum and bass artists have performed. Being in London, there is no limit to what you can do at night. Like all Student Unions, Goldsmiths SU is heavily alcohol orientated, largely as anaesthetic against the terrible music.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
I am in love with it.
Accommodation
Do you live in a halls of residence or a student house (or college)? What would you suggest is best in your opinion?
I lived in halls of residence and I would highly recommend it.
If you are in a hall or college, is it catered or self catered? Which is better for the first year in your opinion and why?
All Goldsmiths halls are self-catered. Which I think preferable to catered due to the greater freedom it provides.
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
About £85-£112 pw (self catered) depending on whether they are en-suite or not.
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