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Course review
Review by: Martin W
University: Goldsmiths, University of London
Course: English and American Literature
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 Literature,History,Sociology,Psychology.
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
An interesting mix of reading, as well as cultural and historical studies of America.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
You have to be extremely motivated!
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
Generally, depending on the number of modules studied in that day (which will be between none and two), there will be a lecture followed by a seminar for each module every week.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
There is a fair amount of reading to do but this is to be expected from a literature course; most of the reading is fiction that can be enjoyed, although there is some theory.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
Some of the reading is highly enjoyable.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
Some of the reading is not at all enjoyable.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
Good; a well-sized and -stocked library, loads of computers, internet access in most accommodation. As part of the University of London, there is also access to Senate House,a huge library in the heart of London. The academics are, by and large, extremely interesting, communicative and helpful.
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.
Depending on the module and tutor, there will be one or two novels to be read every week, as well as some poetry and theory. This will then be addressed in lectures and discussed in seminars.
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University review
Review by: Martin W
University: Goldsmiths, University of London
Course: English and American Literature
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Visit the Goldsmiths, University of London forum and see what people are discussing right now!
Click here to go back
Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
Goldsmiths is a well-respected college, part of the fantastic University of London. It is arty and vibrant, with good facilities. The accomodation is underwhelming and the good halls are overpriced, but the other halls are too few. The location is fantastic; New Cross, Deptford and Brockley are fascinating places and the rest of London is, well, London.
What is the academic life like at your university?
Sometimes overlooked; as an arts college, academia is often sidestepped at Goldsmiths.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
It was ok... not a lot of effort was made by the university but having looked at more recent ones, they seem to be improving. There is a good Freshers' Fayre and a few good nights at the union, but not loads.
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
The best: the location; living in South-East London is fantastic, and New Cross is a busy, colourful, vibrant place. The worst: the location; it can be scary and expensive if you're not used to it.
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
Overlooked but still there, the sports teams aren't the best around but they they are apparently good.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
There isn't a huge scene in New Cross, although there are a number of pubs and venues around; this is probably because London is a huge place and everyone finds their niche.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
Well, it's London. You know what you're getting but it is simply amazing.
Accommodation
Do you live in a halls of residence or a student house (or college)? What would you suggest is best in your opinion?
The halls are ok; in the majority they are good (if small) but overpriced. The cheaper accommodation (Batavia Mews) has a bad reputation but a fantastic vibe; admittedly we did have mice at one point but this could happen anywhere. However, there are too few places for demand.
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 halls are self-catered.
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
£85pw Batavia Mews,the others are around £113.Self catered.
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