Any feedback on studying at Birkbeck

[mixedmamameansbusiness]

Am thinking of doing my access thru them as I can pay per module which works better for me altho more expensive in the long term and may then continue my degree with them.

Has anyone studied there and what did you think of yur course, the lecturers(the net is saying not so good things, they hate teaching but do it for the research opportunity), the atmosphere (again have read lots of "snobbish" comments.

Wouldbe pleased to hear what anyone thinks.

I'm thinking of going there when I finish my OU degree, so will be interested to hear opinions ...

A good friend of mine did another first degree (to change direction) there while working and it worked out really well for him.

As for teaching for the research opportunity - well all universities that have good research are like that - it just goes with the territory.

I finished a BA History there last year, also did an access course with them. I had a really positive experience, in fact I really miss it now I'm not going twice a week, so much so I am thinking of going back to do an MA.
It was hard work and there were students there who were competitive and know alls, but you'd get that anywhere and I didn't take that much notice after a while.
The lecturers, on the whole, were excellent, a couple of the seminar teachers were not that great, but more to do with teaching style that knowledge.
Some people had a few issues, but all the people I got to know were happy there and did well and I made a couple of really good friends.
I would really recommened Birkbeck, it fitted in with me while working and then having a new born in my third year. If you have any other questions fire away. Hope this helps.

I am currently studying for a degree at Birkbeck and have been really impressed with the staff, the facilities and the flexibility allowed me. I will be returning to study in October, having just taken a year off after the birth of my second son.

During my course I have been working part-time and the tutors are always very mindful of the fact that mature students are working hard to fit in study around other commitments.

I would definitely recommend Birkbeck.
Having not studied since I did my O Levels (that is how old I am!), I went straight to studying for a degree rather than do an access course and this worked fine for me. The first year of the degree was more introductory and concerned with acquiring essay writing and analytical skills as well as the subject matter (English Literature in my case).

Have not encountered any snobbery, mostly there are friendly and enthusiastic people. Suppose it makes a difference when students are paying for the course themselves and making sacrifices of money and time! Hope this helps.

My DH taught at BB when he was doing his PhD, and still knows a fair few people in the history dept there. He loved teaching there - said the students were really engaged and interested, and had lots of things to say. Can't see why any lecturers at BB would like teaching less than those at other univs - it's more challenging, I think, as mature students are more ready to state their opinions and challenge the status quo, but most academics I know prefer that!

Thanks everyone that is all really helpful.

Have finally afte weeks of exploring every single opportunity on their website to do the Prep for History BA following with the BA History next year. We are also considering having another baby within the next 5 years so pleased to hear that some of you have managed this.

Habbibu: would be interested in your DH opinion on Fred (will have to check his surname)but he specialises in Ottoman History as I am partcularly interested in this.

Paxton would be really interested in hearing about the modules you picked etc and coping iwth a newborn etc. Would you mind emailing me perhaps or posting here.

Thx all you haveno idea how helpful this is.

Hi Mixedmama,

I did that Prep for BA, is it with Gary Thorn? Really, really useful for the BA.

I have also been taught by Fred Anscombe, in fact he was my personal tutor. He taugh some of the European course I did and the Middle East course I took. He was one of my favs, really good and funny. I had him the year I had my son and he was really good about late essays!! Although they have become more strict about deadlines!
I focused mostly on modern history. Europe since 1800, Modern Britain, America since 1600 and Empire were my broad topics. The Middle East, Colonical Encounters and Ireland from Famine to Partition were my group two more focused topics and i did Literature, culture and society between the wars as the group three topic.

I dont have CAT but you can mail me.
brennanDOTpateman@skyDOTcom

In fact I'm off to Birkbeck Friday night, one of my old lecturers is doing a talk with others about the culture of war, so if you're in the area.

Hope this helps. Look forward to hearing from you.