World’s first queer history degree faces axe as staff fight for jobs during LGBT History Month

Goldsmiths university’s queer history masters degree is under threat because the staff who run it could be made redundant.

Five years ago, Goldsmiths, University of London launched the world’s first ever master’s degree in queer history. It was spearheaded by Dr Justin Bengry, and in September 2021, Dr Kate Davison moved from Berlin to London to take up a position on the course.

Just six weeks later, Davison, Bengry and other staff in the departments of history, English and creative writing received letters notifying them that their jobs were at risk of redundancy. Queer history isn’t the only course at risk – the master’s degree in Black British history is also under threat.

Both lecturers say that, if they’re let go, the course would be unviable – especially at master’s level, where extensive knowledge and understanding of an area is needed to teach.