Goldsmiths, University of London

Goldsmiths is a leading element of the world-renowned University of London, offering pioneering courses across the creative arts. Founded in 1891 as the Goldsmiths’ Technical and Recreative Institute, it became a part of the university in 1904. With over 230 years of educational heritage, postgraduate students can today pursue well-respected programmes across areas including art, music, media, design and communications, amongst others. 

As a research focused university, Goldsmiths is internationally accredited for the quality and impact of its research and is home to a range of prominent academics, who drive progress in their field. Students benefit from being a part of a passionate, tightly knit community of creatives based out of the university’s single campus. 

The Goldsmiths campus is based in New Cross, in South East London. This diverse and energetic neighbourhood is famous for its active live music scene and innovative arts communities, as well as a diverse food scene – as well as plenty of bars and pubs. 

Students enjoy living and learning in London, benefiting from the area’s excellent transport links to other parts of the UK capital. London is famous around the world for its unparalleled nightlife, cultural offerings, business and tech activity, and quality as a student city. 

Goldsmiths graduates enjoy strong prospects across academia, the arts or their industry, with placements and graduate roles with companies like BBC or Alexander McQueen. Notable alumni include Damien Hirst, Damon Albarn and Mary Quant. 

Goldsmiths, University of London supports a wide range of postgraduate degrees and shorter courses. Students can gain advanced qualifications in areas including the arts, humanities, cultural studies, social sciences, computer sciences and business management. 

Goldsmiths is a household name when it comes to progressive, impactful postgraduate learning due to its lasting commitment to exploring and reshaping the world around us. Postgraduate degree programmes, including MA, MFA, MRes and MSc degrees, amongst others, are constantly developed in light of the latest research and discourse. 

World renowned academics call the university home, with nearly 75% of Goldsmiths University output being ranked in the top two categories for quality according to the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. With a variety of research degrees on offer, including MPhil and PhD qualifications across cutting-edge areas such as research architecture, visual anthropology and cultural entrepreneurship, research students are set to work at the forefront of their field. 

Students can also explore the range of distance learning and part-time study options available, including fully online master’s degrees which are awarded by the University of London. 

Prospective postgraduate students will need to meet the stated entry requirements for their course at Goldsmiths before they may receive an offer of study. 

These entry requirements typically relate to previous or expected academic performance, but may also involve submitting a portfolio of work, or showing evidence of past professional or personal experience. 

For example, students applying for the MFA in Fine Art will need to have an undergraduate degree with a 2:2 grade or higher, or international equivalent. Practical experience as an artist is also necessary. Part-time applicants will need to be able to provide themselves with a studio space for the duration of their course. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of academic qualifications. 

Applicants for the MRes in Media & Communications will need to have a 2:1 grade or higher at undergraduate level, in a relevant discipline. Students with professional or other experience, who are able to demonstrate their ability to study at postgraduate level, will also be considered. 

Entry requirements for postgraduate programmes at Goldsmiths can change over time, so students should check the university website for the most up to date information before applying.  

Postgraduate qualifications from Goldsmiths, University of London are valued by employers and other academic institutions the world over, making it a great asset for its graduates. The university enjoys an excellent reputation for graduate outcomes, with the large majority of its students entering work or further education within six months of finishing their course. 

Many postgraduate courses at Goldsmiths have work experience opportunities embedded into the curriculum, while faculty and support services work to link students with beneficial internships and work placements. As a result, students at Goldsmiths are able to build real-world experience and complete valuable networking before they finish their studies. 

Goldsmiths maintains a dedicated Careers Service, which provides a broad suite of assistance to students towards helping them have complete control over their career prospects. The service offers: 

• Help with writing CVs and job applications 
• Bespoke entrepreneurial and start up support 
• Careers fairs and sector-specific events 
• Voluntary, part-time and graduate job listings 

Accommodation

Postgraduate students at Goldsmiths, University of London have the choice of a huge range of accommodation options for their time there. The university invests into its living facilities in recognition of the importance that comfortable, convenient living arrangements have in supporting student achievement. 

Wherever possible, postgraduate students are placed together in university halls to allow for a focused study environment and the chance to live with like-minded individuals. The university has more than 1,400 different rooms available for students, which are located close to the campus site and around the city. 

Most rooms in university managed accommodation are single bedrooms, in shared apartments that range in occupancy number. Students have access to modern kitchen, bathroom and living spaces. En-suite options are available, as well as a number of studio apartments and couples’ accommodation. University accommodation is self-catered and is charged as a single fee that is inclusive of bills, utilities and contents insurance. 

The university also support students who prefer to rent privately around London. It has online resources to guide students through the process, as well as a University of London Housing database that can connect students to verified landlords. London is a metropolis with many distinct, vibrant neighbourhoods – each with its own unique atmosphere and community. 

There are a number of scholarships and bursaries available to Goldsmiths, University of London postgraduate students. These funding options are designed to help students reduce the financial barriers to study, reach their academic potential and be rewarded for their academic achievements. 

Available scholarships and bursaries include: 

• The Goldsmiths master’s scholarships, which are worth £1,000 – applied as a waiver to tuition fees. These awards are competitive and allocated on the basis of academic achievement and potential. 
• The Goldsmith’s alumni discount, which provides a 10% discount to tuition fees for students who have already graduated from a programme at the university. There is a 15% discount available to alumni for a selection of Goldsmiths’ short courses. 
• Scholarships available through external organisations, such as the Aziz Foundation Scholarship – which offers up to three master’s scholarships per annum to British Muslim postgraduate students. The values and eligibility criteria of external awards can vary, so students should check the details of their chosen funding option through the university’s website. 

The eligibility criteria and application deadline for a certain scholarship or award can change, so students should consult the Goldsmiths website before applying to avoid disappointment.