Goldsmiths, University of London
London, United Kingdom
Goldsmiths, University of London
London, United Kingdom
Founded
1891
Institution Type
Public Research University
Total Students
10,000+
International Students
~20%
Discover Goldsmiths, University of London
Discover Goldsmiths, University of London
Goldsmiths, University of London is a constituent research university of the University of London, located in the vibrant neighbourhood of New Cross in South East London. Founded in 1891 as The Goldsmiths' Technical and Recreative Institute by the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, the university has built a distinguished reputation for creativity, innovation, and interdisciplinary thinking across more than a century of academic excellence.
The university specialises in arts, design, humanities, social sciences, computing, and entrepreneurial business and management, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across 20 academic departments. Goldsmiths is internationally recognised for producing pioneering thinkers and practitioners, with alumni including Turner Prize winners, Oscar-winning filmmakers, Mercury Music Prize recipients, and Booker Prize laureates.
Situated on a single-site campus just minutes from central London, Goldsmiths provides a close-knit community atmosphere while offering unparalleled access to the cultural and professional opportunities of one of the world's greatest cities. The university welcomes students from over 140 countries, creating a diverse and stimulating environment for learning and research.
Key Milestones
- 1891: Founded as The Goldsmiths' Technical and Recreative Institute by the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths in New Cross, London.
- 1904: Acquired by and merged into the University of London, renamed Goldsmiths' College.
- 1990: Received its Royal Charter after becoming a full College of the University of London in 1988.
- 2018: Opened the Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art, designed by Turner Prize-winning architects Assemble in the Grade II-listed former Laurie Grove Baths.
Academic Structure and Departments
Academic Structure and Departments
Goldsmiths comprises 20 academic departments offering a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes. The university is organised around key academic strengths in arts and humanities, social sciences, computing, and professional studies, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and creative approaches to learning.
Art and Design
One of Goldsmiths' flagship areas, the Department of Art has produced numerous Turner Prize winners and leading contemporary artists. The Department of Design focuses on innovation, sustainability, and expanded creative practice.
- BA Fine Art
- BA Design
- MA Fine Art
Media, Communications and Cultural Studies
Ranked among the top programmes globally for Communication and Media Studies, this department offers cutting-edge programmes exploring media theory, journalism, cultural industries, and digital culture.
- BA Media and Communications
- MA Journalism
- MA Digital Media
Computing
The Department of Computing at Goldsmiths takes a creative and interdisciplinary approach, blending technology with arts and culture. Programmes cover areas from data science and artificial intelligence to games programming and creative computing.
- BSc Computer Science
- BSc Creative Computing
- MSc Data Science
Social Sciences
Goldsmiths has strong departments in Sociology, Anthropology, Politics and International Relations, and Psychology, all known for critical and innovative approaches to understanding society and human behaviour.
- BA Sociology
- BA Psychology
- MA Political Communications
Performing Arts and Music
The departments of Theatre and Performance and Music are globally recognised, with Performing Arts ranked in the top 30 worldwide. The music department houses professional recording studios and hosts the annual PureGold festival.
- BA Music
- BA Drama and Theatre Arts
- MA Music (Sonic Arts)
Humanities and Business
Departments including English and Creative Writing, History, and the Institute of Management Studies offer programmes that combine critical thinking with practical skills. Goldsmiths is ranked among the top UK universities for producing business founders.
- BA English
- BA History
- MA Creative and Life Writing
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admissions
- Application MethodApply via UCAS (institution code G56, name GOLD)
- Academic RequirementsA-levels, IB (minimum 30 points), BTEC, or equivalent international qualifications
- English Language (IELTS)IELTS 6.0 overall (no element below 5.5) or equivalent; varies by programme
- Personal StatementRequired, detailing academic interests and career aspirations
- Portfolio/AuditionRequired for creative programmes (Art, Design, Music, Theatre)
Postgraduate Admissions
- Application MethodApply directly via the Goldsmiths website
- Academic RequirementsBachelor's degree in a relevant subject (minimum 2:1 or equivalent GPA of 3.0-3.2)
- English Language (IELTS)IELTS 6.5 overall (no element below 6.0) or equivalent; varies by programme
- ReferencesTwo academic or professional references typically required
- Supporting DocumentsPersonal statement, CV/resume, and portfolio or research proposal where applicable
Main deadline for most undergraduate programmes via UCAS for September entry.
Late undergraduate applications may be accepted through UCAS Clearing, subject to availability.
Most postgraduate taught programmes accept applications on a rolling basis until places are filled.
PhD and MPhil applications are typically accepted throughout the year, subject to supervisor availability.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition fees at Goldsmiths vary depending on the programme and student fee status. UK students benefit from government-regulated fees, while international students (including EU/EEA nationals) pay higher rates. Fees are subject to annual increases of up to 5%. Contact the university directly for the most current fee schedule for your chosen programme.
| Fee Category | UK Students (per year) | International Students (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | GBP 9,250 | GBP 21,200 - GBP 25,820 |
| Postgraduate Taught (MA/MSc) | GBP 11,000 - GBP 15,000 | GBP 18,500 - GBP 26,840 |
| Accommodation (annual estimate) | GBP 6,000 - GBP 9,500 | GBP 6,000 - GBP 9,500 |
| Living Expenses (monthly estimate) | GBP 1,020 | GBP 1,020 |
| Total | Contact university for programme-specific totals | Contact university for programme-specific totals |
Goldsmiths International Scholarships
Goldsmiths offers over 35 international scholarships annually to support students from diverse backgrounds. Awards are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students who have accepted their offer of admission.
- Award Value (UG): GBP 2,000 - GBP 5,000
- Award Value (PG): GBP 2,000 - GBP 4,000
- Eligibility: International fee-paying students who have accepted an offer
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Fully funded scholarships available for selected master's programmes, aimed at students from eligible Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living allowance, and travel costs
- Level: Postgraduate taught (selected programmes)
- Eligibility: Citizens of eligible Commonwealth developing countries
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
Goldsmiths is based on a single-site campus in New Cross, South East London, combining historic Grade II-listed buildings with modern purpose-built facilities. The campus is centred around College Green, offering a compact and welcoming community atmosphere just minutes from central London.
The Grade II-listed main building, originally designed in 1844 as the Royal Naval School, serves as the historic heart of the campus.
A striking modern building housing art studios with floor-to-ceiling windows designed to maximise natural light for fine art students.
Opened in 2018 in the converted Laurie Grove Baths, this free public gallery was designed by Turner Prize-winning architects Assemble.
Housing and Dining
Accommodation
Goldsmiths offers 9 halls of residence with approximately 1,500 rooms for undergraduate and postgraduate students, located both on campus and nearby in South East London.
- Furnished rooms with desk, bed, wardrobe, and Wi-Fi
- Shared kitchens with cooking appliances and communal social spaces
- 24-hour staff, bike storage, launderette facilities, and courtyard gardens
Campus Facilities
The campus features a modern library, recording studios, computing labs, and specialist workshop spaces for art, design, and media production.
- Rutherford Information Services Building (library and IT)
- Professional recording studios including the Stanley Glasser Electronic Music Studios
- Students' Union with cafes, bars, and performance venues
Student Life at Goldsmiths
Student Life at Goldsmiths
Goldsmiths is known for its vibrant, creative, and politically engaged student community. The Students' Union organises a wide range of clubs, societies, and events that reflect the university's diverse and progressive character, ensuring there is something for every interest.
Location: New Cross, London
Location: New Cross, London
Living in New Cross, South East London
Goldsmiths is located in New Cross, a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood in the London Borough of Lewisham. Just a 10-minute train ride from London Bridge, the area is known for its thriving arts and music scene, independent cafes, and multicultural community. New Cross offers more affordable living costs compared to central London while providing easy access to the city's cultural landmarks, museums, and professional opportunities.
Central London Access
New Cross Gate and New Cross stations provide direct connections to London Bridge in under 10 minutes, with easy access to the West End, Canary Wharf, and all major London attractions.
Arts and Culture
South East London is home to a thriving creative scene, with nearby venues including the Albany Theatre in Deptford, plus proximity to Tate Modern, National Theatre, and the South Bank cultural quarter.
Affordable London Living
New Cross and neighbouring Deptford and Lewisham offer more affordable accommodation and living costs compared to central and West London, making it popular with students and young creatives.
Green Spaces and Recreation
Greenwich Park, the Royal Observatory, and the Thames Path are all nearby, offering green spaces, riverside walks, and historic sites within easy reach of campus.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Where Goldsmiths Graduates Work
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
Goldsmiths provides dedicated visa and immigration support, including guidance on Student Visa applications, CAS letters, and visa drop-in sessions throughout the academic year. Contact immigration@gold.ac.uk for assistance.
If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your degree, Goldsmiths offers Pre-Sessional English Language courses and International Foundation Certificate pathways to prepare you for academic study.
Self-financing international students are required to make an advance fee payment of GBP 4,000 to secure their place. Full details are provided with your offer of admission.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Worldwide University Rankings
Worldwide University Rankings
Goldsmiths, University of London is recognised globally for its strengths in arts, humanities, media, and social sciences. While it is a specialist institution rather than a large comprehensive university, it achieves strong subject-level rankings, particularly in creative and cultural disciplines where it is consistently rated among the best in the world.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies | QS World Rankings by Subject | #22 |
| Performing Arts | QS World Rankings by Subject | #26 |
| Art and Design | QS World Rankings by Subject | #37 |
| Anthropology | QS World Rankings by Subject | Top 50 |
Features
Part of the prestigious University of London, we combine academic excellence with creative and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Teaching across our academic departments spans the arts, humanities, social sciences, cultural studies, computing, law, teaching, social work and business management – bringing everything you’d expect from a world-renowned arts institution and much more. Whatever you study with us, you’ll find conversations that spark your creativity at every turn. You’ll find course content informed by world-leading research. And you’ll find tutors who encourage you to question traditional perspectives. By learning with us you’ll explore ideas and be part of new thinking every day.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
8 Lewisham Way, London SE14 6NW, United Kingdom
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
