Goldsmiths, University of London, is a pioneering institution in the UK's vibrant capital city. Founded in 1891, the university has a global reputation for world-class research and innovative courses, and ranks in the top 10 nationally for art and design (Complete University Guide, 2026).
Students can choose from more than 70 undergraduate degree programmes at Goldsmiths, in addition to an expansive selection of postgraduate qualifications. Courses are research-fed and streamlined through the university's three academic schools: the School of Arts and Humanities; School of Culture and Society; and School of Professional Studies, Science and Technology.
Students benefit from being part of the tight-knit creative community at Goldsmiths' single-site New Cross campus in southeast London, where industry-standard facilities, purpose-built studios and expert staff create a dynamic and rich learning experience. Many graduates go on to find work placements with companies such as the BBC or Alexander McQueen.
Goldsmiths is well known for its active arts and music scene, consistently producing new and exciting artists, creators, performers and makers, many of whom go on to become cultural icons and pioneers in their fields. The university is highly rated for the quality of its research and for its art, design, music, media and communications departments in particular.
The campus is well-serviced by local public transport networks, with the buzz of central London only ten minutes away by train. The city's culture, history and nightlife is among the best in the world, with thousands of pubs, restaurants, bars and clubs to satisfy the appetite of even the most adventurous city-dweller.
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3.8Goldsmiths invests heavily in facilities, and students enjoy modern study spaces equipped with the latest computers and technology.
The university is renowned for the quality of its teaching and learning facilities, especially across art, media and theatre, where students have access to purpose-built workshop and studio spaces and industry-standard equipment. It even boasts its own 140-seat theatre.
Library services
The university's state-of-the-art library contains more than 300,000 books and journals, alongside digital resources accessible through a purpose-built online portal. It is open 24/7 almost every day of the year.
Students also benefit from Goldsmiths being part of the University of London, which means they are also able to use the iconic Senate House Library for the duration of their studies.
London is frequently ranked among the best student cities globally. There are boundless opportunities in this diverse and cosmopolitan capital, and Goldsmiths students are well-placed to take advantage of their surroundings.
New Cross boasts a thriving arts and music scene, with a vibrant landscape of exhibitions, live music and pop-up events. The area supports eateries and food markets of all cuisines, and there are plenty of pubs, clubs and comedy venues to keep students entertained.
3.5A degree from Goldsmiths is an internationally recognised qualification which serves as an asset in the search for graduate employment or further study. As a result, 80% of the university's undergraduate students move into highly skilled work within fifteen months of graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2022).
Students benefit from access to Goldsmiths' careers service, which helps with everything from CV writing to starting a business. The university also provides a yearly timetable of careers fairs, networking events and industry-oriented seminars where students may hear from leading industry professionals and inspirational figures working in sectors such as the arts and publishing panels, as well as for charities and established NGOs.
Many degree programs include work placements as part of the curriculum, and students of all courses are encouraged to look for opportunities to participate in internships while studying. Recently, Goldsmiths students have undertaken placements at the V&A Museum, the British Film Institute (BFI), Macmillan Publishing, and the UK Parliament with local MPs. Students can also gain funding to study or work abroad thanks to a dedicated global opportunities team.
Goldsmiths Connect is an online platform which connects students to hundreds of thousands of alumni and associates who can offer insights and advice into building a successful career and finding professional opportunities.
Students at the university go on to forge successful careers in influential public institutions such as The Tate, Channel 4, and the NHS. Previous graduates include Oscar-winner Steve McQueen, Turner Prize-winning Damien Hirst, 2020 Booker Prize winner Bernadine Evaristo, and Mercury Prize-winning musician James Blake.
3.0Goldsmiths offers 1,300 self-catered rooms across its seven halls of residence, all located conveniently in New Cross and the surrounding area.
Accommodation is typically a single bedroom within a shared apartment with a communal bathroom, kitchen and living area. There are a limited number of studio flats and couples' accommodation options available.
For students looking to rent privately, the university provides an online housing guide with useful advice and access to the University of London Housing service database.
Goldsmiths distributes a range of scholarships and bursaries, awarded for both merit-based and needs-based criteria. These are available to both domestic and international students. There is a wide variety of awards, ranging from discounted tuition fees to travel bursaries, sponsorship opportunities to grants, and much more.
Scholarships available to full-time domestic's undergraduate students include:
This list is not comprehensive, and students are advised to visit the university's scholarships and bursary page, and to check whether they are eligible for any of the schemes to support them financially while they study at Goldsmiths.
Entry requirements at Goldsmiths differ on a course-by-course basis, and the admissions team considers each application individually and accepts several alternative pathways to entry besides qualifications such as A levels.
Generally speaking, the majority of degree programs ask for BBB at A level or equivalent, although prospective students are advised to check the university website for course-specific application details. Certain degrees have additional entry requirements, which may include a portfolio of previous work, or essay submissions, interviews, auditions, or specific GCSE requirements.
Goldsmiths also offers a selection of Foundation Year courses for students who don't meet the admission requirements for direct entry onto their chosen degree course, with a view to the student then potentially progressing onto a full degree upon completion.
Tuition fee amounts may very between courses, but generally speaking, for the 2025/26 academic year, full-time tuition fees are as follows:
Goldsmiths' faculty staff are world-leading experts who are passionate about stimulating the imagination of their students, inspiring them to reach their academic and personal potential. They are well-travelled and widely experienced in their fields, many of whom continue their professional practice alongside teaching commitments at the university.
Students benefit from lecturers' connections in industries like marketing, computing, and the arts, and receive industry-relevant advice and guidance. Course structure is dependent on the subject being studied, but students can typically expect to learn through a blend of lectures, seminars and tutorials, with workshops and practical sessions where applicable.
Students also have the opportunity to integrate optional modules into their main degree pathway, creating highly curated and original combinations of learning areas, a personalised, interdisciplinary programme of study, and individualised learning outcomes.
Courses are delivered through the university's three expert academic schools, with dedicated departments enabling the effective streamlining of knowledge, funding and resources. Departments include:
Goldsmiths is a powerhouse of artistic and creative tuition, with its courses in art, design, performance and media being of particular renown.
For art and design, Goldsmiths ranks in the top 10 in the UK (Complete University Guide, 2026), but this is not its only area of expertise, and many programmes have gained global acclaim, recognised as world-leading in their approach and learning outcomes.
Goldsmiths performed especially well for its law courses in the most recent National Student Survey (2025), ranking in the top 10 nationally across five measures. The university also performs well in business, ranking in the top three UK universities for the provision of business founders, 12th for producing CEOs and MDs (Hitachi Capital Invoice Finance, 2021).
Research
Goldsmiths places an emphasis on meaningful research, and ensures that all courses are fed by the very latest developments in the field. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, 79% of its research output was ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Students are encouraged to get involved in extra-curricular activities, clubs and societies. Clubs and societies are a great place for students to meet new people, develop a skill or pursue an interest with like-minded people. The university supports a range of sports teams, with opportunities to train and represent Goldsmiths by competing with teams from other universities.
The university also hosts a large number of journalism and media outlets, which provide opportunities for budding writers to publish their work and get feedback from their peers.
3.5Goldsmiths Students' Union (SU) is a student-run organisation which operates as the university's representational body, connecting each student to the wider Goldsmiths community. It achieves this through initiating campaigns, organising activities and events, and coordinating clubs and special interest societies.
3.5Goldsmiths understands the challenges students face while living independently and undertaking university-level study. The university is committed to providing a high level of support to ensure that students reach their academic potential and are able to develop themselves personally.
Support services include a program of welcome activities to help new students settle in and begin their university experience with confidence.
All students are assigned a personal tutor within their academic department who can help them with any immediate issues with the course, and further study support is available to students requiring further guidance in areas such as reading, writing, researching, or academic skills.
A dedicated and professional wellbeing service are on hand to assist students with their mental health and wellbeing, and can provide helpful resources or signpost students to external help. The university also offers a free and confidential counselling service to students.
A full range of other services for non-academic support include:
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