Goldsmiths University of London
London, United Kingdom • Founded 1891 • World Rank #1538
Overview
Founded in 1904, the Goldsmiths, University of London is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of London (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants).
Officially recognized/chartered by the Privy Council, Goldsmiths, University of London is a medium-sized coeducational UK higher education institution. Goldsmiths, University of London offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 120-year-old UK higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
Goldsmiths, University of London also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Goldsmiths University of London's on-the-ground location and digital channels to engage with the institution. Library access for prospective students is often arranged separately through the main library team.
Academic Details
Goldsmiths University of London at the institutional level: enrolment, staffing, and accreditation summary. Accreditation has expiry and renewal cycles worth checking on the awarding body site for currency.
Academic Structures
Goldsmiths University of London's academic units, organised by type. Recently formed faculties (post-merger or post-split) often have updated curricula and may carry less institutional history than older units.
Unit 18 items
- Department of Anthropology
- Department of Art
- Department of Computing
- Department of Design
- Department of Educational Studies
- Department of English and Creative Writing
- Department of History
- Department of Law
- Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies
- Department of Music
- Department of Politics and International Relations
- Department of Psychology
- Department of Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies
- Department of Sociology
- Department of Theatre and Performance
- Department of Visual Cultures
- Institute for Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship
- Institute of Management Studies
Degrees
Master of Research (MRes) and Postgraduate Certificate. Also English Language and Pre-sessional Courses for foreign students. Goldsmiths awards a combination of University of London and Goldsmiths degrees
Bachelor's 6 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Arts and Humanities
- Education
- Fine Arts
- Music
- Performing Arts
- Social Sciences
Master's 7 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Architecture
- Arts and Humanities
- Education
- Fine Arts
- Music
- Performing Arts
- Social Sciences
Doctoral 20 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Art Therapy
- Comparative Literature
- Computer Science
- Cultural Studies
- Design
- Education
- English
- Fine Arts
- History
- Linguistics
- Management
- Media Studies
- Museum Studies
- Music
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Theatre
- Writing
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
Cultural Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
Anthropology (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
Art (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art History
- Fine Arts
- Museum Management
Computing (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
Design (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Design
Common Career Paths
- Designer
- Creative Director
- UX Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Educational Studies (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Educational Research
- Teacher Trainers Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
English and Comparative Literature (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Comparative Literature
- English
- Linguistics
History (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art History
- History
- Religion
Media and Communications (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mass Communication
- Media Studies
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Music (Department/Division) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Jazz and Popular Music
- Music
- Music Theory and Composition
- Musicology
Politics (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Political Sciences
Professional and Community Education (Department/Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Psychology (Department/Division) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Clinical Psychology
- Experimental Psychology
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Psychologist
- Counsellor
- Clinical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Sociology (Department/Division) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
- Gender Studies
- Sociology
- Urban Studies
Common Career Paths
- Sociologist
- Researcher
- Community Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Theatre and Performance (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Theatre
Visual Cultures (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art History
- Fine Arts
- Visual Arts
Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art Management
Dance and Performance (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chinese
- Dance
Management Studies (Institute) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Consumer Studies
- Economics
- Management
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Visual Cultures (Unit) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Programs Offered
Goldsmiths University of London's programme finder filters by name across all degree levels. Departmental admissions criteria sometimes differ from institutional minimums — verify against the programme page before relying on either.
Master of Philosophy
32 programmes
These 32 programmes form Goldsmiths University of London's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
MPhil/PhD Advanced Practices
MPhil/PhD Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
MPhil/PhD Art
MPhil/PhD Art Practice & Learning
MPhil/PhD Arts & Computational Technology Liberal Arts
MPhil/PhD Communities and Social Justice Law
MPhil/PhD Computer Science Computer Sciences
MPhil/PhD Counselling & Psychotherapy Health Sciences
MPhil/PhD Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship
MPhil/PhD Creative Writing Liberal Arts
MPhil/PhD Dance Movement Psychotherapy Health Sciences
MPhil/PhD Design Applied Design
MPhil/PhD Drama Performing Arts
MPhil/PhD Economics Economics
MPhil/PhD Education Education & Teaching
MPhil/PhD English, Comparative Literature or Linguistics English Language Studies
MPhil/PhD History History
MPhil/PhD Law Law
MPhil/PhD Literary and Critical Theory
MPhil/PhD Management Business & Management
MPhil/PhD Media & Communications & Cultural Studies Communication Studies
MPhil/PhD Music Music
MPhil/PhD Politics
MPhil/PhD Psychology Psychology
MPhil/PhD Psychology (IMS) Psychology
MPhil/PhD Religious Studies Religious Studies
MPhil/PhD Research Architecture Architecture
MPhil/PhD Social Work & Social Policy Social Work
MPhil/PhD Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
MPhil/PhD Visual Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
MPhil/PhD Visual Culture
MPhil/PhD Visual Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
80 programmes
These 80 programmes form Goldsmiths University of London's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
MA Applied Anthropology & Community & Youth Work Social & Cultural Studies
MA Applied Anthropology & Community Development / Community Arts Social & Cultural Studies
MSc Applied Artificial Intelligence AI & Machine Learning
MA Art & Ecology Environmental Sciences
MA Art Psychotherapy Health Sciences
MA Artists' Film & Moving Image Film & Animation
MA Arts Administration & Cultural Policy Liberal Arts
MA Arts Administration & Cultural Policy: Music Pathway Music
MA Brands, Communication & Culture Communication Studies
MSc Business Management Business & Management
MA Children's Literature: Theory and Creative Practice Literature
MA Children's Literature: Children's Book Illustration Literature
MA Computational Arts Liberal Arts
MA Computer Games: Art & Design Applied Design
MSc Computer Games Programming Digital Media & Game Development
MA Contemporary Art Theory
MA Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship
MA Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship: Fashion Management Pathway Entrepreneurship
MA Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship: Fashion Pathway Entrepreneurship
MA Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship: Media & Communications Pathway Entrepreneurship
MA Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship: Music Pathway Entrepreneurship
MA Creative and Life Writing Religious Studies
MA Critical and Creative Studies in Literature Literature
MA Cultural Studies & Social Justice Law
MA Dance Movement Psychotherapy Health Sciences
MA Design: Expanded Practice Applied Design
MA Designing Education Applied Design
MA Digital Media Media Studies & Mass Media
MA Digital Political Communications Communication Studies
MA Education: Creativity, Policy and Society Education & Teaching
MA Experimental Film & Documentary Film & Animation
MA Film & Screen Studies Film & Animation
MA/MFA Filmmaking (Cinematography) Film & Animation
MA/MFA Filmmaking (Directing) Film & Animation
MA/MFA Filmmaking (Editing) Film & Animation
MA/MFA Filmmaking (Producing) Film & Animation
MA/MFA Filmmaking (Sound) Film & Animation
MSc Forensic Psychology Psychology
MA Games and Playful Design Applied Design
MA Gender, Sexuality and Creative Practice Gender & Sexuality Studies
MA Global Politics: Art & Activism Politics & International Relations
MA/LLM Human Rights and Social Justice Law
MA International Retail Business, Sustainability & Technologies Business & Management
MA/MSc Journalism: Digital, Broadcast, News, Features & Magazines Media Studies & Mass Media
MA Luxury Brand Management Business & Management
MA Media and Communications Communication Studies
MSc Marketing and Consumer Behaviour Marketing
MSc Marketing and Innovation Marketing
MFA Computational Arts Liberal Arts
MFA Creative and Life Writing Religious Studies
MFA Creative Practice Liberal Arts
MFA Curating
MFA Fine Art Visual Arts
MMus Creative Practice Liberal Arts
MA Photography & Urban Cultures Photography
MA/MFA Photography Practice Photography
MA Psychodynamic Counselling & Psychotherapy Health Sciences
MA Public Relations, Advertising and Marketing Marketing
MA Research Architecture Architecture
MA/MFA Scriptwriting
MA Social Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
MA Social Work Social Work
MA Theatre, Performance and Participation Performing Arts
MA Understanding Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse (Distance Learning)
MA Visual Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
MA/MSc Virtual & Augmented Reality
MA Musical Theatre Performing Arts
MRes Advanced Practices
MRes English English Language Studies
MRes Media & Communication Communication Studies
MRes Research Methods in Psychology Psychology
MRes Visual Cultures
MSc/PGDip Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Health Sciences
MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Data Science & Analytics
MSc Foundations in Clinical Psychology & Health Services Clinical Psychology
MSc Music, Mind & Brain Music
MSc Psychology (Conversion) Psychology
MSc Psychology of the Arts, Neuroaesthetics & Creativity Health Sciences
MSc Social Research Social & Cultural Studies
MSc User Experience Engineering General Engineering
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
108 programmes
These 108 programmes group Goldsmiths University of London's shorter and preparatory qualifications together: associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and foundation courses that suit focused or transitional study.
Graduate Certificate Foundation in Art and Psychodynamic Thinking
Graduate Certificate Foundation in Dance Movement Psychotherapy Health Sciences
Graduate Certificate Humanistic & Psychodynamic Counselling Counselling & Psychotherapy
Graduate Diploma Contemporary Art History Art History
PGCert Digital Media – Theory Media Studies & Mass Media
PGCert Film and Screen Studies Film & Animation
PGCert Media & Communications Communication Studies
PGCert Political Communications Communication Studies
PGCert Promotional Media: Public Relations, Advertising & Marketing Marketing
PGCert Race, Media & Social Justice Law
PGDip Digital Media – Theory Media Studies & Mass Media
PGDip Film and Screen Studies Film & Animation
PGDip Media & Communications Communication Studies
PGDip Political Communications Communication Studies
PGDip Promotional Media: Public Relations, Advertising & Marketing Marketing
PGDip Race, Media & Social Justice Law
Digital Arts Computing Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Computer Science and Management Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Computing Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Computer Science (Software Engineering) Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Games Programming Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Games Programming (Integrated Degree) Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Business Computing and Entrepreneurship Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Business Computing (Systems Analysis) Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Economics with Econometrics Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Economics with Law Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Economics with Data Science Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Economics Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Economics with Marketing Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Politics Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Environment and Social Change Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
International Relations Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Politics and International Relations Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Politics and International Relations (with Integrated Foundation Year) Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Sociology Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Sociology (with Integrated Foundation Year) Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Social Work Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Social Work (with Integrated Foundation Year) Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Applied Social Science, Community Development and Youth Work Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Social and Community Work Social Sciences & Education 2 years On-campus
Anthropology with Foundation Year (Integrated Degree) Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Anthropology Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Anthropology, Media and Digital Practice Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Drama: Applied Theatre and Community Performance Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Sociology and Politics Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Criminology Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Anthropology and Sociology Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Politics, Philosophy, and Economics Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Anthropology and Media Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
History and Politics Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
History and Anthropology Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Law Law 3 years On-campus
Law with Economics Law 3 years On-campus
Law with Criminal Justice & Human Rights Law 3 years On-campus
Law with Politics and Human Rights Law 3 years On-campus
Business Management Business & Management 3 years On-campus
Arts Management Business & Management 3 years On-campus
Marketing Business & Management 3 years On-campus
Management with Economics Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Management with Marketing Business & Management 3 years On-campus
Management with Entrepreneurship Business & Management 3 years On-campus
Curating Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
Media and Communications Journalism & Media 3 years On-campus
Promotional Media: PR, Advertising and Branding Journalism & Media 3 years On-campus
Journalism Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Media & Communications, Journalism, and Promotional Media (including Foundation Year) Journalism & Media 4 years On-campus
Media and English Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
English Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
English (with Integrated Foundation Year) Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
English with Creative Writing Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
History with Foundation Year (Integrated Degree) Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
History Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
History with Global History Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
History with Public History Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
History of Art Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
History with Military History Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
History and Journalism Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
Fine Art and History of Art Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
Fine Art Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Fine Art (Extension Degree) Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Design Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Music Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Music with Foundation Year (Integrated Degree) Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Drama: Musical Theatre Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Popular Music Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Electronic Music, Computing and Technology with Foundation Year (Integrated Degree) Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Drama and Theatre Arts Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Drama and Theatre Arts with Design and Technical Practice Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Electronic Music, Computing and Technology Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Education Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Drama and Theatre Arts with Acting Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Anthropology & Visual Practice Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Sociology and Chinese Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Sociology with Criminology Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Business Computing and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year (Integrated Degree) Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Psychology with Forensic Psychology Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Applied Psychosocial and Psychotherapy Studies Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Psychology Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Psychology with Foundation Year (Integrated Degree) Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Psychology with Clinical Psychology Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Computer Science Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Computer Science with Foundation Year (Integrated Degree) Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Creative Computing with Foundation Year (Integrated Degree) Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence and Data Science) Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Creative Computing Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Computer Science (Cybersecurity) Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Computer Science (User Experience) Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Goldsmiths University of London
Five steps that capture how most applications to Goldsmiths University of London flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Goldsmiths University of London runs 220 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Before applying to Goldsmiths University of London, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United Kingdom.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Goldsmiths University of London's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Lodge your application through the official website (www.gold.ac.uk). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (20) 7919 7171. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Goldsmiths University of London
Common questions students ask about Goldsmiths University of London — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.
When was Goldsmiths University of London founded?
Goldsmiths University of London was established in 1891 (approximately 135 years ago).
Where is Goldsmiths University of London located?
Goldsmiths University of London is located in London, United Kingdom.
What is Goldsmiths University of London's control type?
Goldsmiths University of London is a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at Goldsmiths University of London?
Student enrolment at Goldsmiths University of London is around 9,000-9,999.
What is Goldsmiths University of London's ranking?
Goldsmiths University of London is ranked #1538 globally and #96 in United Kingdom.
What programmes are available at Goldsmiths University of London?
Goldsmiths University of London offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How is Goldsmiths University of London organised academically?
Goldsmiths University of London has 18 academic units.
Is Goldsmiths University of London officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from Privy Council.
What is Goldsmiths University of London's official website?
You can find Goldsmiths University of London online at www.gold.ac.uk.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom
Selectivity at the top the United Kingdom universities sets admissions baseline expectations for students applying to Goldsmiths University of London. The selectivity gap between Goldsmiths University of London and the leaders below tells you about admissions context.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Coordination on academic calendars among European University Association (EUA) members eases exchange programme logistics. Aligned terms reduce timing friction when moving between Goldsmiths University of London and other members.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Cost of living varies meaningfully across cities and towns hosting the universities below. Even within a single region, accommodation and transit costs can differ by 30–50%.
Where Else to Study Social Sciences & Education
Industry partnership exclusives on Social Sciences & Education programmes vary — some the United Kingdom institutions hold sponsored chairs, others run rotating industry guest-teaching arrangements.
Universities Often Compared with Goldsmiths University of London
Faculty mobility between Goldsmiths University of London and peer institutions is common — academics often move within a comparable tier. This signals shared academic standards and salary structures.
