Goldsmiths University of London
London, United Kingdom • Founded 1891 • World Rank #1538
Updated May 2026
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.
220 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom
Honours Degree 92 programmes
Showing 10 of 92.
Master of Philosophy 32 programmes
Showing 10 of 32.
Master's Degree 80 programmes
Showing 10 of 80.
Postgraduate Certificate 9 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 7 programmes
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 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.
Studying in United Kingdom: guides and resources
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