GOLDSMITHS, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON 

Goldsmiths, University of London is best known for its long history of generating world leading creative thinkers – from artists and writers to psychologists and musicians. The London campus offers space for self-discovery; teachers and alumni are regular features on the Turner Prize shortlist, and students work with expert teaching staff and visiting lecturers from around the globe. Inspired by the local community, Goldsmiths’ students will analyse their chosen subject through a critical lens, equipping them with the skills and network to move forward in the world post university.  
 

STUDY AT GOLDSMITHS, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON  

Goldsmiths is located in South East London, just a 10-minute train ride from the center of one of the world’s most exciting cities! With 9,000 students from over 140 different countries all based in the New Cross campus, there is huge opportunity for interdisciplinary networking and crossover. Teachers are experts in their field, and research by Goldsmiths staff and students continues to have an active impact on the society we live in – recent research conducted by the psychology department has informed how criminals and witnesses are interviewed by authorities during investigations. Goldsmiths offers many traditional subjects, with a twist – students will cast a critical eye over classic themes and learn how to approach questions from untraditional angles. Aside from its reputation for creative and teaching excellence, Goldsmiths’ student voice is among the most powerful in the UK. The Student Union is extremely active, and students are wholly encouraged to speak up about matters that are important to them. The entire ethos of the university is based on the idea that everyone there is free to be exactly who they want to be, making for a student population who can thrive as they contribute to the local community and beyond. 
 

HISTORY OF GOLDSMITHS, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON 

Goldsmiths was founded in 1891 and is part of the University of London. They are a world-leading institution for arts, humanities and social science education and creativity influences everything that they do from economics to computing and creative entrepreneurship. They have a fantastic graduate careers record; alumni include seven Turner Prize-winners and recipients of Oscars, Mercury Music prizes, Ivor Novellos, Brits and BAFTAS amongst others. 
 

SPECIALIST AREAS AT GOLDSMITHS 

The flagship course at Goldsmiths is Fine Art, with a proven track record of producing some of the world’s leading figures in the art world. From day one, students get their own studio space in the state-of-the-art Ben Pimlott building, which is designed to make the most of the natural light cast through the floor to ceiling windows. On both the art and design courses, trained technicians help students to bring their ideas to life.  

Meanwhile, the music and drama departments also continue to go from strength to strength; a graduate from the electronic music course won a Brit Award in 2025 for his work on Charli XCX’s album, Brat, and the theatre courses benefit from teachers who have trained on London’s West End.  

Computing and business courses at Goldsmiths equip students with the skills and knowledge to move forward in their chosen field, and with many courses offering work placements or a year in industry, students can make the most of London’s thriving and diverse job market.  

Meanwhile, more traditional courses such as psychology, law and journalism benefit from the array of teaching staff and students with international backgrounds and different professional perspectives.   
 

LIFE ON CAMPUS 

Goldsmiths University is a close-knit community that comes from every corner of the world, which makes for a diverse learning experience (and plenty of stimulating conversation)!  

They’re based on a single-site campus in New Cross, a vibrant neighbourhood in South East London. You get the best of both worlds – a campus style university life just minutes from the heart of this great global and cultural city. Make the most of plenty of study spaces across the different buildings, grab a coffee in one of the many cafes, mooch in the on-campus gallery or picnic in the sun on the College Green! In the local area, you have your pick of cuisines, bars and music venues, as well as numerous transport links including train, bus and overground to locations across London.  
 

STUDENT SUPPORT AT GOLDSMITHS 

From the first year, students are assigned a personal tutor who will act as their point of contact for academic support throughout their degree – this is usually a member of teaching staff from your course. There are three locations on campus where students can access practical and wellbeing support 24 hours a day. Students can also book an appointment with a wellbeing adviser for advice and support on personal, emotional or mental health issues. The Visa and Compliance team are on hand for any concerns linked to visas, while the IT support team can help students with any problems they may face.  
 

GOLDSMITHS FACILITIES  

Just some of the buildings and facilities you'll find at Goldsmiths include: 

  • The Goldsmiths library, with over a quarter of a million books
  • Clubpulse, a low-cost gym open to students and the public
  • The Great Hall in the Richard Hoggart Building, which hosts events, concerts and their Presentation Ceremonies
  • The backfield, offering leafy green space in South East London
  • Multiple on-site cafes, restaurants and a Student Union bar
  • The Professor Stuart Hall Building with its state-of-the-art Media facilities
  • The newly opened Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art. Opened in September 2018, the CCA will host world-class exhibitions by international artists as well as providing a space for established and emergent practices 

Goldsmiths Students' Union offers a huge variety of sports societies, both recreational and competitive. The campus has tennis and netball courts and a large backfield perfect for football. 

Theatre students can benefit from a 160-seat theatre, four performance studios, scenography workshop, and wardrobe and props stores. There is also a media studio for video and sound editing, and specialist technicians on-site for support. 

Psychology has a plethora of testing spaces, including a specially designed forensic interview suite, an EEG Suite and a SleepLab. 

Media and Communications students enjoy the use of a digital and analogue acquisition for time-based media and photography, radio and TV studios, photography studios, digital video and audio editing equipment. They also have access to ENPS facilities, animation and image manipulation software and hardware, traditional darkrooms and computer rooms for student production. 

All Design students have their own dedicated studio space within the Department and there are electronics for prototyping circuits as well as workshop facilities, a computing suite, a textile studio and a dark room. 

The Electronic Music Studios comprises a suite of working areas for undergraduate and postgraduate students wishing to explore the creative potential of studio equipment & audio software in relation to composition, live electronics, interactive performance, sound-art, acoustic ecology and research. The Department of Music also benefits from suites of practice rooms and a recital hall (with its majestic Steinway Model D concert piano). 

In Art you'll also have nine specialist research laboratories at your disposal: casting, constructed textiles, digital media, fine art printmaking, metalwork, photography, print and dye, stitch and fabric, woodwork. 
 

SPORTS AND SOCIETIES AT GOLDSMITHS 

Goldsmiths’ Student Union is highly active and has a very powerful voice which new students are always welcome to get involved with. As a registered charity, the SU can also offer professional support to students as well as helping to improve the educational experience for every person at Goldsmiths.  

The diverse range of clubs and societies can be found and if you don’t see the club you fancy, there is ample opportunity to start one up yourself.  
 

ACCOMMODATION AT GOLDSMITHS 

Applications for Goldsmiths accommodation usually open in June, and you will be given two-three weeks to apply. International students are guaranteed accommodation if they apply within the deadline. The University has over 1,400 rooms available; most halls are located within a 30-minute walk from campus – which in London is no mean feat! - and there is even an on campus site for those who like to roll out of bed and into class! Meanwhile, there is also support available to help you find alternative accommodation and there are a number of private halls of residence in the local area.    
 

INTERNATIONAL FOCUS  

Goldsmiths is a hugely international university, with about 20% of the student population made up of international students, not to mention the diverse nationalities of the teaching and professional staff. This gives each and every course and student the chance to benefit from a wide range of experience, background and perspective, allowing students to move forward with a wide-reaching understanding of their subject from different points of view. Students come from over 140 different countries, so the university is well represented on a global scale. The international focus permeates the courses too; for example, on the law course students will learn about different legal systems around the world, while the MA Film course tries to gather students with a range of life experience and backgrounds to enrich the students learning.  
 

INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS 

With a huge number of Goldsmiths’ academic staff working as professionals in their chosen field, the industry connections at the University are extremely wide-reaching. On many courses, work experience placements and internship modules are offered as options; students will be required to find the placements themselves with the support of academic staff. Being in London, there is amazing access to almost every industry possible, giving students a great chance to take their first steps into the world of work in a thriving professional landscape.  
 

STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERNSHIPS 

Study abroad is available for many different courses, in a wide range of countries. The Global Mobility Team at Goldsmiths has established a number of connections with universities across the world.  
 

EMPLOYABILITY AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES 

Eight out of ten Goldsmiths students go into highly skilled work or further study. In recent years graduates have secured placements at the Tate, Sony, British Council, the BBC, Channel 4, Alexander McQueen, Google, Deloitte and Apple to name but a few.  
 

STUDY IN LONDON 

Studying in London offers students unparalleled access to world-class education, vibrant cultural experiences, and a dynamic job market. As a global hub for business, the arts, media, and technology, the city provides countless opportunities for internships, networking, and career advancement which Goldsmiths’ connections can enhance further. London and Goldsmiths’ diverse population fosters a rich multicultural environment, allowing students to connect with people from all over the world and gain global perspectives. With historic landmarks, renowned museums, and a buzzing social scene, life in London extends well beyond the classroom, offering a truly immersive and inspiring student experience. 
 

WHY STUDY AT THE GOLDSMITHS 

At Goldsmiths, different is what they do. The university is renowned for its distinctive approach to education, encouraging students to think critically, express themselves freely, and engage with contemporary issues. The university's commitment to radical and innovative thinking is reflected in its diverse academic offerings, which span across many different departments.  

The university's strong emphasis on employability ensures that students are well-prepared for their future careers. With 80% of undergraduates entering highly skilled work or further study after graduation, Goldsmiths' dedicated careers service, industry connections, and placement opportunities provide invaluable support. 

In summary, studying at Goldsmiths means becoming part of a dynamic, creative, and supportive community in one of the world's most exciting cities. If you're seeking an education that challenges conventions and prepares you for a meaningful career, Goldsmiths offers an experience unlike any other. 
 

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE?

The information on this page has been submitted by the higher education institution itself. If you want to know more, get in touch and one of our student advisors will answer all your questions!

Across the Pond is this university’s official representative for selected countries around the world which, depending on where you are from, means we can help you apply to its courses as well as with gathering all the documents needed to submit an application. We can normally offer a speedier route to help you since the institution is hugely popular and receives enquiries from all around the world on a daily basis. We also have close ties with the university’s international facing staff and as such can explain your grades, your academic background and the educational system in your home country. Our partner universities appreciate that students who apply through Across the Pond get the help they need, not only in terms of submitting the application and supporting documents, but also with everything leading up to arrival in the UK, such as student accommodation, visa and funding information as well as preparing for departure to the UK.

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FACTS ABOUT GOLDSMITHS 

Established: 1891 

Location: London, England 

Population of around 9 million: Approximately 8.9 million people live in London 

Closest airport: London City Airport is about 30 minutes away by tube, and Gatwick is about 60 minutes away by train. Heathrow is between 60 (Heathrow Express) and 90 (tube) minutes away. Stansted is about 75 minutes away and Luton about 90 minutes away, both by train.  

Student population: Around 9,000 

International students: Around 2,000 international students  

Nationalities on campus: Students from over 140 different countries  

Employability rate: 80% of graduates move on to highly skilled work after graduating  
 

AREAS OF EXPERTISE/CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE 

  • Art and Design
  • Musical Theatre
  • Media and Communications  
     

FUN FACTS 

  • Goldsmiths has been ranked in the top 3 in the UK for producing business founders
  • Goldsmiths' students and staff have made up over 50 nominees and 7 winners for the Turner Prize, while others have won Baftas, Brits and the Booker Prize
  • Goldsmiths was the first Student Union to have a licensed bar in the whole of the UK – and the power of the student voice continues to this very day 
     

WHY CHOOSE GOLDSMITHS, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON? 

  • Unique view of traditional courses – students at Goldsmiths will approach subjects from many different angles
  • Goldsmiths is relatively small, with an international and well-connected teaching staff, allowing for students to get to know their teachers and build a network beyond university
  • The campus is located in Southeast London, meaning all students get the chance to study in one place in one of the coolest parts of the city, while still being to reach the centre by train in just 10-minutes – the best of both worlds! 
     

NOTABLE ALUMNI 

  • Vivienne Westwood
  • Steve McQueen (director of 12 Years A Slave)
  • Damien Hirst
  • A.G. Cook (won a Brit Award for his work on Charli XCX’s album Brat 
     

GOLDSMITH UNIVERSITY RANKINGS 

  • Number 26 in the world for Performing Arts
  • 1st in UK for student satisfaction in Law
  • Communication and Media Studies 22nd in the world
  • Art and Design 37th in the world  
     
Ben
History, Goldsmiths, University of London

In UK universities you are given more responsibility from day one. In an undergraduate setting a class will be broken into two sections, you will have a lecture lead by a more senior academic that will have 50 people in it. Then you will… Read more

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