Goldsmiths, University of London

Overview

Goldsmiths is part of the world-recognised University of London and is based on a single-site campus in New Cross, South East London. Goldsmiths has been around since 1891 and has a strong reputation for degrees covering the arts, media, humanities, social sciences, computing, management and law.

Internationally renowned for a creative and innovative approach to teaching and research, Goldsmiths offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and English language courses in subjects covering arts and humanities, social sciences, cultural studies, computing, and entrepreneurial business and management. With about 10,000 students from 140 countries, the University provides a welcoming and broad-minded environment for studying in London. Students at Goldsmiths will be encouraged to explore subjects in fresh and creative ways. They will be able to experience university life in a friendly and supportive community, and will benefit from being in London – voted one of the best student cities in the world.

Nine former students have won the prestigious Turner Prize (with 26 nominated) and the University was the starting point of the Young British Artist movement of artists in the 1990s. Other alumni can be found in all aspects of media and arts, from music to writing, such as Blur and Damien Hirst.

Services for International Students

Goldsmiths, University of London has 10,000 students coming from over 140 countries making the institution one of the most diverse universities in the UK. From the day you enquire, you will have your own International Recruitment Officer who will be on hand to answer any questions you may have as you progress through the application process. You will feel at home from your first day at Goldsmiths starting with Welcome Week – a chance to explore the university, and the facilities, and meet other students before the programmes begin.

The Student Services department is on hand throughout the year to support students with any needs they have, which includes our Wellbeing and Disability support teams. Goldsmiths also offer free in-sessional language support to any student studying with us – so if you need English language support, for example with an essay or presentation during your programme, you can visit the Centre for Academic Language and Literacies.

Ranking

• 80th in the Times University Guide 2025
• 109th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
• 681-690th in the QS World University Rankings 2025

Research Excellence Framework 2021

In the REF 2021, Goldsmiths saw 4* “world-leading" research across departments including:

• Anthropology – 11th
• Art, Design and Visual Cultures – 21st
• Media, Communications and Cultural Studies – 4th
• Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies – 20th
• Sociology – 14th

Accommodation

All international students are given priority for University accommodation throughout their degree. Goldsmiths have six separate blocks of university approved accommodation within five minutes of the main campus, while there are five further blocks which are available via a private provider. In total there are around 1,400 places available.  

Every hall also has a team of staff nearby, including administrative staff, Resident Assistants, and security.

Location

Goldsmiths is situated in New Cross, an area of South East London only ten minutes by train from the city centre. It has been described by the New York Times as a “hub for creative talent” and was recently voted the best place to rent in South East London. Beautiful areas like Greenwich are only twenty minutes’ walk from the campus and the rest of London is easily reached by train.

Alumni

• Damien Hirst (Artist)
• Steve McQueen (Director)
• Princess Beatrice of York
• Damon Albarn (Blur)
• Lucien Freud (Painter)