Known internationally for creativity and innovation – a reputation based on the highest academic standards – Goldsmiths University of London excels in the humanities such as design, arts, communication, social sciences, visual cultures, music and entrepreneurship. In 2017, the Media and Communications department was named the second best in the UK, ranking eighth in the world.
The university was founded in 1891 in south east London with the aim of promoting education among the working class in the area. In 1904 it became part of the University of London, experiencing high student numbers in the 1960s.
Currently, the university has more than 8,000 students. Of these, 20% are international students from over 140 countries and 52% of undergraduate students are over 21 years old. Goldsmiths seeks unconventional approaches to the subjects taught, making it ideal for those who want to take interdisciplinary, creative and professional courses.
The university has 19 academic departments, including Art, Design, Sociology, Cultural Studies, Anthropology, Music, Educational Studies and Comparative Literature. It ranks among the top 25 UK universities for quality research, according to Research Excellence Framework data, and is consistently among the UK's top rankings, recognizing its contribution to international research thanks to its innovative and interdisciplinary attitude.
The campus is located in London's Zone 2, just 10 minutes from the center. Goldsmiths is one of the few universities in London to concentrate all its departments and other facilities on one campus, with no need to travel around the city. “There is always something going on on campus, from end-of-year presentations to interesting performances, exhibitions and lectures throughout the school year. There is never a dull moment at Goldsmiths,” says Hannah Lines, the university's International Recruitment Manager.
“This is a very interdisciplinary university, which means you won't be stuck in just one department, you can take subjects from different departments across campus, so you have diversity in your experience and learning,” he continues.
Lines expresses that the location of the campus, already outside the city center, is a great advantage for students in terms of accommodation prices, as the area does not have expensive rents, unlike the heart of London. “International students constantly worry about the cost of living in London, but New Cross [the university's district] is an affordable area of London to live in. House prices are cheaper, there are supermarkets and markets with affordable fresh food and a variety of bars, cafes and independent restaurants, as well as galleries, museums and cinemas cheaper than for those who live and study in the center”.
Goldsmiths is recognized for being free-thinking and independent, both as an institution and among its students, providing an environment that is encouraging and receptive to new ideas. A number of world-renowned artists have passed through it, such as Damien Hurst, Lucian Freud, Antony Gormley and director Steve McQueen. Also among the alumni are founding members of rock band Blur, Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon.
“Goldsmiths is a very liberal and inclusive place, so we are looking for like-minded students for work and socialization. We want someone who goes beyond just attending classes at school or university and who turns in their work on time, we want someone who seeks to improve their knowledge outside the classroom as well”, explains the International Recruitment Manager.
In terms of applying for Goldsmiths, Lines is categorical: “We seek an application with a more academic focus than those who talk about personal accomplishments in sports or other clubs/societies. We want to know why you are applying for this particular course, what made you interested in it, what you want to achieve with this degree and what successes you can achieve in this area”.
She also emphasizes the importance of being original when writing the personal statement, using your own words rather than quoting a famous person. “Evaluators have to read millions of texts and they will most likely have already read the same quote reused in multiple applications, which can get very repetitive. You are your best representative, so speak for yourself about your achievements and passion for the subject.”
At interview time, reviewers look for someone who is confident in communicating and who is ready to talk about themselves, their work, their ideas and their knowledge of Goldsmiths and the course. “We want you to look as confident and relaxed as possible!” says Lines.
