Goldsmiths, University of London

Goldsmiths, University of London is a public research university and a constituent college of the University of London. It was established in 1891 as The Goldsmiths' Technical and Recreative Institute by the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. In 1904, it became part of the University of London and was renamed Goldsmiths' College. The university is located in New Cross, London.

Goldsmiths specialises in arts, design, humanities, social sciences, and computing. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Research (MPhil/PhD) programmes. The Department of Art is well known, with alumni in contemporary visual arts. Media and Communications is ranked among the best in the UK. Computing covers areas such as Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Games Development. The Department of Music includes composition, sonic arts, and performance. Other fields include Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, Law, Education, Politics, and Business Management.

Goldsmiths has 9,350 students (2022/23), with 5,425 undergraduates and 3,925 postgraduates. Around 37% of students are from outside the UK. The campus includes the Richard Hoggart Building, originally the Royal Naval School, and modern buildings like the Ben Pimlott Building and the Professor Stuart Hall Building.

Goldsmiths is affiliated with Universities UK and the Association of Commonwealth Universities. It ranks 681–690 globally (QS World Rankings). The Students' Union supports clubs, societies, and sports activities. Notable alumni include Damien Hirst, Steve McQueen, and Mary Quant.

The university offers various scholarships and accommodation options. International students make up a significant portion of the student body. Goldsmiths aims to maintain its focus on research, creativity, and academic excellence.

Goldsmiths, University of London was established in 1891 as The Goldsmiths' Technical and Recreative Institute by the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. The institute was founded in New Cross, London, at the site of the former Royal Naval School. It was created to provide technical education and skills to the working-class population. The institution aimed to promote knowledge and vocational training in a wide range of disciplines.

In 1904, the institute became part of the University of London and was renamed Goldsmiths' College. At this stage, it became the largest teacher training institution in the country, providing courses for teachers and refresher training programmes. It later expanded its focus to include the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and specialist art teacher courses. Shortly after its incorporation into the University of London, a new Arts building was added in 1907, designed by architect Sir Reginald Blomfield.

During the Second World War, students and faculty were evacuated to the University of Nottingham to ensure continuity of education. The main building suffered heavy damage in 1940 when an incendiary bomb destroyed part of the structure. Repairs were completed by 1947, and the college resumed its full operations. By the 1960s, Goldsmiths experienced significant growth. Student numbers increased, and the institution expanded its reputation in the arts and social sciences. New buildings, including Warmington Tower, Whitehead Building, Lockwood Building, and St James's Hall, were constructed to support the growing student body. The university also acquired Deptford Town Hall and Laurie Grove Baths, which remain part of the campus today.

Goldsmiths became a full college of the University of London in 1988 and was awarded a Royal Charter in 1990. This change gave it greater academic independence and recognition. In 1993, the college removed the apostrophe from its name, becoming simply Goldsmiths College, and in 2006, it rebranded as Goldsmiths, University of London. The institution continued to develop new academic departments and research centres.

In 2018, Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA) was opened in the former boiler house and public laundry of Laurie Grove Baths. The university also introduced sustainability initiatives in 2019, removing all beef products from sale and adding charges on plastic bottles and single-use cups as part of its carbon reduction plan.

Goldsmiths, University of London has faced financial difficulties in recent years. In 2019, the university announced the “Evolving Goldsmiths” plan to cut costs by 15% through faculty reductions and administrative centralisation. Faculty and student groups opposed the plan, arguing that it failed to address underlying financial challenges. In 2021, Goldsmiths introduced a recovery plan that included eliminating 52 academic and staff positions. The administration cited declining student enrolments and the financial impact of COVID-19 as reasons for cost-cutting measures.

In 2024, Goldsmiths introduced the "Transformation Programme", aiming to reduce 132 full-time positions, or 17% of all staff. Some departments were expected to lose up to 50% of their faculty. The programme sought to stabilise the institution’s finances. Critics expressed concern that these changes could alter the university’s academic structure and culture. The Goldsmiths University and College Union (UCU) opposed the redundancies, arguing that voluntary resignations and unfilled vacancies had already saved enough money. In August 2024, UCU announced that it had prevented compulsory redundancies for the 2024/25 academic year.

Despite financial challenges, Goldsmiths remains an important institution within the University of London. It is known for its focus on art, media, humanities, and social sciences. The university continues to offer a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, attracting students from the UK and abroad. Goldsmiths has maintained its reputation for research and academic contributions while adapting to financial and administrative changes. It remains a member of Universities UK, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, and other academic bodies.

Goldsmiths, University of London offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research courses across different disciplines. The university is known for its focus on arts, humanities, social sciences, computing, and business. Each department provides specialised courses designed to develop both academic knowledge and practical skills.

The Department of Art offers BA Fine Art and BA Fine Art & History of Art. Students learn different artistic techniques and theory while developing their own creative practice. The department also provides MA Fine Art, where students can specialise in areas such as painting, sculpture, and digital art.

The Department of Design provides BA Design, focusing on innovation, problem-solving, and sustainability. Postgraduate courses include MA Design: Expanded Practice, which allows students to explore interaction design, social innovation, and product design.

The Department of Computing offers BSc Computer Science, BSc Games Programming, BSc Data Science, and BSc Creative Computing. These courses cover areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, virtual reality, and machine learning. The department also has MSc courses in Computational Arts, Data Science, and User Experience Engineering.

The Media, Communications, and Cultural Studies Department is one of the most well-known at Goldsmiths. It offers BA Media & Communications, BA Journalism, and BA Digital Media, where students learn about television, film, radio, and digital platforms. Postgraduate courses include MA Filmmaking, MA Journalism, MA Cultural Studies, and MA Brands, Communication & Culture.

The Department of Music provides BMus Music, covering composition, performance, and music technology. The university also offers MA Creative Practice, MMus Popular Music, and MA Musicology. The department has two recording studios and supports experimental and electronic music.

The Department of Theatre and Performance offers BA Drama & Theatre Arts and BA Performance, Politics & Society. These courses focus on acting, directing, playwriting, and stage production. At the postgraduate level, MA Applied Theatre and MA Performance Making are available.

The Department of Anthropology provides BA Anthropology, which studies human societies, cultures, and traditions. There are also options like BA Anthropology & Media and BA Anthropology & Sociology. Postgraduate students can take MA Social Anthropology, MA Visual Anthropology, and MA Migration & Mobility.

The Department of English & Creative Writing offers BA English, BA Creative Writing, and BA English & Comparative Literature. These courses cover literature, poetry, fiction, and non-fiction writing. At the postgraduate level, students can pursue MA Creative & Life Writing and MA Literary Studies.

The Department of Psychology offers BSc Psychology, which is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). The course covers cognitive, social, and clinical psychology. Postgraduate options include MSc Occupational Psychology and MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

The Institute for Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship (ICCE) provides BA Arts Management and BA Marketing. Postgraduate courses include MA Social Entrepreneurship and MA Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship.

The Department of Politics & International Relations offers BA Politics, BA International Relations, and BA Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE). These courses cover political theory, governance, and international affairs. The postgraduate options include MA Global Political Economy and MA Human Rights, Culture & Social Justice.

The Department of Educational Studies offers BA Education, Culture & Society, preparing students for careers in teaching, policy, and social work. The department also provides PGCE Primary and Secondary Education, which qualifies students to become teachers.

The Department of History provides BA History, covering European, global, and cultural history. Postgraduate courses include MA Black British History and MA Queer History.

Goldsmiths also offers MPhil and PhD research programmes in most disciplines, allowing students to conduct independent academic research.

• QS World University Rankings 2025: Ranked 681–690 globally.
• QS World Rankings by Subject: Ranked 16th for specific subject areas.
• QS Sustainability Ranking 2025: Ranked 951–960.
• Times Higher Education (THE) World Rankings 2025: Ranked 501–600.
• Europe University Rankings - Northern Europe: Ranked 104th.
• Media and Communications: Ranked 2nd in the UK and 11th globally (2023 QS Subject Rankings).
• Art and Design: Ranked 15th in the UK (QS Rankings 2021).
• Performing Arts, Sociology, and Anthropology: Ranked in the top 50 globally (QS Rankings 2021).

Goldsmiths, University of London has a strong job integration rate, with around 80% of undergraduate students moving into high-skilled jobs or further studies after graduation. The university offers career support, internships, and industry placements to help students gain work experience. Goldsmiths has partnerships with leading companies in media, arts, technology, and business, providing placement opportunities. The Careers Service assists students with CV writing, job applications, and interview preparation. The university also runs entrepreneurship programmes to support start-ups. Many graduates secure jobs in creative industries, education, research, and business.

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