Information for students from Jamaica

Undergraduate

You make your application through UCAS, an online application system (link to UCAS). The system allows you to choose up to five different universities and apply with one application. 

Applications open on 1 September for entry the following September. The normal closing date is 26 January, but some courses will accept applications until 30 June. You are advised to apply as early as possible as courses have limited places.

You should refer to individual programme pages (link to course finder) to see whether your course has any additional application requirements. Applications are usually assessed within two months and can be managed online via UCAS.

Once we've made a decision on your application you'll receive either an unconditional offer, a conditional offer or a rejection. Find out more about what these offers mean in our video:

Postgraduate

For the majority of postgraduate programmes you can apply via our website. Simply click the ‘apply now’ button on your chosen programme page. Some programmes have different application procedures, so always check the programme page (link to course finder) before making your application. 

Once we've made a decision on your application you'll receive either an unconditional offer, a conditional offer or a rejection. Find out more about what these offers mean in our video: 

What to include in your application

As well as information about your education history, and the course you’re choosing, you’ll also need to provide a personal statement as part of your application. This is your chance to explain how your academic experience is relevant to the course you want to study. You’ll also have an opportunity to tell us about relevant extracurricular activities you’ve taken part in and how they make you stand out.

Find out more about what to include in your personal statement at undergraduate and postgraduate level: 

English language requirements

Non-native speakers of English need to be able to demonstrate the required level of English language competence to enrol on our programmes. Find out more about our English language requirements.

Undergraduate

For direct entry onto our undergraduate programmes you’ll need A-levels, an International Baccalaureate or a recognised Access or Foundation course. We will also accept applicants with Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exams. Please see individual programme pages for specific entrance requirements.

When we consider your application we’ll assess your test scores and academic grades alongside your personal statement, reference letter and extracurricular activities. 

Postgraduate

Postgraduate taught

For entry to postgraduate programmes you will normally need a Bachelors degree in relevant subject. Refer to individual course pages to see whether there are any additional application requirements.

Research degrees

You will normally need to have completed a Masters degree in a subject relevant to your proposed postgraduate study. There may also be other specific entrance requirements. You can refer to individual course pages to find out what these are.

Programmes for international students

We offer courses that have been specifically designed for international students. You may want to consider these if you don’t meet the entry requirements for our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. These will help you with your English language and academic skills and are run by our English Language Centre.

Find out more about the courses we offer.

Study Abroad

Normally, you will need to have been attending university for at least 1 year. Find out more about the programme on our Study Abroad pages.

Fees

Find out more about our fees.

Scholarships and bursaries

Goldsmiths has a series of scholarships for international students applying for postgraduate and research programmes.  If you’re an alumni you may also be eligible for discounted fees. For further information, please use our scholarships finder.

Find out more about applying for a visa 

We regularly host open days and campus tours. If you’re unable to visit Goldsmiths in person then we also run regular online events, including webinars, virtual tours and chat sessions.

There are a sizeable Jamaican community in London, especially centred around South London. Because of this Jamaican students generally find it easy to transition to life in the city, but if you’re struggling then we can offer a whole range of support. This includes PAL (our student led mentor scheme), and our on-site Careers Service and Counselling Service. Find out more about the support we offer.

Take a look at how some of our students have adjusted to life in the UK:

Healthcare

You are eligible for NHS healthcare if you are enrolled on a full time course lasting six months or longer. Please ensure you register with a local GP. The nearest hospital is Lewisham hospital.

Feeling homesick?

Food and drink

Caribbean food is extremely popular in London and there are a huge number of restaurants and cafes where you can satisfy your cravings, including Cummin’ Up next to New Cross Gate station. The Evening Standard has produced a list of their favourite Jamaican restaurants in London.

If you want to cook at home then you’ll find that basic Jamaican ingredients can be bought in the larger UK supermarkets. After something more specialist? There are plenty of Caribbean grocery stores and market stalls in Deptford, Lewisham and Peckham, all of which are a ten-minute bus ride from campus. 

Celebrations

Because of the large Caribbean population in London there are always places to celebrate traditional Caribbean cultural events. Europe’s largest street party - the Notting Hill Carnival – takes place every summer with parades, music and food offering a celebration of African and Caribbean culture. Over a million people take part in the carnival each year. 

African Caribbean society

Goldsmiths has an African Caribbean society that promotes African and Caribbean culture through events, parties, film screenings and performances.