Information for students from the USA

Here’s our guide to studying at Goldsmiths for students from the USA. You'll be able to find everything from completing your application to adjusting to life in the UK.

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Undergraduate

You make your application through UCAS, an online application system. 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 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 before making your application. 

Summer schools

Goldsmiths offers a variety of summer schools for international students. Find out more about our summer school programme.

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 or postgraduate level:

 

 

All applications are usually considered on individual merit and we accept a wide variety of qualifications from all over the world.

Undergraduate 

Goldsmiths welcomes applications from students with US qualifications. You do not need to take UK exams to study at Goldsmiths, and our admissions team will review your US qualifications and establish equivalences at the point of application. 

Goldsmiths operates on both a test optional and test flexible admissions policy. Students who currently have, or will have, test results are welcome to submit them for consideration as part of their application. However, students who are unable to submit test results will not be disadvantaged. When making admissions decisions, Goldsmiths uses a holistic review process, taking a variety of factors into account including your personal statement, letter of reference, extracurricular activities, test scores, and academic grades. On some programmes, portfolios, auditions, or subject-specific grades are also required.

For High School applicants, Goldsmiths requires the following academic qualifications in one of two options:

A high school diploma with a GPA 3.0 or higher (unweighted) plus one of the following: 

  • ACT with a composite score of 26,
  • or two advanced placement (AP) tests with a score of 3 or higher,
  • or SAT 1240 overall (with a minimum of 580 in Math and 620 in Evidence-based Reading and Writing)

Or

A high school diploma with a GPA 3.3 or higher (unweighted) with grades of A and B in honours- or advanced-level courses, advanced placement (AP) classes, HL/SL IB certificates, or dual enrollment within the context of your high school’s curriculum.

For International Baccalaureate applicants, Goldsmiths requires the full IB Diploma with an overall score of 33 points with Higher Level courses at 6,5,5.

We utilize AP, IB, and SAT/ACT test results for admissions purposes only. No advanced entry or course credit will be awarded. We will superscore both the ACT and the SAT.

Our four-digit college code for CollegeBoard is 7674 and our four-digit college code for ACT is 5310.

Transfer Students 

For Community College or University transfer applicants, Goldsmiths requires the following academic qualifications:

At least one year of university-level coursework (30 US university credits, or equivalent) with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Standardized test scores are not required if you have completed one year of university-level coursework, including in a dual enrollment context.

You may also be considered for advanced entry to some of our undergraduate programmes if you have completed a period of study at a U.S. University or Community College. Normally, students who have completed 2 years at the undergraduate level are eligible to apply for year 2 entry, but this will depend on your chosen programme and the coursework you have already completed. Please contact the international team for more details. Please note that not all programmes allow second year entry.

Postgraduate

For entry to postgraduate programmes you will normally need a Bachelor’s degree in a subject relevant to your proposed area of postgraduate study. Test scores such as the GRE are not required. Specific entrance requirements (including portfolios) and application deadlines may also apply in some subjects. Please refer to individual course pages to find out what these are.

For any questions about academic qualifications, please contact our New York City-based recruitment officer, Will Abraham.

Study Abroad

Normally, you will need to have been attending university for at least 1 year and have a GPA of at least 3.0. If you have a lower GPA we may still consider you, particularly if you’ve worked previously in that subject area. Find out more on our study abroad pages.

Fees

Find out more about our fees, and about funding for students from the USA.

Scholarships and bursaries

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

Find out more about applying for a visa.

The International team visits the USA at least twice a year to take part in higher education events, deliver presentations, interview potential applicants and catch up with local alumni. If you’re unable to visit Goldsmiths in person then these events are your chance to meet us in your home country.

For queries, please contact Will Abraham, your New York City-based regional representative. He can provide you with information about studying at Goldsmiths and can assist with the application process.

 

Generally Americans find it easy to transition to life in London, 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. Counselling Service

MA in Promotional Media: Public Relations, Advertising & Marketing student Mackenzie, who is from America, talks about the differences between studying in the USA and 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?

Celebrations
Many London-based Americans still celebrate traditional American holidays so it’s easy to find somewhere to mark events like 4th of July and Thanksgiving. Check Time Out London for listings.

Places of worship
London caters for members of all faiths, and celebrates all of the major religious festivals. To find out more bout places of worship visit www.cityvisitor.co.uk/southeastlondon/placesofworship

Photo of Maggie Sava

Maggie Sava

What I enjoyed most about the MA Contemporary Art Theory degree was being able to participate in additional lectures and events outside of classes as well as the public programme planned by the Visual Cultures department.

Take a tour of campus