How we are processing applications in 2022

With lots of change in the world, you may be feeling anxious about how we are considering your application, or you may have other questions about our entry requirements. We are following the guidance from the relevant government bodies (Office for Students, Department of Education) and UCAS about how to process applications, but most important to us is making sure we give every application fair consideration.

A-levels and other UK qualifications

Following on from the recent changes in the last year, we are aware of the disruption that has been caused to applicants during the pandemic and will take this into account when processing your application.

If you feel your grades are not a reflection of your ability, you can submit a mitigating circumstances claim, preferably with a supporting statement from your school/college/university or other evidence to admissions-confidential@gold.ac.uk. We will give some consideration to all mitigating circumstances claims, with or without supporting evidence, but confirmation is not guaranteed.

See the Special Admissions Arrangements for 2021 page for more in-depth information about how our Admissions team is dealing with applications this year, including guidance for private candidates, and others who cannot obtain a grade for qualifications.

International students

At Goldsmiths, we are very proud of being such a global institution, with students from around 140 countries. We would like the 2022 intake to be just as international, and want students from around the world to feel welcome, safe and supported.

We will be taking the disruption of the pandemic into consideration when reviewing your application, however, if there are any specific issues that have affected your studies e.g. cancelled exams then please contact the Admissions team to discuss further.

English language requirements

The conditions of you offer, including the English language requirements, should generally be met by 31 August 2022, if you are to join us for the autumn term.

If you are concerned about meeting the requirements, there are a number of steps that we have made to help you:

• Some English language test providers are now offering online versions of their assessment that can be taken from home. The English Language Centre, Immigration Advisory Service and Student Recruitment team will obtain details of these tests and assess their suitability to meet English language requirements. They may be accepted for entry directly or in combination with a Goldsmiths Pre-sessional English programme.
• Goldsmiths' Pre-sessional English programmes are now offered online, and entry requirements for these have been updated so applicants no longer need to take a UKVI approved SELT.
• We are able to be a little more flexible in considering English Language tests, including how long ago the test was taken and the scores. This is only when the academic department, Admissions team and the Immigration Advisory Service are satisfied that the applicant has the ability to study and will not have any problems with obtaining a student visa.

If you are still worried you will be unable to meet the conditions of your offer by the end of August, please email admissions@gold.ac.uk

CAS statements

We will be processing Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) statements as normal.

Please visit the Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) webpages to find to most up-to-date information about this. You can contact the IAS by emailing immigration@gold.ac.uk including your name and Student Number.

Interviews

If interviews are required for your programme these may be in person or online via Skype or other online alternatives. You will be provided with more information when you are invited.

If you are invited to an in-person interview but are unable to travel we can arrange an online alternative, please contact the admissions team if this is the case.

Work experience

If your programme required work experience as part of your application we understand that this may be difficult to obtain under the current circumstances. Our departments will continue to be flexible when considering your application.

Fitness to train

Applications for programmes with fitness to train requirements may take longer to complete than usual. These requirements include DBS checks, suitability declarations, health questionnaires and overseas criminal record disclosures (for international students). Please ensure that you start these processes as soon as possible to ensure checks are completed by the deadline.