Goldsmiths University of London

HISTORY

Goldsmiths, University of London, is a public research university in London, England, specialising in the arts, design, humanities, and social sciences. It is a constituent college of the University of London. It was founded in 1891 as Goldsmiths’ Technical and Recreative Institute by the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths in New Cross, London. It was acquired by the University of London in 1904 and was renamed Goldsmiths’ College. The word College was dropped from its branding in 2006, but “Goldsmiths’ College”, with the apostrophe, remains the institution’s formal legal name. In 1891, the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, one of the City of London Livery Companies, founded Goldsmiths’ Technical and Recreative Institute (more commonly referred to simply as the “Goldsmiths’ Institute”). The Goldsmiths’ Company was established in the 12th century as a medieval guild for goldsmiths, silversmiths and jewellers. The Livery Company dedicated the foundation of its new Institute to “the promotion of technical skill, knowledge, health and general well-being among men and women of the industrial, working and artisan classes”.

In 1988, Goldsmiths became a full College of the University of London and in 1990 received its Royal Charter. Among its wardens have been Richard Hoggart, Andrew Rutherford and Ben Pimlott. The current Warden is Pat Loughrey.

COURSES

Faculties and Departments:

• Design
• Cultural Studies
• Anthropology
• English and Comparative Literature
• Music
• Educational studied
• Additional Academic Programs

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Their entry requirements vary from course to course. Check on their website for details where the student can also read their admissions policy.

ACADEMIC STRENGTHS

They blend academic rigour with creative insight – they’re known for their rich history of excellence but also their inventive approach.

Their degrees provoke thought, stretch the imagination and tap into tomorrow’s world, so the students will graduate capable, adaptable and very employable.

They offer over 1,400 work placements on their programmes – recent students have gained experience at organisations including Google, Tate Modern, the Wall Street Journal and Crisis.

TEACHING STANDARDS

They have strong industry links with the creative and cultural sectors, and their Careers Service runs industry panels throughout the year so the students get to hear from experts in sectors including marketing, public policy, and museums and galleries.

CAREERS GUIDANCE

Their Careers Service can help the students move on successfully to their next step after Goldsmiths – whether that’s employment, further study, or starting a business or social enterprise.

While they are a Goldsmiths student they provide opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills, gain relevant work experience, and make the most of their services – from one-to-one sessions with their careers consultants, the opportunity to undertake paid internships, and schemes like the Gold Award and Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR), where the students can record all of their academic and co-curricular achievements.

They can continue to use their Careers Service for free for three years after they graduate.