Direct answer
Goldsmiths, University of London sets several entry conditions for the MA Arts and Learning. You need an undergraduate degree of at least second-class standard in an appropriate arts-based area. Chinese applicants typically require a relevant Bachelor’s degree. You must also have experience of working in an educational context, submit a personal statement, provide a portfolio of practice evidence, and attend an interview. English language qualifications must be less than two years old when your studies begin. The programme runs full‑time for one year or part‑time over two to five years.
Degree requirement and Chinese equivalency
For all Master’s degrees at Goldsmiths, the normal entry threshold is an undergraduate degree of at least second‑class standard in a relevant subject. The MA Arts and Learning specifies that this degree must be in an appropriate arts‑based area.
For postgraduate programmes, Chinese applicants typically require a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject. The official page does not publish a separate China‑specific percentage or GPA conversion for this course.
Work experience in an educational context
Experience of working in an educational context is a firm requirement. Goldsmiths accepts both formal and informal settings. The official page does not prescribe a minimum number of hours or years; it simply states that the experience must exist and be demonstrable.
Personal statement
You must submit a personal statement as part of your application. It should explain your academic experience relevant to the MA Arts and Learning. The official page does not set a word limit or a fixed structure, but the statement must connect your background to the course you are applying for.
Portfolio of practice evidence
All applicants must upload or include evidence of practice. This can be a portfolio of work or a sample of past work. The official page does not specify a required format, file size, or number of pieces. Prepare material that shows your arts‑based practice clearly.
Interview
Every applicant for the MA Arts and Learning will be interviewed. The official page does not detail whether the interview is in person or online, nor does it list the questions. You should be ready to discuss your practice, your educational experience, and your reasons for choosing the programme.
English language requirements
Goldsmiths prefers IELTS but accepts a range of other English language qualifications for degree‑level study. Any English language qualification you submit must be less than two years old at the time your studies commence.
The exact IELTS band score for the MA Arts and Learning in 2026/27 is not stated on the current official course page. You will need to check the programme page directly for the live score requirement before you apply. If you hold a different qualification, confirm with Goldsmiths that it is on the accepted list and that your test date meets the two‑year validity rule.
Programme structure and duration
The MA Arts and Learning is offered full‑time over one year or part‑time over two to five years. The Programme Specification was last updated or approved in May 2024. This document underpins the course content and learning outcomes, but the entry requirements described here come from the admissions‑focused official pages.
What still requires live rechecking
The current official evidence confirms the degree classification, Chinese Bachelor’s equivalency principle, work‑experience requirement, personal statement, portfolio, and interview. It does not yet confirm the exact IELTS score or the international tuition fee for 2026/27. Before you finalise an application, visit the live MA Arts and Learning course page on the Goldsmiths website to read the most recent English language band and fee figures.
FAQ
Do I need an arts degree, or will any subject be accepted?
The official requirement is an undergraduate degree of at least second‑class standard in an appropriate arts‑based area. A degree in an unrelated field would not meet the published criterion.
What counts as experience of working in an educational context?
Goldsmiths accepts both formal and informal educational settings. The official page does not list specific roles, so you should describe your experience clearly in your application and be prepared to discuss it at interview.
Can I apply without a portfolio?
No. All applicants must upload or include evidence of practice, such as a portfolio or a sample of past work.
Is the interview optional?
No. All applicants for the MA Arts and Learning will be interviewed.
How long is my English language test valid?
Your English language qualification must be less than two years old at the time your studies commence.
Does Goldsmiths accept English tests other than IELTS?
Yes. Goldsmiths prefers IELTS but accepts a range of other English language qualifications for degree‑level study.
Can I study this programme part‑time?
Yes. The MA Arts and Learning is offered part‑time over two to five years, as well as full‑time over one year.
Official sources
The information in this article is drawn from the current first‑party official pages of Goldsmiths, University of London, accessed for the 2026/27 entry cycle. For the most up‑to‑date details, including the exact IELTS score and international tuition fee, always consult the live MA Arts and Learning course page on the Goldsmiths website.
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