Direct answer
The Goldsmiths MA Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship programme page does not list a separate Design pathway or Design-specific entry requirements. The page names four pathways—Fashion, Fashion Management, Media & Communications, and Music—and states that applicants must specify one of these when applying. For any pathway, you need an undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in a relevant subject, an entrepreneurial business idea, and an IELTS score of 6.5 with 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0 if English is not your first language. The international full-time tuition fee listed is £27,500. The page does not contain China-specific percentage equivalences or a guaranteed offer policy.
What the official page covers
The official MA Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship page at gold.ac.uk describes a 15-month full-time or 27-month part-time programme offered through the School of Creative Management. It is designed for students who want to develop a business from an existing creative practice or understand how to build infrastructure for new creative businesses. All students bring a business idea to use as a live case study.
The page confirms four available pathways: Fashion, Fashion Management, Media & Communications, and Music. A Design pathway is not listed among the choices. The programme includes taught modules, a dissertation or portfolio component, and mandatory attendance at all taught sessions. Teaching uses group seminars, workshops, peer-to-peer learning, and individual tutorials.
Entry requirements stated on the page
The programme page sets out the following entry requirements:
- An undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in a relevant or related subject. Applicants who are not graduates or whose degree is in an unrelated field may be considered if they have relevant experience and can demonstrate ability to work at postgraduate level.
- An idea for a business, or existing self-employment or business ownership.
- For applicants whose first language is not English, an IELTS score of 6.5 with 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0, or an equivalent English language qualification.
The page links to a general page on international qualifications that Goldsmiths accepts, but does not provide country-specific grade equivalences for China on the programme page itself.
Pathway-specific requirements and the Design question
When you apply, you must specify your preferred pathway from the four listed: Fashion, Fashion Management, Media & Communications, or Music. The page notes that there may also be pathway-specific entry requirements, but it does not detail what those are for any of the named pathways. No Design pathway is mentioned anywhere on the page. If you are interested in a design-focused route, you would need to check directly with the programme convenors or the Admissions Team to confirm whether a Design pathway exists or whether one of the listed pathways accommodates design-oriented projects.
Application materials you must submit
To complete your application through Goldsmiths’ online system, you need:
- Details of your academic qualifications
- The email address of your referee, or a copy of your academic reference
- Copies of your educational transcripts or certificates
- A personal statement
- A one-paragraph elevator pitch for an entrepreneurial business idea that you plan to develop through the course. This is not a business plan. You can submit it as a document or as audio/video, with a file size limit of 20MB, or provide a link to externally hosted media.
You must demonstrate in your written application and, if interviewed, that you have the capacity and capability for, and an understanding of, creative and cultural entrepreneurship.
Fees and funding for international students
The page lists the following annual tuition fees for students starting in the 2026/2027 academic year:
- Home full-time: £14,300
- Home part-time: £7,150
- International full-time: £27,500
The page states that it is not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you hold another visa type that may permit part-time study, you should contact the Admissions Team. The page directs applicants to the Goldsmiths scholarships finder and notes that UK students may be eligible for a postgraduate loan.
Selection process and deadlines
Admission to the programme is often by interview, unless you live outside the UK. The page notes that offers are occasionally made on the basis of the application and qualifications alone. For both September and January starts, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible, even if you have not yet finished your current programme. Late applications are considered only if spaces remain. If you are applying for funding, an earlier deadline may apply.
What the page does not establish
The official programme page does not provide:
- A Design pathway or Design-specific entry requirements
- China-specific undergraduate grade equivalences or percentage requirements
- A guaranteed offer policy or any language suggesting automatic admission
These points require live rechecking with the Goldsmiths Admissions Team or the programme convenors, Rachel Doern or Nicola Searle, whose contact details appear on the page.
FAQ
Does Goldsmiths offer a Design pathway for this MA?
The official programme page lists only Fashion, Fashion Management, Media & Communications, and Music pathways. No Design pathway is mentioned. You should contact the programme convenors directly to ask whether a design focus is possible within one of the existing pathways.
What IELTS score do I need as a Chinese applicant?
If English is not your first language, you need an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0. Goldsmiths also accepts equivalent English language qualifications, which are detailed on a separate page linked from the programme page.
What undergraduate grade do I need from a Chinese university?
The programme page states you need an undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in a relevant subject. It does not give a specific Chinese percentage or GPA equivalence. You should consult the general international qualifications page that Goldsmiths links to, or contact the Admissions Team for country-specific guidance.
Can I study this programme part-time on a student visa?
The page states that it is not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you hold another visa type, contact the Admissions Team to check your eligibility.
What is the elevator pitch I need to submit?
You must submit a one-paragraph elevator pitch for an entrepreneurial business idea that you plan to develop during the course. It should be clear and concise, and can be submitted as a document or as an audio/video file (under 20MB) or via an online link.
Official sources
- MA Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship programme page
- International qualifications accepted by Goldsmiths
- Equivalent English language qualifications
- Goldsmiths postgraduate fees guidance
- Goldsmiths scholarships finder
- Guide to applying for a postgraduate degree at Goldsmiths
See also: Related guide 1, TU9 universities overview, MBA programmes, and Related guide 2.