MA Photography & Urban Cultures

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Postgraduate applicants are expected to hold an undergraduate degree with a standard of at least 55%-60% in a relevant or related subject. This requirement ensures a solid academic foundation for advanced studies.

English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100 on the TOEFL is accepted, with no sub-score in any section falling below 21.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 69 with no individual score below 62.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Goldsmiths, University of London, is renowned for its vibrant academic community, creative atmosphere, and commitment to excellence in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The university offers a range of scholarships for international students, providing financial support and opportunities for academic and personal development.  

Excellence Scholarships: Goldsmiths offers Excellence Scholarships to exceptional international students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements. These merit-based scholarships provide partial tuition fee waivers and are available across various undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Goldsmiths International Postgraduate Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically designed for international students pursuing postgraduate studies at Goldsmiths. It covers a portion of the tuition fees for the duration of the program. The selection criteria include academic excellence and the potential to contribute to the university's diverse and inclusive community.

Chevening Scholarships: Goldsmiths participates in the prestigious Chevening Scholarship program, which is funded by the UK government. Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals with leadership potential, enabling them to pursue a one-year master's degree at Goldsmiths. Recipients are selected based on their academic and professional achievements, as well as their commitment to making a positive impact in their home countries.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships: Goldsmiths participates in the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship scheme, offering opportunities for students from eligible Commonwealth countries to pursue postgraduate studies in various fields. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, promoting access to higher education for talented individuals from Commonwealth nations.

Santander Universities Scholarships: Goldsmiths has partnerships with Santander Universities, providing additional scholarship opportunities for international students. These scholarships support various academic pursuits, including research projects, study abroad experiences, and entrepreneurial initiatives.

Research and Departmental Scholarships: International students pursuing research degrees (MPhil/Ph.D.) may have access to research and departmental scholarships within specific academic departments. These scholarships often support research expenses, conference attendance, and other related costs.

Graduates of the MA Photography & Urban Cultures program at Goldsmiths University are equipped with a unique blend of technical proficiency, critical thinking, and a nuanced understanding of urban dynamics through the lens of photography. This versatile skill set opens doors to a range of exciting and meaningful career options within the dynamic field of visual storytelling and urban documentation.

Documentary Photographer: Many graduates transition into roles as documentary photographers, capturing and narrating stories of urban life. They may work on long-term projects, photo essays, or contribute to publications, utilizing their skills to visually articulate the complexities of urban cultures.

Urban Researcher or Analyst: With a strong research focus embedded in the program, graduates may choose to work as urban researchers or analysts. They can collaborate with research institutions, urban planning organizations, or NGOs, using their photographic expertise to contribute to studies on urban dynamics and social issues.

Photojournalist: Graduates may pursue careers as photojournalists, covering news and events within urban environments. They may work for media outlets, capturing powerful images that convey the narratives and challenges of urban life to a broader audience.

Cultural Events Photographer: For those interested in the cultural aspects of urban life, graduates can explore roles as cultural events photographers. They may document festivals, exhibitions, and cultural gatherings, contributing to the visual representation of the vibrant cultural scenes in urban settings.

Curator or Gallery Manager: Graduates may find opportunities in curatorial roles or gallery management, especially if they develop a keen eye for curating photographic exhibitions. They can work in galleries, museums, or cultural institutions, organizing exhibitions that explore the intersections of photography and urban cultures.

Urban Development Consultant: Given the program's emphasis on understanding urban contexts, graduates may become urban development consultants. They can collaborate with urban planning firms, architectural agencies, or governmental bodies, providing insights into the visual aspects of urban development projects.