Direct answer
The official programme page for Goldsmiths, University of London states that applicants for the MA Applied Anthropology & Community Development / Community Arts should normally hold an undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in the social sciences or another appropriate subject, and have at least four months of full-time (or part-time equivalent) work experience prior to starting the MA. An Enhanced DBS check is also required. 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 is needed. International tuition fees for 2026/27 are £22,000.
The page does not publish a separate academic qualifications table for Chinese applicants. It directs international applicants to a general list of accepted qualifications from around the world. The evidence does not confirm whether the stated entry requirements are guaranteed for 2026/27 or subject to change, so a live recheck of the programme page and the international qualifications page is necessary before applying.
Degree and subject requirements
The programme page states that you should normally have an undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in the social sciences or another appropriate subject. The page also notes that you might be considered if you are not a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, provided you have relevant experience and can demonstrate the ability to work at postgraduate level.
Work experience requirement
You must have at least four months of full-time, or part-time equivalent, work experience before starting the MA. The page specifies that experience can include paid or unpaid work; voluntary, community and youth work in organisations; and relevant informal work. The programme is aimed at applicants who may not need a National Youth Agency qualification and who want to become specialists in community development or community arts. A separate pathway, the MA in Applied Anthropology & Community & Youth Work, is available for applicants with more work experience.
English language requirement
If English is not your first language, you need an IELTS score of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0. The page refers to an equivalent English language qualification page for other accepted tests. It also mentions a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate study if you need assistance with your English.
International qualifications and Chinese applicants
The official page does not list specific academic entry requirements for Chinese applicants. It states that Goldsmiths accepts a wide range of international qualifications and directs you to a separate page detailing the qualifications accepted from around the world. You will need to check that page to confirm the equivalence of your Chinese qualification to the required second class standard degree.
DBS check and fitness to train
If you receive an offer, you will be asked to complete an application for an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate from the DBS. The page states there is a fee of £56 for all DBS applications, and further information about payment is sent with the offer. You should also review the fitness to train requirements, which are linked from the programme page.
Application documents and selection
You apply directly to Goldsmiths using the online application system. Your application must include 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, and a work experience report. The work experience report should be up to 1,000 words about your recent personal experience of working or volunteering in a community development or community arts setting. In your personal statement and work experience report you must explicitly state whether you are specialising in community development or community arts. Admission is often by interview unless you live outside the UK, though occasionally an offer is made on the basis of the application and qualifications alone.
Fees and part-time study
For students starting in the 2026/2027 academic year, the international full-time tuition fee is £22,000. The page states that it is not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while on another visa type, you are advised to contact the Admissions Team.
What the official page does not confirm
The page does not provide a dedicated Chinese qualification equivalency or a guaranteed offer threshold. It does not confirm that the stated entry requirements are locked for 2026/27, although they are presented as current. You must recheck the international qualifications page and the programme page directly for any updates before relying on this information.
FAQ
What degree classification do I need for this MA?
The programme page states that you should normally have an undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in the social sciences or another appropriate subject. Applicants without a degree or with an unrelated degree may be considered if they have relevant experience and can show the ability to work at postgraduate level.
How much work experience is required?
You need at least four months of full-time, or part-time equivalent, work experience prior to starting the MA. This can include paid or unpaid work, voluntary work, community and youth work in organisations, and relevant informal work.
What is the IELTS requirement for this programme?
If English is not your first language, you need an IELTS score of 6.5 with 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0. The page also directs you to an equivalent English language qualification page for other accepted tests.
Are there specific entry requirements for Chinese applicants?
The official programme page does not list specific academic requirements for Chinese applicants. It refers to a separate page detailing the international qualifications Goldsmiths accepts from around the world, which you must check for Chinese qualification equivalency.
Can international students study this programme part-time?
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, you are advised to contact the Admissions Team for more information.
What documents must I submit with my application?
You need to provide details of your academic qualifications, your referee’s email address or a copy of your academic reference, copies of your educational transcripts or certificates, a personal statement, and a work experience report of up to 1,000 words. You must state in your personal statement and work experience report whether you are specialising in community development or community arts.
Further reading
Official sources
The entry requirements, fees, and application details on this page are drawn from the official Goldsmiths, University of London programme page for MA Applied Anthropology & Community Development / Community Arts: https://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/ma-applied-anthropology-community-development-arts/
For broader context on UK university admissions, you can read our guides on the University of Kent and Aberystwyth University. If you are exploring how international students approach agent selection, our articles on Australian study agents and Monash University application agents may offer useful comparisons.