Direct answer
Goldsmiths, University of London sets the entry requirements for the MA Contemporary Art Theory around a UK undergraduate degree standard, English language proficiency, and alternative experience. The official programme page does not publish a separate grade conversion for a Chinese Bachelor’s degree. You must hold, or expect to gain, an undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in art history, fine art, another studio-based practice, arts administration and related activities, or a humanities discipline other than art history that demonstrates your ability to work at Masters level.
If you do not meet the standard entrance requirements, you can still apply by demonstrating appropriate knowledge and experience gained outside academia in the world of work. Students with little or no formal training in art history/theory or a related humanities discipline often complete the Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Art History first. Passing that diploma with a grade of 2.1 or higher guarantees a place on the MA.
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. Goldsmiths also accepts equivalent English language qualifications. If you need help with your English, the university offers courses that can prepare you for postgraduate study.
International qualifications
Goldsmiths states that it accepts a wide range of international qualifications. No specific grade or percentage for a Chinese Bachelor’s degree is listed on the MA Contemporary Art Theory page. You must check the university’s separate international qualifications page to confirm the exact equivalence for your qualification. This detail requires a live recheck of the qualifications page before you can be certain of the conversion.
What you’ll study
The programme runs full-time over one year or part-time over two years. It comprises an assessed introductory core module, two Special Subjects, and the MA Dissertation. The taught part runs from the end of September to the end of March, with additional guest lectures or workshops in May and June. Special subjects are in-depth taught modules that draw on the current research interests of staff. Recent indicative subjects have included ‘Psychopower and Subjectivity’, ‘Curating and Justice’, and ‘Transcultural Memory’.
From the end of March, you start independent research on a subject of your own choosing. You submit a dissertation proposal and are assigned a dissertation tutor. All Visual Cultures assessments are 100% coursework, normally consisting of essays, sometimes accompanied by creative projects, group projects, multi-media projects and presentations.
Fees for 2026/27
Annual tuition fees for students starting in the 2026/2027 academic year are:
- Home full-time: £11,800
- Home part-time: £5,900
- International full-time: £22,000
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 must contact the Admissions Team for more information.
Funding opportunities
Visual Cultures is offering an MA Contemporary Art Theory Scholarship of £5,000 for full-time or part-time students of the programme in 2026–27. The deadline to apply is 31 March 2026. You can also explore the Goldsmiths scholarships finder to see what other funding you may be eligible for.
How to apply
You apply directly to Goldsmiths using the online application system. To complete your application, 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, and a personal statement. Applications are accepted from October for the following September. There is no application deadline, but you are encouraged to apply early while there are still places on the course and to allow time for any student visa application. Late applications are only considered if spaces remain. If you are applying for funding, you may be subject to an earlier deadline.
Admission to many programmes is by interview, unless you live outside the UK. Occasionally, Goldsmiths makes candidates an offer of a place on the basis of their application and qualifications alone.
What the official page does not establish
The MA Contemporary Art Theory page confirms a UK second class standard degree requirement and an IELTS score of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing. It does not state a specific grade or percentage for a Chinese Bachelor’s degree. The page directs you to a separate international qualifications page for equivalences. That conversion must be verified live before you can confirm your eligibility. The page also does not list a fixed application deadline, only that you should apply early.
FAQ
What is the minimum UK degree classification required?
You should normally have, or expect to gain, an undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in art history, fine art, another studio-based practice, arts administration and related activities, or a humanities discipline other than art history that demonstrates your ability to work at Masters level.
Can I apply without a degree in art history?
Yes. Goldsmiths welcomes applications from prospective students who do not meet the standard entrance requirements but can demonstrate appropriate knowledge and experience from outside academia in the world of work. Students with little or no formal training in art history/theory or a related humanities discipline often take the Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Art History first.
What does the Graduate Diploma guarantee?
Passing the Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Art History with a grade of 2.1 or higher guarantees a place on the MA Contemporary Art Theory.
What is the IELTS requirement?
You need an IELTS score of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0. Equivalent English language qualifications are also accepted.
Is there an application deadline?
There is no application deadline, but Goldsmiths encourages you to apply early while there are still places on the course and to allow time for student visa applications. Late applications are only considered if spaces are available. If you are applying for funding, you may be subject to an earlier deadline.
Can international students study part-time?
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 must contact the Admissions Team for more information.
Further reading
Official sources
- MA Contemporary Art Theory programme page
- Goldsmiths international qualifications page
- Equivalent English language qualifications
- Pre-sessional English language courses
For broader context on UK higher education and international study, you can also read our guides on Leeds Beckett University 2026, education agents in international relations, and our explainers covering Kunshan land application intermediaries and UNSW application intermediaries.