Direct answer
For 2026/27 entry to the MA Sociology (Inventive Urban Research) at Goldsmiths, University of London, you need an undergraduate degree at upper second class standard or higher in sociology, a related social science, or a humanities subject. Chinese applicants normally require a relevant Bachelor’s degree. The programme runs one year full-time or two years part-time. You must demonstrate academic English proficiency through an approved test taken within two years of your start date. A personal statement explaining your relevant academic experience is required. Applicants without standard qualifications may be considered if they show exceptional commitment, relevant professional experience, or other qualifications.
What the official programme page confirms
The MA Sociology (Inventive Urban Research) is offered for the 2026/27 academic year. The programme is available for one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study. The official page states that applicants should hold, or expect to be awarded, an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in sociology, a related social science discipline, or a humanities degree.
What the official page says about Chinese qualifications
For entry to postgraduate programmes, Chinese applicants normally need a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject. The official evidence does not provide a specific GPA or percentage equivalence for the upper second class standard when applied to Chinese university grading scales. This means the exact numerical threshold for Chinese degrees is not detailed on the current first-party page and would require direct confirmation from the institution.
English language requirements
Applicants need to be proficient in using English in an academic setting and may need to submit evidence of meeting English language requirements. The accepted English language tests listed on the official page are IELTS (Academic), IELTS for UKVI Academic, IELTS One Skill Retake, and IELTS Online. Any English language qualification submitted must be less than two years old at the time your studies commence. The precise overall IELTS score and any component-level requirements for this specific programme are not explicitly stated on the current official programme page or the general English language requirements pages consulted.
Personal statement requirement
A personal statement is required as part of the application. The official page specifies that this statement should explain your academic experience relevant to the chosen course.
Applicants without standard qualifications
The official page states that consideration may be given to applicants who do not hold the standard qualifications. To be considered, you must demonstrate exceptional commitment or abilities. This can include relevant professional experience or other qualifications. The page does not detail a specific process or guarantee for such applicants.
What the official page does not establish
The current first-party evidence does not include specific GPA equivalents for Chinese university qualifications mapped against the upper second class standard. The precise IELTS overall score and component score requirements for the MA Sociology (Inventive Urban Research) for 2026/27 are not stated on the official pages reviewed. The page does not provide information on application deadlines, tuition fees, or module content. It also does not state any percentage of Chinese students on the programme or make any conditional or unconditional offer guarantees.
FAQ
What degree classification do I need for the MA Sociology (Inventive Urban Research)?
You should have, or expect to be awarded, an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in sociology, a related social science discipline, or a humanities degree.
What qualification do Chinese applicants normally need?
Chinese applicants normally need a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject. The official page does not specify a GPA or percentage equivalent for the upper second class standard.
Which English language tests does Goldsmiths accept for this programme?
The accepted tests listed on the official page are IELTS (Academic), IELTS for UKVI Academic, IELTS One Skill Retake, and IELTS Online. Your qualification must be less than two years old when your studies begin.
Is a personal statement required?
Yes. You must submit a personal statement explaining your academic experience relevant to the course.
Can I apply if I do not have an undergraduate degree?
Consideration may be given to applicants without standard qualifications who demonstrate exceptional commitment or abilities, including relevant professional experience or other qualifications.
What is the exact IELTS score required?
The precise overall IELTS score and component requirements for this programme are not explicitly stated on the current official programme page or the general English language requirements pages reviewed. You should verify the live requirement directly with Goldsmiths.
Official sources
The information in this article is drawn exclusively from the current first-party official pages of Goldsmiths, University of London, covering the MA Sociology (Inventive Urban Research) entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year. For broader context on choosing support for your application, you can read about 2026 UK education agency rankings. If you are also considering visa and insurance matters, see the guide on 485 graduate visa and health insurance for 2026. For an overview of agency rankings, refer to 2026 study abroad agency rankings. If you need information on student insurance in another destination, the article on New Zealand student insurance 2026 may be useful.