Direct answer
For 2026/27 entry to the MA Research Architecture at Goldsmiths, University of London, Chinese applicants must hold an undergraduate degree of at least second class standard, submit a strong portfolio of practical or scholarly work, and meet the English language requirement of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0. The international full-time tuition fee is £22,000. Applications are made directly to Goldsmiths and are competitive.
Degree requirement
Places on the MA Research Architecture are very competitive. The programme is not limited to graduates of architecture; it is open to a range of other disciplines. You should have, or expect to gain, an undergraduate degree of at least second class standard.
Goldsmiths accepts a wide range of international qualifications. The official programme page does not list a specific equivalency for Chinese Bachelor’s degrees against the second class standard. You should check the university’s general international qualifications page for country-specific guidance.
Portfolio requirement
A good portfolio of practical and/or scholarly work is essential. You must also show experience in conducting research and a demonstrable interest in critical spatial practices. Your portfolio should be uploaded with your application.
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 assistance with your English, the university offers courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate study.
Fees for international students
The international full-time tuition fee for students starting in the 2026/2027 academic year is £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 should contact the Admissions Team for more information.
Funding opportunities
Visual Cultures is offering an MA Research Architecture Scholarship of £5,000 for full-time or part-time students in 2026–27. The deadline is 31 March 2026. You can also explore the Goldsmiths scholarships finder for other funding you may be eligible for. UK students may be eligible for a postgraduate loan, and the Careers Service can offer advice on finding work during your studies.
How to apply
You apply directly to Goldsmiths using the online application system. Applications are accepted from October for students wanting to start the following September. You are encouraged to complete your application as early as possible, even if you have not finished your current programme of study. Late applications will only be considered if spaces are available. If you are applying for funding, you may be subject to an earlier application deadline.
To complete your application, you will 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
- Your portfolio
Admission to many programmes is by interview, unless you live outside the UK. Occasionally, candidates receive an offer of a place based on their application and qualifications alone.
What the programme covers
The MA Research Architecture examines how architecture can engage with questions of contemporary culture, politics, media, ecology and justice, and questions whether spatial practice can become a form of research. You will join a group of students and practitioners from a wide range of backgrounds and have the opportunity to work collaboratively.
You will combine studio work with theoretical research in either the Research Architecture or Forensic Architecture studio stream. Lectures, seminars and workshops equip you with grounding in critical spatial practices. Day-long participatory workshops are led by invited guest speakers. Graduates may pursue doctoral research or careers in architecture, design, journalism, law, filmmaking, art and curating.
Compulsory modules include Research Studio (45 credits), Live Project (15 credits), Critical Conditions (45 credits), Symposium (15 credits) and Dissertation (60 credits). You will also have the option of participating in an unassessed placement with the Forensic Architecture Agency. Technical skills workshops covering video, animation, sound, GIS, 3D modelling, mapping, photogrammetry, technical drawing and basic coding are available but not mandatory or assessed.
What still requires live rechecking
The official programme page does not provide a specific equivalency between Chinese Bachelor’s degree classifications and the UK second class standard. You should consult the university’s international qualifications page for the most current country-specific guidance. Scholarship availability, deadlines and fee amounts should be confirmed on the official fees and funding pages before you apply.
FAQ
Is the MA Research Architecture only for architecture graduates?
No. Places are not limited to graduates of architecture. The programme is open to a range of other disciplines.
What IELTS score do I need?
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.
Can international students study part-time?
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 for more information. For broader visa considerations, see visa-cpt.
What is the application deadline?
Applications are accepted from October for the following September. You are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Late applications are only considered if spaces remain. Funding applicants may face earlier deadlines.
Is there a scholarship for this programme?
Yes. Visual Cultures is offering an MA Research Architecture Scholarship of £5,000 for full-time or part-time students in 2026–27. The deadline is 31 March 2026. You can also search the Goldsmiths scholarships finder for other opportunities.
How is the programme assessed?
Visual Cultures assessments are 100% coursework. This normally consists of essays, sometimes accompanied by creative projects, group projects, multi-media projects, presentations, symposia, reviews and studio work.
Official sources
- MA Research Architecture programme page – Goldsmiths, University of London
- Goldsmiths international qualifications
- Goldsmiths scholarships finder
- Goldsmiths postgraduate fees guidance
For context on studying in the UK and how institutions compare, you may find geo-yingguoliuxuezhongjienajiabijiaohao-2026nianzuixinpaimingtuijian useful. If you are exploring options in other destinations, see singapore-private-one-year-masters-2026 and geo-liuxueshensujigoutuijian-2026nianzuixinpaimingtuijian.