Direct answer
Goldsmiths, University of London states that entry to the MA History programme normally requires an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in History or a related field. Applicants without a relevant degree may be considered, potentially subject to a qualifying essay examination. Admission is normally by interview. Non-native English speakers must provide an IELTS score of 6.5 or an equivalent qualification, taken within two years of the start of studies. Applications for most postgraduate taught degrees are made directly through the Goldsmiths website, with no official deadline but early application advised.
Degree standard required
Goldsmiths requires applicants for Masters degrees to normally hold an undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in a relevant subject. For the MA History programme specifically, the typical requirement is a first degree of at least upper second class standard in History or a related field.
Applicants who do not hold a relevant degree, or who are not graduates, may still be considered. In such cases, the university may require the applicant to complete a qualifying essay examination as part of the assessment process.
English language requirements
Non-native English speakers applying for the MA History programme normally need an IELTS score of 6.5, or an equivalent English language qualification accepted by Goldsmiths. The university confirms that it accepts a wide range of international qualifications.
Any English language qualification submitted must be less than two years old at the start of the programme. Applicants should verify the exact list of accepted equivalents directly on the university’s website, as specific equivalencies are not detailed in the current evidence.
Application process and deadlines
Applications for most postgraduate taught degrees at Goldsmiths, including the MA History, are made directly via the Goldsmiths website. There is no official application deadline for most taught degrees, but the university advises early application.
A personal statement is required as part of the application. Admission to the MA History programme is normally by interview, meaning applicants should be prepared for this step after submitting their application.
What the official evidence does not yet confirm
The current evidence is drawn from general Goldsmiths postgraduate admissions pages and programme-level summaries. A dedicated MA History course page for the 2026/27 academic year with detailed entry requirements was not located on gold.ac.uk at the time of research. The MA History Programme Specification, which would contain programme-specific entry criteria, was last updated or approved in October 2022.
Specific entry requirements for Chinese applicants are not explicitly stated beyond the general international requirements. The university does not publish a separate China-specific degree equivalence table within the available evidence. Applicants holding Chinese undergraduate qualifications should therefore confirm how their degree classification maps to the UK upper second class standard by contacting the university directly or checking any future updates to the international qualifications page.
How to verify your eligibility
To determine whether your Chinese undergraduate degree meets the upper second class standard, you will need to consult the university’s international qualifications equivalency information. Goldsmiths accepts a wide range of international qualifications, but the precise equivalency for Chinese degrees is not captured in the current evidence.
You may also need to prepare for the interview stage, as admission is normally by interview. The personal statement is a required component, and applicants without a relevant degree should be ready for the possibility of a qualifying essay examination.
Related international admissions context
While this article focuses on Goldsmiths MA History entry requirements, understanding the broader UK admissions landscape can be helpful. For insights into how UK universities are ranked globally, including metrics that may inform your choice, see the Academic Ranking of World Universities overview.
If you are exploring funding options, government scholarship programmes such as Chevening have their own deadlines and eligibility criteria. A summary of 2026 government scholarship deadlines covers Chevening, Australia Awards, Fulbright, and Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships.
For applicants based in China who are navigating the application process with support services, there are resources discussing agency rankings and reputation in Beijing and UCL application intermediaries. These may offer context on how other students approach UK postgraduate applications, though they do not provide official Goldsmiths admissions guidance.
FAQ
What degree classification do I need for the MA History at Goldsmiths?
You normally need an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in History or a related field.
Is an interview required for the MA History programme?
Yes. Admission to the MA History programme is normally by interview.
What IELTS score is required for non-native English speakers?
The normal requirement is an IELTS score of 6.5, or an equivalent English language qualification. The qualification must be less than two years old at the start of your studies.
Are there specific entry requirements for Chinese applicants?
The available official evidence does not include China-specific entry requirements. Chinese applicants must meet the same general international requirements, and should confirm degree equivalency directly with Goldsmiths.
What is the application deadline for the MA History?
There is no official deadline for most postgraduate taught degrees at Goldsmiths, but early application is advised.
Can I apply without a degree in History?
Yes. Applicants without a relevant degree, or who are not graduates, may be considered. The university may require a qualifying essay examination in such cases.
Official sources
The information in this article is drawn from Goldsmiths, University of London official postgraduate admissions and programme pages accessed via gold.ac.uk. As a dedicated 2026/27 MA History course page was not located at the time of research, applicants should monitor the Goldsmiths website for the most current programme-specific entry requirements and any updates to international qualification equivalencies.