Organizer Information
Goldsmiths, University of London is a higher education institution in London, United Kingdom. The MA/MFA Experimental Film & Documentary is offered through the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies. The programme focuses on independent filmmaking, experimental film, documentary practice, cinematography, sound design, editing, animation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Goldsmiths, University of London
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Postgraduate
- Degrees Offered: MA, MFA
- Academic Fields: Film, Documentary, Experimental Film, Moving Image, Media Production
- Relevant Programs: MA Experimental Film & Documentary; MFA Experimental Film & Documentary
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: October–1 August
- Application Deadline: 1 August; applications are considered in batches from February
- Start of Studies: 2026/2027 academic year; the programme page does not provide an exact start date
- Application Fee: 0
- Tuition: £17,000 Home; £32,000 International, full-time
- Funding: Scholarships and other funding opportunities are available to eligible applicants.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- The programme is intended for applicants interested in independent filmmaking, experimental moving image and documentary storytelling. Relevant backgrounds include film, visual media, arts and media practice.
- Applicants are expected to demonstrate practical experience working with moving images. Interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged through collaboration and optional modules spanning filmmaking, media, culture and experimental arts.
General Eligibility
- Both UK and international applicants may apply. Candidates should demonstrate practical engagement with film or moving-image work and the ability to undertake postgraduate study.
- Applicants without a degree, or those holding a degree in an unrelated subject, may be considered if they have relevant experience and can demonstrate their academic capability.
Educational Background
- Standard route: An undergraduate degree at least equivalent to UK second-class honours (2:2) in a relevant subject.
- Alternative route: Applicants without a degree or with an unrelated degree may be considered based on relevant experience and demonstrated ability to study at postgraduate level.
- Practical experience: Experience working with moving images is required for all applicants.
Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide IELTS or an accepted equivalent English-language qualification.
- IELTS overall: 7.0
- IELTS Writing: 7.0
- Minimum in each other component: 6.5
Applicants should check the university's official English-language requirements for accepted equivalent tests and any applicable exemptions.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| All applicants | No programme-specific application fee amount is confirmed in the verified programme information. |
Tuition
| Programme | Applicant category | Annual tuition | Billing structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA Experimental Film & Documentary | Home | £17,000 | Full-time programme |
| MA Experimental Film & Documentary | International | £32,000 | Full-time programme |
| MFA Experimental Film & Documentary | Home | £17,000 for the listed first-year MA-level study | Full-time; second-year fee requires confirmation |
| MFA Experimental Film & Documentary | International | £32,000 for the listed first-year MA-level study | Full-time; second-year fee requires confirmation |
- The programme page describes the MA as a one-year full-time course and the MFA as including a second year of independent practice. Confirm the applicable MFA fees directly with Goldsmiths before budgeting for the complete degree.
- Students must also budget for additional personal study costs, such as stationery and photocopying. Programme-specific costs may include field trips or specialist materials.
Funding & Financial Support
Goldsmiths provides a scholarship search facility to help applicants identify potentially suitable funding opportunities.
- BAFTA Scholarship Programme: UK students offered a place on the MA may apply, subject to the scholarship's eligibility criteria.
- Other scholarships: Applicants can search Goldsmiths' official scholarship listings.
- Postgraduate loans: Eligible UK students may qualify for a postgraduate loan.
Funding is not guaranteed. The university advises applicants to apply early because funding deadlines may differ from programme admission deadlines.
University Services & Academic Support
Students have access to programme-related creative and technical resources, including:
- Film and photography studios, specialist cameras and editing suites.
- Animation studios and Pro Tools audio post-production facilities.
- Private editing time and technical support for completing projects.
- Filmmaker masterclasses, industry speakers, networking events and project-pitching experience.
- Mentoring and encouragement to submit work to film festivals.
- Access to Goldsmiths' Careers Service for employment guidance.
The university also identifies cross-disciplinary collaboration as an important element of the programme.
Application Requirements
Applicants should prepare the following materials:
- Academic qualification details.
- Educational transcripts or degree certificates.
- An academic reference, or the email address of a referee who can provide one.
- A personal statement addressing filmmaking interests and aptitude, career aspirations, and the development of the applicant's engagement with visual media.
- One of the following: a two-minute autobiographical film introducing the applicant, or examples of recent work in a related field, such as moving-image samples.
- English-language test results, where required.
Applicants submitting work samples may provide a web link to an online portfolio. Uploaded work samples must comply with the programme page's stated 20 MB maximum file size.
The application should emphasise the applicant's practical and theoretical experience in the arts or media.
How to Apply?
- Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- Application Deadline: 1 August 2027
- Funding Deadlines: May differ by scholarship and applicant location.
- Start of Studies: September is the general postgraduate intake indicated by Goldsmiths; the exact start date for this programme should be confirmed.
Applicants are strongly advised to apply early because places may fill during the recruitment cycle.
Location
Goldsmiths, University of London — New Cross, London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- The MA and MFA share the same first-year compulsory modules and optional-module structure. The MFA includes a second year focused on independent practice supported by tutors.
- Optional modules may change from year to year and are subject to availability. International applicants intending to study part-time should note that Goldsmiths states that part-time study is not currently possible for international students holding a Student visa.
- The published tuition figures in this listing are for 2026/2027. Applicants planning to enrol in a later academic year should confirm the applicable tuition fees, programme availability and application deadlines before applying.