Goldsmiths, University of London

Goldsmiths is internationally known for creativity and innovation - a reputation backed up by the highest academic standards, and over a century's membership of the University of London. Located in New Cross, South East London, the College has over 8,000 students taking part in undergraduate, postgraduate and return-to-study opportunities in the arts, social sciences, humanities and computing. With alumni including Antony Gormley, Julian Clary, Damien Hirst, Mary Quant, Bridget Riley, Graham Coxon and Malcolm McLaren, Goldsmiths brings creative and unconventional approaches to the subjects offered. The College is friendly and vibrant, and proud of the diverse student population which adds to this welcoming atmosphere - nearly 20% of students come from countries outside the UK, and 52% of all undergraduates are mature students (aged 21 or over at the start of their studies). Goldsmiths is a serious academic force, and achieved outstanding successes in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, coming 9th in the UK for world-leading research (shown by the top 4* grade). The Department of Sociology did outstandingly well, and was placed joint first with three other institutions. And in the Department of Media and Communications 80% of activity was in the highest two bands.