Goldsmith interview

which course?

BA Design

Hey
I had an interview a few months ago and got the place so hopefully I can help
I had an in person interview so if you have an online one, I don’t know how much applies. So in terms of the format, it was a group interview. We were two groups of 6 people but in theory it’s 10 people in 1 group. We were asked to leave the room so they could have a look at our portfolios (took about 15 mins) It was discussion based, with everyone presenting one project (loosely suggested by the interviewer) and then a short q&a with other applicants. After the presentations, the interviewer asked a few questions to create some group discussion (eg. What role should AI play in creative industries, if you weren’t doing art or design what would you want to be doing).
All in all, it was MUCH more relaxed than other interviews I’ve had (especially CSM) and there wasn’t any rush to communicate as much information as possible as quickly as possible. There were lots of opportunities to show interest and knowledge for the subject. I think it lasted about 3:30 in the end.
In terms of tips,
Be comfortable presenting your work. I know it seems obvious but make sure you really know the ins and outs of your work. There were people who seemed really unsure about their work, as if they had just seen it for the first time. With the pressure of the context, this is really easy to do and I know that I for sure missed important points I wanted to make so prepare as much as possible. Know what you want you want the interviewer to take away from your work and find ways to communicate it.
Be confident. There were people with much more impressive and better developed portfolios there (I haven’t taken a foundation year and am at a more academic school atm and many of my hard skills are ****) but remember that if you got an interview, they are interested in YOU and your work.
Be yourself. Leading on from the last point, they invited you based on your work so if you are able to be yourself, you have a great chance.
Process over Product. As with any design course, the process is much more valuable than the final product. Be ready to explain failures, learning moments, and areas you are developing in/ exploring.
Show interest. Again an obvious one, but the more enthusiastic you can be, the better. I would honestly say that enthusiasm is more important than your work up to this point. If you can show that you have already done some stuff and are exited to do more then you are in a good position.
Show research. Research goldsmiths and a couple areas of design you want to learn more about.
Good luck! I hope it all goes well 🙂

Congratulations on your offer!!
and thank you so much Joseph for this it was very helpful appreciate it. Good luck for the course! Which unis have you applied and which one you decided to go?

Thanks! I'm debating between Goldsmiths and Industrial Design at The Technical University of Eindhoven right now. I have spoken to a few alumni at both and they have all said how important context is when learning design so London seems like the better location right now 🙂

You can’t actually tell until you visit both interact with their students and see which one you feel more comfortable with. Have you applied to Ual?

It’s fine you got and offer from goldsmiths and it’s a very competitive uni. Which course they suggested for you?
I just got accepted from Chelsea product and furniture design and still waiting from Csm and the interview for goldsmiths hopefully it goes well.
There will be an event for Chelsea I’ll have to go see the uni and students then I will decide

Good luck with it all and tell us the outcome!

Good luck with it all and tell us the outcome!

Btw I have a question regarding the three questions I have to send prior the interview.
We will be discussing them in the interview right? And what kind of answer they expect for the first question, why goldsmith?

They want to know what made you apply for Goldsmiths over other choices. I mentioned the context and the attitude / approach of the school, but you should say something personal to you. Try to be honest about it and genuinely say why you chose to apply, unless it’s for the name, ranking or other non personal reasons.

For example I mentioned the the historical background of art and politic stuff they teach in this course which I’m really interested in

Yeah that sounds good. Make sure you have an example!

God I’m afraid they ask me about art history or politics and I have zero informations about this

Vivi westwood is a good example because she went to goldsmiths