Arts University Plymouth
Plymouth, United Kingdom
Arts University Plymouth
Plymouth, United Kingdom
Founded
1856
Institution Type
Public Specialist University
Total Students
~1,600
TEF Rating
Silver (2023)
About Arts University Plymouth: History & Overview
About Arts University Plymouth: History & Overview
Arts University Plymouth is a specialist, independent arts university located in the heart of Plymouth, South West England. Founded as the Plymouth Drawing School in 1856, it is one of the last specialist art schools in the United Kingdom, offering creative education at undergraduate, postgraduate, and pre-degree levels in art, design, crafts, and media.
The former Plymouth College of Art was officially granted university status in 2022, following the award of taught degree awarding powers (TDAP) by the Quality Assurance Agency in 2019. The university is an official Adobe Creative Campus and a founding associate of Tate's Tate Exchange programme, reflecting its deep integration with the UK creative sector.
Arts University Plymouth has been the top-scoring specialist arts university in the UK in the National Student Survey for four consecutive years (2022-2025). It was named University of the Year for South West England at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards in both 2024 and 2025, and ranked 5th in the UK for Student Satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2026.
Key Milestones
- 1856: Founded as the Plymouth Drawing School, establishing over 170 years of creative education in the city.
- 2013: Founded the Plymouth School of Creative Arts, a city-centre free school for ages 4 to 16, creating a continuum of creative learning from early years to Masters level.
- 2019: Awarded Taught Degree Awarding Powers (TDAP) by the QAA, granting the institution the authority to award its own BA (Hons) and Masters degrees.
- 2022: Officially granted university status by the Privy Council and renamed from Plymouth College of Art to Arts University Plymouth.
Academic Structure & Creative Programmes
Academic Structure & Creative Programmes
Arts University Plymouth offers a focused portfolio of specialist creative programmes across art, design, craft, and digital media. As a small, specialist institution, all courses are delivered within an interdisciplinary studio environment where fashion designers collaborate with filmmakers, fine artists with photographers, and animators with ceramicists.
Fine Art & Painting
Programmes focused on painting, drawing, printmaking, and contemporary fine art practice, taught in dedicated studio spaces with access to traditional and digital techniques.
- BA (Hons) Painting, Drawing & Printmaking
- BA (Hons) Fine Art
- MA Drawing
Design & Visual Communication
Courses spanning graphic design, illustration, interior design, and content creation, equipping students with industry-standard skills for the creative economy.
- BA (Hons) Graphic Design
- BA (Hons) Illustration
- BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling
Fashion & Textiles
Specialist programmes in fashion design, textile design, costume production, and fashion media, supported by extensive print studios and making workshops.
- BA (Hons) Fashion Design
- BA (Hons) Textile Design
- BA (Hons) Fashion Media & Marketing
Crafts & Material Practices
Programmes exploring ceramics, glass, jewellery, and material innovation, housed in specialist workshops including the university's renowned glasshouse and jewellery facilities.
- BA (Hons) Craft & Material Practices
- CertHE Ceramics & Glass
- BA (Hons) Costume Production
Film, Photography & Media
Creative programmes in photography, film and screen arts, and immersive media, with access to professional-grade equipment and Plymouth Arts Cinema on campus.
- BA (Hons) Photography
- BA (Hons) Film & Screen Arts
- MA Immersive Media
Games, Animation & Postgraduate Studies
Programmes in game arts, animation, and a range of postgraduate MA courses delivered through the dedicated Postgraduate Centre at Studio 44, fostering cross-disciplinary research and practice.
- BA (Hons) Game Arts & Animation
- MA Design
- MA Museum Studies
Admission Requirements for Arts University Plymouth
Admission Requirements for Arts University Plymouth
Undergraduate Admissions
- UCAS Tariff Points104-120 points from A-levels, BTEC, IB, or equivalent qualifications
- PortfolioRequired — a portfolio of creative work must be submitted and discussed at interview
- English Language (International)IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 per band) or equivalent
- Accepted QualificationsArt & Design Foundation Diploma, A-levels, BTEC, Access to HE, T-Levels, IB, or international equivalents
- InterviewAll shortlisted applicants are invited for an interview to discuss their portfolio and creative ambitions
Postgraduate Admissions
- Degree RequirementA good honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant creative discipline
- PortfolioA strong portfolio demonstrating advanced skills and artistic development
- English Language (International)IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 per band) or equivalent
- ReferencesTwo letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
- Research ProposalMay be required for research-oriented programmes — check specific course requirements
Submit your UCAS application by this date for equal consideration for undergraduate courses.
Recommended deadline for MA applications; late applications accepted subject to availability.
Undergraduate places may be available through UCAS Clearing for remaining vacancies.
Applications for pre-degree programmes including Foundation Diploma and Extended Diplomas are accepted throughout the year.
Tuition Fees & Scholarships at Arts University Plymouth
Tuition Fees & Scholarships at Arts University Plymouth
Arts University Plymouth is committed to offering accessible and affordable creative education. Plymouth is one of the most affordable student cities in the UK, with accommodation costs up to 41% lower than Bristol and 50% cheaper than London.
| Fee Category | UK Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) Degree (Full-Time, per year) | GBP 9,535 | GBP 17,500 |
| Extended BA (Hons) Degree (per year) | GBP 9,535 | GBP 17,500 |
| MA Degree (Full-Time) | GBP 9,500 | GBP 17,500 |
| MA Degree (Part-Time, per year) | GBP 5,320 | GBP 9,275 |
| Total | Contact university for programme-specific totals | Contact university for programme-specific totals |
International Academic Excellence Scholarship
Awarded to outstanding international students based on academic excellence and portfolio merit, providing financial support for the duration of the degree.
- Amount: Up to GBP 2,000 per year
- Eligibility: International students entering their first year of study
- Basis: Academic merit and portfolio quality
Alumni Progression Award
A 15% discount on MA or MFA course fees for graduates of Arts University Plymouth undergraduate, pre-degree, and Foundation Diploma programmes who enrol on a postgraduate course.
- Discount: 15% off postgraduate tuition fees
- Eligibility: AUP graduates from any pre-degree, foundation, or undergraduate programme
- Application: Automatically applied upon enrolment — no separate application required
Campus & Facilities at Arts University Plymouth
Campus & Facilities at Arts University Plymouth
Arts University Plymouth occupies a vibrant, modern city-centre campus spread across four buildings in Plymouth, with over 13,000 square metres of studios and workshops. The campus is home to professional workspaces, specialist studios, MIRROR public gallery, Fab Lab South West, and Plymouth Arts Cinema.
The main higher education campus housing specialist studios, workshops, the MIRROR gallery, Fab Lab South West, and Plymouth Arts Cinema.
Over 13,000 square metres of industry-standard facilities for ceramics, glass, printmaking, digital design, textiles, jewellery, and more.
A dedicated space for Foundation Diploma students, featuring large specialist studios with high windows for natural light, just 250 metres from the sea.
Housing & Student Life
Accommodation
Arts University Plymouth works with local private accommodation providers to help students find housing to suit their budget. Most first-year students choose to live in a student hall of residence.
- Private halls of residence within walking distance of campus
- Accommodation costs significantly lower than London, Bristol, and Exeter
- Dedicated support from the university to secure suitable housing
Campus Resources
The campus features a specialist library with over 28,000 physical and digital resources, a mix of PC and Mac suites, and a professional Print Lab with wide-format inkjet printers.
- Library with 28,000+ books, journals, DVDs, and digital resources
- Fab Lab South West with 3D printing and laser cutting facilities
- GBP 8 million specialist art, craft, and digital design centre
Student Life at Arts University Plymouth
Student Life at Arts University Plymouth
With approximately 1,600 students, Arts University Plymouth offers an intimate, close-knit creative community where every student is part of a collaborative network of artists, designers, and makers. The award-winning Students' Union (AUP:SU) organises events, societies, and support services throughout the year.
Plymouth: Britain's Ocean City
Plymouth: Britain's Ocean City
Living in Plymouth
Plymouth is a vibrant waterfront city in South West England, known as Britain's Ocean City. Nestled between the coast and the wild beauty of Dartmoor National Park, it offers a rich blend of maritime history, cultural attractions, and affordable living. With over 40,000 students calling Plymouth home, the city has a lively arts scene, great shopping, and a wealth of countryside and coastline to explore.
Affordable Living
Plymouth is one of the UK's most affordable student cities, with average accommodation rents up to 50% cheaper than London and 41% less than Bristol.
Rich Cultural Heritage
From Sir Francis Drake and the Spanish Armada to the Mayflower sailing in 1620, Plymouth offers centuries of history alongside modern cultural venues like The Box museum.
Outdoor Adventures
Enjoy world-class surfing, coastal walks, and Dartmoor National Park on your doorstep, with beaches and rugged moorland just minutes from the city centre.
Safe & Welcoming
Plymouth is consistently rated as one of the safest cities in the UK, offering a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere ideal for international students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Where Graduates Work
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
The international team supports students from enquiry to graduation, including guidance on Student Visa applications. A non-refundable deposit of GBP 2,000 is required before a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is issued.
The university works with several accommodation providers in Plymouth to help international students find suitable housing. Staff can recommend options to match your budget and preferences.
A dedicated Student Support team offers mentoring, counselling, health services, disability support, and wellbeing workshops. The main support office at Tavistock Place is open for drop-in visits during term time.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Arts University Plymouth Rankings & Recognition
Arts University Plymouth Rankings & Recognition
As a small, specialist arts university, Arts University Plymouth is not typically included in the major global university rankings (QS, THE, US News). However, it has earned outstanding recognition in UK-specific rankings and student satisfaction surveys, consistently outperforming larger institutions in teaching quality and student experience.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Arts, Drama & Music | Complete University Guide | Top 10 in UK |
| Interior Design | Guardian University Guide | 6th in UK |
| Facilities | Whatuni Student Choice Awards | 2nd in UK |
| Lecturers & Teaching Quality | Whatuni Student Choice Awards | 4th in UK |
Features
Arts University Plymouth is a specialist arts university offering undergraduate, postgraduate and pre‑degree education in art, design, craft, and media. It has strong industry links, state‑of‑the‑art studio/workshop facilities (~13,000 sqm across city centre sites), and a high graduate employment rate. Its foundation was in 1856, achieved full university status in 2022.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
Tavistock Place\nPlymouth\nDevon\nPL4 8AT\nUnited Kingdom
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