Falmouth University
Falmouth, United Kingdom
Falmouth University
Falmouth, United Kingdom
Founded
1902
Institution Type
Public University
Total Students
7,000+
Academic Departments
9
Discover Falmouth University: A Creative Industries Powerhouse
Discover Falmouth University: A Creative Industries Powerhouse
Falmouth University is a specialist public university for the creative industries based in Falmouth and Penryn, Cornwall, England. Founded as the Falmouth School of Art in 1902, it has evolved over more than 120 years into a modern institution celebrated for fostering innovation and creativity across disciplines ranging from fine art and design to games, film, and business.
The university operates across two campuses in the coastal towns of Falmouth and Penryn, with the larger Penryn Campus operated in partnership with the University of Exeter. Falmouth emphasises hands-on, industry-focused education that bridges traditional arts with cutting-edge technology, and its courses are closely aligned with the creative industries.
With students from over 50 countries, Falmouth provides a diverse and inclusive community in one of the UK's most inspiring natural settings. The university's Chancellor, Dawn French, is a celebrated actor and comedian who has attended every graduation since her installation in 2014.
Key Milestones
- 1902: Falmouth School of Art founded in response to the decline of Cornish mining, evolving from the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society.
- 1989: Became an independent Higher Education Corporation following the Education Reform Act 1988.
- 2005: Gained degree-awarding powers, becoming the only institution in Cornwall able to award its own degrees.
- 2012: Granted full university status by the Privy Council, officially becoming Falmouth University.
Academic Structure and Departments
Academic Structure and Departments
Falmouth University is organised into nine academic departments that work together to tackle real-world briefs and challenges. Working across disciplines and with strong industry connections, students are prepared to make an impact in the creative economy upon graduation.
Falmouth School of Art
With over a century of experience, the School of Art maintains a reputation for creative excellence across fine art, illustration, and creative practices.
- BA(Hons) Fine Art
- BA(Hons) Illustration
- BA(Hons) Drawing
School of Film & Television
With a 50-year heritage and extensive industry connections, the School produces award-winning graduates in film, television, and screenwriting.
- BA(Hons) Film
- BA(Hons) Television
- MA Film & Television
Games Academy
Ranked No.1 for Games Design in England by The Princeton Review (2025) and 13th globally, the Games Academy creates real games and digital products every day using professional-standard studios.
- BA(Hons) Game Development
- BA(Hons) Game Art
- BSc(Hons) Computing for Games
Cornwall Business School
Students run their own enterprises, events, or marketing agencies alongside their studies, gaining real-world experience in business, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
- BA(Hons) Business & Digital Marketing
- BA(Hons) Creative Advertising
- BA(Hons) Creative Events Management
Fashion & Textiles Institute
Students work on industry-sponsored projects with companies like Adidas, developing innovative approaches to fashion and textile design.
- BA(Hons) Fashion Design
- BA(Hons) Textile Design
- BA(Hons) Fashion Styling & Art Direction
School of Communication
Offering opportunities to work on live briefs and learn from industry leaders, the School of Communication prepares students for careers in journalism, writing, and media.
- BA(Hons) Journalism
- BA(Hons) Creative Writing
- MA Professional Writing
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admissions
- Application RouteApply via UCAS (University code: F33) or directly to the university
- Academic RequirementsCompleted high school diploma or equivalent with strong academic performance
- IELTS RequirementMinimum overall score of 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in each component
- PortfolioRequired for most creative arts programmes; submit your best creative work
- Personal StatementA statement outlining your goals and why you want to study at Falmouth
Postgraduate Admissions
- Application RouteApply directly through Falmouth University's online application portal
- Academic RequirementsRelevant undergraduate degree with a minimum of 2:2 classification (or equivalent)
- IELTS RequirementMinimum overall score of 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in each component
- Portfolio / InterviewRequired for many creative programmes; online interviews available for international students
- ReferencesOne or two academic or professional references required
Main UCAS deadline for most undergraduate programmes. International students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Applications may still be accepted via UCAS if places are available. After this date, apply directly to the university.
Postgraduate deadlines vary by programme. Apply early for the best chance of securing a place and scholarship.
Applications for research degrees are accepted throughout the year. Contact the university for specific intake dates.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition fees at Falmouth University vary depending on your programme and fee status. The UK Government announced that undergraduate home fees will rise to GBP 9,535 per year from September 2025. International tuition fees typically range from GBP 15,000 to GBP 21,000 per year depending on the course.
| Fee Category | UK / Home Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (per year) | GBP 9,535 | GBP 15,000 - 21,000 |
| Postgraduate Tuition (per year) | Contact university for current fees | Contact university for current fees |
| Accommodation (per week) | GBP 105 - 189 | GBP 105 - 189 |
| Living Costs (estimated per year) | GBP 9,000 - 12,000 | GBP 9,000 - 12,000 |
| Total | Contact university for full cost breakdown | Contact university for full cost breakdown |
International Talent Scholarship
A merit-based scholarship designed to support outstanding international students commencing their studies at Falmouth University.
- Award Value: Up to GBP 10,000
- Eligibility: International fee-paying students demonstrating academic excellence and creative talent
- Application: Check the Falmouth University scholarships page for current deadlines and criteria
International Bursary
A financial support initiative aimed at international students commencing eligible part-time online postgraduate courses.
- Award Type: Partial tuition fee reduction
- Eligibility: International students on eligible online postgraduate programmes
- How to Apply: Visit the Falmouth University international funding page for details
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
Falmouth University is spread across two campuses in the neighbouring towns of Falmouth and Penryn in Cornwall. Both campuses offer professional-standard creative facilities, libraries with specialist collections, and inspiring environments that blend historic character with modern architecture.
The larger campus features the Games Academy, School of Film & Television, AMATA arts centre, sports centre, and Glasney Student Village accommodation.
Located in the town centre, this intimate campus is surrounded by subtropical gardens and houses the original School of Art with light-flooded studios.
A shared library and teaching space opened in partnership with the University of Exeter, supporting research in digital economy and sustainable design.
Housing & Dining
Student Accommodation
Falmouth offers purpose-built student accommodation across both campuses, with options ranging from en suite rooms in shared flats to studio apartments.
- Glasney Student Village: Over 1,400 en suite rooms in flats of seven with shared kitchen (Penryn Campus)
- The Sidings: 233 en suite rooms near Penryn Campus, with studio flat options available
- Tuke House: 156 beds near Falmouth Campus, primarily for foundation course students
Dining & Campus Life
Both campuses offer cafes and social spaces, while the surrounding towns of Falmouth and Penryn provide a rich selection of independent restaurants, pubs, and cafes.
- Sustainable campus cafe at Penryn serving hot and cold food and refreshments
- Stannary Bar on Penryn Campus hosting regular student events and social nights
- Falmouth town centre offers gourmet restaurants, quirky pubs, and cocktail bars within walking distance
Student Life at Falmouth
Student Life at Falmouth
Student life at Falmouth is a little beyond the ordinary. With stunning beaches minutes from campus, a vibrant creative community, and over 150 clubs and societies, you will find an inspiring and supportive environment to grow both personally and professionally.
Location: Falmouth & Cornwall, United Kingdom
Location: Falmouth & Cornwall, United Kingdom
Life in Falmouth, Cornwall
Falmouth is a traditional seaside town in Cornwall, south-west England, frequently ranked as one of the best places to live in the UK. With stunning beaches, a vibrant arts scene, and a welcoming creative community, it provides a unique and inspiring setting for university life. Cornwall has a heritage and culture distinct from the rest of the UK, featuring lively towns and peaceful landscapes.
Coastal Lifestyle
Golden beaches are just minutes from campus, offering surfing, paddleboarding, sea swimming, sailing, and coastal walks year-round.
Creative & Cultural Scene
Cornwall is home to theatres, galleries, festivals like Boardmasters and the Sea Shanty Festival, and a thriving independent food and music scene.
Natural Beauty
Subtropical gardens, dramatic cliff paths, and the stunning Cornish countryside provide endless inspiration and opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Transport Links
Both campuses are connected by frequent bus services and a nearby railway station offers local and national connections, including direct trains to London.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Where Falmouth Graduates Work
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
Falmouth welcomes students from over 50 countries. The International Office provides guidance on visas, English language requirements, and settling into life in Cornwall.
International students can apply via UCAS, directly, or through an educational agent. The university assists with CAS issuance and visa application processes for Student Route visas.
The Realworks employability team offers CV building, practice interviews, placement opportunities, and access to the Handshake student jobs portal. After graduation, the UK Graduate Route visa allows a two-year stay to find work.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Falmouth University Rankings
Falmouth University Rankings
As a specialist creative university, Falmouth is most prominently featured in subject-specific league tables for art, design, and media rather than broad global rankings. The university consistently places within the top 100 UK universities and is internationally recognised for its creative programmes.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Game Design | The Princeton Review | #1 in England, #13 Globally (Undergraduate) |
| Art & Design | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #101-150 Globally |
| Design & Crafts | The Guardian University Guide | Top 10 in the UK |
| Fashion & Textiles | The Guardian University Guide | Top 15 in the UK |
Features
A creative‑focused university located on coastal Cornwall campuses, Falmouth blends hands‑on industry‑aligned teaching, innovative facilities (especially in game design, media, and arts), and strong graduate outcomes in creative industries.

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
January - September
Location
Penryn Campus, Treliever Road, Penryn TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
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