Computing and Information Technology

The effect of digital technology and the internet has not only changed the way we communicate as a society but also the way we create. At Plymouth College of Art we are continually embracing this change and what it can offer our students.

We provide a range of resources to enable students to integrate the digital technologies into their practice as artists and designers, as well as enhancing students’ academic studies by providing access to the internet and other multimedia applications to source information and view the work of fellow artists.

Innovative teaching sessions utilise smartboard functionality and the College’s IT suites and Learning Resources Centre are highly equipped with the latest hardware and industry-standard software with a mixture of both Mac and PC machines, helping students to become competent users of both platforms.

All this enables students to revolutionise their work, linking digital techniques through image manipulation, web design and flash animation. Scanners, digital cameras, grafix tablets and non-linear editing resources are also available to develop your work, which can then be produced via black and white or colour laser jet printers, or via high resolution wide format printers. Some programme areas require specialist technology. Software such as 3D modelling, 3D environments, 3D animation, Computer Aided Design (CAD), projector control for photographic multi image work, video editing and re-touching, sound production, fashion design and print simulation are all available for students to use, and training in all the software available is provided.

We are eager to support those students who wish to enhance their understanding of the digital environment and incorporate it further into their practice. Should your interests lie in this area, we will accommodate your needs and help you develop you skills accordingly.

Moodle and Online Resources

Here at Plymouth College of Art we use Moodle to deliver our Virtual Learning Environment. This gives you access 24hrs a day from any location via a computer to your course files such as handouts, assignment briefs etc.

We offer a vast library of software training materials with over 400 titles and 55,000 video tutorials, including Internet and Web Design, Business Applications, Graphics and Page Layout, and Multimedia and Video. These cover tools manufactured by Microsoft, Adobe and Apple to name a few.

At Plymouth College of Art we are excited about the growing synergy between technology and creativity and the new dimension it adds to art practice, and we want to help you explore, harness and create with it.