Apply Now

If you’re over 18 years and looking to study a BA degree, you can apply to one of our undergraduate courses. We offer a range of highly-specialised degrees in art, design, craft and media, providing students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and industry expertise. Follow our step-by-step guide below to begin making your application.

1. Note our UCAS Codes — To apply through UCAS you’ll need our institution code P65 and the relevant course code - which is available on each course page.
2. Login to UCAS Apply — You can apply to all of our undergraduate courses through UCAS. Click here to login and if you need any support you can call our Admissions team on +44 (0)1752 203400. Remember, the deadline for the majority of courses is 18:00 on 26 January (UK time) if you are applying for 2022 entry.
   You can view entry requirements for each degree on our course pages and consult the UCAS Tariff Table. We recognise the value of a variety of qualifications and relevant experience and welcome applications from students who have followed less traditional routes.
3. Arrange a visit or register for our next Open Event.

• Interview

If your application meets our entry requirements, we’ll invite you to a discussion about your work with one of our academics. This might take place before or after you receive an offer from us. We know there's more to applicants than the information noted on a personal statement, so we’re keen to meet you and see your creative potential for real.

If you are unable to travel or have already attended an Open Day, this meet can take place online via Google Meet, Whatsapp, or a phone call. We will ask you to email a digital portfolio or showreel to us in advance, and arrange an interview slot with our Admissions team in advance. For more information on preparing for an interview at Plymouth College of Art, check out student Emily's top tips.

• Open Days & Campus Visits

You can also come along to one of our Open Days or Campus Experience events to gain personalised advice from our student finance team, meet with current staff and students and get hands-on in our specialist studios and workshops.

• Campus Tours

If you can’t make it to one of our event dates or would prefer a visit without the crowds, we’re more than happy to arrange a convenient time for you to tour our facilities. To arrange a date and time that works for you, please email liaison@pca.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1752 203434.

• University Fairs

Our Outreach team will be available at virtual and in-person university fairs, including UCAS, across the country this year - we can't wait to meet you and discuss your future.

For our range of post-GCSE study options, you can apply online through the Plymouth College of Art website by selecting your chosen course within the Pre-Degree course listings and clicking the ‘Apply Online’ option on the left-hand side of the page. As part of the pre-degree application process, we invite students to an Applicant Day, which we hold approximately once a month throughout the year at Palace Court. This is a chance for you to come and experience our unique learning environment, as well as discussing your options with our tutors.

Applications can be made at any time during the year. We normally offer places to students who have a minimum of four GCSEs (minimum grade 4), including English, preferably with one in a creative subject. If you choose to study the IBCP, you will also require a GCSE in Maths (grade A*-C or minimum 4). Other variations on this entry profile may be considered, for example students with non-traditional backgrounds, particular learning needs or exceptional circumstances that have affected their ability to achieve a grade C or minimum grade 4 in English.

Once we receive your application, we will invite you to book an appointment at the next available Applicant Day. Applicant Days are an opportunity for us to learn about you, your creative potential and why you are interested in studying with us. If you’re interested in studying on our International Baccalaureate Careers Programme (IBCP), an Applicant Day is the best way to learn more about how the IBCP works alongside our Extended Diplomas.

You can tell us about any learning difficulties or disabilities you may have so we can offer you the appropriate support. It is also a good moment for you to find out what we offer and gain an understanding of the studio experience.

You can apply at any time during the year. However, we receive a high number of applications and have a limited number of places for this course, so we recommend that you make your application as early as possible. Our application form asks for details of your previous qualifications and any relevant work experience, as well as a short personal statement where you can tell us about yourself and your interests. At this point, we will invite you for an interview.

As part of our admissions process, you’ll have the opportunity to tell us about any learning difficulties or disabilities you may have so we can offer you appropriate support. The Foundation Diploma in Art & Design requires a full Level 3 qualification and GCSEs, including English and Maths.

All offers are subject to interview and a portfolio or showreel of creative work that reflects your commitment, enthusiasm and passion for art, design and media. Download our handy guide for help in preparing your portfolio. We also welcome applications from students who may not have the required application profile but have alternative experience and knowledge.

As an MA student at Plymouth College of Art you will join our Postgraduate Centre, an active, cross-disciplinary community of makers and thinkers.

Applying for an MA

MA applicants are normally expected to have an undergraduate degree at 2:1 or above. However, the strength of your creative practice and other forms of experience will be taken into account at the interview stage and we encourage you to start a conversation with us.

You can apply for the postgraduate course you are interested in studying by clicking on the Apply Now link situated on the left-hand side of each specific course listing - see our range of MA programmes on our Postgraduate programme course pages.

As part of the application, you will be asked to give the usual application details, to provide some digital images of your work, and to submit a short personal statement (300 words approximately). This personal statement is a chance to tell us what you want to do on your chosen MA. It might include details of the techniques or themes that you want to investigate, the creative practitioners that inspire you, the reading that fires your imagination, and your longer term professional goals.

It’s fine to change your mind later on about what you intend to do – we understand that a creative process rarely runs in straight lines. However, the personal statement is important because it helps us to begin a dialogue about how we can best support your flourishing as a distinctive, individual voice.

If you meet the entrance requirements, we will get back to you within three weeks of receiving your application to invite you for interview. You will have the opportunity to tell us more about your work at this stage and to ask more questions about your course.

More information on the Postgraduate Centre can be found here, and you can also visit us at a Postgraduate Open Evening to learn more.

Applying for an MFA

To enrol on our MFA, a recent MA or 180 level 7 credits in an art, design, crafts or media discipline is normally required. The personal statement can be used to outline the work you intend to develop on the MFA. Contact admissions@pca.ac.uk if you have any questions.

Alumni Progression Award

Plymouth College of Art graduates are offered a discount of 15% on Masters programme fees, regardless of when they studied with us previously. The discount applies if you studied on one of our pre-degree, foundation or undergraduate programmes.

Discover Distance Learning with a difference and join a truly global community of creative learners.

Our January-start degrees will kickstart your future in the creative industries, allowing you to study your first year online at home, in the studio or at an international host institution.

As a student in our January-start cohorts, you will complete your first year of studies remotely by the July of that year, allowing you to take a short summer break before continuing straight on to the second year of your chosen degree at our city-centre Plymouth campus, towards the end of September in that year.

Find out more about our Distance Learning options here.