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Places are available on our courses with options to start in January 2021 and September 2021 for our BA degrees. From fashion, film and fine art to graphic design, game arts, and animation — your future starts here.
Ready to apply to one of our creative courses? Scroll down to begin making an application and kick-start your career in the creative industries. From UCAS codes to portfolio guidance, accommodation to funding - you’ll find quick links to everything you need on this page.
If you’re interested in creative study we have options available to start in January 2021 and September 2021 on our BA degrees, and our team are on hand to help find the course that’s right for you. From our Undergraduate BA (Hons) Degree programmes and Extended BA to our Postgraduate, Masters Degrees and our range of Pre-Degree study options, we offer something for everyone looking to further their artistic practice.
Please read our Admissions Policy and to find out more or make an application please email admissions@pca.ac.uk, call +44 (0)1752 203402 or WhatsApp us on 07722744184.
How to apply
If you’re over 18 years and looking to study a BA degree, you can apply to one of our undergraduate courses. We offer 18 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.
- 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.
- 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 15 January (UK time) if you are applying for 2021 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. - Arrange a visit or register for your next Online Open Event.
- Informal Discussion
If your application meets our entry requirements, we’ll invite you to an informal 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 our academic staff'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.
- UCAS & Pop-up Events
Our team will be available at UCAS events across the country from February to July 2020. Meet us in a city near you, as we take our Pop-up Open Events on a tour of the UK. Stops coming up include Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham, London, Bristol and Cornwall.
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 right-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 right 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.
Why Choose Plymouth College of Art?
Guaranteed accommodation in your first year
Our students enjoy safe, affordable and stylish accommodation options, and all undergraduate students are guaranteed accommodation in their first year. We work with Clever Student Lets and Host to bring you a wide range of accommodation choices for all budgets so that you can find a place to live that suits you.
£300 bursary in your final year
We are committed to ensuring every student’s creative practice is unrestricted by financial circumstance, and so we have set aside money to support you through your final year of study. The bursary is intended to help pay for costs incurred during that year - from class trips, to materials and equipment, this money is made available for all students, to help ease any worries about the cost of your degree. The college bursary is based on your household income.
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy can be downloaded as a PDF below or as a Google Document here. If you would like to request an alternative format to any of the information provided or gain personalised advice on making an application, please get in touch.
- Email admissions@pca.ac.uk
- Call +44 (0)1752 203402
- WhatsApp us on 07722744184.
Terms & Conditions
Our Terms & Conditions for Higher Education students – which set out the basis of the agreement between us when you accept a place with us – can be downloaded here. Terms & Conditions for January-start distance learning degrees can also be found here.
These documents make reference to our Academic Regulations and our Code of Conduct for students. The Code of Conduct is specified in our HE Student Handbook which can be found here.
If you require copies of any of the documentation referenced within the Regulations or an alternative format of the information provided, please contact the Deputy Registrar Margaret Campbell at mcampbell@pca.ac.uk.