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Together we make, experiment and innovate. <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/apply">Apply now</a> to start studying at our specialist <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree">Post-16 campus</a>, choose a <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses">BA (Hons) degree</a> with options available for <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate">September 2024</a> and <a href="https://www.plymouthart.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/january-starts-and-distance-learning">January 2025</a> starts, or explore the <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate">Postgraduate courses</a> we have available.

Alongside this, professional practice modules will provide you with the grounding in business, legal and ethical considerations that you’ll need to pursue your own career in the creative industries.
Recent visiting artists and lecturers have included Alison Nordström, Dinu Li, Nicholas White, Jonny Briggs, Anna Fox, Ben Borthwick, Jack Latham, Tom Hunter, Richard Billingham, Peter Kennard, Sophy Rickett, Sian Davey, Louis Porter, Matthew Broadhead, Aaron Schuman and Arko Datto, while the university’s onsite gallery has hosted exhibitions from Martin Parr, Suki Dhanda and Corinne Day.
Our strong international connections also allow our students to take a semester of study with one of our partner institutions within Europe and North America, and in turn, we welcome overseas students from those institutions to join us in our studios, creating an exciting cultural exchange.
Graduates can become photographers, artists, curators, art or creative directors, creative producers, filmmakers, writers, academics, lecturers and teachers, online producers and more. Successful alumni include photographers such as Nicholas White, whose practice spans commercial and creative photography, while other graduates have gone on to postgraduate study and careers in the creative industries.
From award wins with Slovak Press Photo, Lensculture, the Association of Photographers and the South West Graduate Photography prize to exhibiting at the Anima Mundi Festival in Venice, The Royal Photographic Society, and Somerset House - our students see success both nationwide and internationally. 

Photography & Film

Although many of our students do come in with top grades and high UCAS points, these aren’t necessarily essential for entry. We typically ask for between 104 - 120 UCAS points, earned through an Art &amp; Design Foundation Diploma, A-levels, BTEC Extended Diploma MMM grade, Access to HE Art &amp; Design, T-Levels, Irish/Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers, the International Baccalaureate, or other international qualifications.Applicants also need to submit a portfolio.We understand that talented artists, designers and makers can have a wide range of relevant strengths and skills beyond formal qualifications. We’re just as interested in exploring your portfolio and discussing your creative experiences as we are in seeing your grades, and we welcome applications from students who have followed less traditional routes.We also accept a range of international qualifications and will look at each application individually.
For more information please consult our How to Apply page and the UCAS Tariff Table.

Josh Parrett BA Hons Photography Man stands with eyes closed holding a trumpetpng

We also provide access to lighting and high-end digital camera equipment as well as large-format scanners and post-production suites.
You’ll be encouraged to use all of the resources available to you – including the 6,000 pieces of kit that are free to hire from our exceptionally well-stocked Equipment Resource Centre.
Our Careers &amp; Enterprise office provides support from a dedicated team who are purely focused on developing creative opportunities. And this doesn’t stop when you graduate – we want to keep in contact and help support you through the first two years of your career.

Undergraduate

Digital Media

Media

Photography

Production

Technical

Our BA (Hons) Photography programme focuses on a blend of creative and critical practice. It examines and encourages the many types of photographic image-making that emerge from photography as a contemporary art practice.

BA (Hons) Photography

Our unit structure applies to all of our undergraduate courses and creates a culture that promotes curiosity and creative thinking that extends beyond subject boundaries. Thematic approaches encourage an environment of free-flowing creative learning and opportunities for collaboration. Each unit will be contextualised by the subject specialism, and delivery will manifest uniquely through the specialist lens of each course.
Browse through the Year One, Two and Three headings to see what you'll cover during the course of this degree. For more detailed information, including the content of each unit, assessment criteria and reading lists, take a look at the full course information within our Unit Specification Form and our Course Specification Form documents.To request alternative formats of the full Unit Specification Form, please email admissions@aup.ac.uk.

During the programme, you’ll get the opportunity to work on live project briefs and benefit from a regular programme of visiting lecturers who work in the industry. 
Our strong international connections also allow our students to take a semester of study with one of our partner institutions within Europe and North America, and in turn, we welcome overseas students from those institutions to join us in our studios, creating an exciting cultural exchange.​
Graduates become commercial or freelance illustrators, in-house illustrators and designers, printmakers, children’s book illustrators, concept artists, studio managers, art directors, entrepreneurs. Recent alumni:Mike Coombs: Junior Designer and Concept Artist at Design by Touch – working on toy design and invention. Jordan Wray: Employed by Tiger Print and represented by Astound, New York. jordanwray.com/Tobey (Mole) Brown: Freelance (formerly Lego)Lize Meddings: Freelance Illustrator and zine-maker – Sad Ghost Club. James Rae: Freelance illustrator (Formerly design, illustration &amp; animation for Papaya Pods in Barcelona) jamesraedesign.com/index.htmlJack Viant: Freelance Illustrator. Jiantillustration.co.ukSam Thorne: Junior Art Director at social media marketing agency 33 Seconds – clients include Amazon and Peugeot. www.samuelbthorne.comStu Harmer: Freelance Illustrator for Newaza Apparel (Los Angeles), StickerBomb (NY), Hunger Club and more.Emily Dymond: Freelance illustrator for brand packaging and textiles — co-founded Native Makers. https://cargocollective.com/emilydymond/ABOUTSayra Begum: Illustrator and author of comic ‘Mongrel’.http://www.sayra.co.uk/Jake Williams: Freelance illustrator for The New York Times, Pavilion Books, The Telegraph and more. www.jakewilliams.co.uk/Warren Curry: Freelance Illustrator for Harrods, Culture Trip, Forpure Brewing www.warrencurryillustration.com/Ben Challen: Print Producer at Jealous London

Fine Art, Drawing and Painting

Visual Communication & Design

Although many of our students do come in with top grades and high UCAS points, these aren’t necessarily essential for entry. We typically ask for between 104 - 120 UCAS points, earned through an Art &amp; Design Foundation Diploma, A-levels, BTEC Extended Diploma MMM grade, Access to HE Art &amp; Design, T-Levels, Irish/Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers, the International Baccalaureate, or other international qualifications.Applicants also need to submit a portfolio.We understand that talented artists, designers and makers can have a wide range of relevant strengths and skills beyond formal qualifications. We’re just as interested in exploring your portfolio and discussing your creative experiences as we are in seeing your grades, and we welcome applications from students who have followed less traditional routes. We also accept a range of international qualifications and will look at each application individually.
For more information please consult our How to Apply page and the UCAS Tariff Table.

J O Kane Dennis Rodman BA Hons Illustration

Throughout your studies, you will be invited to try out specialist workshops and our digital Fab Lab which houses the latest laser cutting and 3D printing technologies. 
In Years 2 and 3, you will have your own dedicated workspace within our illustration studios alongside several opportunities to work collaboratively or in new formats, materialising your ideas in diverse applications.
95% of BA (Hons) Illustration students agreed that “the library resources had supported their learning well.” - National Student Survey 2023

Illustration

From indie publishing and children’s literature, through to comic books and commercial products - our BA (Hons) Illustration course will empower you to make your mark.

BA (Hons) Illustration

You will learn to develop public-facing work, and have opportunities to engage with regional and national galleries and museums including KARST, Ocean Studios, Plymouth Arts Cinema, The Box Plymouth, Tate St Ives, Newlyn Art Gallery and The Exchange, Cornwall. You also have opportunities to take part in regular visits and trips, including to national and international art fairs, galleries and artists’ studios and projects.
Recent international trips have included Berlin and the Venice Biennale. In addition, a visiting artist programme supports the progression and development of our students, creating strong regional and national links to professional partners and institutions, through residencies and exhibition projects that provide professional and graduate opportunities.
And there is also the possibility of studying abroad for a semester or a year at one of our partner universities.
Graduates become professional artists, curators, artists’ assistants, arts facilitators, exhibition organisers, arts administrators, lecturers and teachers, art conservators and framers, art handlers, community artists, gallery owners and more.

Paul Hillon BA Hons Fine Art

Your studio practice will also be supported by a studio technician and demonstrator, offering you a wealth of technical knowledge and experience for you to draw upon.
As a fine art student, you will have access to dedicated workspace in Studio 11, with further access to bookable ‘project spaces’ a specific installation dark room, a Mac suite and presentation areas.
Our Careers &amp; Enterprise office provides support from a dedicated team who are purely focused on developing creative opportunities. And this doesn’t stop when you graduate – we want to keep in contact and help support you through the first two years of your career.
100% of BA (Hons) Fine Art students agreed that “the library resources supported their learning well.” - National Student Survey 2023

Fine Art

Our BA (Hons) Fine Art programme promotes contemporary art practice in its broadest sense, we encourage an ambitious, self-directed and critically engaged approach to creative practice.

BA (Hons) Fine Art

Bringing your studies to life in industry is central to your experience as an aspiring Interior Design and Styling professional. Through the university’s Industry Liaison Groups you’ll gain access to local and international brands and agencies, visiting Decorex, Chelsea Harbour and many other interior-related events in London and Europe to help you build your network of companies and products.
Our teaching staff bring a wealth of interiors experience, including design and decoration for major hotel chains, shop fittings and private accommodation. Study trips to the international trade fair Maison &amp; Objet in Paris also provide students with the chance to see cutting-edge installs up-close, developing a professional network and broadening their awareness of trend.
We also hold fantastic connections with many well-respected furniture and material suppliers and they regularly contribute to the course through visiting lectures, live briefs and collaborative projects.
The university’s strong international connections allow students to take a semester of study with one of our partner institutions within Europe and North America, and in turn, we welcome overseas students from those institutions to join us in our design studios, creating an exciting cultural exchange. 
Graduates become: Interior &amp; Spatial Designers, Interior Product Designers &amp; Makers, Set Designers, Exhibition Designers, Product Stylists, Trend Forecasters, Retail Buyers/Merchandisers, Magazine Stylists, Interior Decorators, Freelance artists and designers.Take a look at some of our recent alumni, and the exciting brands they have gone on to work for:Kate Bond, Pfeiffer Design Ltd - Interior Designers for Brighton &amp; Sussex. Read about Kate's six month internship with internationally renowned furniture company Vitra here.Ewan Pogson, Wearth LondonLydia Hughes, Wearth LondonKelly Rice, Lang &amp; PotterAnna Wycliffe Jones worked for luxury yacht manufacturer Princess Yachts before launching her own interior styling company, Anna Georgina InteriorsCesar Waters works for Dartington-based high-end virtual tour creators Archilime, who make bespoke interior and exterior CGI, VR, fly-through and fly-over animations and drone photography and films for property developers.Emma Payne, Modus LondonAmy Rouse, launched her own interior product range using concrete - shop AR Desiigns here.

Fashion & Textiles

Magdalena Mrvova BA Hons Interior Design Room design png

You will work in generously equipped and spacious design studios, with skilled technical support staff. Specific resources that you will have access to include our Fab Lab for digital prototyping, as well as wood, metal and glass prototyping workshops, textile design print and digital print facilities, AutoCAD, Revit and SketchUp design software and model making, and design intelligence facilities.
We also have knitting and digital embroidery machines, and dye labs. Our photographic resources are among the best in the country: we provide access to large-format scanners as well as fantastic photographic studios, one of which provides an ‘Infinity Cove’, a large white curved solid backdrop for shoots.

Curation

Design

Interior Design

Printmaking

Styling

Textiles

Our BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling degree course is one of very few in the UK to develop your skills in interior design and styling, emphasising colour, surface and ambience in a range of interior environments.

BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling

Recent external contributors include:The Design KidsCreative ConsciencePlymouth Design ForumUpshot Design AgencyGetty ImagesJames EdgarTrevor PettitRamuntcho MattaOur strong international connections also allow our students to take a semester of study with one of our partner institutions within Europe and North America, and in turn, we welcome overseas students from those institutions to join us in our studios, creating an exciting cultural exchange.
Graduates can become: graphic designers, art directors, digital designers, motion graphic designers, UX designers, advertisers, brand and marketing officers, mobile app designers, content producers, studio managers, account managers.
Recent alumni: Designer at JC Decaux; Junior Designer at Pro Direct; Graphic Designer at Brand Potential; Junior Graphic Designer at Studiose; Freelance Designer at Walgreens, Boots Alliance; UX Designer/Web Developer; Designer at Sponge Plymouth, UK; Designer at Felt Branding Agency, UK, Designer at 33 Seconds.

Fiona Pearse BA Hons Graphic Design

100% of BA (Hons) Graphic Design students agreed that “the library resources supported their learning well.” - National Student Survey 2023

Communication

Content Creation

Graphic Design

Marketing

Publishing

BA (Hons) Graphic Design is an ambitious course that responds to the opportunities presented through emerging communication methods. It supports the development of specialist and generalist approaches to graphic design, with a focus on the opportunities afforded by advances in new technologies alongside those offered by traditional or hybrid approaches.

BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Here you will develop professional skills through real-world internships and visits to entrepreneurs and brands, as well as through specialist industry speakers and our expert academics and technicians, who are all experienced fashion practitioners.
Throughout your studies, you will acquire the skills and confidence needed to work across a wide spectrum of careers in fashion, as a designer, consultant, buyer, stylist, or illustrator, amongst many other roles. 
We will equip you with the professional, transferable skills needed for employment in the global fashion industry and our strong international connections allow students to take a semester of study with one of our partner institutions within Europe and North America. In turn, we welcome overseas students from those institutions to join us in our design studios, creating an exciting cultural exchange.
You will be encouraged to take up opportunities for work experience; former students have taken placements with J.W. Anderson, Mary Katrantzou, Jonathan Saunders, Alexander McQueen, Gareth Pugh, Lulu Guinness and at London Fashion Week. You will also have the opportunity to showcase your work at Graduate Fashion Week in London, and industry events in Paris, Munich, New York, and Berlin – providing excellent opportunities for professional networking.
Graduates can become: fashion designers, knitwear designers, stylists, buyers, tailors, fashion illustrators, pattern cutters, trend forecasters, visual merchandisers, studio managers, garment technologists, production coordinators, merchandisers, and lecturers.
Recent alumni: Jade Rogers, Designer at Makers HQMilly Devine, Production Coordinator at New Girl OrderJemima Smale, Graduate Placement at Julien Macdonald, Garment Maker at Westward Bound LatexChloe Gee, Graduate Placement at Vivienne Westwood, Designer at Pretty Little ThingAmy Bray, Graduate Placement at Pentland BrandsAbigail Shaeffer &amp; Inuta Ulme, Fashion Entrepreneurs at MuktaLan Chen, Graduate Placement at Hiut DenimJake Visser, Fashion Entrepreneur at The ReclaimersRob Tarasek, Pattern Cutter for Alexander McQueenLaura Duncan, Designer, MarwoodGeorgia Cook, Marketing and Social Media at RIONatasha Hutchins, runs her own brand and bespoke pattern making service at NHPatterns Anna Boast, Designer at River IslandAmy Shaw, Talent Scout for AllSaints

Crafts & Making

Katie Mc Millan BA Hons Fashion Design Woman wears pink over coat on fashion shoot catwalkpng

We encourage cross-disciplinary working, so you’ll be able to expand your skills by exploring our professional textile print studios, as well as workshops for jewellery and other making skills.
Our digital Fab Lab houses the latest laser cutting and 3D printing technologies, giving your design ideas scope for diverse outcomes. You’ll also have the opportunity to use global trend forecasting tools WGSN and The Future Laboratory.
Through national and international trips, expert industry speakers, and collaborations for specialist brands such as Finisterre and Hiut Denim, you’ll develop your market awareness and refine your design and construction skills.

Fashion

Jewellery

Our BA (Hons) Fashion Design course provides a comprehensive design education for independently-minded fashion thinkers and makers who are looking to influence change within the fashion industry.

BA (Hons) Fashion Design

Students have the opportunity to attend international film festivals, such as Rotterdam, Oberhausen and Aesthetica, where students have screened their own work as well as held panel discussions. 
Our strong international connections also allow our students to take a semester of study with one of our partner institutions within Europe and North America, and in turn, we welcome overseas students from those institutions to join us in our studios, creating an exciting cultural exchange. We are partners with University Miguel Hernandez, Spain, and UCDI, Mexico, for the International Student Film Project.
Graduates can become independent filmmakers, commercial filmmakers, documentary filmmakers, artist filmmakers, directors, producers, production designers, cinematographers, scriptwriters, editors, location managers, researchers, post-production specialists and more.

Games & Media

Set design by BA Hons Film Screen Arts students Man sits in dark room on sofa in front of TV

Our Equipment Resource Centre is comprehensively stocked with a wide range of film production technologies, including 4K High-Definition cinematography, Super 16mm film, underwater film and photography resources, professional sound design apparatus and extensive support equipment.
Our professional post-production editing facilities utilise current professional software packages including Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop) and Final Cut Pro.

Film

Sound

BA (Hons) Film & Screen Arts is a practical filmmaking course where you will explore the craft and aesthetics of contemporary screen-based media, learning the skills required to design and make for film and media production.

BA (Hons) Film & Screen Arts

The university’s range of undergraduate courses are designed in close consultation with an Industry Liaison Group – including luxury interior furnishings group Harlequin, recognised for their outstanding design, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of wall coverings, furnishing fabrics and whose sub-brands include Zoffany, Sanderson, Morris &amp; Co., Harlequin and Scion.
Real-world experiences through guest lecturers, design competitions and work placements also play a vital role in keeping you connected to cutting-edge trends and techniques and you will make invaluable contacts – preparing you for success beyond graduation. In recent times, students specialising in printed textiles and surface pattern at the university have worked with Mercedes-Benz smart cars to design and launch new body panel decals, with the winning design team’s work officially manufactured. We also enjoy close links with Wrag Wrap, Zandra Rhodes, Brume, Clarks, and more.
Between Year 1 and 2 of your studies, you’ll gain the opportunity to take a work placement with a well-known brand or design studio, and later in your second year you’ll visit some of the most important design events in Europe, such as Heimtextil in Frankfurt, Première Vision and Maison &amp; Objet in Paris. We encourage students to combine international trips with a study tour event as well as the possibility of exhibiting your work at a major international design shows, such as the prestigious London Design Fair. 
Our strong international connections also allow our students to undertake a semester of study with one of our partner institutions within Europe and North America, and in turn, we welcome overseas students from those institutions to join us in our design studios, creating an exciting cultural exchange.
Recent alumni:Faye Bentley Studio Assistant, Anna Gravelle Textile StudioMirella Dry, Head Print Technicia at Juice StudiosEmma Corner, Business Owner at Elk Print &amp; Pattern Studio, Founder of Martha &amp; BeeLily Cumming Visual Merchandiser IKEAHannah Seward Junior Designer, Fermoie Interior TextilesHannah Peacock Buyer, NextEmma Corner Designer, Mary Jones Design StudioAyesha King Designer, Etch Studios, LondonSophie Minshall Stylist, Princess YachtsLucy Ellis Designer, Bonny Print studio.Libby Dawson Woodbrook Bespoke
Graduates can become:textile designersdesign stylistsdesign researcherstrend forecasterssurface pattern designerstextile buyers

Charlotte Venn BA Hons Textile Design

You’ll also have access to AVA software, WGSN and Future Laboratory, a large format sublimation printer and transfer press and an expansive, open, light design studio, where you will have your own workspace station to develop your ideas from digital screen through to print.
In addition to all our printing facilities, we offer you the use of knitting machines, digital embroidery machines and tufting guns for making carpets. 

Technologies

Stimulate your entrepreneurial spirit and become a first-class designer on our BA (Hons) Textile Design course, covering everything from textile design for fashion and interiors to bespoke making. Discover your unique design personality through a challenging mix of experimentation and commercial opportunity.

BA (Hons) Textile Design

We have an impressive roster of visiting artists and professionals who can give you the benefit of their industry experience. The programme has a strong network of industry contacts, such as art suppliers Winsor &amp; Newton, Art Mill Gallery, who host yearly exhibitions with our students, and with Q-art, who frequently collaborate with students for their renowned Crit Club, most recently at Tate Modern.
You will have the chance to show your work right from the beginning of your first year, in a professional exhibition open to the public, organised, curated and produced by your group.
Our strong international connections also allow our students to take a semester of study with one of our partner institutions within Europe and North America, and in turn, we welcome overseas students from those institutions to join us in our studios, creating an exciting cultural exchange.
Graduates can become:paintersdrawing artistsvisualisersfine printmakersstudio-based artistsillustratorsart therapistspublic artistsgallery ownerslecturersteachersarts entrepreneurs

Created by Annie Millar BA Hons Painting Drawing Printmaking

We have tutors and technicians who are active, professional practitioners, making and exhibiting their own work, alongside a range of visiting artists from painting, drawing and printmaking disciplines.
Our professional fine art printmaking studios offer a range of relief and intaglio processes, taught by highly experienced technical staff. Our digital Fab Lab houses the latest laser cutting and 3D printing technologies, giving your ideas scope for diverse outcomes.
Our Careers &amp; Enterprise office provides support from a dedicated team who are purely focused on developing creative opportunities. And this doesn’t stop when you graduate – we want to keep in contact and help support you through the first two years of your career.
93% of BA (Hons) Painting, Drawing &amp; Printmaking students agreed that “it was easy to access subject specific resources when they needed them.” - National Student Survey 2023

Drawing

Painting

This dynamic, studio format course is aimed at students who are excited by the prospect of a rigorous materials-based and process-driven education in art practice. Develop essential techniques, taught by practising artists, in oil painting, water-based painting, drawing and fine print.

BA (Hons) Painting, Drawing & Printmaking

Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to develop key transferable skills for employability in the creative industries and work in partnership with other sectors locally, nationally or internationally.
As soon as you enrol on this programme, you will automatically become a member of the prestigious Association of Photographers (AOP) and you’ll work alongside our expert teaching and technical team, as well as practitioners from industry who’ll help you to develop the confidence to respond to client briefs while demonstrating excellent creative problem-solving.
From writing and making the most of your CV to gaining industry placements, entering competitions and exhibiting at industry showcases, the acquisition of professional skills has been written into every programme of study at Arts University Plymouth, ensuring you gain real-world experience. This is further supported by our Industry Liaison Groups, who help inform the development of our higher education curriculum.
Our graduates succeed!
Many of our graduates progress into full time employed roles in the photographic industries, becoming assistants, e-commerce photographers, producers, stylists, picture editors and digital retouchers. The huge growth of online shopping in recent years has created a whole new industry, with many major brands developing their own photographic studios to produce digital content for online retail and social media. Locally based businesses that operate nationally such as the Range, Saltrock, Seasalt and Pro-Direct Sport all employ graduates from our degree course. Other graduates who have left the South West are now working in photographic and media production for companies such as Kurt Geiger and Audi UK.
Some of our graduates choose to progress into self-employment, becoming independent freelance professionals and business owners. Recent and notable successes include:
Community Photographic Studios: www.communityphotographicstudios.co.uk - Photographic business established by Alumni Hannah Cochrane
Grace &amp; Mitch - www.graceandmitch.com - Wedding Photography business established by Alumni Grace Clarke
Andy Ford andyfordphotography.co.uk – Freelance photographer for NME, Kerrang, Converse, SoccerBible
Laura Stobart - www.laurastobartphotography.com - Fashion Photographer
Codie Hobbs www.codie-hobbs-photography.com – Fashion photographer
Tony Cobley tonycobley.com – Commercial photographer

Missy Radcliffe BA Hons Commercial Photography

We also provide access to lighting and high-end digital camera equipment as well as large-format scanners and post-production suites.
You’ll be encouraged to use all of the resources available to you – including the 6,000 pieces of kit that are free to hire from our exceptionally well-stocked Equipment Resource Centre, supported with a sophisticated online booking system.
100% of BA (Hons) Commercial Photography students agreed that “it was easy to access subject specific resources when they needed them." - National Student Survey 2023

From lighting and framing a dramatic fashion shot to visualising concepts for advertising campaigns, commercial photography has the power to influence and inspire.

BA (Hons) Commercial Photography

They curate, exhibit and sell their work at many prestigious design and craft events. In recent years students have exhibited at TENT, part of London Design Fair, New Designers and London Craft Week, and have had opportunities to visit shows in Europe, including the Handwerk fair and SCHMUCK, Munich.
Our strong international connections also allow our students to take a semester of study at one of our partner institutions within Europe and North America, and in turn, we welcome overseas students from those institutions to join us in our design studios, creating an exciting cultural exchange.
Recent graduate successes:Gregory Williams, BA (Hons) 3D Design Crafts2020 graduate, British Art Medal Society, student competition, Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers alias Wire WorkersColin Wilkes, BA (Hons) 3D Design Crafts2019 graduate, Design Fresh at 100% Design, London. 2019, CGS highly commended, New Graduate Review, 2020 Get Fresh exhibition at Devon GuildBen Kew, BA (Hons) Ceramics and Glass2019 graduate, selected for the British Ceramics Biennial Fresh exhibitionChloe Bell, BA (Hons) Contemporary Craft2017 graduate, selected for the British Ceramics Biennial Fresh exhibition, and the Craft Council’s Hothouse programme 2020, Griffin Scholarship at the Royal College of Art 2017.Rosemary Groom, BA (Hons) 3D Design Crafts2018 graduate - Residency at Birmingham School of Jewellery.Bethany and Alice Antliff BA (Hons) Ceramics and Glass2018 graduates - Won the Canonteign Falls residency for 2018, they were both selected as Commended for 'New Graduate Review', with Bethany Antliff’s work included in an exhibition at London Glassblowing, September 2018.Lorna Yabsley, BA (Hons) 3D Design Crafts2018 graduate, British Art Medal Society, Student Competition, Second Prize.Ben Lintell, BA (Hons) 3D Design Crafts2017 graduate - Talente 2018 Munich Award.Ian Palfrey, BA (Hons) 3D Design Crafts2017 graduate - Contemporary Glass Society Graduate Prize 2017, Second Prize.Mim Brigham, BA (Hons) Contemporary Crafts2017 graduate - Selected for The 3rd Session of China (Hejian) Craft Glass Design &amp; Creation Exhibition and Competition at Ming Shangde Glass Museum, Hejian City, Cangzhou City, Hebei Province, China November 2018. Selected for the British Glass Biennale 2017. Devon Guild of Craftsmen Prize 2017.Graduates can become:ceramicistsglass artistsprop designersornament/wearables designerssculptorsarchitectural surface designerstextile designersfine artistsgallery and museum professionals

BA Hons Craft Material Practices

You’ll be able to use a variety of hand-building techniques and small batch production methods in ceramics, such as press-moulding, mould-making, wheel-throwing and slip-casting. In glass, you’ll be encouraged to experiment with techniques such as glass blowing, kiln-casting, slumping, fusing and lampworking. You will have access to fine metalwork and silversmithing processes, including lost wax casting and micro-welding. Traditional hand forming and contemporary mixed media approaches are taught. For working with wood we have all the tools and expertise you’ll need. You will also develop an understanding of materials such as concrete, plastic, jesmonite and resin.
Our Careers &amp; Enterprise office provides support from a dedicated team who are purely focused on developing creative opportunities. And this doesn’t stop when you graduate – we want to keep in contact and help support you through the first two years of your career.

3D Design

Ceramics

Craft

Glass

Our BA (Hons) Craft & Material Practices course will provide you with a specialist foundation in the making of objects using both traditional and emerging techniques. A vibrant mix of designing and making gives you the chance to explore a diversity of materials including clay, textiles, fibers, wood, metals, glass, jesmonite and new synthetic matter while developing a cohesive, forward-thinking and sustainable contemporary practice.

BA (Hons) Craft & Material Practices

Our ambitious students have been awarded internships at prestigious institutions, including Glyndebourne, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Birmingham Royal Ballet and National Theatre. 
You’ll learn from lecturers who have worked on West End productions for Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber, and gain insights from visiting professionals like Cathy Tate, Amanda Barrow and Jane Stuart Brown.
Amongst many other professional industry links to both theatre and film, we are on the doorstep of Theatre Royal Plymouth – the largest and most attended regional producing theatre in the UK, and the leading promoter of theatre in the South West – where students have enjoyed after show talks and backstage tours.
You’ll also benefit from masterclasses led by experts in specialist areas such as prop making, millinery and costume design and visit events such as TheatreCraft, an offstage theatre careers event in London, and performances including opera, ballet, drama and musicals. In 2017 students created costumes for National Trust properties and exhibited at Destinations, London, where they met major film, theatre and television professionals and presented their work to prospective industry employers.
Our strong international connections allow our students to take a semester of study with one of our partner institutions within Europe and North America, and in turn, we welcome overseas students from those institutions to join us in our design studios, creating an exciting cultural exchange.
Graduates become: costume interpretersprop makersdesignersstylistsbuyerscostume supervisorstheatrical millinersheritage professionalslecturers

Rae Hildbrand BA Hons Costume Production

You’ll have access backstage at a professional working theatre. And you’ll make use of digital and traditional equipment that complements costume design and making, with opportunities to experiment with screen printing, 3D workshops, digital print and laser cutting.
Through our professional memberships, you will benefit from access to specialist journals and archives from The Costume Society, The Royal Television Society, and The Society of Theatre Research.
We aim to encourage your creative education, and help you to develop your career through your studies and after. Our Careers &amp; Enterprise office provides support from a dedicated team who are purely focused on developing creative opportunities. And this doesn’t stop when you graduate – we want to keep in contact and help support you through the first two years of your career.
100% of BA (Hons) Costume Production students agreed that “the library resources supported their learning well.” - National Student Survey 2023

Costume

Our intensive and practical Costume Production course will transform you into an outstanding costume professional, ready for a wide range of careers in the performing arts – that includes television, film, stage, festival and heritage events.

BA (Hons) Costume Production

In close consultation with Industry Liaison Groups, who help inform the development of our higher education curriculum, we have placed real-world experience at the heart of our BA (Hons) Fashion Media &amp; Marketing course. 
This is a dynamic programme that responds in real-time to shifts in the fashion industry. Your learning environment will be enriched with an enviable programme of client briefs, competitions, work placements and guest speakers. 
You will work with industry professionals to create visual branding, professional lookbooks and moving image projects, developing your online marketing skills and helping you pursue an original approach to fashion communication. 
Recent collaborators:Dean Huse, The Protagonist, Magazine EditorRam Shirgill, Vogue, PhotographerKylie Griffiths, Vice, Stylist Liam Fuller, Fashion Photographer &amp; RetoucherAmy Gwatkin, Fashion FilmmakerDavid Gray, Finisterre, Creative Director Dr Manrutt Wongkaew, Art Director and StylistPatternity Fashion BloggersJonny Ayres, Future Lab, Business Manager Cassie Fitzpatrick, Amazon Fashion, Senior Trends Analyst Elisabeth Krohn, Sabat &amp; Suspira Magazines, EditorDot Burns, ID, Dazed and Love, Fashion ProducerDenzel Currie, Pentland BrandsEllie Moss, Ellesse, Brand ManagerDaniel Langhorn, Size?, Multi-Channel Lead Chloe Hodgkinson, ProDirect FIT, ProducerMike Neale, End. Stylist.
Throughout the year we’ll also provide the opportunity to visit major trade fairs and fashion shows, including London and Paris Fashion Week, where you can make meaningful connections with employers and professional collaborators from the world of image-making, fashion publishing and PR.
Our strong international connections also allow our students to take a semester of study with one of our partner institutions within Europe and North America, and in turn, we welcome overseas students from those institutions to join us in our studios, creating an exciting cultural exchange.
Graduates can become; creative directors, art directors, fashion filmmakers, fashion photographers, journalists, stylists, content producers, social media managers, visual merchandisers, trend forecasters, buyers, PR and marketing coordinators, brand managers and event managers. 

Corey Hyne BA Hons Fashion Media Marketing

With excellent access to technical support, professional studios and audiovisual equipment, you will realise your aspirations to direct fashion shoots or films, style for promos or explore journalistic opportunities.
100% of BA (Hons) Fashion Media &amp; Marketing students agreed that “the library resources supported their learning well.” - National Student Survey 2023

From social media campaigns and fashion shoots through to discussions around how in-store experiences and disruptive technology are changing consumer behaviour – our BA (Hons) Fashion Media & Marketing course will place you at the forefront of industry.

BA (Hons) Fashion Media & Marketing

At the start of the course I am aged 18-70I am interested in studying at the university in Autumn 2024 or January 2025I want to explore higher education opportunities at an undergraduate or postgraduate levelI am eligible for at least two years of student funding or I am looking at self-funding a Higher Education course. (More information on if you are eligible can be found at https://www.gov.uk/student-finance/who-qualifies. If you are unsure if you are eligible we can discuss this with you once you have applied)I am planning on studying in the UK on a student visa (if not a UK citizen)You must be able to attend all six sessions 

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Whether you're just starting out, looking to upskill or well-established in your subject-area, our approachable staff will provide personalised guidance and support to help you realise your ambitions.

Short Courses and Masterclasses

Animation

Game Arts

Commercial Photography

Have a passion for creativity? Sign up to our free short course, where you'll get the chance to experience what it's like to study a creative degree at Arts University Plymouth, and develop a portfolio of work.

Making Change: July 2024

Young Arts

Young Arts Holiday Club square

Fun, creative half term workshops for ages 9 - 14 years

Young Arts | Holiday Club (Easter)

Real Ideas Immersive Dome at Market Hall in Plymouth Photographer Jay Stone Artist and installation MONOCOLOR by MONOCOLOR

The Arts University Plymouth Library has over 28,000 art and design specific books and the library team are also consistently adding new titles to their collection. It currently subscribes to 90 printed journals, and the library retains long runs of past journals. See more information about the library below. All students are provided with an introduction session to the Arts University Plymouth library as well as more in-depth information literacy sessions during the academic year. One-to-one sessions with the library can be booked online at any point during their study. Purpose-designed by multi award-winning architects Fielden Clegg Bradley and formally opened by Sir John Sorrell in November 2014, AUP’s £8 million craft, design and fabrication facilities are world-class, industry-standard spaces. Housing small metals studios, natural dye labs, glassblowing studio, ceramics facilities, biomaterials lab, two floors of specialist printmaking studios, triple height drawing studios with north-facing windows, and combined with Plymouth Fab Lab housed on campus, are available to enrolled postgraduate students.The Fab Lab is home to a suite of high-spec digital fabrication machines and services which students can utilise in practical research. Machines and devices include AR headsets and software, an architecture scale 3D scanner, polymer and multi-material 3D printer, clay 3D printer, laser cutter, water jet cutter, CNC router and professional CAD software.The Equipment Resource Centre (ERC) provides specialist cameras, video and sound recording equipment, lighting kits and other supplies that can be taken out on loan. The Wood and Plastics Workshop provides access and technical support for building structures for display. The University’s Material Lab, Imprint Lab/Digital Print Bureau and Multimedia Lab provide ongoing or scheduled opportunities to learn specialist techniques or develop skills related to student practice and research.Students have access to all specialist equipment available at Arts University Plymouth through our ‘SmartHub’ scheduling system. Teaching and learning utilises the University’s VLE and related integrated software and tools for file sharing and content dissemination. The University maintains dedicated computer suites containing both Mac and Windows-based machines and laptops are available for loan from our Equipment Resource Centre (ERC). Students will have access to the full Adobe Creative Suite and other subject-specific creative software during their study.
At Real Ideas' Market Hall site, our MA Immersive Media students can experience a 360° dome with endless possibilities. The dome features two Panasonic RQ32k projectors paired with custom fisheye lenses for seamless screen coverage – up to 8K resolution and frame rates of 30 or 60fps, delivering crisp and vibrant visuals. An impressive 210-degree vertical screen extension, and 15m diameter dome, envelopes viewers with stunning visuals down to the flat floor.
The Dome also gives users an immersive sound experience, with a state-of-the-art L’Acoustics speaker array supporting multi-channel and spatial audio formats up to 19.1. The set up allows for precise sound placement and an immersive sonic landscape, enhancing the overall experience.
With a flat floor and no fixed seating, the dome at Market Hall gives a versatile space for a wide range of creative applications. It is compatible with virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality, animation, games software, 360 recorded and live-action content.
 
Portable equipment at Market Hall's dome includes a META Quest 2 VR Gaming Headset with Elite Strap, an Insta360 X2 360° video camera with selfie stick &amp; tripod, an Insta360 X3 360° video camera with selfie stick &amp; tripod, an Insta360 Pro 2 360 video camera with Farsight and Flowstate Stabilisation, and an HP ZBook Firefly 14 G8 Laptop. 
Market Hall's Production Suite has a comprehensive range of equipment, providing an ideal environment for creators to bring their visions to life. Whether it’s video editing, game development, audio production, or project planning, this suite offers the necessary tools to achieve professional-grade results.
The Production Suite at Market Hall includes a powerful Windows Production PC with impressive specifications, including 32GB of RAM and an RTX 3080 GPU, providing exceptional performance for gaming, development, and editing tasks. AKG K72 High Performance Over Ear Monitoring Headphones and KRK Rokit RP5 Classic Studio Monitors for precise audio monitoring and evaluation.ATEM Mini Pro Iso Live Switcher ATEM Mini Pro Iso Live SwitcherMH-8 Eightfold Headphones AmplifierAMD Ryzen 9 5950X production PC with Viewsonic monitorAMD Ryzen 9 5950X production PC with Viewsonic monitorAMD Ryzen 9 5950X production PC with Viewsonic monitorSENNHEISER XS Wireless Digital portable mic set
Other hardware and software available to MA Immersive Media students includes the following: Screenberry - multi screen playback Ovation - media programmingAdobe SuiteAudacityGoPro BlenderSteamUnity Unreal EnginevMix NestDrop

Your learning will be supported by our team of academics, technical demonstrators and invited experts who together deliver excellence in teaching.

Postgraduate

Our MA Immersive Media prepares students to translate their creative knowledge and digital skills into engaging immersive content and public media experiences for diverse audiences in this exciting and rapidly growing sector. Learning is conducted through a unique partnership with Market Hall in Plymouth, home to Europe’s first-of-its-kind Immersive Dome.

MA Immersive Media

The comprehensive Masters structure, which is shared across our specialist programmes, enables our postgraduate students to focus on creative strategies and processes through four sequential modules which support you in investigating, testing and developing your ideas. The core tuition focuses on training, research methodology, critical thinking, design, practice-led research methods and professional and conceptual frameworks, with an opportunity for negotiated study under specialist supervision for MFA and MA by Research students. All of our programmes have access to outstanding workshop facilities in the university.
By combining modules with specialist assignments and personal project proposals, you will be able to achieve depth and specialisation within your subject area, while at the same time becoming equipped with robust approaches, methodologies and techniques that can be applied across the commercial, social and public sectors.All students are asked to submit an initial statement on application to the course. This sets out your ideas for the MA or MFA programme you have selected. Creative practice is about change and development, and this statement will form the starting point for a dialogue about your work. 
Take a look at the full course information within our Module Handbook (coming soon) and our Programme Specification Form (coming soon).

From fashion, film and fine art to graphic design, game arts, and animation — your future starts here. Find out more by viewing Our Courses.

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5-Day Masterclass in New Sustainable Techniques in Glassmaking for Artists and Designers

Sustainable Glass Summer School

From Short Courses to Masterclasses, we offer a diverse range of 10 and 5-week courses, as well as one-day experiences, across a variety of disciplines. 

Graduates become: museum educators, curators, cultural programme managers, art critics, museum outreach coordinators, heritage and public arts professionals, or alternatively specialise further in postgraduate research.

A member of the public visiting the Another Crossing exhibition at The Box Plymouth in collaboration with Arts University Plymouth and Fuller Craft 2022

Library
The Arts University Plymouth Library has over 28,000 art and design specific books and the library team are also consistently adding new titles to their collection. It currently subscribes to 90 printed journals, and the library retains long runs of past journals. See more information about the library below. 
Archives
All students are provided with an introduction session to the Arts University Plymouth library as well as more in-depth information literacy sessions during the academic year. One-to-one sessions with the library can be booked online at any point during their study. Additionally, MA Museum Studies students have access to The Box’s Cottonian Research Room, The Foulston Room (seminar space), Conference Room and Mammoth meeting rooms with AV and capacity for groups up to 20. The Box has a large specialist library used by curators plus a local studies library on the Active Archives gallery available to students. A conservation studio is available for studying larger objects/textiles under the guidance of their conservator.
In addition to the Arts University Plymouth Libraries and archives, students on the course have access to The Box's archives catalogue which includes the Archives Catalogue, The Box Museum Catalogue and 'Archive in the Sky' (2D archives)Students will have privileged access to its numerous collections through lectures, demonstrations and seminars given on site at The Box by museum staff and curators. Museum staff responsible for museum outreach and engagement programmes, including those held within their DesignLab sponsored by the V&amp;A Museum in London, will present current topics and techniques for building public facing events and conducting audience research.
Equipment &amp; ResourcesPurpose-designed by multi award-winning architects Fielden Clegg Bradley and formally opened by Sir John Sorrell in November 2014, AUP’s £8 million craft, design and fabrication facilities are world-class, industry-standard spaces. Housing small metals studios, natural dye labs, glassblowing studio, ceramics facilities, biomaterials lab, two floors of specialist printmaking studios, triple height drawing studios with north-facing windows, and combined with Plymouth Fab Lab housed on campus, are available to enrolled postgraduate students.The Fab Lab is home to a suite of high-spec digital fabrication machines and services which students can utilise in practical research. Machines and devices include AR headsets and software, an architecture scale 3D scanner, polymer and multi-material 3D printer, clay 3D printer, laser cutter, water jet cutter, CNC router and professional CAD software.The Equipment Resource Centre (ERC) provides specialist cameras, video and sound recording equipment, lighting kits and other supplies that can be taken out on loan. The Wood and Plastics Workshop provides access and technical support for building structures for display. The University’s Material Lab, Imprint Lab/Digital Print Bureau and Multimedia Lab provide ongoing or scheduled opportunities to learn specialist techniques or develop skills related to student practice and research.Students have access to all specialist equipment available at Arts University Plymouth through our ‘SmartHub’ scheduling system. Teaching and learning utilises the University’s VLE and related integrated software and tools for file sharing and content dissemination. The University maintains dedicated computer suites containing both Mac and Windows-based machines and laptops are available for loan from our Equipment Resource Centre (ERC). Students will have access to the full Adobe Creative Suite and other subject-specific creative software during their study.

Museum Studies

Our Masters (MA) in Museum Studies offers you a unique opportunity to reimagine the role of the museum within contemporary socio-political debates, working with The Box, Plymouth's award-winning museum, art collection galleries and archives.

MA Museum Studies

The comprehensive Masters structure, which is shared across our specialist programmes, enables our postgraduate students to focus on creative strategies and processes through four sequential modules which support you in investigating, testing and developing your ideas. The core tuition focuses on training, research methodology, critical thinking, design, practice-led research methods and professional and conceptual frameworks, with an opportunity for negotiated study under specialist supervision for MFA and MA by Research students. All of our programmes have access to outstanding workshop facilities in the university.
By combining modules with specialist assignments and personal project proposals, you will be able to achieve depth and specialisation within your subject area, while at the same time becoming equipped with robust approaches, methodologies and techniques that can be applied across the commercial, social and public sectors.All students are asked to submit an initial statement on application to the course. This sets out your ideas for the MA or MFA programme you have selected. Creative practice is about change and development, and this statement will form the starting point for a dialogue about your work. 
Take a look at the full course information within our Module Handbook and our Programme Specification Form.

Arts University Plymouth Young Arts Saturday Club square image copy

Fun, creative Saturday workshops for ages 9 - 13 years

Young Arts | Saturday Club 2023/24

National Saturday Club Logo

Established in 1988, Plymouth College of Art's renowned Young Arts programme bridges the gap in arts provision for young people created by increasingly limited access to creative activity in schools.

National Saturday Club | 14-16yrs

Our programmes offer professional skills development to support our students as they progress within industry, self-employment (in the Creative Industries sector) and further Level 7 and 8 studies. The second module offers an opportunity to test out the practices being investigated by individual students within an appropriate, live setting.

Striking aerial photography by Tim Gundry

We offer the richest, most diverse ecosystem of materials, technologies, processes, practices, and exchange of ideas of any arts university in the UK. And that synergy gives us a certain kind of energy.
We provide space, equipment and – crucially – the technical help to make full use of this for students across all of our creative programmes. Our 13,000 square meters of studios and workshops across four buildings are kitted out with professional workspaces and state of the art facilities.
We actively encourage you to use areas and communal space to curate and exhibit work collaboratively or individually and in various 2D, 3D, 4D and digital formats. Becoming part of our interdisciplinary learning community offers you a diverse and challenging environment in which to develop your thinking and practice.

Our MA Photography programme acts as a platform to help develop your creative and professional practice, providing access to our specialist photographic facilities.

MA Photography

The comprehensive Masters structure, which is shared across our specialist programmes, enables our postgraduate students to focus on creative strategies and processes through three sequential modules which support you in investigating, testing and developing your ideas. The core tuition focuses on training, research methodology, critical thinking, design, practice-led research methods and professional and conceptual frameworks, with an opportunity for negotiated study under specialist supervision for MFA and MA by Research students. All of our programmes have access to outstanding workshop facilities in the university.
By combining modules with specialist assignments and personal project proposals, you will be able to achieve depth and specialisation within your subject area, while at the same time becoming equipped with robust approaches, methodologies and techniques that can be applied across the commercial, social and public sectors.
All students are asked to submit an initial statement on application to the course. This sets out your ideas for the MA or MFA programme you have selected. Creative practice is about change and development, and this statement will form the starting point for a dialogue about your work. 
Take a look at the full course information within our Module Handbook and our Programme Specification Form documents.

CLOD by Cassandra Agazzi Brooks MA Painting

Our MA Fine Art programme offers you an intensive personal programme of creative and stimulating study within a supportive critical and practical framework that enables you to examine, interrogate and reflect upon the nature and role of your chosen practice.

MA Fine Art

Paula Meninato 1

We continue to invest in our resources, workshops and studios, having spent over £12 million in the last five years on capital projects alone. We have recently invested £8 million in integrating 21st century and traditional creative techniques and processes within an outstanding craft, design and fabrication workshop complex. This new facility offers Computer-Aided Design and Manufacture (CAD/ CAM) within our Fab Lab, alongside Printing, Printed Textiles, Ceramics, Glass and Small Metals workshops.
In addition, computers campus-wide are installed with graphics, media and design software. We offer dedicated Painting, Drawing, Fashion, Photography, Film and Animation studios. We also house a public-facing Gallery on campus, with national and international exhibitions and a programme of visiting artists.
Our Library provides specialist Media, Art and Design and Fine Art materials, and our intranet-based Managed Learning Environment gives you access to online support and information.

The MA Painting programme enables you to examine key issues in contemporary painting in how methods and materials shape an agenda in contemporary painting, whilst developing a critical relationship to its tradition.

MA Painting

The comprehensive Masters structure, which is shared across our specialist programmes, enables our postgraduate students to focus on creative strategies and processes through three sequential modules which support you in investigating, testing and developing your ideas. The core tuition focuses on training, research methodology, critical thinking, design, practice-led research methods and professional and conceptual frameworks, with an opportunity for negotiated study under specialist supervision for MFA and MA by Research students. All of our programmes have access to outstanding workshop facilities in the university.
By combining modules with specialist assignments and personal project proposals, you will be able to achieve depth and specialisation within your subject area, while at the same time becoming equipped with robust approaches, methodologies and techniques that can be applied across the commercial, social and public sectors.
All students are asked to submit an initial statement on application to the course. This sets out your ideas for the MA or MFA programme you have selected. Creative practice is about change and development, and this statement will form the starting point for a dialogue about your work. The first module on the MA examines the role of research methods in creative disciplines, where the focus will be upon refining your emerging research proposal to ensure that it can act as a robust framework for your study. The second module supports you to identify the kinds of collaborations and public-facing opportunities that will strengthen your identity as a creative practitioner. The final module of each programme may be submitted as a dissertation or as a practice-led research outcome and exhibition, depending on which pathway best suits your concerns as a creative practitioner.
Take a look at the full course information within our Module Handbook and our Programme Specification Form documents.

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Our MA Drawing programme offers you an intensive personal programme of creative and stimulating study within a supportive critical and practical framework that enables you to examine, interrogate and reflect upon the nature and role of your chosen practice.

MA Drawing

Hannah Mumby

Our MA Illustration programme encourages the development of an independent, distinctive illustrative practice, through engaging with contemporary approaches, contexts, audiences and debates.

MA Illustration

Alan Braidford

We have recently invested £8 million in integrating 21st century and traditional creative techniques and processes within an outstanding craft, design and fabrication workshop complex. This new facility offers Computer Aided Design and Manufacture (CAD/CAM) within our FabLab, alongside Printing, Printed Textiles, Ceramics, Glass and Small Metals workshops.
In addition, computers campus-wide are installed with graphics, media and design software. We offer dedicated Painting, Drawing, Fashion, Photography, Film and Animation studios. We also house a public facing Gallery on campus, with national and international exhibitions and a programme of visiting artists.
Our Library provides specialist Media, Art and Design and Fine Art materials, and our intranet-based Managed Learning Environment gives you access to online support and information.

The MA Craft & Material Practices programme encourages the development of the individual designer-maker, with an emphasis on material knowledge and design innovation.﻿﻿

MA Craft & Material Practices

Alumni of our Graduate School pursue careers in the fields of fine art, craft and design, as practising artists, teachers, curators, and as gallery, theatre and technical professionals. Others go on to prepare for doctoral study, and set up viable projects as socially engaged and community-based practitioners.
The second module offers an opportunity to test out the practices being investigated by individual students within an appropriate, live setting.

Donna White studio

We continue to invest in our resources, workshops and studios, having spent over £12 million in the last five years on capital projects alone. We have recently invested £8 million in integrating 21st century and traditional creative techniques and processes within an outstanding craft, design and fabrication workshop complex. This new facility offers Computer Aided Design and Manufacture (CAD/CAM) within our Fab Lab, alongside Printing, Printed Textiles, Ceramics, Glass and Small Metals workshops.
In addition, computers campus-wide are installed with graphics, media and design software. We offer dedicated Painting, Drawing, Fashion, Photography, Film and Animation studios. We also house a public facing Gallery on campus, with national and international exhibitions and a programme of visiting artists.
Our Library provides specialist Media, Art and Design and Fine Art materials, and our intranet-based Managed Learning Environment gives you access to online support and information.Facilities include:
Animation, Film and Photography Studios
Our students make full use of our industry-standard dedicated studio spaces – including our infinity cove, green screen, and specialist sound studio (with Foley pit and vocal recording booth) – plus our stop-motion suite, our darkrooms, and plenty of individual edit suites, all up-to-date with the latest industry-standard software.
Ceramics and Glass Workshops
With a glass furnace that works at 1,100 degrees, 10 potters wheels, resources for hot, warm and cold glass processes, a plaster room for mould making, 16 kilns, a well-stocked glaze mixing area and individual studio space, our ceramics and glass workshops have a real ‘wow’ factor, rivalling any art school around the country.
Drawing Studios
With north-facing windows, a ‘methods and process’ area, individual studio space and a specialist life-drawing studio, our impressive, open-plan, triple-height Drawing Studio is a huge space, perfect for many different activities and specialisms.
Fab Lab
Our ‘fabrication laboratory’ is kitted-out with the latest in digital design technologies – from 3D printers to 3D scanners, a vinyl cutter, CNC milling machine, CNC router and laser cutter. It adds a whole new level of opportunity for students across all creative walks of life.
Fashion Studios
This large professional studio offers a real-life fashion experience in a fabulous space with sea views. Specialist industrial and domestic sewing machines, a range of knitting machines and a wide stock of fabrics and knitting yarns sit alongside a media and marketing Mac suite, a fully operational CAD cutting facility, and a library of designer garments to inspire.
Fine Art Printmaking Studios
A fantastic facility supporting fine art printmaking, our dedicated space caters for a wide range of programmes and processes. You’ll get access to a 150-year-old Columbian press, an Albion press, an historic and rare wallpaper press, and an automatic FAG proofing press, plus a broad selection of metal and wood type, vacuum screen-printing beds, and four etching presses.
Jewellery Design Studio
Housed in our fantastic new Craft, Design and Fabrication Workshops, this stunning space provides everything for contemporary and traditional techniques in jewellery design, including benches supplied with gas and oxygen, in-house metal casting resources, hand and machine-forming tools, facilities for vitreous enamelling, and a separate chemical room for etching, anodising and patternation. We also have larger metalwork equipment for welding, brazing, cutting and grinding.
Textile Studios
With views out to sea and 35 metres of print tables to encourage experimentation, our Printed Textile Design Studios also boast a fantastic Mimaki fabric printer, digital embroidery resources, industrial sewing machines, sublimation printers, a dye lab, heat presses, a tufting gun and a Mac suite. It’s got to be one of the best printed textile workshops in the UK.
Digital Print Bureau and Equipment Resource Centre
Our Digital Print Bureau offers affordable and quick print services for all our students who are looking for anything from large-format or solvent printing, to photo printing, scanning or vinyl cutting, and a wide range of finishing services. Our highly experienced Equipment Resource Centre staff can advise you on which of our 6,000 pieces of industry-standard kit – from underwater cameras to traditional large format cameras and all free to hire – will best meet your needs.
Woods and Plastics Workshop
Alongside the latest in new technology, we value the long-standing traditions of making in wood and plastics – and have developed an excellently-resourced workshop that is open to all our students. It boasts a wide range of kit, including an impressive CNC router, plenty of saws and lathes, and strip-heaters, as well as greenwood-working facilities.
Find out more about the Graduate School.

Our Masters in Ceramics programme offer you an intensive personal programme of creative and stimulating study within a supportive critical and practical framework that enables you to examine, interrogate and reflect upon the nature and role of your chosen practice.

MA Ceramics

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Our masters in Visual Communication encourages the development of an individual and distinctive contemporary graphics practice.

MA Visual Communication

Becky Dodmancrop

Our MA Textile Design programme encourages an innovative and pioneering approach to surface pattern, construction and material practices.

MA Textile Design

When you successfully complete this two-year course, you’ll gain a Level 3 Extended Diploma – equivalent to three full A-levels, or a maximum of 168 UCAS points.
We guarantee our Extended Diploma students a place on one of our BA (Hons) programmes if they achieve a Merit or higher in their final assessment and meet any additional entry criteria. 
Many of our students go on to a variety of degree-level programmes here at Arts University Plymouth. Alternatively, you might take the transferable skills that this course gives you and look for study in another subject area (e.g Psychology, Advertising) or enter employment.
As well as the ongoing advice, guidance and support you’ll receive from your course team, the university has a specialist careers service that will help you make the right decisions for your future.
Future careers could include: fine artist, set designer, curator, textile designer, ceramicist, jeweller, glass artist, painter, printmaker, art historian, photographer, product designer, or milliner.

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We offer the richest, most diverse ecosystem of materials, technologies, processes, practices, and exchange of ideas of any art school in the UK. And that synergy gives us a certain kind of energy.
We provide space, equipment and – crucially – the technical help to make full use of this for students across all of our creative programmes. Our 13,000 square meters of studios and workshops across four buildings are kitted out with professional workspaces and state of the art facilities.
We actively encourage you to use areas and communal space to curate and exhibit work collaboratively or individually and in various 2D, 3D, 4D and digital formats. Becoming part of our interdisciplinary learning community offers you a diverse and challenging environment in which to develop your thinking and practice.

Pre-Degree

Education

Art History

Critical & Cultural

The UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art & Design is a two-year equivalent to A-levels.

ART & DESIGN: UAL LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN CREATIVE PRACTICE

Throughout the world, the creative industries are booming. In the UK alone they contribute more than £100 billion to the economy* and employ more than 2 million people**. This number is growing faster than any other part of the economy. As working practices and technologies evolve, jobs in this sector will be some of the most resilient in the face of increasing automation. 
This content of this qualification is designed to give students every possible chance to develop the skills, competencies and knowledge that will lead to a successful future in the creative industries or the many industries that require creative talent to support their business or enterprises. 	
To be awarded the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication students are required to achieve a minimum of a Pass grade in the six mandatory units listed under the Units heading.
* United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
**Creative Industries Federation, Creative Industries Manifesto 2019

When you successfully complete this two-year course, you’ll gain a Level 3 Extended Diploma – equivalent to three full A-levels, or a maximum of 168 UCAS points.
This course will equip you to study on our BA (Hons) Fashion Design, BA (Hons) Fashion Media &amp; Marketing, BA (Hons) Textile Design, BA (Hons) Costume Production and BA (Hons) Craft &amp; Material Practices programmes or to gain a place on degree-level courses at other colleges and universities. At Arts University Plymouth we guarantee our Extended Diploma students a place on one of our BA (Hons) programmes if they achieve a Merit or higher in their final assessment and meet any additional entry criteria.
Alternatively, you may choose to look for employment; former student Anna Barnett was offered a work placement at Matches Fashion PR office in London while studying Fashion &amp; Textiles with us, which lined her up a full-time job with them once she completed her studies.
In addition to the ongoing advice, guidance and support you’ll receive from your course team, the university has a specialist careers service that will help you make the right decision for your future.

A model wearing a red outfit walks down the catwalk at our Pre Degree Summer Show in June 2023

The UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Fashion & Textiles is a two-year equivalent to A-levels.

FASHION & TEXTILES: UAL LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN CREATIVE PRACTICE

Throughout the world, the creative industries are booming. In the UK alone they contribute more than £100 billion to the economy* and employ more than 2 million people**. This number is growing faster than any other part of the economy. As working practices and technologies evolve, jobs in this sector will be some of the most resilient in the face of increasing automation. 
This content of this qualification is designed to give students every possible chance to develop the skills, competencies and knowledge that will lead to a successful future in the creative industries or the many industries that require creative talent to support their business or enterprises. 	
To be awarded the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication students are required to achieve a minimum of a Pass grade in the six mandatory units listed under the Units heading. 	
* United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
**Creative Industries Federation, Creative Industries Manifesto 2019

When you successfully complete this two-year course, you’ll gain a Level 3 Extended Diploma – equivalent to three full A-levels, or a maximum of 168 UCAS points.
This course will equip you to study on our BA (Hons) Film &amp; Screen Arts, BA (Hons) Animation &amp; Games, or BA (Hons) Graphic Design programmes or to gain a place on degree-level courses at other colleges and universities. At Arts University Plymouth we guarantee our Extended Diploma students a place on one of our BA (Hons) programmes if they achieve a Merit or higher in their final assessment and meet any additional entry criteria.
Future careers include: filmmaker, director, producer, animator, scriptwriter, production designer, editor, or concept artist.

Students Using Green Screen

The UAL Extended Diploma: Art & Design (Filmmaking & Media Production) is a two-year equivalent to A-levels.

FILMMAKING & MEDIA PRODUCTION: UAL LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN CREATIVE PRACTICE

Throughout the world, the creative industries are booming. In the UK alone they contribute more than £100 billion to the economy* and employ more than 2 million people**. This number is growing faster than any other part of the economy. As working practices and technologies evolve, jobs in this sector will be some of the most resilient in the face of increasing automation. 
This content of this qualification is designed to give students every possible chance to develop the skills, competencies and knowledge that will lead to a successful future in the creative industries or the many industries that require creative talent to support their business or enterprises. 	
To be awarded the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication students are required to achieve a minimum of a Pass grade in the six mandatory units listed under the Units heading.
* United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
**Creative Industries Federation, Creative Industries Manifesto 2019	

When you successfully complete this two-year course, you’ll gain a Level 3 Extended Diploma – equivalent to three full A-levels, or a maximum of 168 UCAS points.
Many of our students go on to a variety of degree-level programmes here at Arts University Plymouth, including BA (Hons) Graphic Design, BA (Hons) Illustration, BA (Hons) Textile Design, BA (Hons) Fashion Design, BA (Hons) Animation &amp; Games and BA (Hons) Painting, Drawing &amp; Printmaking programmes are all available at Arts University Plymouth. We guarantee our Extended Diploma students a place on one of our BA (Hons) programmes if they achieve a Merit or higher in their final assessment and meet any additional entry criteria.
Students have progressed on to a diverse range of Higher Education study, from advertising to psychology. Alternatively, you might take the transferable skills that this course gives you and look for employment.
As well as the ongoing advice, guidance and support you’ll receive from your course team, the university has a specialist careers service that will help you make the right decisions for your future.
Future careers include: game artist, editorial illustrator, graphic designer, concept artist, advertising designer, 3D modeller, or web designer.

The UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Graphics, Illustration & Game Arts is a two-year equivalent to A-level.

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