Arts University Plymouth is an independent university-sector art school run by artists and designers for artists and designers. Here, we continue to invest heavily in new studios and workshops that redefine the relationship between media, fine art, digital technology and handcrafted traditions. Our students make full use of our industry-standard dedicated studio spaces – including our Infinity Cove, Textile Studios, Glass-blowing House, and Equipment Resource Centre.
Both online and on-campus, our students are able to choose from a rich, rolling menu of workshops led by our excellent technical colleagues, offered free of charge, with everything from learning new or unfamiliar processes, CV writing and job search workshops to glass bead making, Adobe Indesign sessions and website building workshops on offer.
Our students begin their professional careers the moment they step into the university: we encourage everyone to think of themselves as practitioners – photographers, illustrators, designers, and filmmakers – from day one. You’ll work on live briefs, set and assessed by industry professionals. You’ll get to see how a professional creative project is handled from start to finish, including pitching and marketing ideas, project management, and being part of a creative team, as well as working directly with clients. You will be involved with elements of the creative business process that you wouldn’t otherwise be part of until entering the world of work.
Opportunities to work with international partners will allow you to develop the richest, most dynamic horizons for your practice. As a student, it is your energy that interests us: the emerging creative focus of your individual path within a specialist learning environment of industry-standard studios and workshops in which your work can truly flourish.
Nightlife
Our thriving city offers a wealth of inspiration alongside vibrant culture and world-class events to over 35,000 students.There’s something special about the way that music, art and film blend in Plymouth. You’ll find live music venues where you can catch local and touring bands, as well as DIY creative communities and community interest companies springing up all over the city. The city also offers a thriving creative community the chances to attend gallery show openings and cinema events - with our on-site gallery and arthouse cinema being a hub for both daytime and evening events.
Halls of residence
At Arts University Plymouth, we work with recommended accommodation provider Host to provide a variety of housing options for our students. The properties are ideally located around the campus and surrounding area, so you’ll only ever have a short walk to get to university – great if you have an early start.
Host also have a range of reassuring offers and guarantees in place, which include payment plans to split the cost of your accommodation, and No Place No Pay - so if you don’t get your place and you no longer require your accommodation, you don’t pay a penny.
Location
Located on the coast of Devon in the South West of England, Plymouth is Britain’s Ocean City. With a beautiful waterfront and harbour that includes a lovingly restored 1935 Art Deco lido, and plenty of stunning surrounding countryside.
Situated in the city centre our campus is surrounded by cafes and shops, but just a 10-minute walk to the historic Barbican, Plymouth Hoe or a number of green spaces. Alongside the city’s much-loved creative spaces, a host of newly developed centres for arts and enterprise have recently opened. The Box is the new home for Plymouth’s museum and city archives, housing seven large-scale permanent galleries, including collections from the South West Film and Television Archive.
We are actively involved in an intergenerational placemaking project that is transforming the city into the regional capital of visual arts – reflected in investment from Arts Council England. Contemporary arts venues like KARST house innovative contemporary art exhibitions and residencies, whilst the university houses our own well-established independent art gallery and independent arthouse cinema.
Clubs and societies
Our Students' Union offers several clubs and societies for students, and we are always looking to diversify and involve students in the creation of more activities. Current groups include:
Christian Union / Cosplay / Dungeons and Dragons / LGBTQ+ / Photographic / Rock Climbing / Skate / Surf / Video Games / Board Games / Cinema / Creative Writing / Crochet / Fashion & Life Drawing / Football / Hot Girl Walk / K-Pop / Lego / Mature Student / Music / Neurodiverse / Pokemon / Sea Swimming / Taylor Swift Appreciation / Witchcraft / Yoga
Freshers’ week is a great opportunity to meet other creatives, from our Freshers’ Fair to activities such as surfing at the local beaches, tie-dye sessions and guided tours around the city. It is also an opportunity to start a society of your own if nothing catches your interest.
Find out about life at our independent university-sector art school from the people who know us best — our real staff and students. Visit our website to ‘ask a student’ and gain personal insight into our creative community, from finding accommodation and making an application, to Feshers’ week and fees & funding.
1-to-1 chat with a lecturer
If you have any questions about the course you’re interested in, or want to know more about what it’s like to study here, you can book a 1 to 1 discussion with one of our lecturers. Click here to book an informal chat.
