Arts University Plymouth Overview
The Arts University Plymouth was founded in 1856 and is the first specialist art and design school in Plymouth. It has maintained its independence and a focus on creativity, innovation, and emerging trends in art throughout its many years.
About Arts University Plymouth
The institution is guided by core values of social justice, community impact, and creative learning, ensuring high-quality educational experiences in making a difference to students’ lives personally and professionally. Today, it stands as a recognized centre for creative education, known for its strong identity and student-focused approach.
Arts University Plymouth – Table of Contents
- About
- Rankings
- Courses Offered
- Facilities And Infrastructure
- Required Documents
- Intake
- Eligibility Criteria
- Admission Process
Campus, Environment & Facilities
The university campus comprises over 13,000 square metres across six buildings in the heart of Plymouth, offering studios, labs, and workshops fitted out with industry-standard facilities. With over 1,600 creative students, the campus stimulates collaboration, innovation, and inter-disciplinary learning. Students work in open-access, specialist studios that support hands-on learning, exploration of traditional and modern techniques, and skill-building workshops. The environment nurtures creativity in a number of formats including 2D, 3D, 4D, and digital media.
Postgraduate Learning Experience
Postgraduate study at Arts University Plymouth takes place within a practice-led research culture. A dedicated teaching, study and exhibition space exists for postgraduates at Studio 44, part of the Postgraduate Centre. Students enjoy a supportive academic environment that is oriented towards reflective practice, technical development and professional growth. Classes take place both at the Postgraduate Centre and across the main campus, where learners use facilities relevant to their specialist practice. Talks, events and exhibitions form an important part of the postgraduate community experience.
Palace Court Site
Palace Court houses approximately 300 students, aged 16–19, studying creative diploma programmes. Situated on the waterfront near the historic Barbican and close to the main campus, Palace Court provides a lively learning environment within a heritage location. The site has been of historical interest since medieval times and comprises listed buildings, including a Grade II listed archway and garden. The building was officially opened in 2016 and has recently been shortlisted for the Building of the Year Award by The Building Forum for Devon and Cornwall.
Arts University Plymouth Recognition, Accreditations & Rankings
Arts University Plymouth is an independent specialist university run by artists and designers that is nationally recognized for its personalized learning and creative teaching. The Complete University Guide 2026 ranks the university 5th in the UK for Student Satisfaction and 2nd in the UK for Staff-to-Student Ratio, further reflecting high-quality teaching and strong student support.
Besides, it was granted University of the Year for South West England 2025 at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards, with further recognition for Teaching Quality, Facilities, and Student Support. These successes show its increasing reputation for excellence in creative education.
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Courses Offered and Duration & Cost of Study in Arts University Plymouth
MA Design (Fashion)
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time / parttime
- Duration: 1 year full time, Tuition fee: 17,500 GBP Course starts in September.
- Duration: 2 years part time, Tuition fee: 9,275 GBP Course starts in September.
Entry Requirements
- An undergraduate degree with at least a 2:2 is normally required.
- Applications are welcomed even from those who do not meet the standard entry requirements.
- Digital images of creative work must be submitted.
- A short Personal Statement and Project Proposal of up to 300 words is required.
- The statement should describe the intended focus of the MA study.
- It should outline the techniques or themes planned for exploration.
- It should mention creative practitioners or readings that provide inspiration.
- This statement helps the university understand and support the applicant’s creative direction.
- A request for the portfolio will be sent within ten working days after the application is submitted.
MA Design (Communication)
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time / parttime
- Duration: 1 year full time Tuition fee: 17,250 GBP Course starts in September.
- Duration: 2 years part time Tuition fee: 9,200 GBP Course starts in September.
Entry Requirements
- An undergraduate degree with at least a 2:2 is normally required.
- Applications are welcomed even from those who do not meet the standard entry requirements.
- Digital images of creative work must be submitted.
- A short Personal Statement and Project Proposal of up to 300 words is required.
- The statement should describe the intended focus of the MA study.
- It should outline the techniques or themes planned for exploration.
- It should mention creative practitioners or readings that provide inspiration.
- This statement helps the university understand and support the applicant’s creative direction.
- A request for the portfolio will be sent within ten working days after the application is submitted.
MA Design (Built Environment)
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time / parttime
- Duration: 1 year full time Tuition fee: 17,250 GBP Course starts in September.
- Duration: 2years parttime Tuition fee: 9,200 GBP Course starts in September.
Entry Requirements
- An undergraduate degree with at least a 2:2 is normally required.
- Applications are welcomed even from those who do not meet the standard entry requirements.
- Digital images of creative work must be submitted.
- A short Personal Statement and Project Proposal of up to 300 words is required.
- The statement should describe the intended focus of the MA study.
- It should outline the techniques or themes planned for exploration.
- It should mention creative practitioners or readings that provide inspiration.
- This statement helps the university understand and support the applicant’s creative direction.
- A request for the portfolio will be sent within ten working days after the application is submitted.
MA Design (Textiles)
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time / parttime
- Duration: 1 year full time Tuition fee: 17,500 GBP Course starts in September.
- Duration: 2 years part time Tuition fee: 9,275 GBP Course starts in September.
Entry Requirements
- An undergraduate degree with at least a 2:2 is normally required.
- Applications are welcomed even from those who do not meet the standard entry requirements.
- Digital images of creative work must be submitted.
- A short Personal Statement and Project Proposal of up to 300 words is required.
- The statement should describe the intended focus of the MA study.
- It should outline the techniques or themes planned for exploration.
- It should mention creative practitioners or readings that provide inspiration.
- This statement helps the university understand and support the applicant’s creative direction.
- A request for the portfolio will be sent within ten working days after the application is submitted.
MA Design
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time / parttime
- Duration: 1 year full time Tuition fee: 17,250 GBP Course starts in September.
- Duration: 2 years part time Tuition fee: 9,200 GBP Course starts in September.
Entry Requirements
- An undergraduate degree with at least a 2:2 is normally required.
- Applications are welcomed even from those who do not meet the standard entry requirements.
- Digital images of creative work must be submitted.
- A short Personal Statement and Project Proposal of up to 300 words is required.
- The statement should describe the intended focus of the MA study.
- It should outline the techniques or themes planned for exploration.
- It should mention creative practitioners or readings that provide inspiration.
- This statement helps the university understand and support the applicant’s creative direction.
- A request for the portfolio will be sent within ten working days after the application is submitted.
MA Immersive Media
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time / parttime
- Duration: 1 year full time Tuition fee: 17,500 GBP Course starts in September.
- Duration: 2 years part time Tuition fee: 9,275 GBP Course starts in September.
Entry Requirements
- An undergraduate degree with at least a 2:2 is normally required.
- Applications are welcomed even from those who do not meet the standard entry requirements.
- Digital images of creative work must be submitted.
- A short Personal Statement and Project Proposal of up to 300 words is required.
- The statement should describe the intended focus of the MA study.
- It should outline the techniques or themes planned for exploration.
- It should mention creative practitioners or readings that provide inspiration.
- This statement helps the university understand and support the applicant’s creative direction.
- A request for the portfolio will be sent within ten working days after the application is submitted.
MA Museum Studies
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time / parttime
- Duration: 1 year full time Tuition fee: 17,500 GBP Course starts in September.
- Duration: 2 years part time Tuition fee: 9,275 GBP Course starts in September.
Entry Requirements
- An undergraduate degree with at least a 2:2 is normally required.
- Applications are welcomed even from those who do not meet the standard entry requirements.
- Digital images of creative work must be submitted.
- A short Personal Statement and Project Proposal of up to 300 words is required.
- The statement should describe the intended focus of the MA study.
- It should outline the techniques or themes planned for exploration.
- It should mention creative practitioners or readings that provide inspiration.
- This statement helps the university understand and support the applicant’s creative direction.
- A request for the portfolio will be sent within ten working days after the application is submitted.
MA Glass
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time / parttime
- Duration: 1 year full time Tuition fee: 17,500 GBP Course starts in September.
- Duration: 2 years part time Tuition fee: 9,275 GBP Course starts in September.
Entry Requirements
- An undergraduate degree with at least a 2:2 is normally required.
- Applications are welcomed even from those who do not meet the standard entry requirements.
- Digital images of creative work must be submitted.
- A short Personal Statement and Project Proposal of up to 300 words is required.
- The statement should describe the intended focus of the MA study.
- It should outline the techniques or themes planned for exploration.
- It should mention creative practitioners or readings that provide inspiration.
- This statement helps the university understand and support the applicant’s creative direction.
- A request for the portfolio will be sent within ten working days after the application is submitted.
MA Craft & Material Practices
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time / parttime
- Duration: 1 year full time Tuition fee: 17,500 GBP Course starts in September.
- Duration: 2 years part time Tuition fee: 9,275 GBP Course starts in September.
Entry Requirements
- An undergraduate degree with at least a 2:2 is normally required.
- Applications are welcomed even from those who do not meet the standard entry requirements.
- Digital images of creative work must be submitted.
- A short Personal Statement and Project Proposal of up to 300 words is required.
- The statement should describe the intended focus of the MA study.
- It should outline the techniques or themes planned for exploration.
- It should mention creative practitioners or readings that provide inspiration.
- This statement helps the university understand and support the applicant’s creative direction.
- A request for the portfolio will be sent within ten working days after the application is submitted.
MA Fine Art
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time / parttime
- Duration: 1 year full time Tuition fee: 17,500 GBP Course starts in September.
- Duration: 2 years part time Tuition fee: 9,275 GBP Course starts in September.
Entry Requirements
- An undergraduate degree with at least a 2:2 is normally required.
- Applications are welcomed even from those who do not meet the standard entry requirements.
- Digital images of creative work must be submitted.
- A short Personal Statement and Project Proposal of up to 300 words is required.
- The statement should describe the intended focus of the MA study.
- It should outline the techniques or themes planned for exploration.
- It should mention creative practitioners or readings that provide inspiration.
- This statement helps the university understand and support the applicant’s creative direction.
- A request for the portfolio will be sent within ten working days after the application is submitted.
Latest Updates:
Facilities And Infrastructure in Arts University Plymouth
- The university has over 13,000 square meters of creative learning space across six modern buildings.
- Students work in industry-standard studios, labs, and workshops designed for hands-on creative practice.
- There are specialist open-access studios on campus for students studying photography, fine art, digital design, ceramics, textiles, animation, and filmmaking.
- Facilities include co-working spaces, seminar rooms, multimedia labs, and collaborative creative zones for group projects and exhibitions.
- Facilities include state-of-the-art equipment: 3D printers, laser cutters, editing suites, VR spaces, and high-tech media production tools.
- Each student has access to a well-equipped library with books, journals, online databases, visual resources, areas for quiet study, and research support.
- Students have at their disposal special exhibition and gallery spaces where they can display and promote their creative work.
- The campus also comprises a Postgraduate Centre with flexible teaching and display rooms for both MA and research students.
- Palace Court offers specialist space for 16–19 creative diploma students, with studios created to maximize natural light and promote project-based learning.
- The university has social areas, cafés, and relaxation areas to support student wellbeing and campus life.
Official site For Arts University Plymouth: Click Here
Required Documents For Admission in Arts University Plymouth
- Completed online application form
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or equivalent qualification
- Academic transcripts of previous studies
- Portfolio of creative work relevant to the course
- Updated CV or resume
- Personal statement explaining goals and motivation
- One academic or professional reference letter
- Proof of English language proficiency (such as IELTS if required)
- Valid passport copy (for international students)
- Financial documents if applying for a student visa
Intake For Arts University Plymouth
- The main intake for postgraduate programs is in September.
- Some courses may also offer a January intake, depending on availability.
- International students are advised to apply early, as places are limited and require time for visa processing.
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Eligibility Criteria For Admission in Arts University Plymouth
- Eligibility Criteria – Arts University Plymouth (Postgraduate)
- Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area.
- A portfolio of creative work is required to demonstrate skills, experience, and artistic development.
- Applicants may be considered with professional experience, even if their degree is in a different field.
- English language proficiency is required for international students, such as:
- IELTS 6.5 overall (or an equivalent test score).
- A strong personal statement outlining interests, goals, and motivation for the course is required.
Admission Process For Arts University Plymouth (Postgraduate)
- Choose the Course: Select the postgraduate programme applicants want to study.
- Prepare applicant Documents: Gather student portfolio, academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV, personal statement, and English test scores (if required).
- Submit the Online Application: Complete and submit the application form on the university’s official website.
- Portfolio Review: The applicant portfolio is assessed by the admissions team to evaluate the creative skills and suitability.
- Interview (If required): Some courses may invite an online or in-person interview.
- Receive an Offer Letter: If selected, the applicant will receive a conditional or unconditional offer.
- Accept the Offer: Confirm the place by accepting the offer through the admissions portal.
- Pay the Deposit: International students may need to pay a tuition deposit to secure their place.
- Apply for Visa (If Applicable): After receiving the required documents, apply for a UK student visa.
- Enroll and Begin the Course: Complete enrollment steps and attend the induction when the semester starts.
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