Arts University Plymouth (AUP) is a prestigious independent arts university with a long history established in 1856. Formerly known as Plymouth College of Art, the institution earned university status in 2022 and rebranded to reflect its new standing. The university offers a unique educational environment for artists and designers, with the philosophy that creative subjects are just as vital as traditional disciplines like science and maths. AUP focuses on hands-on learning and aims to empower students to make a difference through their creative practices.
AUP is home to a vibrant community of students and faculty who are passionate about artistic expression and innovation. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in disciplines such as Fine Art, Graphic Design, Animation, Fashion, and Photography. Students benefit from the university's strong connections with local industries, gaining practical experience through live projects and industry collaborations. With access to cutting-edge facilities, AUP students thrive in an environment that nurtures creativity, originality, and entrepreneurship.
The university's small size allows for close-knit relationships between students and staff, fostering a supportive and collaborative community. AUP's students can access state-of-the-art creative studios, workshops, and social spaces, ensuring a world-class learning experience.
Arts University Plymouth offers various student support services to ensure students feel well-supported throughout their academic journey. These services include:
- International Support: AUP's international team provides one-to-one assistance for students from application to graduation. They also host student mixers to help international students integrate into the community.
- Careers and Enterprise Team: Students can access the careers team, which offers workshops, one-on-one guidance, and opportunities to connect with industry professionals. AUP also provides support for freelancers and students looking to set up their own businesses.
- Student Support Services: AUP offers counseling, academic support, and mental health assistance to ensure that students can thrive both personally and academically.
- Student Union: AUP's Student Union hosts events, manages societies, and provides a space for students to voice their opinions and engage with the wider university community.
Arts University Plymouth is recognized as one of the UK's top institutions for creative education. In 2022, AUP was awarded the Best Small/Specialist University title at the WhatUni Awards and was rated the Top Arts University for Student Satisfaction according to the National Student Survey (NSS).
Although AUP does not feature in major international rankings such as QS or THE, its reputation in the creative arts is unparalleled. Its courses are consistently rated highly for student satisfaction, teaching quality, and graduate employability.
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Student life at Arts University Plymouth is enriched by its small, tight-knit community and vibrant artistic environment. With around 2,000 students, AUP fosters a community where students can easily interact with their peers and professors. Students benefit from access to world-class facilities, including studio spaces, creative workshops, and industry-standard equipment, where they can hone their craft and collaborate with other creatives.
Plymouth is an exciting city known as Britain's Ocean City. It offers students a mix of urban culture and coastal beauty. Whether you are interested in exploring the historic Mayflower Steps, venturing out to Dartmoor National Park, or enjoying the vibrant arts scene in Plymouth, there is something for everyone.
AUP also supports a range of clubs and societies for students, providing plenty of opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities and make lifelong friendships.
Plymouth is one of the cheapest and safest cities in the UK, making student accommodation highly affordable. Arts University Plymouth works with several accommodation providers in the city to ensure that students find the proper housing to suit their needs.
- On-campus and Off-campus Housing: Students can choose from various housing options, including shared flats and private rooms, located either on or near campus.
- Affordable Living: Rent in Plymouth is about 50% cheaper than in London, making it an ideal city for students looking for budget-friendly accommodation.
- Student Support: AUP's accommodation team provides guidance and support to help students find suitable living arrangements and ensure their safety and comfort.