Founded in 1856, the institution has been granted full university status and formally recognised with the new title of Arts University Plymouth following approval by the Privy Council, becoming the city of Plymouth’s specialist arts university. Arts University Plymouth is a specialist arts university offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in art and design, and media. Students benefit from industry standard workshops and studios, as well as state-of-the-art equipment for students studying painting, drawing & printmaking, photography, craft & material practices, graphic design, animation & games, fashion design and more. The university is proud of its commitment to both traditional and digital art courses, with an £8 million specialist art, craft and digital design centre providing students with cutting-edge ceramics, glass and digital design workshops. The facility also offers further specialist equipment in Fab Lab Plymouth, including 3D printing and laser cutting.
Shortlisted for University of the Year 2024, Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024
Winner of the UK's best small or specialist university, Whatuni Student Choice Awards - Silver 2023
**NSS 2023 voted Arts University Plymouth the highest scoring Arts University in the UK in five of the seven NSS categories.
Winner of the UK's best small or specialist university, Whatuni Student Choice Awards - Gold 2022
**Voted as the top Arts University for student satisfaction in the UK in the National Student Survey (NSS 2022).