Arts University Plymouth

Arts University Plymouth is a specialist independent arts university, run by artists and designers for artists and designers. Founded in 1856, Arts University Plymouth was granted full university status in 2022, formally recognised with the new title of Arts University Plymouth following approval by the Privy Council, becoming the city of Plymouth’s only specialist arts university. The university offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and post-16 study across art, design, and digital media—combining over 165 years of history with up-to-the-minute thinking and cutting-edge facilities. Our two city centre campuses are also home to the public gallery MIRROR and Fab Lab Plymouth, as well as a program of Young Arts activities including the National Art & Design Saturday Arts Club. The university is a UK Advisory Council Member of Creative UK. In 2018 the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) ranked Arts University Plymouth as fifth out of HEIs in the UK for class equality and widening participation.

More than 1,500 students study at our campuses in the heart of Plymouth, where expert tutors encourage students to develop their own creative strengths. We continue to invest heavily in specialist resources and facilities—for digital media and technology, as well as fine art and handcrafted traditions. Our university has strong links with the creative industries and wider community, so our students have the opportunity to connect with a range of artists and potential employers from day one.