About Us

<p dir="ltr">The university is ranked 6th in the UK for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2027, keeping Arts University Plymouth in the national top ten for this measure for a second consecutive Complete University Guide edition.</p> <p dir="ltr">At the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026, Arts University Plymouth was named Winner for South West England for both Facilities and Student Support, following recognition as University of the Year for South West England in both 2024 and 2025. We are also proud to have been the top-scoring specialist arts university in the UK in the National Student Survey for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025.<br /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/about-us/170-years">Established in 1856</a> as Plymouth Drawing School, we have evolved over the last 170 years into an award-winning hub of creative innovation and interdisciplinary practice. Today, we offer undergraduate, postgraduate and pre-degree study. Our city-centre campus features more than 13,000 square metres of professional studios and workshops across materials, media and digital technologies.</p> <p>At the heart of our work is <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/strategic-plan">Creative Education for a Changing World</a>, our 2030 strategy, which foregrounds practice-based learning, sustainability and creativity. Our curriculum, shaped by practitioners and industry partners, equips students to address global challenges through material expertise, critical thinking and creative real-world problem-solving.</p>

<p dir="ltr">We are an independent, creative-led university built on the values of authenticity, fulfilment, and kindness. Our Tavistock Place campus is home to <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/research/supported-projects/fab-lab-south-west">Fab Lab South West</a>, <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/visit/plymouth-arts-cinema">Plymouth Arts Cinema</a> and <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/visit/the-gallery">MIRROR</a>, our public gallery for contemporary visual art.</p> <p dir="ltr">Rooted in the materials, resources and stories of the South West of England, the university’s <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/research/centre-for-circular-materials">Centre for Circular Materials</a> brings circular thinking into the earliest stages of making, where material choices shape both creative outcomes and impact. It connects research, teaching and partnerships through a shared focus on bioregional and responsible materiality.</p> <p dir="ltr"> Arts University Plymouth is also home to <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/research/supported-projects/making-futures">Making Futures</a>, an international research platform bringing together material-led practice, making and sustainability.</p> <p>Through student-centred support, practice-based teaching and creative research, Arts University Plymouth equips students and graduates with the skills and expertise to contribute to the UK Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, particularly within the nation’s cultural and creative industries.<br /></p>