
Outreach & Schools
Outreach Workshops
Did you know we offer studio visits, workshops, advice and more for your students? Browse our workshops and masterclasses below.
Organising masterclasses and workshops is one of the best ways to give students an insight into studying arts subjects at degree level.
<p dir="ltr">Please have a look through our range of creative masterclasses and workshops below. If there is a specialist discipline that you require, let us know and we can organise it for you. We can deliver virtually or face to face please let us know which you would prefer when contacting the team.<br /></p>
Workshops
<p>Thank you for your interest in our workshop sessions. <br /><br /></p>
<p>Below, you will find a list of the workshops we offer, which can be held either at your school or at Arts University Plymouth.</p>
<p>For bookings or further information, please feel free to contact us at <a>schools@aup.ac.uk</a>. We look forward to hearing from you!</p>
<p dir="ltr">In this workshop, students will explore concept art and character design for games, focusing on different styles and approaches. They will design a unique character skin, creating a story and visual concept that fits within the game’s aesthetic. After completing the initial design, students will expand their work into a collection of skins for potential downloadable content (DLC).<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">In this workshop, students will explore craftsmanship by discussing the Statue of Liberty as an example of iconic sculpture. They will then create their own sculpture using pipe cleaners, representing something significant to their town or city. Before starting the sculpture, students will spend 10 minutes sketching their design. The workshop encourages students to consider composition, symbolism, and the message conveyed through physical art.<br /></p>
<p>In this workshop, students will work with miniature wooden mannequins to design and create costumes. The session begins with a 15-minute design task, where the class will be divided into pairs or small groups to come up with ideas and sketch clothing designs for their mannequin. Students will then create the costumes using newspaper, focusing on constructing the top half, bottom half, and adding accessories such as hats. This hands-on activity encourages creativity in fashion design and emphasises the importance of structure, proportion, and accessorising in costume creation.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Following a discussion of logos as a concept and marketing device, students will be issued a client brief to design a logo for the 2028 LA Olympics, considering the elements of diversity, inclusivity and celebration.<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Following an introduction of Britain’s Ocean city, students will be asked to consider what comes to mind when they think of the ocean, such as sea life and even sea monsters. If the school is able to facilitate, the ocean life displays may be compiled onto display paper. The students will then be given a client brief to design a mural that celebrates their local community and history. They may be able to work individually or collaboratively.<br /></p>
<p>Following introductions, students are given a task to understand the impact of lighting when taking portrait photographs. They will be divided into groups of three or four, and provided with a torch and use their own camera phones or the like. Students will be asked to think about how different lighting can convey different emotions in an image. Also presenting a piece of paper in front of the torches to diffuse the light, and understanding the different approaches to lighting in photography. This will present itself in one final task, for the students to create an image that conveys an emotion, not only using the different lighting placements, but also utilising different colour filters on the lights using tracing paper.</p>
<p>Following an introduction from the university, students will be asked to pick a letter and number at random, and then following a 5 minute design process using pencil and paper, will be introduced to the stamps and printer ink. Using the alphabet stamps provided and following their initial designs, students will be asked to create a pattern using the stamps provided.</p>
<p>In this hands-on workshop, students will explore the filmmaking technique of <em>fast-cutting</em>, learning how it can add energy, drama, and rhythm to a scene. The goal is to introduce students to the concept of editing and how cutting between different shots can be used to engage the viewer, heighten emotional impact, and tell a more dynamic story.</p>
Our Experts
<p>Our talks will give your students the chance to hear from one of <a href="https://aup.lon1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/files/Arts-University-Plymouth-Book-of-Experts-May-23.pdf">our experts</a> and get real-world accounts of what it is like to work in the creative industries.</p>
<p>Our academics are professionals in their own fields and have inspirational career backgrounds, as well as being part of our teaching cohort.</p>
<p>If you wish to book a talk with one of our experts, please contact us at <a href="mailto:schools@aup.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">schools@aup.ac.uk</a>.<br /></p>
IAG Workshops
<p>As well as masterclasses, we are here to offer guidance and support across all areas of creative study; from applications, student funding and portfolio advice, to creative careers and much more! Our expert staff are on hand to provide their professional guidance on the student journey and to inspire and inform your students on taking their next steps for their future. Browse our range of Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG) workshop offers below.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Choose a life less ordinary. Understand and discover the range of career options available and learn how much the creative industries contribute to the UK economy. We will also address the common FAQs around creative study and provide advice and guidance on what steps are available to prepare your students for their future.<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">When applying for degree-level study students often need a creative portfolio, digital or physical, that showcases a broad range of their creative skills. This can include various techniques, processes and media, for them to demonstrate their skills, interests, experience and level of commitment to creativity. Our team can offer students practical tips on how best to present their work, what content to include, and how to produce a stand-out portfolio or showreel for their university interviews.<br /></p>
<p>Delivered by one of our friendly Student Ambassadors, your students will have the opportunity to learn about life at a specialist independent arts university. They will also focus on student life in Plymouth, budgeting, accommodation and a range of extracurricular opportunities giving your students the chance to learn about the transition into higher education directly from a students’ experience.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Do your students need support with writing their Personal Statement? Are they unsure on what to include? Our expert team will be on hand to walk your students through creating a successful personal statement. We will also provide them with some top tips while speaking about our own experiences! </p>
<p dir="ltr">We also offer a <strong>Clearing</strong> overview that can be presented to your students who are yet to make a decision on applying to university towards the end of the school year.<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Your students will learn about fees, how to apply for a student loan, budgeting, and will receive helpful tips and hints on how to make the most out of their student finance and university experience.<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">We have a range of CPD opportunities that run throughout the year. If you would like to find out more about the opportunities we have please contact<em> </em><a href="mailto:schools@aup.ac.uk">schools@aup.ac.uk</a> to find out more.<br /></p>
Watch the video above to see some of the workshops that Arts University Plymouth have hosted for schools.
<p>We can create a bespoke presentation about Arts University Plymouth overall which includes information on our creative courses, student life, portfolios, and top tips on the application process. </p>
<p>If a face-to-face meeting isn't possible, we also offer virtual masterclasses and pre-recorded IAG sessions. To find out more please email <a href="mailto:schools@aup.ac.uk">schools@aup.ac.uk</a></p>