Arts University Plymouth named Daily Mail Arts University of the Year 2027

<p dir="ltr">The national award recognises the university’s range of creative courses and professional facilities, inclusive routes into higher education, practitioner-led teaching, responsiveness to industry demand and support for graduates entering the creative industries.</p> <p dir="ltr">Alastair McCall, Editor of the Daily Mail University Guide, described Arts University Plymouth’s “support infrastructure, sharing of expertise and cultivation of talent” as “critical to the creative industries in Plymouth and the wider region”, adding:</p> <p dir="ltr">“It makes Arts University Plymouth the standout candidate to be the 2027 Daily Mail Arts University of the Year.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The guide will also be published in print with the Mail on Sunday on Sunday 6 September 2026.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Dr Robin Kirby, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Arts University Plymouth, said: </strong>“The breadth of this award is what makes it so meaningful. It recognises the creative education and facilities we provide, the routes we create into higher education and the support that helps graduates establish themselves as creative professionals. It is a powerful endorsement of what our students, graduates and staff achieve together.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Creative potential cannot be measured by grades alone. We consider each applicant’s work, experience and ambitions, and support students with teaching, confidence and professional opportunities to develop their creative practice. Receiving this recognition on A-Level Results Day, as people across the country decide what comes next, feels particularly fitting.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If you are reconsidering your plans, have only recently decided that university may be for you, or want to study somewhere that will take your creative ambitions seriously, talk to us. Clearing at Arts University Plymouth begins with a conversation about your work, ambitions and the route that could suit you.”<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">The award adds to other current independent recognition for Arts University Plymouth. The university is <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/arts-university-plymouth-6th-student-satisfaction-complete-university-guide-2027">ranked 6th in the UK for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2027</a> and was named <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/arts-university-plymouth-whatuni-student-choice-awards-2026">Winner for South West England for Facilities and Student Support in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Students learn across more than 13,000 square metres of professional studios, labs and workshops. Support continues after graduation through <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/alumni/workroom-grow">Workroom Grow</a>, a creative business-incubation programme, and <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/alumni/workroom-create">Workroom Create</a>, which enables eligible alumni to return to specialist facilities through paid membership.</p> <p dir="ltr">This focus on professional practice reflects the scale of the sector that graduates are entering. The UK creative industries contributed <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/dcms-economic-estimates-gva-2024-provisional/dcms-sectors-economic-estimates-gross-value-added-2024-provisional">£145.8 billion in gross value added to the economy in 2024</a> and accounted for <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/economic-estimates-employment-january-2025-to-december-2025-for-dcms-sectors/dcms-sector-economic-estimates-employment-january-2025-to-december-2025">2.46 million filled jobs in 2025</a>.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Clearing is open for courses with places available. Applicants can discuss their results, creative work and ambitions with the Admissions team and an academic by:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Calling <strong>+44 (0)1752 203402</strong>. The hotline is open from <strong>8am to 8pm on Thursday 13 August</strong>.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Sending a WhatsApp message to <strong>07722 744184</strong>.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Completing the university’s <a href="https://forms.student-crm.com/Forms/view/58fa2f3b-b727-4e3c-9328-17a8ec3395ca">Clearing form</a>.</p></li></ul> <p dir="ltr">Prospective students and their supporters can also attend a <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/clearing-drop-in-2026">Clearing Drop-In Day</a> at Arts University Plymouth, Tavistock Place, Plymouth, from 10am to 1pm on Saturday 15 August 2026. Visitors can tour the campus and speak to academics, staff and students about courses, portfolios, accommodation and finance.</p> <p dir="ltr">Course availability can change throughout Clearing. Visit <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/clearing">aup.ac.uk/clearing</a> for current information.<br /></p>