Arts University Plymouth named South West England winner for facilities and student support for third year running

<p dir="ltr">The university was also awarded <strong>Second Place for South West England</strong> in <strong>Lecturers &amp; Teaching Quality</strong>, giving Arts University Plymouth regional recognition across three areas that shape the student experience: the spaces students use, the support around them and the quality of teaching that helps them develop their creative practice.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 2026 awards follow regional wins for Facilities and Student Support in both 2024 and 2025, when Arts University Plymouth was also named University of the Year for South West England. This continued recognition highlights the strength and consistency of the university’s student experience, particularly for applicants looking for a place where they can feel supported, challenged and able to do their best creative work.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Being named <strong>Facilities Winner for South West England</strong> recognises Arts University Plymouth’s specialist creative campus in Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City.</p> <p dir="ltr">Across more than 13,000 square metres of studios, labs and workshops, students work with materials, technologies and processes that reflect the breadth of contemporary creative practice. Facilities include Fab Lab South West, Material Studio, Fabric Studio, Multimedia Studio, Imprint Lab, Fine Print Studio, Plymouth Arts Cinema and MIRROR, the university’s public gallery for contemporary art.</p> <p dir="ltr">From ceramics, glass, printmaking and textiles to film, photography, digital fabrication and immersive media, the university’s facilities are designed to help students move between disciplines, develop technical confidence and produce work for public, professional and industry-facing contexts.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Arts University Plymouth was also named <strong>Student Support Winner for South West England</strong>, recognising the advice, care and practical guidance available to students throughout their studies.</p> <p dir="ltr">The university’s Student Support services include counselling, wellbeing, welfare and learning-disability support, alongside academic skills, careers guidance and advice for students navigating university life.</p> <p dir="ltr">For a specialist arts university, this support is closely connected to creative development. Students are supported to manage the pressures of study, build confidence in their practice, and prepare for progression into creative careers, postgraduate study, enterprise or independent practice.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">The Whatuni success comes during Arts University Plymouth’s <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/about-us/170-years">170th anniversary year</a>. Founded in 1856 as Plymouth Drawing School, the university continues to support emerging creative talent through specialist, studio-based education in the heart of Plymouth.</p> <p>Members of the public, employers, prospective students and families can see the work produced by this year’s graduating students during <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/graduate-shows-2026">Graduate Shows 2026</a>, a season of free exhibitions and events across art, design, craft, media, fashion, photography, film, animation, illustration and more.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Undergraduate Graduate Shows run from Thursday 18 to Thursday 25 June across Tavistock Place and Studio 11. An <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/open-days">Open Day</a> on Saturday 20 June, from 10am to 3pm, gives prospective students and supporters the opportunity to explore the campus, meet staff and students, and see graduate work across the university.</p> <p dir="ltr">Applications for Autumn 2026 study remain open across Pre-Degree, Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses.<br /></p>