This places our students significantly higher than the national average of 23% of students who receive a Distinction, preparing them for degree-level higher education or to progress onto a career in the UK’s booming creative industries.

Eden Dawn received a Distinction in UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design (Graphics, Illustration & Game Arts),, and plans to start a BA (Hons) Degree with us in Commercial Photography for Fashion, Advertising & Editorial.

Eden said: “Before coming to Plymouth College of Art I started A-Levels in science and psychology, but I wanted to do something more suited to me as a person. It felt like I was in a box and couldn’t let myself experiment, but coming here has brought out the best in me and helped me to really grow in confidence. I’ve tried so many new things during my time on the course. I even took on a role as student representative at the college."

“When I started studying at Palace Court, I thought I’d specialise in illustration, but as I gained experience I was drawn more to commercial graphic design, because I love creating editorial content. My work is influenced by artists like Storm Thorgerson, who created so many amazing album covers for bands like Pink Floyd and Muse. Towards the end of the course I had the chance to work on a music video and the photography promo shoots for it. The experience was so inspiring that I’ve chosen to stay at the college for a degree in commercial photography.”

Ben Cohen received a Distinction in UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design (Film, Animation & Media Production),, and plans to go on to study film at UWE Bristol in September. During his time with us, he worked with international directing duo Zhang + Knight,, on a music video shoot for FRIEND London, an agency that has produced commercials, online content, short films, and music videos, for clients including Google, Adidas, and Nike.

Ben said: “Before coming to Plymouth College of Art I bounced around a lot of different schools and didn’t really enjoy it, because I struggled to stay motivated at school with things that disinterest me. I fell in love with films when I first moved to Plymouth, and every week if I managed to not get a detention at school I would be given money to go to the charity shop to buy a new VHS to watch. Coming to Plymouth College of Art and studying film has been life-changing for me."

“The opportunities that I’ve had, through the college, to work on busy film sets, have solidified that this is what I want to do with my life. I love the chaos and innovation of it, the variety and the problem-solving. I would definitely recommend studying at Plymouth College of Art. The tutors here are amazing, helping you see the world in a different way and find solutions to any problems that you face.”

Ceri-Louise Prowse received a Distinction in UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design (Film, Animation & Media Production), and during her time at the college completed the 2017/18 BFI Film Academy and was interviewed by BBC Spotlight about her experiences as a young filmmaker. Ceri-Louise started using her skills in video production to freelance during her time at the college and plans to continue this while she applies for video editing and content creating roles within the creative industries. Applications for the 2018/19 BFI Film Academy are now open for any students aged 16 to 19 in the South West who want a career in the film industry.

Ceri-Louise said: “The school that I went to before coming to Plymouth College of Art couldn’t support my growth in the areas that mattered most to me. They said that not enough students were interested in photography or film and that I’d have to split my A-Levels between three different schools. I knew that wouldn’t be right for me, so I chose Plymouth College of Art, which turned out to be the best decision. Studying here has been everything that I hoped it would be and more."

“The most exciting thing during my time here was being accepted for the BFI Film Academy. Meeting people who already work in the industry gave me such a realistic view of what those careers are like. I was able to hear firsthand how happy those people are, doing exactly what they want to do most. That helped me to stop worrying and know that it’s okay to follow your own path. And working at the college particularly, with people who share the same interests as me, being able to collaborate with them and have control over the filmmaking process, has helped me to develop my skills so much."

“My goal now is to become a video production executive, which encapsulates everything I’ve wanted to do since I was 12 years old. I can’t wait to get out there and work in the industry, to show people what I can do.”

Starting creative study in Plymouth this September

• There’s still time to apply, with drop-in events for undergraduate, postgraduate and foundation-level programmes on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 August 2018, 8am-4pm and Saturday 18 August 2018, 10am-2pm. Bring along your portfolios for an informal chat, meet student ambassadors, find out more about student finance and take a look at accommodation options.
• Our Foundation Diploma in Art and Design team will also be around on those dates if you're aged under 19 and can't decide what course to study.
• Thursday 23 and Friday 24 August 2018, 10am-3pm at our Palace Court campus there’ll be a GCSE Results Day Drop In session, if you haven't decided where to study after your GCSEs, or are planning to begin an Extended Diploma course with us in September. You can bring along your GCSE Results to Palace Court on those dates to confirm your place, or drop in for a chat to discuss your options if you don't quite get the grades you were hoping for.