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In pictures: Extended Diploma Graduate Show 2025
Monday, 9 June, 2025 — Explore highlights from Arts University Plymouth’s Extended Diploma Graduate Show 2025, celebrating the next generation of creative talent in art, design and media from our thriving Pre-Degree campus.
<p dir="ltr">Earlier this week, Palace Court opened its doors to family, friends and the public for the <strong>Extended Diploma Graduate Show 2025</strong>, an exciting celebration of emerging voices across our <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UAL Extended Diplomas in Creative Practice</a>. Spanning pathways from <strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-art-design" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Art & Design</a></strong> and<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-art-design-giga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-art-design-giga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Graphics, Illustration & Game Arts</a></strong> to <strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-art-design-fashion-textiles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fashion & Textiles</a>, </strong><strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-art-design-famp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Film & Media Production</a></strong>, and <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-art-design-photography" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photography</a>, this year’s show brought together over 100 students from across Year 2, marking the conclusion of their two-year creative journey.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Transforming the studios and corridors of Palace Court, students unveiled an eclectic and ambitious body of work — from cinematic short films and digital animation to fine art installations, fashion styling and immersive graphic storytelling. The show exemplified the University’s creative education ethos: practice-led, collaborative and deeply rooted in experimentation.</p>
<p dir="ltr">All photographs below were taken by <strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/captain.frost/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luke Frost</a></strong>, a graduate of the UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Photography, and <strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/findoesphotography_/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Finley McDonald</a></strong>, a current ED Photography student and one of our Ones to Watch.<br /></p>
Finley McDonald by Luke Frost
<p>As always, the event began with the ED Fashion and Textiles catwalk, showcasing the incredible collections as well as the theme of the show: <em>A night in Paris</em>. </p>
Images 4-11 Finley McDonald, Images 1-3 & 12-23 Luke Frost
<p>Each year, a select group of Extended Diploma students are recognised for their exceptional creativity, resilience and contribution to university life. We are proud to announce this year’s Pre-Degree award winners:</p>
<p>This award celebrates a student who has made a significant contribution to university life and demonstrated resilience in overcoming personal or educational challenges. Don Mackay has been selected by the Board of Governors in recognition of his creative growth, commitment to his studies, and the originality of his filmmaking practice.</p>
<p><em>Nominated by Will Darch, Subject Leader for Film & Media Production</em></p>
Don Mackay & Will Darch, Sue Brownlow by Luke Frost
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<p>The Vice-Chancellor’s Commendation recognises a student who has consistently produced work of high quality, contributed positively to the university community, and shown exceptional development during their time at Arts University Plymouth. Rudy Elvy is commended for her academic achievement, creative leadership, and active engagement across both years of the Extended Diploma.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>Nominated by Steven Forsyth and Professor Paul Fieldsend-Danks</em><br /></p>
Professor Paul Fieldsend-Danks and Rudy Elvy by Luke Frost
<p dir="ltr">The UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Practice is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification, equivalent to three A-Levels. Designed for post-16 students looking to build a career in the creative industries, the course helps students develop specialist skills and a professional-standard portfolio, with progression routes into top universities and professional practice.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This year’s Graduate Show embodied the energy and ambition of our Pre-Degree community, a testament to the talent and tenacity of young creatives shaping the future of art, media and design.<br /></p>
1-7 Luke Frost, 8-15 Finley McDonald
<p dir="ltr">The Extended Diploma Graduate Show is part of Arts University Plymouth’s summer showcase season. Don't miss the rest of our 2025 line-up:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/undergraduate-graduate-shows-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Undergraduate Graduate Show</a>: 20–26 June, Tavistock Place & Studio 11<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/undergraduate-fashion-design-graduate-shows-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><br /></a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/undergraduate-fashion-design-graduate-shows-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Undergraduate Fashion Show</a>: 26 June, The Market Hall, Devonport </p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/ma-graduate-show-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MA Graduate Show</a>: 21–31 July, Tavistock Place & Studio 11</p></li></ul>
