Arts University Plymouth appoints Johnny Smeaton as Head of Pre-Degree

<p dir="ltr">Johnny will officially take up the role at the start of the 2026/27 academic year. He has taught at Arts University Plymouth since 2016, first as Lecturer in <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-art-design-giga">Graphics, Illustration &amp; Game Arts</a> and, since 2021, as Subject Leader for the same area.</p> <p dir="ltr">Over the past decade, Johnny has worked directly with pre-degree students as they build confidence, develop creative portfolios and prepare for their next steps in education and the creative industries. He also completed his MA Creative Education: Making Learning at Arts University Plymouth in 2020, strengthening his work as a reflective educator and creative education leader.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">As Subject Leader for Graphics, Illustration &amp; Game Arts, Johnny has led Level 3 creative provision for 50 to 80 students each year, with responsibilities spanning curriculum design, student recruitment, progression guidance, student voice, quality assurance and staff leadership.</p> <p dir="ltr">His work has included developing a hybrid curriculum that brings together traditional creative techniques and contemporary digital technologies, reflecting the way young creatives now move between drawing, image-making, storytelling, software, games, illustration and animation.</p> <p dir="ltr">Johnny’s wider experience also includes coding and data analysis, giving him an informed perspective on the relationship between creative thinking, digital skills and contemporary industry needs.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Pre-degree study at Arts University Plymouth supports students before they move into undergraduate-level creative education. It gives students time to explore different creative disciplines, develop technical and critical skills, strengthen their portfolios and make more confident decisions about the specialist direction they want to follow.</p> <p dir="ltr">The university’s pre-degree and preparatory routes include the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art &amp; Design, which supports students through practical projects, technical inductions, specialist teaching, UCAS guidance and portfolio development. Foundation Diploma students who achieve a Pass or higher are guaranteed a place on one of Arts University Plymouth’s BA (Hons) degrees.</p> <p dir="ltr">Students also learn within the wider environment of a specialist arts university, with access to studios, workshops, technical resources and a creative community spanning art, design, craft and media.</p> <p dir="ltr">In 2023, Arts University Plymouth’s Pre-Degree provision was rated Ofsted ‘Good’.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Johnny Smeaton said:</strong> “I came into education because I wanted to have a positive impact on the lives of young people, and I came to Arts University Plymouth because I believe strongly in the importance of creative thinking and creative skills.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Through teaching and leading Graphics, Illustration &amp; Game Arts, and through completing my MA Creative Education: Making Learning here, I have seen how transformative creative education can be when students are given the time, space and support to explore who they are as creative people.</p> <p dir="ltr">“As educational priorities change nationally, arts subjects need champions now more than ever, and I’m proud to stand alongside so many of them here at Arts University Plymouth. Creativity plays such a vital role in our lives, wellbeing and economy. As Head of Pre-Degree, my guiding principle will be to protect and strengthen an inclusive, supportive community where students can build confidence, criticality and joy in their creative learning.”<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Professor Stephen Felmingham, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic), said:</strong> “Johnny is a valued colleague, an exceptional Subject Leader and a committed champion for creative education. He brings energy, deep pedagogical expertise and a collaborative approach to leading Pre-Degree at Arts University Plymouth. His experience with students, staff and the applicant journey will be invaluable as we continue to support young creatives at an important point in their education.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Pre-Degree is a vital part of the university’s identity and regional impact. I am confident Johnny will lead this next chapter with calmness, clarity and care.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Prospective students, parents and guardians can find out more about pre-degree study at Arts University Plymouth by visiting the university’s website, booking an Open Day or contacting the admissions team.<br /></p>