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How Pre-Degree courses at Arts University Plymouth prepare students for future jobs and creative careers

Discover how Pre-Degree courses at Arts University Plymouth help students develop employability and life skills through real-world projects, creative qualifications, and industry-focused learning.

Deciding what to do after GCSEs is a big decision. At Arts University Plymouth, we understand that choosing a single course, like our UAL Level 3 Extended Diplomas, can feel like a leap compared to studying multiple A-Levels. However, our Pre-Degree programs are specifically designed to equip students with the skills they need to thrive—whether at university, in a creative career, or beyond.

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Photo by Dom Moore

<p dir="ltr">Our Pre-Degree courses focus on developing a balance of creative, academic, industry, and life skills, helping students adapt to a fast-changing world. Through our <strong>Skills Project</strong>, students engage in regular activities related to:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Creative skills</strong>: Curiosity, risk-taking, problem-solving, and a sense of purpose.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Industry skills</strong>: Communication, digital literacy, flexibility, and collaboration.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Academic skills</strong>: Critical thinking, literacy, numeracy, and the ability to debate.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Life skills</strong>: Empathy, resilience, well-being, and global awareness.</p></li></ul><div><p dir="ltr">Students gain confidence in applying these skills across different settings, preparing them for the next step in their journey.</p><strong>Example:</strong> During the <strong>Design to Sell</strong> event, students aged 16–19 sold their work to the public, showcasing unique designs and gaining hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, customer interaction, and marketing. Now in its 25th year, this annual event offers students invaluable professional development opportunities while bringing joy to the local community.</div>
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Visitors buy work at our Pre-Degree Design to Sell 2023 - Photo by former Pre-Degree student Luke Frost

<p dir="ltr">Unlike A-Level qualifications, our UAL Level 3 Extended Diplomas are designed by artists and designers for artists and designers. They’re <strong>equivalent to three A-Levels</strong> and assessed through coursework, not exams, allowing students to fully explore their creativity. </p> <p dir="ltr">Projects often engage with real-world issues, from sustainability to social justice.</p> <p dir="ltr">Recent highlights have included:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>International competitions</strong>: An Extended Diploma Filmmaking &amp; Media Production second-year student jointly won an international <a href="https://www.oneearthfilmfest.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Earth Young Filmmakers</a> contest based in Chicago Illinois, USA. The competition was judged by a jury of filmmaking experts. The student’s film, ‘Ocean Monologue’, was created to communicate the idea that the ocean and humanity are closely connected. The student won a cash prize and was also invited to present her film at an awards ceremony and exhibition at the Gene Siskel Film Centre in Chicago.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Ocean Optimism Photography</strong>: In partnership with the <a href="https://oceanconservationtrust.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean Conservation Trust</a>, photography students worked on a live brief to inspire action for ocean conservation. <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/pre-degree-students-showcase-ocean-optimism-at-the-national-marine-aquarium" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Their work was exhibited at the National Marine Aquarium</a>, giving them the chance to see their work displayed to tens of thousands of visitors.</p></li></ul> <p dir="ltr">These real-world experiences build employability skills such as collaboration, communication, and resilience, preparing students to succeed in competitive industries.<br /></p>
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Ocean Optimism photography by Lauren Mills, combining marine life with marine waste - Displayed in the National Marine Aquarium summer 2024

<p dir="ltr">Preparing students for life and work in the 21st century is our primary objective, in a world that is rapidly changing due to technological advancement and globalisation. </p> <p dir="ltr">This means that the skills we encourage students to develop every day, such as analytical thinking, leadership, creative thinking, design and user experience, empathy, and active listening, are the types of skills that they will need to be successful in the future.</p> <p dir="ltr">As an example, our focus on employability means students develop:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Resilience,</strong> through independent set projects.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Collaboration</strong>, by working with competitors, employers &amp; peers from different courses.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Analytical thinking</strong>, through re-drafting and refining independent ideas and concepts.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Motivation</strong>, via encouraging students to begin to define themselves as professional and self-aware.</p></li></ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Example:</strong> Former Pre-Degree student Brandon Burch progressed to study BA (Hons) Illustration at Arts University Plymouth and recently won a <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/illustration-students-win-best-in-show-at-d-ad-new-blood-festival-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Best in Show</strong></a> award at the prestigious <strong>D&amp;AD New Blood Festival</strong>. Brandon credits the university’s resources and creative focus for helping him develop his style and achieve success as an illustrator and designer for the UK metal scene.</p> <p dir="ltr">97% of our Extended Diploma students completed their qualification in 2024, with 70% achieving high grades. Many students progress to university—including guaranteed places at Arts University Plymouth for those who meet the entry criteria—or go straight into creative careers.</p> <p dir="ltr">Additionally, Pre-Degree students retaking GCSEs in Maths and English at Arts University Plymouth receive excellent support, with strong chances to improve their previous grades. We rank in the top quartile for retake results nationally among 223 colleges, coming 53rd for Maths, and 38th for English.<br /></p>
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Cycle by Brandon Burch - Award-winning work from D&AD New Blood Festival 2024

<p>At Arts University Plymouth, we are specialists in creative education, offering access to state-of-the-art facilities, experienced tutors, and a vibrant student community. From day one, our students feel supported, inspired, and prepared to tackle the challenges of their creative futures.</p>
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Photo by Dom Moore - Students in our Palace Court campus

<p dir="ltr">Whether your progression goal is a university, an apprenticeship, or a creative career. Arts University Plymouth’s Pre-Degree programs are the perfect starting point. </p> <p dir="ltr">Book an <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/open-days">Open Day</a> to see for yourself what makes our programs so unique.<br /></p>