Creative Pre-Degree students at Arts University Plymouth celebrate results day 2025

<p dir="ltr">This year, 40% of UAL Level 3 <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree">Extended Diploma</a> students achieved a Distinction (equivalent to three A*s at A-level or 168 UCAS points). This is <strong>above the national benchmark</strong>, and higher than 2024 and 2023, signalling a sustained upward trend for Arts University Plymouth students. In addition, <strong>69% of Extended Diploma students intend to progress into higher education</strong>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/foundation-diploma-in-art-and-design-post-a-level">Foundation Diploma in Art &amp; Design</a> students also performed strongly, with <strong>29% awarded a Distinction</strong> and <strong>85% intending to progress into higher education</strong>.</p>

<p>The Pre-Degree &amp; Sixth Form centre offers ambitious creatives the chance to develop industry-relevant skills in a supportive, professional environment. Equivalent to three full A-Levels, these specialist qualifications prepare students for university or employment, with guaranteed progression to an Arts University Plymouth BA (Hons) degree for those meeting the criteria.</p> <p>Students benefit from professional studios, industry-standard equipment, and inspiring locations in the heart of Plymouth’s cultural quarter.</p>

<p>Students across subjects including <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-art-design?utm_source=pressrelease">Art &amp; Design</a>, <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-fashion-textiles?utm_source=pressrelease">Fashion &amp; Textiles</a>, <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-film-media-production?utm_source=pressrelease">Filmmaking &amp; Media Production</a>, <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-art-design-giga?utm_source=pressrelease">Graphics, Illustration &amp; Game Arts</a> and <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-photography?utm_source=pressrelease">Photography</a> have praised the freedom, creative environment and support available throughout their studies.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Valencia Erediauwa</strong>, from Plymouth, achieved a <strong>Distinction</strong> in her Extended Diploma in Art &amp; Design and plans on progressing to University of West London to study Visual Effects: “I came in planning to specialise in architecture, but the course opened up so many disciplines that I’ve left passionate about VFX. The industry-style briefs here pushed me harder than ever and gave me the skills to move confidently into my next stage.”<br /></p>

<p><strong>Lola Milner</strong>, from Tavistock, achieved a <strong>Distinction</strong> in her Extended Diploma in Art &amp; Design. This September she will progress to study BA (Hons) Fine Art at Arts University Plymouth: “Since coming here my confidence has grown and I’ve been able to make the work I wanted. The resources are incredible; I created my largest piece yet and I’m staying to study Fine Art at Arts University Plymouth.”</p>

<p><strong>Ava Gallagher</strong>, from Plymouth, achieved a <strong>Distinction</strong> in her Extended Diploma in Photography and this September will progress at Arts University Plymouth to study BA (Hons) Photography: “I didn’t know what to expect, but Pre-Degree study at Arts University Plymouth turned out to be everything I wanted and more. Unlimited access to studios and professional equipment gave me opportunities I’d never have had at sixth form.”</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/title-pre-degree-photographer-finley-mcdonald-takes-front-cover-on-the-week-junior-with-award-winning-photo">Finley McDonald</a></strong>, from Plympton, achieved a <strong>Distinction</strong> for his Extended Diploma in Photography and plans to study Marine and National History Photography at Falmouth University: “Pre-Degree study at Arts University Plymouth felt more accessible than sixth form; the facilities and studio spaces blew me away, the tutors always supported me. I learned so much about patience and focus, I even spent eight and a half hours waiting to capture a single shot of a kingfisher.”</p>

<p><strong>Rudy Elvy</strong>, from Wadebridge, Cornwall, achieved a <strong>Distinction</strong> for her Extended Diploma in Film &amp; Media Production and plans to progress to university to study film further: “I arrived expecting a film course, but I found a creative community that welcomed me and gave me the freedom to combine my passions for dance, performance and folklore. Specialising early has given me a strong foundation and industry connections. I commute from Cornwall and it’s definitely worth it, and my first-year dance film earned me the Vice-Chancellor’s Award.”</p>

<p><strong>Immy Jennings</strong>, from Plymouth, achieved a <strong>Distinction</strong> in her Extended Diploma in Film &amp; Media Production and plans to progress to Falmouth University to study Film &amp; TV: “Here, you’re treated like an adult and a creative from day one. Producing a major project showed me I love organising and delivering work at a professional level – and set me up to specialise in production at university.”</p>

<p><strong>Ashley Glattback</strong>, from Plymouth, achieved a <strong>Distinction</strong> in his Extended Diploma in Graphics, Illustration &amp; Game Arts and this September will progress to studying BA (Hons) Film &amp; Screen Arts at Arts University Plymouth: “I thought the course would be narrow, but it was the opposite, there were no limits. I even made a sci-fi film on the moors; it was terrifying and so much fun, and it helped me find my niche in filmmaking.”</p>

<p dir="ltr">From designing costumes for Theatre Royal Plymouth to painting public murals, producing short films and publishing photography zines, Pre-Degree students gain real-world experience before they even graduate. Live briefs with partners such as The Box, National Marine Aquarium and Plymouth Argyle sit alongside national competitions including Articulation, the Queer Britain Art Award and the Royal Opera House Design Challenge, giving students the chance to build professional portfolios and industry connections.</p> <p dir="ltr">Recent projects have seen Fashion &amp; Textiles students work on stage costumes for <em>The Creakers</em>, Photography students win national magazine covers, and Film &amp; Media students premiere original shorts exploring themes from environmental change to identity. At the end of their courses students exhibit their work publicly during Arts University Plymouth’s Graduate Shows, a launchpad for progression to top universities, creative start-ups and freelance careers.</p> <p dir="ltr">These opportunities help students graduate with confidence, experience, and a network of industry contacts, ready to make their mark in Britain’s thriving creative sector.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">If you know a school leaver receiving their GCSE results and looking to specialise in art, design, craft or digital media at Further Education level, there are still places available for September 2025 on Arts University Plymouth’s <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/study/pre-degree?utm_source=pressrelease">UAL Level 3 Extended Diplomas</a>. Visit the <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree">Pre-Degree courses page</a> for full details and application routes.<br /></p>

<p>A limited number of Clearing places are still available on undergraduate courses at <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/clearing">rts University Plymouth</a>, starting as late as October 2025. Applicants interested in beginning a BA (Hons) degree or Foundation Diploma in Art &amp; Design this year can call +44 (0)1752 203402, WhatsApp 07722 744184 or <a href="https://forms.student-crm.com/Forms/view/686aacc6-6fb7-4899-8b3d-96d7a8c74734">complete the online Clearing form</a>.</p>