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Why Visiting an Open Day at Arts University Plymouth Could Shape Your Creative Future

Discover why visiting an Open Day at Arts University Plymouth helps students make informed decisions. Explore award-winning facilities, meet expert tutors, and experience our supportive creative community.

Choosing the right university is a life-changing decision, especially for students pursuing creative qualifications. While online research can give you a glimpse of campus life, nothing compares to stepping into the heart of a thriving creative community in order to make sure you make the right decision. Arts University Plymouth, consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK, offers Open Days that provide an unmatched opportunity to experience everything we have to offer—beyond what you can find online.

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<p dir="ltr">Unlike traditional universities, a specialist arts university like Arts University Plymouth is designed with creativity at its core. This focus ensures that every aspect of your learning environment—facilities, teaching methods, and support systems—caters to creative disciplines. Attending an Open Day allows you to see this unique approach in action, whether through touring our state-of-the-art studios, meeting expert tutors, or speaking to current students.</p> <p dir="ltr">Here’s what makes our Open Days essential for your decision-making process:<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Our city-centre campus in Plymouth is home to more than 13,000 square metres of studios, labs, and workshops across six buildings, offering a creative ecosystem that is second to none.</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/arts-university-plymouth-celebrates-success-at-the-whatuni-student-choice-awards-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#2 in the UK for facilities</a></strong> – <em>Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024</em></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Award-winning spaces like our <strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/resources/fab-lab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fab Lab</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/resources/material-lab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Material Studio</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/resources/digital-print-bureau-and-equipment-resource-centre" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fine Print Studio</a></strong> offer students the tools to experiment with both traditional and cutting-edge techniques, from 3D printing and ceramics to glassblowing and printmaking.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Unlike many universities, our open-access studios foster collaboration across disciplines, so filmmakers can work with fashion designers, animators with ceramicists, and more.</p></li></ul> <p dir="ltr">Seeing these spaces in person during an Open Day will inspire you and help you visualise how you can develop your practice here.</p>
Fab City 2021 Event in Fab Lab Plymouth image by Ray Goodwin children looking around Fab Lab

Fab Lab

<p dir="ltr">Arts University Plymouth’s academic and technical staff are active practitioners, thinkers, and writers who bring industry expertise into every project.</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/2-in-the-uk-for-teaching-excellence-daily-mail-university-guide" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#2 in the UK for teaching excellence</a></strong> – <em>Daily Mail University Guide 2025</em></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/arts-university-plymouth-celebrates-success-at-the-whatuni-student-choice-awards-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#4 in the UK for lecturers &amp; teaching quality</a></strong> – <em>Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024</em></p></li></ul> <p dir="ltr">During an Open Day, you’ll meet these passionate educators, attend subject talks, and gain personalised advice about your study options. Hearing directly from the people who will guide your creative journey is an invaluable step toward finding the right course for you.</p>
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<p dir="ltr">Our students consistently rate us as one of the most supportive and welcoming universities in the UK.</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/arts-university-plymouth-ranked-2-in-the-uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>#2 in the UK for student satisfaction</strong> </a>– <em>Times Higher Education analysis of the NSS 2024</em></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/arts-university-plymouth-celebrates-success-at-the-whatuni-student-choice-awards-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#3 in the UK for student support</a></strong> – <em>Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024</em></p></li></ul> <p dir="ltr">The friendly atmosphere at Arts University Plymouth sets us apart. On an Open Day, you’ll meet student ambassadors, hear their stories, and experience the close-knit community that helps every student thrive.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Plymouth’s vibrant cultural quarter is the perfect setting for a creative education. Our campus is steps from award-winning venues like <strong><a href="https://www.theboxplymouth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Box</a></strong>, a museum, gallery, and archive that partners with us to showcase internationally renowned artists. The city’s thriving arts scene includes contemporary art spaces like <strong><a href="https://karst.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KARST</a></strong>, digital innovation at <a href="https://real-immersive.realideas.org/market-hall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Market Hall</strong>,</a> home to a groundbreaking immersive dome, plus on-campus gems like our external gallery <strong><a href="https://mirrorplymouth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIRROR</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="https://plymouthartscinema.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plymouth Arts Cinema</a></strong>, which offers discounted tickets to our students.</p> <p dir="ltr">With a blend of live music venues, DIY creative communities, and coastal charm, Plymouth offers endless inspiration. Events like <a href="https://plymouthartweekender.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Plymouth Art Weekender</strong> </a>and <strong><a href="https://plymouthartscinema.org/whats-on/rebel-film-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rebel Film Festival</a></strong> bring global talent to the city, while independent cafes and ocean views at <strong><a href="https://royalwilliamyard.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal William Yard</a></strong> make it the perfect place to unwind.</p>
The Box

The Box

<p dir="ltr">If you’ve never visited a specialist arts university, you might not know what makes it different from a traditional university. Arts University Plymouth is ranked:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/another-excellent-year-for-arts-university-plymouth-in-the-national-student-survey-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top scoring arts university in the UK</a></strong> – <em>National Student Survey 2024</em></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/universities/arts-university-plymouth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 10 in the UK for arts, drama &amp; music</a></strong> – <em>Complete University Guide 2024</em></p></li></ul> <p dir="ltr">An Open Day gives you the chance to see the difference firsthand. From our emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration to our focus on student exhibitions and industry partnerships, you’ll understand how our approach equips graduates to excel in the creative industries.</p>
<p dir="ltr">By attending an Open Day, you’ll also learn about exclusive support such as:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/online-portfolioadvice-jan25" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portfolio advice</a></strong> and personalised feedback</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/online-applying-to-arts-university-plymouth-jan13" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guidance</a> on applications, personal statements, and finance</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Travel bursaries of up to £80 to help cover your visit</p></li></ul> <p dir="ltr">You’ll leave with a clearer picture of how we can support you in achieving your creative ambitions.</p>
<p>Caroline Barr, BA (Hons) Craft &amp; Material Practices, recalls:</p>
I knew I needed to see the university in person, and the facilities were just unbeatable. That was when I realised how much the course had to offer. I was unsure which creative route to follow, so I took the opportunities offered to learn as much as possible across a number of disciplines, and I found my specialism.
Caroline Barr, BA (Hons) Craft & Material Practices
Student smiling whilst looking through a portfolio
<p dir="ltr">Poppy Holmes, BA (Hons) Interior Design &amp; Styling, shared:<br /></p>
After visiting Arts University Plymouth for an open day, I immediately knew that I wanted to study here. I was inspired by the work displayed and felt encouraged speaking to the lecturers. The atmosphere of the campus was so friendly and inviting, and I could already envision my journey into the design industry starting here.
Poppy Holmes, BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling
<p dir="ltr">Visiting an Open Day at Arts University Plymouth is the best way to make an informed decision about your future. Step into our studios, meet the community, and discover why we’re one of the UK’s leading creative institutions.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/open-days" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Book your place now</strong></a> and take the first step toward shaping your creative career.<br /></p>