Our specialist post-16 study programmes offer ambitious creatives a dedicated pre-degree campus to develop their unique perspective, meet like minded people and gain the sought-after skills necessary to progress onto degree-level study or industry.
Life in the 21st century places complex demands on graduates looking for work, and we know that for the GCSE-level students who are considering what step to take next it can feel like young people have to make a choice between pursuing academic excellence or learning the vocational skills that will best prepare them for their future careers.
We understand that art students are keen to explore and develop their creative practice in social and industrial contexts. Arts University Plymouth, both as an educational institution and as an inclusive, international creative community, is a natural home for this kind of activism. The university was awarded the Social Enterprise Gold Mark in 2017 for its systemic commitment to community engagement, and in 2019 our students were not only key in the Youth Climate Strike but also demonstrated their commitment to a sustainable creative future by taking their protest to Tate Modern, as part of the Late at Tate Britain programme.
Your arrival at Arts University Plymouth is the most exciting creative threshold, your gateway to the extraordinary range of specialist degrees in art, craft, design and media education. This is a place in which to discover who you are and where your creative path is leading into the global marketplace that is the creative industries internationally.
Our Foundation Diploma, validated by University of the Arts London, is a chance for students to discover, experiment and explore across a wide range of disciplines – as well as maximise their chances of gaining a First if they decide to progress on to degree-level study.
We offer places to students who have a Level 3 qualification and a GCSE profile of at least five grade 9 to 4 (or A* to C grades in the old grading scheme) including English and Maths and a combination of AS and A-Level qualifications (with one in a creative subject).
All applicants need to show a portfolio of creative work that reflects their passion, enthusiasm and commitment for art, design and media.
Our tailor-made UAL Level 3 Extended Diplomas across five different specialist pathways are specialised creative qualifications, designed by artists and designers for artists and designers. Awarded by University of the Arts London (UAL), they are assessed by coursework, equivalent to three full A-Levels or a maximum of 168 UCAS points, and are recognised by UCAS, universities throughout the UK, and by creative industry employers.
We normally offer places to students who have at least four GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English and preferably with one in a creative subject (or 9-4 in the new grading scheme), and who show commitment and enthusiasm for art and design through examples of creative work.
Students will be supported to progress to Higher Education at Arts University Plymouth, another university or into employment.
