Arts University Plymouth official logo

Arts University Plymouth

Plymouth, United Kingdom • Founded 1856

Updated Sep 2026 · Source: aup.ac.uk

Overview

English Name: Arts University Plymouth
Acronyms: AUP
Founded: 1856
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Arts University Plymouth institutional building
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Arts University Plymouth is an independent specialist institution in Devon, England, founded in 1856 as Plymouth Drawing School.

It provides practice-based creative education in art, design, craft, and digital media at undergraduate, postgraduate, and pre-degree levels. The university occupies a city-centre campus in Plymouth's Tavistock Place with over 13,000 square metres of professional studios and workshops equipped for materials, media, and digital technologies.

Its research and teaching centres address sustainability and material innovation, including the Centre for Circular Materials and the international Making Futures platform.

Location & Contact

Mailing address, phone, email, and social channels for Arts University Plymouth are listed below.

Address: Tavistock Place
Postal Code: PL4 8AT
Map:
Phone: +44 (1752) 203 434
Fax: +44 (1752) 203 444
Social Media:

Academic Details

Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for Arts University Plymouth are listed below.

Academic Year: 2024/25
Recognition: Privy Council
Total Students: 1,610
Female Students: 1,095
Academic Staff Range: 50-99

Programs Offered

Search and filter Arts University Plymouth's available programmes by degree level.

26 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom

Honours Degree 16 programmes

Animation & Games
Computer Science & IT · 3 years · On-campus
International tuition: GBP 17,500/year Local tuition: GBP 9,790/year

Although many of our students do come in with top grades and high UCAS points, these aren’t necessarily essential for entry. We typically ask for between 104 - 120 UCAS points , earned through an Art & Design Foundation...

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Animation and Games
Computer Sciences · 4 years · On-campus
Local tuition: GBP 9,790/year

This entry year course is year one of a four-year degree and is designed as a preparatory year to ready you for the transition to the full degree of your choice. It provides an opportunity to develop your portfolio and t...

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Commercial Photography
Photography · 3 years · On-campus
Local tuition: GBP 9,790/year

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Costume Production
Arts, Design & Architecture · 3 years · On-campus
International tuition: GBP 17,500/year Local tuition: GBP 9,790/year

Although many of our students do come in with top grades and high UCAS points, these aren’t necessarily essential for entry. We typically ask for between 104 - 120 UCAS points , earned through an Art & Design Foundation...

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Craft and Material Practices
Applied Design · 3 years · On-campus
International tuition: GBP 17,500/year Local tuition: GBP 9,790/year

Although many of our students do come in with top grades and high UCAS points, these aren’t necessarily essential for entry. We typically ask for between 104 - 120 UCAS points , earned through an Art & Design Foundation...

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Fashion Design
Applied Design · 3 years · On-campus
International tuition: GBP 17,500/year Local tuition: GBP 9,790/year

Although many of our students do come in with top grades and high UCAS points, these aren’t necessarily essential for entry. We typically ask for between 104 - 120 UCAS points , earned through an Art & Design Foundation...

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Fashion Media and Marketing
Media Studies & Mass Media · 3 years · On-campus
International tuition: GBP 17,500/year Local tuition: GBP 9,790/year

Although many of our students do come in with top grades and high UCAS points, these aren’t necessarily essential for entry. We typically ask for between 104 - 120 UCAS points , earned through an Art & Design Foundation...

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Film and Screen Arts
Photography · 3 years · On-campus
International tuition: GBP 17,500/year Local tuition: GBP 9,790/year

Although many of our students do come in with top grades and high UCAS points, these aren’t necessarily essential for entry. We typically ask for between 104 - 120 UCAS points , earned through an Art & Design Foundation...

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Fine Art
Art History · 3 years · On-campus
International tuition: GBP 17,500/year Local tuition: GBP 9,790/year

Although many of our students do come in with top grades and high UCAS points, these aren’t necessarily essential for entry. We typically ask for between 104 - 120 UCAS points , earned through an Art & Design Foundation...

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graphic Design
Applied Design · 3 years · On-campus
International tuition: GBP 17,500/year Local tuition: GBP 9,790/year

Although many of our students do come in with top grades and high UCAS points, these aren’t necessarily essential for entry. We typically ask for between 104 - 120 UCAS points , earned through an Art & Design Foundation...

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 16.

Master's Degree 10 programmes

MA Craft & Material Practices
1 year
International tuition: GBP 17,500/year Local tuition: GBP 9,500/year

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

MA Design
Applied Design · 1 year
International tuition: GBP 17,500/year Local tuition: GBP 9,500/year

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

MA Design (Built Environment)
Applied Design · 1 year
International tuition: GBP 17,500/year Local tuition: GBP 9,500/year

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

MA Design (Communication)
Communication Studies · 1 year
International tuition: GBP 17,500/year Local tuition: GBP 9,500/year

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

MA Design (Fashion)
Applied Design · 1 year
International tuition: GBP 17,500/year Local tuition: GBP 9,500/year

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

MA Design (Textiles)
Applied Design · 1 year
International tuition: GBP 17,500/year Local tuition: GBP 9,500/year

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

MA Fine Art
Visual Arts · 1 year
International tuition: GBP 17,500/year Local tuition: GBP 9,500/year

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

MA Glass
1 year
International tuition: GBP 17,500/year Local tuition: GBP 9,500/year

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

MA Immersive Media
Media Studies & Mass Media · 1 year
International tuition: GBP 17,500/year Local tuition: GBP 9,500/year

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

MA Museum Studies
1 year
International tuition: GBP 17,500/year Local tuition: GBP 9,500/year

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Scholarships in United Kingdom

These scholarships are open to students studying in the United Kingdom and may apply to programmes at Arts University Plymouth.

Cambridge Trust International Scholarship
Cambridge Trust · Foundation funded · International students · Renewable · Combined · Covers Living
Covers tuition fees at the international rate, an annual maintenance stipend, and support towards the student visa and Immigration Health Surcharge, for postgraduate (and some undergraduate) study at Cambridge; there is no separate application form.
Care Leavers & Care Experienced Bursary
University funded · Renewable · 1,000 GBP per total · Living Stipend · Covers Living
A £1,000 bursary, paid in one instalment in March, for UK home students who declare care leaver or care experienced status at enrolment.
Creative Scholarship
University funded · International students · 2,000 GBP per total · Partial Tuition
A cash award of up to £2,000 given to new first-year undergraduate or postgraduate students whose application portfolio shows strong creative excellence and commitment to study.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Gates Cambridge Trust · Foundation funded · International students · Renewable · Combined
Funds full-time or part-time PhD study, the one-year MLitt, or (with some exceptions) other one-year postgraduate courses at the University of Cambridge; fee and stipend amounts are set through the University's own student-funding process rather than published on the eligibility page.
Hardship Fund
University funded · International students · Renewable · Covers Living
Non-repayable cash awards for enrolled students facing unforeseen, severe financial hardship, once other funding options have been exhausted.
Internal Progression Scholarship
University funded · 300 GBP per total · Covers Living
A one-off £300 cash scholarship for UAL Extended Diploma or Foundation Diploma graduates progressing onto a 3 or 4-year undergraduate degree at Arts University Plymouth.
Materials Bursary
University funded · Renewable · 300 GBP per total · Covers Living
A household-income-based bursary to help cover course materials, paid once in March: £100 for Extended BA/Level 4, £200 for Level 5, and £300 for Level 6.
Pre-Degree Progression Award
University funded · 300 GBP per total · Covers Living
A £300, non-repayable bursary for Arts University Plymouth pre-degree students who progress into undergraduate study.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor's Arts University Plymouth Creative Excellence Award
University funded · International students · 2,500 GBP per total · Partial Tuition
A £2,500 award for two outstanding first-year, full-time BA (Hons) undergraduates, judged on portfolio quality and a written statement.
Rhodes Scholarship
Rhodes Trust · Foundation funded · International students · Renewable · 20,400 GBP per year · Combined · Covers Living, Travel
Covers University of Oxford course and college fees, an annual stipend of £20,400 (£1,700 a month, 2025-26 rate), the Oxford application fee, student visa and Immigration Health Surcharge costs, two economy flights to and from the UK, and a settling-in allowance.
Vice-Chancellor's Arts University Plymouth Excellence Award
University funded · International students · 3,500 GBP per total · Partial Tuition
A £3,500 award for outstanding full-time, one-year MA postgraduate students, judged on portfolio quality and a written statement.
Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme
Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust · Foundation funded · International students · Renewable · 18,622 GBP per year · Combined · Covers Living
Covers 100% of course fees and a living-cost grant (at least £18,622 a year through the St Antony's College partnership) for the full period of fee liability, plus participation in a tailored leadership programme.

How to apply to Arts University Plymouth

A short guide to applying to Arts University Plymouth — five steps.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Arts University Plymouth's catalogue includes 26 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Arts University Plymouth's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Submit via UCAS or the institution

    For undergraduate study, apply centrally through UCAS (ucas.com), listing Arts University Plymouth as one of your choices. For postgraduate study, apply directly through Arts University Plymouth's own admissions portal at www.aup.ac.uk.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +44 (1752) 203 434. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Arts University Plymouth

Frequently asked questions about Arts University Plymouth.

In what year was Arts University Plymouth established?

Arts University Plymouth was founded in 1856 (approximately 170 years ago).

What city is Arts University Plymouth in?

Arts University Plymouth operates from Plymouth, United Kingdom.

Is Arts University Plymouth a public or private institution?

Arts University Plymouth operates as a private institution.

How big is Arts University Plymouth's student body?

Arts University Plymouth serves approximately 1,610 students.

Is Arts University Plymouth officially recognised?

Arts University Plymouth is accredited by Privy Council.

What is Arts University Plymouth's official website?

You can find Arts University Plymouth online at www.aup.ac.uk.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom

Some the United Kingdom systems publish government rating frameworks (NIRF, QS Stars, regulatory grading) alongside rankings. These add independent signals beyond commercial ranking tables.

Imperial College London
London · Public · QS 2027 #2 =
University of Oxford
Oxford · Public · QS 2027 #4
University of Cambridge
Cambridge · Public · QS 2027 #6
University College London
London · Public · QS 2027 #8 =
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh · Public · QS 2027 #35

Faculties at nearby universities

The institutions below are geographically close to Arts University Plymouth.

University of Plymouth
Plymouth · Public · QS 2027 #691 =
Plymouth Marjon University
Plymouth · Private · Est. 1923

Where Else to Study Applied Design

Applied Design is also taught at these universities in the United Kingdom.

University of Manchester
Manchester · Public · QS 2027 #40 =
University of Nottingham
Nottingham · Public · QS 2027 #97 =
University of Glasgow
Glasgow · Public · QS 2027 #80
University of Birmingham
Birmingham · Public · QS 2027 #68 =
University of Leeds
Leeds · Public · QS 2027 #77 =

Universities Compared with Arts University Plymouth

Below are universities sometimes compared with Arts University Plymouth.

Solent University
Southampton · Public · Est. 1856
University of Bath
Bath · Public · QS 2027 #125
Wirral Metropolitan College
Birkenhead · Est. 1855
TH
The London School of Jewish Studies
London · Est. 1855
Anglia Ruskin University
Chelmsford · Public · QS 2027 #1001-1200

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