Plymouth's art school dates from 1856 and became Arts University Plymouth in 2022, having long been known as Plymouth College of Art. The campus is on Tavistock Place, near the city centre and a walk from the Hoe. It is a specialist creative university: fine art, illustration, graphic design, photography, film, fashion, games and craft. Studios and workshops matter more here than lecture halls.
Plymouth, England, United Kingdom
Official website: aup.ac.uk
1856, as a school of art
2022
Specialist arts university
Tavistock Place, central Plymouth
£15,000 – £17,500
International students, undergraduate and master's
£9,000 – £11,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on aup.ac.uk before you apply.
BA (Hons) Fine Art
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
BA (Hons) Illustration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
BA (Hons) Film
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
MA Photography
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5
Workshops for print, ceramics, jewellery and digital making.
Small studio groups with practising artists as tutors.
A seaside city setting close to Dartmoor.
Graduates work as designers, illustrators, photographers and makers.
Many start their own creative practice or freelance.
Graduates can apply for the two-year Graduate route visa.
Undergrad
UCAS or direct
Postgrad
Rolling
The campus is a cluster of studio buildings in the city centre, near the university quarter and student housing.
Plymouth is a naval port on the Devon coast, with the Hoe, the Barbican's old harbour and Dartmoor close by. It is cheaper than most UK cities.
CAS from Arts University Plymouth
Proof of funds for fees and living costs
English test at B2 level or above
TB test certificate, if required
Immigration Health Surcharge payment
Valid passport with blank pages
Undergraduate applicants can apply through UCAS by the January deadline, and international students often apply directly later. Master's applications are rolling. Aim for July for September.
Courses start in September.
A UK Student visa, sponsored by Arts University Plymouth. Once you hold a CAS, apply online, show funds held for 28 days, and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. Most decisions come back within three weeks from outside the UK.
Fine art, graphic design, illustration, film and photography are popular. Entry needs a portfolio, secondary results and IELTS 6.0, or IELTS 6.5 for master's courses.
Arts University Plymouth offers a small number of scholarships and bursaries. Check the fees page for international options.
