Plymouth College of Art gains university status

Following approval from the Privy Council, Plymouth College of Art has been granted full university status and formally recognised with the new title of Arts University of Plymouth. 

Plymouth’s specialist arts university was founded in 1856 as Plymouth Drawing School and operates two city centre campuses for over 1,750 students. As a university, it will offer a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and pre-degree courses spanning art, design and digital media.

“Achieving full university status is just our latest evolution in over 160 years of leading specialist arts education in the South West and internationally,” said Professor Paul Fieldsend-Danks, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Arts University Plymouth. 

“Our vision for Arts University Plymouth is a new kind of art school for the 21st century, preparing graduates who are uniquely placed to provide creative solutions to the complex problems faced by modern society, spanning everything from the acceleration of new technologies to the global challenges facing healthcare, sustainability and the climate emergency.”

Higher and Further Education Minister Michelle Donelan said that the granting of full university status “is fully deserved and an historical moment for the city of Plymouth”.
 
“With this new status, I am confident that Arts University Plymouth will continue to help make dreams come true and equip graduates for a career in the creative industries whilst providing a blueprint for success to other creative providers,” she added.