Arts University Plymouth

Plymouth United Kingdom

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Our postgraduate programmes invite you to explore and refine your creative practice by critically engaging with the cultural, technological and economic changes that are shaping our world. At the Postgraduate Centre at Arts University Plymouth, you will find yourself at the heart of a distinctive kind of creative and collegial community – an arts university run by artists and designers, for artists and designers – a space of thinking and making, and your open threshold to an international network of arts and cultural, commercial and industrial practitioners, businesses and institutions in which we engage, exhibit, curate and publish widely.

Why study at Arts University Plymouth?

Our postgraduate programmes will give you critical insight into the contemporary creative landscape and empower you to work effectively from your carefully chosen place within it.

Our postgraduate students develop exposure within their field and refine their practice in a space that fosters experimentation and reflective engagement with issues that are shaping the world we hold in common.

Our dynamic, cross-disciplinary postgraduate community offers a rich environment that provides critical and technical expertise in a range of disciplines.

40

postgraduate students

10

courses

1st

in South West England for both Facilities and Student Support - Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026

Plymouth United Kingdom

main campus

Upcoming Open Days & Webinars

About Arts University Plymouth

Arts University Plymouth is the UKs newest specialist Arts University. Our vision is for a new kind of arts university for the 21st century, preparing graduates who are uniquely placed to provide creative solutions to the complex global challenges of our times.

We have set a confident trajectory towards 2030 based upon sustainable growth, solution focussed teaching and research, and a commitment to impactful social justice and ecological change through its people, culture and place.

Our strategy Creative Education for a Changing World will ensure that our work is energised and designed to meet the ambitions of its students and staff while acknowledging the shifting realm of creativity through new technologies and the workplaces of tomorrow.

View the prospectus for Arts University Plymouth

Student life at Arts University Plymouth

We have a vibrant, supportive and friendly student community at Arts University Plymouth, and we’re proud to be located in a city that plays host to a wealth of creative, inventive independent businesses and forward thinking cultural organisations.

Described by GQ as “the coolest little city by the sea”, Plymouth offers a balance of some of the UK’s most stunning natural spaces alongside the convenience of city life, with a community ready to welcome new creative ideas and share new experiences with.

Your time at university is so much more than learning new skills and laying the groundwork for your creative career; it’s a chance to meet new people, expand your horizons, and create unforgettable moments.

Disciplines available at Arts University Plymouth

Communication & Media Studies

Creative Arts & Design

History & Archaeology

Materials Science

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Student profiles

David Harbott

Graduate School

“It's almost like a philosophical place, you're presented with a whole new bunch of people, a whole new bunch of ideas and it gives you the possibility to kind of reboot certain things. You can reboot tropes you've been involved with, things you've got habituated to, embrace that uncertainty, that unknowing, that excitement of just about to sort of jump out of the plane as it were.”

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Georgina Grant

Graduate School

“I'm a completely different person now, than when I began and to me that is absolutely invaluable. So, anyone who wants to open their mind, I suppose, and use materials because PCA (now AUP) has the workshops and the facilities are absolutely amazing.”

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Frequently asked questions

Is there a deadline for applications?

To have the best chance of securing an offer of study with us, we encourage you to apply by the 15th of July. After this date we will still be accepting applications but only if there are places still available on the MA Program.

I want to do an MA, but I don’t have a portfolio of relevant work! What can I do?

Get in touch with us to arrange a chat with one of our MA tutors. We’ll be able to give you guidance depending on what your proposed project and interests are; we might suggest attending one of our short courses or our dedicated progression course Making Change;shaping work you already have into a portfolio, or we might be able to accept you without a portfolio. We consider everyone as an individual - that’s why we want to meet you.

It’s been a long time since I did my BA… can I still do an MA?

We truly value applications from people who are returning to creative study, so whether it’s been two years or twenty, you’ll have gained valuable experience that will lend new perspectives to your work, or may have changed your creative pathway entirely.

I’ve only just finished my BA… is it sensible to go straight on to an MA?

While the step from undergraduate to postgraduate study is a significant one, it might not be as sizeable as you’d think. Masters degrees build on existing skills and knowledge, introducing more advanced concepts and placing a greater emphasis on independent learning. Our advice would be not to let yourself feel intimidated by the prospect of a Masters, instead see it as a welcome opportunity to challenge yourself.
We all know that life experience counts for a lot, and you might want to spend some time working on your practice (or simply working) after you finish your BA, it’s entirely up to you.

Can I have an informal chat with an academic about which MA would be right for me?

Yes, we offer informal one to one sessions where you can chat to our experienced academic staff about the courses we offer and what is right for you, whatever your situation. We actively encourage you to book one of these chats, because even if you’re not quite sure about which course you want to do, this is your first opportunity to start to develop a professional relationship with our staff. We’ll contact you to organise this after you’ve made your first enquiry, or you can email us at hello@aup.ac.uk to make an appointment.

Main campus

Arts University Plymouth

Plymouth

South West

United Kingdom

FindAMasters is a trading name of FindAUniversity Ltd, A Keystone Company.

Registered Address: FindAUniversity Ltd, 77 Sidney St, Sheffield, S1 4RG

Our websites: FindAPhD | FindAPostDoc | Postgraduate Forum | FindCourses

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