<p dir="ltr">Our dedication to educational excellence is reflected in the ways that we equip our students for success and our performance in areas directly impacting student experience sets us apart from other universities. In the National Student Survey (NSS) 2023, we were the <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/arts-university-plymouth-excels-again-in-the-national-student-survey-2023">highest scoring specialist arts university in the UK</a> for Learning Resources. </p> <p dir="ltr">What does this mean for you as a student? It means unparalleled access to exceptional facilities and resources that are crucial for your creative journey. Our students find it easy to access a wide array of subject-specific resources. These include cutting-edge facilities like Fab Lab Plymouth, diverse multimedia and photography studios, and our comprehensive Materials Lab that supports innovative practices in hot glass, ceramics, and biomaterials.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Additionally, our well-equipped Drawing Lab, Fashion and Textile studios, and extensive IT and library services are all designed to support your learning and creative exploration at every step. This recognition in the NSS is a testament to our focus on providing an environment where your creativity is nurtured with the best tools and support.</p> <p dir="ltr">Our focus on student experience and outcomes is also evident in other national awards and rankings. This year we were awarded a Silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), recognising that experiences and outcomes are typically of very high quality for all groups of students.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Our dedication to providing an outstanding educational journey has been acknowledged with numerous accolades, particularly when our students get an opportunity to voice their opinions in national surveys.</p> <p dir="ltr">Arts University Plymouth won Silver in the Small or Specialist Institution category of the <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/second-place-best-small-or-specialist-uni-2023">Whatuni Student Choice Awards</a> in 2023 and Gold in 2022. The nominees and winners of these unique awards are selected by students based on reviews submitted by students from across the UK, and winners judged by a panel made up of prospective and current university students. The Whatuni Student Choice Awards are the only annual awards for UK universities based entirely on student opinion, with over 35,000 reviews submitted each year.</p> <p dir="ltr">Highlighting the quality of Arts University Plymouth’s provision as a leading specialist for creative arts education, the <a href="https://www.whatuni.com/student-awards-winners/small-or-specialist-institution/">Small or Specialist Institution</a> category celebrates the overall experience of students, focusing on lecturers and teaching quality, the Students' Union experience, facilities and student life. <br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Stepping into the creative industries means joining a rapidly growing sector that supports over 3.5 million jobs in the UK and is expanding at four times the rate of the UK economy. With the creative industries forecasted to create 1 million new jobs by 2030, our graduates are well-positioned to be at the forefront of this exciting and dynamic field.</p> <p dir="ltr">We know that art, design and media are a motor for economic growth and job creation, but more importantly, the creative industries help to make communities in all parts of the UK happier, healthier places for us to live in. The skills that our students develop can materially make our world a better place. We prepare graduates who are uniquely placed to provide creative solutions to the complex global challenges of our times.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">At Arts University Plymouth, we know that students who are happy and who feel supported will have the best chance of success. In 2021 our Students’ Union won Best Campaign Supporting Student Wellbeing at the 2021 Think Student Awards, beating leading international universities to be selected as the winner by the Student Pulse panel of 40,000 students.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Our Student Support team offer a range of free services, including: general health and wellbeing advice; mindfulness training; wellbeing in practice advice, including advice on creative block and imposter syndrome; acupuncture for decreasing stress, anxiety and depression; meditation; solution-focussed therapy; dõ-in relaxation techniques; welfare support; yoga and more.</p> <p dir="ltr">Arts University Plymouth also won a <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/arts-university-plymouth-wins-kindness-in-education-award">Kindness in Education Award 2023</a>, recognising our collective work to build a kinder and more compassionate university and an inclusive community for staff and students.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Our vibrant campus is a hive of creative activity, with thousands of visitors annually to <a href="https://mirrorplymouth.com/">MIRROR</a>, our public gallery platform showcasing contemporary visual artists. In addition to this internationally significant platform with a focus on South West artists, we’re also next door to The Box, Plymouth’s world-leading museum and cultural destination. <br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">The Box offers a wealth of inspiration and learning opportunities, bridging the gap between historical artefacts and contemporary art. Students can engage directly with a vast array of exhibitions, archives, and events, enriching their educational experience with real-world cultural insights.</p> <p dir="ltr">Currently hosting the UK premiere of a major new multi-screen film commission by visionary artist and filmmaker <a href="https://www.theboxplymouth.com/events/exhibitions/john-akomfrah-arcadia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Akomfrah</a>, who has been chosen by the British Council to represent the UK at the Venice Biennale in 2024, The Box is a leading destination for contemporary art. Last year MIRROR, The Box, KARST and University of Plymouth also hosted British Arts Show 9, the largest touring exhibition of contemporary art in the UK, with multiple opportunities for students to participate, meet the artists and find innovative ways to network and engage with new work.</p>

<p dir="ltr">We're all about finding creative solutions to help our planet. We were shortlisted for Company of the Year in the National Sustainability Awards 2022 and are committed to environmental stewardship. As artists and creators, we have the power to make a difference. We're committed to sustainability, from our eco-friendly facilities to initiatives, such as ensuring that 100% of the electricity across our buildings is carbon neutral, to our electric hot glass furnace. </p> <p dir="ltr">More importantly, we create opportunities for students to get involved and make a difference too. From the hundreds of students across multiple courses who contributed to the success of the <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/celebrating-nature-based-solutions-for-cities-at-the-green-minds-conference">Green Minds project</a> to the innovative way that we embed <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/foraging-with-award-winning-arts-university-plymouth-student-zara-mcdermott">global challenges</a> into our teaching curriculum, our students are always finding new ways to create meaningful world impact through their work.</p>

<p dir="ltr">We understand that as well as caring about the planet, students choose a world-class arts education because you also want to enter the creative industries, working with and revolutionising major brands with your new ideas and skills.</p> <p dir="ltr">At Arts University Plymouth, you're not just part of a university; you're part of an international community that's deeply connected to the creative industries. Our graduates, technicians, and visiting lecturers have made their mark with prestigious clients like Marvel, Sony, Disney, the BBC, LEGO, FENTY, Rockstar Games, Burberry, Kerrang, Vans, Red Bull, Animal, and Princess Yachts.</p> <p dir="ltr">As an Arts University Plymouth student, you're also directly linked to industry insiders and their wealth of experience. Our visiting lecturers bring a world of expertise right to our campus, offering you the invaluable opportunity to learn from the best without the need to travel to major cities like London, Manchester, or Bristol. This direct access to industry leaders not only enriches your learning experience but also opens doors to a world of exciting career opportunities.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Eager to explore how Arts University Plymouth can transform your passion into a fulfilling career? We believe that the best way to understand what makes us special is by speaking directly to our lecturers and academics, who are leaders in their fields, and by coming to see our campus in person at an <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/open-days">Open Day</a>.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/apply">Get in touch</a> and arrange a chat with an academic from your chosen subject, giving you a personal insight into the unique experiences and opportunities that await you. This is your chance to ask questions, discover more about our vibrant community, and see how we can support your creative ambitions.</p> <p dir="ltr">Don't just imagine your future in the arts – start creating it today with Arts University Plymouth. We can't wait to hear from you and embark on this exciting journey together!<br /></p>