<p dir="ltr">Once you’ve selected your courses and submitted your UCAS application it’s wise to continue researching each subject and attend any digital events such as <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/open-days" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Online Open Days</strong> </a>or <strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/virtual-tours" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virtual Tours</a></strong>. By exploring the studios and workshops, chatting with real students and meeting our knowledgeable academics, you can ensure you are making the right choice for your future.<br /></p> <p dir="ltr">Follow the handy checklist below and combat any nerves you might feel about applying to Higher Education during a pandemic.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Without boundaries on how far you can travel and the cost involved, applicants are able to attend a wider variety of open days, talks and tours than you would typically have access to. Make the most of this and attend as many as possible to compare and contrast the courses on offer.<br /></p> <p> To sign up for our next <strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/open-days">Online Open Day</a></strong> and view a full list of upcoming event dates <strong><a href="https://www.plymouthart.ac.uk/open-days">click here</a>.</strong><strong><br /></strong></p> <p>You can also register your interest to <strong>be one of the first to hear when our campus has reopened</strong> again to the public for in-person tours. <strong><a href="https://forms.student-crm.com/Forms/view/f90f779d-d2c0-4e76-9f4a-0cf644332c28" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here </a></strong>to sign up and arrange a visit to our studios and workshops as soon as it is safe to do so. </p> <p>For more information on how we are protecting visitors and the extensive safety measures on campus, please refer to our <strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/coronavirus/safety-measures" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">covid-19 pages.</a></strong></p>

<p dir="ltr">Keep a notebook close by with a list of factors to consider when exploring the course online, in prospectuses and at events. For example:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Which facilities or specialist kit do you want to check out?</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Are there any industry connections or opportunities you would like to hear about?</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Is there a specific staff member (e.g Subject Leader, Technician, Study Support) that you would like to speak to?</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">What additional support might you need with your studies and wellbeing?</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Do you have a fixed budget for accommodation?</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Would you like to see any specific clubs &amp; societies from the Students’ Union?</p></li></ul>

<p dir="ltr">This is your opportunity to gain specific details about the course content, staff expertise, and methods of delivery post-covid, so it’s a great idea to come prepared for a Q&amp;A. Your questions might include: </p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">What careers have recent graduates progressed on to?</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">What specialist resources can I access on this course? </p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">How many hours of teaching and contact time will there be each week?</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">What should I include in my portfolio?</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">How are current students responding to online teaching?</p></li></ul>

<p dir="ltr">Virtual tours are a great way of exploring a university campus without having to leave the comfort of your home! You can take a look around our state-of-the-art facilities, check out the Students’ Union and familiarise yourself with our social spaces and local scenery in an immersive 360 view. </p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">You can launch a Virtual Tour and explore at your own pace <a href="https://www.plymouthart.ac.uk/virtual-tours/aerial-view"><strong>here</strong></a>. Alternatively, you can register for a one-to-one online walkthrough with a member of our Student Recruitment team <strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/visit/book-a-tour" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a></strong>. To find out more please visit our<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/visit/book-a-tour" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> <strong>‘Book a Tour’</strong> </a>page. </p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">We love to show off our facilities, and give you the chance to talk to our students and expert staff in person. That’s why we’re offering you up to £80 to help pay for your travel expenses when you eventually get the chance to visit us in person. These visits can take place before or after your interview, or even as part of your interview. To register your interest in visiting us and be one of the first through the door when travel restrictions and lockdown rules have lifted, <strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/visit/book-a-tour">click</a></strong><strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/visit/book-a-tour"> here</a></strong>. For more information on our travel bursaries <strong><a href="https://www.plymouthart.ac.uk/posts/claim-up-to-80-when-you-come-to-visit-us2">click here. </a></strong><br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Although applying to university at the moment may seem daunting, our friendly Admissions staff and current students are available to support you throughout your research and application. There are many ways you can get in touch:</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p><ul><li><strong>Email: </strong><a href="mailto:admissions@pca.ac.uk">admissions@pca.ac.uk</a></li><li><strong>Call:</strong> 01752 203400</li><li><a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/send/?phone=%2B447722744184&amp;text&amp;app_absent=0"><strong>Whatsapp: </strong></a><a href="https://wa.me/+447722744184">07722 744184</a></li></ul><p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">Did you know you can also live chat with our current students on Unibuddy? To start a conversation with someone who has recently been in your shoes <strong><a href="mailto:Although%20applying%20to%20university%20at%20the%20moment%20may%20seem%20daunting,%20our%20friendly%20Admissions%20staff%20and%20current%20students%20are%20available%20to%20support%20you%20throughout%20your%20%20research%20and%20application.%20There%20are%20many%20ways%20you%20can%20get%20in%20touch:%20%20%20Email%20admissions@pca.ac.uk%20Call%2001752%20203400%20Whatsapp%2007722%20744184%20%20%20Did%20you%20know%20you%20can%20also%20live%20chat%20with%20our%20current%20students%20on%20Unibuddy?%20To%20start%20a%20conversation%20with%20someone%20who%20has%20recently%20been%20in%20your%20shoes%20click%20here.%20%20%20It%E2%80%99s%20also%20a%20good%20idea%20to%20follow%20us%20on%20social%20media%20for%20the%20latest%20news%20on%20student%20successes,%20industry%20collaborations,%20events%20and%20opportunities.%20Follow%20us%20on%20Instagram%20@PlymouthCollegeofArt%20and%20tag%20your%20work%20#PlymouthCollegeOfArt%20%20to%20join%20the%20conversation." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">click here.</a></strong></p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">It’s also a good idea to follow us on social media for the latest news on student successes, industry collaborations, events and opportunities. Follow us on Instagram <strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/plymouthcollegeofart/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PlymouthCollegeofArt</a> </strong>and tag your work <strong>#PlymouthCollegeOfArt</strong> to join the conversation.<br /></p>