Plymouth College Of Art & Design

Plymouth College Of Art & Design stands as the UK's newest specialist arts university, dedicated to redefining creative education for the 21st century. Established in 1856 as the Plymouth Drawing School, we have evolved over nearly 170 years into an independent institution renowned for innovation and interdisciplinary practice. Our curriculum, shaped by industry partnerships and practitioner expertise, equips students to address global challenges through material mastery, critical thinking, and creative action. As a university run by artists and designers for artists and designers, we prioritise sustainability, social justice, and solution-focused learning through our 2030 strategy. Our city-centre campuses house state-of-the-art facilities including Fab Lab South West, Plymouth Arts Cinema, and MIRROR gallery, providing over 13,000 square metres of professional studios and workshops.

Recognised as the top-scoring specialist arts university in the National Student Survey for four consecutive years, we maintain a vibrant community of over 1,600 students. Our commitment to excellence is evidenced by a TEF Silver rating, Ofsted Good status for Pre-Degree provision, and multiple national awards including University of the Year South West in 2024 and 2025. We foster collaboration across disciplines, with fashion designers working alongside filmmakers and ceramicists partnering with animators. Our strategic location in Plymouth offers students access to both urban dynamism and coastal inspiration, while our global research platforms like Making Futures advance craft and material thinking worldwide.