Course summary
Arts University Plymouth is an arts university for the 21st century, preparing students who are uniquely placed to provide creative solutions to the complex global challenges of a changing world. Formerly known as Plymouth College of Art, we were granted full university title in Spring 2022. We are now the city of Plymouth’s first and only specialist arts university, allowing us to offer our students a dynamic and unique learning experience. In May 2022 we were awarded the Best Small or Specialist University at the 2022 WhatUni Student Choice Awards, coming top in a list of well-respected specialist UK universities, based on unbiased and honest reviews from students across the UK, in a category that highlights the quality of our provision as a specialist creative university. From forecasting, concept and design development and creative pattern cutting through to the leadership of compelling marketing campaigns, fashion is one of the largest employers in the UK’s creative industries – offering endless opportunities to those forward-thinking individuals who seek to challenge the assumptions of design, take creative risks and communicate their individual style through their work. A spirit of independence runs through our vibrant fashion programme; we empower and prepare young creatives to become versatile future thinkers, makers and designers. By combining traditional craft techniques with digital technologies, you will transform your concepts from 2D fabrics into 3D forms. You will learn ways of thinking that will inform your personal design philosophies and lead you towards an individualised specialism. Our Fashion Studio is a large, light space with panoramic views, and it is comprehensively equipped with industry standard technologies, but your experience at our university is not limited to just the Fashion Studio. We encourage cross-disciplinary and collaborative working, where you can expand your skills by exploring our professional textile print studios, workshops for jewellery and ceramics and our FabLab, which houses the latest laser cutting, 3D printing and design technology. You will have the freedom to hone your signature aesthetic without the confines of a house style. The programme covers all aspects of the design process, from trend analysis, research and design development, drawing and illustration, colour and fabric development, historical and cultural studies and the translation of ideas from 2D to 3D, through to presentation, marketing and business development. You will use global trend forecasting tools and learn software. You’ll learn to cut and manufacture quality one-off garments and collections with high levels of craftsmanship, and we’ll provide the tools for you to realise your ideas, and develop design specialisms in menswear, womenswear, lingerie, knitwear, performance wear and other technical routes. You’ll investigate sustainable design and ethical manufacturing, acquiring a deep appreciation for every step of the commercial supply chain. You will become industry ready and develop entrepreneurial activity through collaborative projects. Through expert industry speakers, live briefs and collaborations with brands like Phoebe English, Finisterre and Hiut Denim, you’ll develop market awareness, project management and communication skills, along with insight into factors that impact design, development and production. You will engage with industry events in London, Paris, New York and Berlin, as well as having the chance to showcase your work at Graduate Fashion Week. Through our extensive professional network, our students have secured placements with Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Gareth Pugh and Lulu Guinness. Graduates can become:
- fashion designers
- knitwear designers
- stylists
- buyers
- fashion illustrators
- pattern cutters
- trend forecasters
- visual merchandisers
- studio managers
Modules
Throughout the programme, you’ll be encouraged to explore other creative practices and work on multidisciplinary projects, through collaborations across the college and with industry. You’ll graduate with a final collection that showcases your individual style and approach to design, and a professional portfolio to launch you into this vibrant industry as a confident fashion practitioner. Many of our modules incorporate business skills, and you will gain hands-on experience in construction and textile techniques, trend-forecasting and more.
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 104 - 120 points
Your application will tell us about your qualifications and previous experience, but studying the arts is about more than can be captured on forms. We need to find out about your creative potential, your abilities and idiosyncrasies, so we will invite you to talk about your work with a member of our HE academic team. You can tell us about your aspirations, and why you want to study at the university. It is also a good moment to find out what we can offer you. We encourage you to visit the university, so that you can see our facilities, meet our teaching and technical staff, and discuss any other queries you may have; however we appreciate this may not be possible, and are happy to talk to you via an online platform (such as Google Meet or similar). We accept a range of international qualifications and will look at each application individually.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Additional entry requirements
Portfolio
If your application meets our entry requirements, we’ll invite you to submit your portfolio, so that we can review your work and find out more about your creative potential. You will have the opportunity to submit your portfolio digitally, or in person at one of our Applicant Experience Days. At an Applicant Experience Day, you'll also get the chance to discuss your portfolio with a member of our academic team.
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 6 | IELTS (Level B2):overall score of 6.0 with minimum scores Listening: 5.5, Speaking: 5.5, Reading: 5.5, Writing: 5.5 |
Trinity ISE | Pass | Integrated Skills in English II (Level B2), minimum grades required: Reading: Pass Listening: Pass |
PTE Academic | 50 | PTE Academic (Level B2), minimum grade required: Listening: 50, Reading: 50, Writing: 50, Speaking: 50 |
Click here to find out the most up-to-date information on our English Language requirements
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Republic of Ireland | £4625 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £4625 | Year 1 |
England | £4625 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £4625 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £4625 | Year 1 |
Wales | £4625 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Arts University Plymouth
Tavistock Place
Plymouth
PL4 8AT
Clearing contact details
Register here to find out more about our coursesAdmissions
01752203402
Additional information
We still have places available on most of our BA (Hons) creative degrees for September 2024 entry.