What Is Arts University Plymouth and How Do You Apply or Visit?

Arts University Plymouth is an independent, specialist arts university in Plymouth, England, established in 1856. It is aimed at students who want a creative education where, in the university's own framing, making matters as much as reading and writing. If you are considering it, the practical next steps are to find a course, book an open day or request a prospectus, and — if you are applying for a September start — use Clearing, which the site lists as open.

What kind of institution is it?

It describes itself as an award-winning, independent, specialist arts university with a cross-disciplinary community of makers and thinkers. Its creative education history dates to 1856, which the site notes as 170 years of creative education.

The site also lists these recognitions:

These are the university's own published claims, so treat them as its stated positioning rather than independent verification.

Who is it for?

The site points to several study levels and audiences:

• Undergraduate applicants — including those applying for a September 2026 start.
• Postgraduate students — the navigation includes study options beyond undergraduate level.
• Pre-Degree and Sixth Form students — this provision is rated GOOD by Ofsted.
• International students — there is a dedicated International section.
• Current and prospective students exploring student life, alumni routes, and research — these appear as separate navigation areas.

If you want a specialist arts environment rather than a large multi-faculty university, this is the main reason to shortlist it. If you need a broad range of non-arts subjects alongside your creative course, that is a reason to check the course list carefully first.

How do you find a course?

Use the Find Your Course entry point on the site. The expected result is a course listing you can filter or browse by level and subject.

Before you commit, check:

1. Whether the course is offered at undergraduate, postgraduate, or pre-degree level.
2. Whether the start date matches your plans — the site highlights September 2026.
3. Whether the facilities named for your subject match what you need, since facilities are one of the university's stated strengths.

How do you visit or get more information?

Two direct routes are listed:

• Book an Open Day. The site advertises an on-campus Open Day on Saturday 26 September. It states you can discover facilities, tour local affordable accommodation, and talk to expert staff.
• Request a prospectus. The "Get Your Prospectus" option lets you request one if you are not ready to visit.

An open day is the better choice if your decision depends on studio space, equipment, or the feel of the campus. A prospectus is the better choice if you are still comparing courses at a distance.

How do you apply through Clearing?

The site states that Clearing is open and that you can apply now to start in September. The page headline is "CLEARING IS OPEN: CREATE YOUR FUTURE," with a September 2026 start referenced.

The general sequence is:

1. Check that you meet the entry requirements for your chosen course.
2. Have your qualifications and personal details ready before you contact the university.
3. Use the Clearing route on the site to apply.
4. Confirm your place and complete any follow-up steps the university gives you.

The site does not publish specific Clearing entry grades or phone numbers in the material available here, so confirm those directly with the university before relying on them.

What should you check before choosing?

Work through these in order:

• Course fit — does the specialist arts focus match your practice?
• Level — undergraduate, postgraduate, or pre-degree?
• Start date — is September 2026 right for you?
• Support and facilities — the university ranks these highly in its own listings; ask at an open day what that means for your subject.
• Accommodation — the open day includes a tour of local affordable accommodation, which is worth taking if cost is a factor.
• Application route — Clearing if you are applying now for September; standard application otherwise.

The single most useful action is to book the open day or request the prospectus, then confirm course-specific entry requirements directly with the university.