Plymouth College of Art is a specialist independent Higher Education Institution (HEI) run by artists and designers for artists and designers. Founded in 1856, the College, a Founding Associate of Tate Exchange, offers a range of Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Pre-Degree study across Art, Design and Digital Media – combining over 160 years of history with up-to-the-minute thinking and cutting-edge facilities.

The two city centre campuses are also home to the public Gallery and Fab Lab Plymouth, and Plymouth College of Art offers a range of short courses, masterclasses, and a programme of Young Arts activities including the College’s decades-old Saturday Arts Club and strong affiliation with the National Saturday Club.

In June 2017, Plymouth College of Art was awarded the Social Enterprise Gold Mark by Social Enterprise Mark CIC for its systemic commitment to social enterprise. This is the only internationally available social enterprise accreditation scheme, a hallmark for organisations whose business is primarily to create benefits for people and the planet, with a guaranteed commitment to creating positive social change. In 2018 the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) ranked Plymouth College of Art as Fifth of all HEIs in the UK for class equality and widening participation.

More than 2,000 students study at campuses in the heart of Plymouth. Expert tutors share their expertise while encouraging students to develop their own creative strengths. The institution continues to invest heavily in specialist resources and facilities – for digital media and technology, as well as fine art and handcrafted traditions. The college has strong links with the creative industries and wider community so students have the opportunity to connect with a range of artists and potential employers from day one.