Our Story

Study here and you'll be taught by highly skilled tutors and supported by expert technicians. Our commitment to our students is second to none, in workshops, studios and beyond.
Our tutors won't just set assignments and leave you to get on with it. Open and approachable, they're committed and involved in the whole college community, living and breathing art.


As artists, they know how important it is to trial ideas and share expertise. They understand what it takes to develop a portfolio or prepare for an exhibition. They also know it's essential to be able to think practically as well as creatively. Our course leaders arrange for industry to set and assess real-life briefs, helping students to understand how to succeed in business – without compromising creativity or integrity.

Traditional and visionary

Many art colleges are phasing out traditional crafts such as print or analogue photography to focus more on digital methods. While we have some of the best digital courses and equipment in the country, we're also constantly developing and improving our traditional art courses.

To illustrate our commitment, we've invested in a new specialist art, craft and digital design centre. Phase 1 opened in September 2013 and costing almost £8M, these state-of-the-art ceramics, glass and digital design workshops include a range of facilities such as 3D printing and laser cutting. Look out for more on Phase 2 opening in autumn 2014.

Art and the community

Our college has strong links with the wider community. We run a busy national and international programme of visiting artists, exhibitions, public events and partnership activities. As a student here you'll be making connections with artists, industry and potential employers from day one.

Our vision:

High quality education for life in contemporary arts practice, as the creative catalyst for personal, professional and cultural transformation.

Our ethos:

places the aspirations and support needs of every student at the very heart of our creative enterprise.

Our purpose:

as an independent specialist Art College since 1856 is to provide a distinctive, innovative and supportive learning community in contemporary arts practice; to add value to the cultural, social and economic life of Plymouth and the South West region; and to develop our distinctive profile of our work nationally and internationally.

Our values:

We believe in the centrality of the arts to social value, culture, community, welfare, and prosperity;

We uphold the primary significance of learning through practice and participation for individual development, transformation and fulfilment;

We see our College as a crucible, or laboratory, for artistic experiment, exchange, entrepreneurship and innovation, and for new thinking, in the service of our wider communities;

We value and invite purposeful, mutual partnership;

We celebrate social and cultural diversity, and encourage engagement with the community and cross-cultural dimensions of learning in local, regional, national and international contexts;

We respect our environment, and have a strong commitment to sustainable practice;

We aspire to the highest standards of contemporary art practice and achievement.

Contact Us

Telephone: +44 (0)1752 203434
Fax: +44 (0)1752 203444
Email: enquiries@pca.ac.uk

Website: www.plymouthart.ac.uk
Twitter: @PlymouthArt
Facebook: /PlymouthCollegeofArt

Trading Since

1856

Find Us

http://www.plymouthart.ac.uk/documents/Getting_Here_Map__Directions.pdf