Plymouth College of Art and Design

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Plymouth College of Art and Design was originally founded as an Art School in the 19th century and is now one of only four remaining specialist art colleges in the United Kingdom. As a main provider of vocational art and design education in the region, the college offers a wide variety of vocationally-based programmes in art, design, crafts and media, from introductory to degree level, full-time and part-time, serving the needs of the Creative Industries sector.

Currently some 2,000 students are enrolled on courses at the college, including more than 1,300 studying on Further Education courses and more than 600 studying on Higher Education courses. With over 250 members of staff employed and an annual turnover of some £8 million, the college serves a number of local, regional and national markets and also attracts international students from many overseas countries.

The college is recognised for its effective partnership and collaboration work, for example employer engagement through the Industrial Liaison Groups and in widening participation into learning. Through its pre-entry courses, work-based provision, apprenticeships and continuous professional development for employees, Plymouth College of Art and Design plays a key role in meeting the skills needs of the Creative Industries sector.

The college is a member of the National Art Learning Network; a Creative Arts Network which brings together the country’s leading Art Colleges with the aim of increasing the range of courses and progression opportunities for students.

Continued significant investment in the college’s estate and technical resources and an exciting planned further property development, ensures that all students have access to a high quality practice-based experience, learning cutting-edge skills and techniques. With many awards achieved, an on-site professional gallery, specialist art and design materials supply centre and a state-of-the-art Studio Theatre, students experience a friendly, supportive and challenging College, where tutors feel passionately that each student should discover their creative potential and where hard work leads to success.

The college is administered by a Corporation.^[1]

In 2006, Plymouth College of Art and Design ended its membership of the University of Plymouth's Partner Colleges network, having completed its contractual obligations^[2]. Until 2007, Plymouth College of Art and Design's degree courses were accredited by the University of Plymouth. From 2008, the college's degrees will be accredited by the Open University.^[3]