**Plymouth College of Art has been granted full university status and formally recognised with the new title of Arts University Plymouth, following approval by the Privy Council. This makes us the City of Plymouth’s first specialist arts university.**<br/><br/>The title of Arts University Plymouth signifies a change to the way that the world will see us, our position within the sector and the mobility of our graduates; but not a change in the way that we see ourselves or what we do. Arts University Plymouth will build upon the existing strength of our unique culture and incredible community; we have no plans to change the specialist focus of the work we do together. The name Arts University Plymouth will appear on our qualifications, making it easier for employers and peers to recognise that our students were taught at a leading specialist arts university.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>**This distinctive programme focuses on a blend of creative and critical practice. It examines and encourages the many types of photographic image-making that emerge from photography as contemporary art.**<br/><br/><br/>- Develop creative, production and critical skills across a range of lens and photographic-based media and consider the production, distribution and meaning of images, as well as the relationship between practice and theory.<br/><br/><br/>- Benefit from extensive facilities and equipment, with access to a range of industry-standard photographic studios, traditional darkrooms, lighting and camera equipment.<br/><br/><br/>- Learn in the unique environment and study experience of a specialist art college, characterised by creativity, experimentation and imagination.<br/><br/><br/>Taking an enquiring and experimental approach, while developing your technical and communication skills, will open up a range of creative and professional possibilities for you. You will examine photography as a contemporary art form, and in relation to culture, society and the wider world. <br/><br/>Gaining entrepreneurial skills, you’ll explore how to promote your work through exhibitions, publications and online formats. You will learn how to develop supportive professional networks, and how to fund your emerging practice. Professional practice modules will also provide you with the grounding in business, legal and ethical considerations that you’ll need to pursue your own career.<br/><br/>You will have access to camera and lighting equipment, industry-standard photographic studios, digital and traditional darkrooms and high specification digital imaging and printing facilities, as well as 6,000 pieces of kit free to hire from our Equipment Resource Centre.<br/><br/>You’ll be taught by staff who are practising artists and have internationally recognised experience. Through talks by artists, curators and publishers, along with international study trips, we explore the collective and individual opportunities available to you.<br/><br/>Study with us and you’ll expand your critical approach alongside developing skills in research and analysis. Our academically robust and intellectually stimulating degree programmes are delivered by our team of academics, technical demonstrators and invited experts who together deliver excellence in learning, teaching and assessment. Our programmes encourage diversity in thinking and making - from practical applications through to reflective, analytical writing.