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Falmouth University: 120 years of creative excellence A meeting place for creativity and tech Since its beginnings in 1902 as Falmouth School of Art, Falmouth University has forged its way through wars, governments, a technology revolution and a global pandemic. Committed to harnessing the power of creativity and technology to forge the future of industry, Falmouth challenges its students to think differently and break the mould. Since being granted University status in 2012, we’ve expanded our course portfolio to reflect the rapidly changing world, received an outstanding result in the Research Excellence Framework and celebrated the many successes of our students, staff and graduates. However, one thing remains steadfastly unchanged. Throughout these tumultuous and uncertain times, we’ve continued to be a beacon for creative excellence. Our alumni are currently exhibiting at Tate Britain, reporting for national news networks, working on major film productions and in international games studios and running their own successful enterprises. Falmouth has always been forward focussed and has moved with the times. From the early adoption of photography and cinematography, now to the use of AI and immersive technologies, we’re helping our students add value in industry. While
digital technology becomes increasingly dominant in our daily lives, creativity and communication are some of the most sought-after skills, necessary to fuel the so-called fourth industrial revolution and to bring ideas to life. Alongside Falmouth’s talented team of researcher-practitioners, Falmouth students have devised virtual experiences to support the launch of the UK’s first satellite and rocket into space, interviewed British astronaut Tim Peake, and hacked brand new solutions to address the agricultural labour shortage at the University’s first robotic hackathon. The grand challenges of our age will only be solved with an injection of creativity. From connecting isolated communities, driving environmental behaviour change, tackling ageing societies and harnessing AI and data, students and researchers at Falmouth are working across disciplinary boundaries to find new solutions. Students are not only learning deep specialist skills, they’re also working in multi-disciplinary teams to solve real-world problems, so they’re employable from the moment they graduate. For us, employability and future success is founded not only in subjectspecific skills, but also the confidence and the know-how to launch new
business enterprises. Indeed, graduates passing through Falmouth are more likely than their contemporaries, from even the most established of business schools in the UK, to set up their own businesses, with one report identifying Falmouth as one of the top five institutions for producing business founders. We’re a community who thinks through making and makes through thinking, from a broad range of perspectives. As we celebrate the 120 years of our past, we look ahead with creativity beating through all that we do – knowing that we are the changemakers, transformers, visionaries, dreamers, storytellers and creative leaders of tomorrow. This year, the Sunday Times Good University Guide listed us as the Number One Arts University in the UK. Coupled with Falmouth’s lush location in coastal Cornwall (where it’s possible to attend a lecture in the morning and swim or surf during your lunch break), it’s not hard to see why Falmouth’s world-class facilities, industrypractising lecturers and vibrant and inclusive community are a magnet for the creative and the curious around the globe. Join us on an upcoming Open Day to see for yourself how Falmouth can launch your career. MANDY LEE JANDRELL, Director of the Falmouth School of Art www.falmouth.ac.uk
EDUCATION CHOICES MAGAZINE | WI NT ER 2022 | 61
