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SW England University Listing
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
Why Exeter University?
The advantages of taking a degree in the South West of England
Runner-up in the 2023 Times and Sunday Times University of the Year, the University of Exeter offers a Russell Group experience in a beautiful part of the world. With campuses in Devon and Cornwall, the University is rare in that it combines academic and research reputation with outstanding student experience and quality of life.
A mix of modern and historic buildings that are set in stunning grounds, Streatham and St Luke’s campuses are near the centre of Exeter, a cathedral city on the River Exe. You don’t need to venture far to be in the heart of Dartmoor National Park or the seaside resort of Exmouth.
Sophie, studying MSc Management at Streatham Campus says, “I think there is a lifestyle that you get when studying at Exeter that you don’t get anywhere else. There is a tremendous sense of community and so many fantastic opportunities on offer to you in regards to your studies and extracurricular activities.”
The University’s two campuses in Cornwall, Penryn and Truro, offer a more personal student experience: students are able to get to know each other quickly and have a close relationship with academics. Located in the county with the UK’s longest coastline: both are near to local beaches, which offer a variety of sporting activities, fun and relaxation. Falmouth boasts an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars and has a laid-back vibe that attracts people away from the cities.
Harry, BSc Environmental Science student at Penryn Campus, shares: “The most enjoyable aspect of my course is how personal it is. As Penryn is a small campus, you very quickly become familiarised with your peers and lecturers, and this leads to a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere in lectures and practicals. Another bonus of my course is the focus on field-based learning. Within the first two months, I had already been on my first residential trip to the south-west of Cornwall. Since then, I’ve undertaken numerous field days as well as a week-long residential trip in the Isles of Scilly at the end of my second year.”
The University is a popular choice with more than 30,000 students from 130 countries, ranking in the top 25 universities for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey. In terms of graduate outcomes, 89% of graduates are in or due to start employment or further study 15 months after graduation.
FIND OUT MORE about the range of programmes we offer at all levels, watch our campus tour videos, take a virtual tour by campus or by subject, chat online to current students and get a taste of what student life is like at www.exeter.ac.uk
TURN TO PAGE 68 to read about the property market in SW England
University of Plymouth
Taking a degree by the sea
Founded over 150 years ago, the University of Plymouth is one of UK’s top 25 universities for teaching quality, and has strong research credentials, placing in the top 25% of the world’s universities ranked by number of research citations in 2021. Over 96% of graduates are in some form of employment or further study within 15 months of graduating. Situated in a coastal city between Devon and Cornwall, it is no surprise that the university has an excellent international reputation for its marine institution, placing 4th in the world.
The university offers 180 undergraduate courses in total, as well as 90 postgraduate courses. In the first year of study, many courses involve a “Plymouth Plus” module: this allows students from different disciplines to work alongside each other and develop important skills like communication, problem solving and teamwork. Developing these abilities are vital in appealing to employers upon graduation.
In terms of student life, Plymouth is also attractive in that it is ranked as one of the safest places in the UK for a night out. The campus is central yet never too far away from sprawling sea views, as well as being only a short distance away from Dartmoor National Park.
www.plymouth.ac.uk
Where everything connects
Discover the range of exciting undergraduate degree programmes available to study either online or at our vibrant central London campus.
www.soas.ac.uk
Studying in Bath
University Options
University 0f Bath
Ranked amongst the top 10 UK universities, the University of Bath is also known for its historical setting in a UNESCO World Heritage city, one of only three in the world. The campus is placed atop a hill, offering beautiful views of the city. Three-quarters of the accommodation offered
to first year undergraduate students are based in this campus, whilst the rest are located within the city centre. Postgraduate students can also be provided accommodation by the university.
Every one of the courses on offer provides the opportunity to undertake a work placement or study abroad initiative. A number of degree apprenticeships are also available, combining the development of vocational skills with academic study.
With Bristol just a 15-minute train journey away, and London only 90 minutes away, students are never short of things to explore during their time living near campus. However, the city itself is also a treasure trove of sights, including: The Jane Austen Centre and
the beautiful Roman Baths, after which the city was named. The University of Bath was also one of the first universities in the country to be awarded a national police-approved security award.
www.bath.ac.uk
Bath Spa University
Offering a variety of unique and inspiring courses, Bath Spa has something for everyone, though its primary focus lies with arts and humanities subjects. Students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level are able to choose from traditional courses such as Law or Psychology, but also have the opportunity to enrol in less traditional subjects like Creative Writing, Ballet, Children’s Publishing, Wildlife Conservation, and even Gaming. Many of the aforementioned courses also involve a professional placement year.
Bath Spa has also been awarded the Social Enterprise Gold Mark - the first university in the South West and the fifth in the UK to receive such recognition. Their Students’ Union has over 70 societies, which students can get involved in and meet like-minded people. Accommodation for students is found across several locations in the city, as well as the main Newton Park Campus. The university is home to just 7,500 students from more than 40 different countries - their small cohort sizes mean the campus is a welcoming and friendly environment with a strong sense of community.
www.bathspa.ac.uk