International Student Guide 2024

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2024

We’re delighted that you’re interested in studying with us at Falmouth University.

A world of opportunity awaits you here

in Cornwall, where you’ll be part of a warm and welcoming creative community with a truly global outlook. Not only will you have access to world class facilities,

impressive industry links, teaching excellence and groundbreaking research, but you’ll fnd the support and friendship here to make your studies a rewarding and memorable experience.

Join us at Falmouth and follow your creative path. We can’t wait to see you.

Chief Executive

A history of more than 120 YEARS

ESTABLISHED IN 1902 AS FALMOUTH SCHOOL OF ART

100% of our research impact case studies and 63.4% of our research outputs were rated world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021)

95% 2 CAMPUSES

of our postgraduates are in Falmouth Campus is set in subtropical work or further study 15 months gardens, just minutes from the beach, after graduation while Penryn Campus is a modern creative hub situated in parkland (HESA 2022)

MORE THAN

4,600 Top 25 STUDENTS

We rank among the best Falmouth is a diverse and vibrant undergraduate schools in the community made of undergraduate world for game design and postgraduate students and (The Princeton Review 2023) researchers from all over the world

CORNWALL

Cardif • Newquay Airport

•

1 hour 10 mins from London airports to Cornwall Airport Newquay

• Manchester

• Liverpool

• Birmingham

• Bristol

• Exeter

• Plymouth

FALMOUTH

• London

5 hours from London Paddington

Falmouth Campus

Falmouth University

Woodlane

Falmouth

Cornwall TR11 4RH

United Kingdom

5 hours 30 mins from Central London

8 hours 10 mins from London Heathrow

Penryn Campus

Falmouth University

Treliever Road

Penryn

Cornwall TR10 9FE

United Kingdom

WHY STUDY AT FALMOUTH?

WE’RE EMPOWERING A NEW GENERATION OF CREATIVES

As a Falmouth student, you’ll be challenged to think diferently, break the mould and push the limits of possibility.

You’ll connect with industry, collaborate with students across the University and learn the professional skills to make a real impact when you graduate.

WE’RE CREATIVE

For more than 120 years we’ve been steering the course of the creative industries, and beyond.

Creative thinking is vital in all areas of the future economy from fne art to robotics, events management to marketing.

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It’s the key to unlocking new innovations, fnding solutions to global challenges and engaging people to think, act and feel diferently.

Students at Falmouth are given the freedom, support and professional experiences to make their creativity count.

Whether you study computing, architecture or business, we’ll empower you to question the way things are, fnd innovative solutions and establish your own unique voice in your feld.

With an abundance of creative minds working across a huge range of disciplines, our students fuel each other to push the limits of what creativity can do.

WE’RE CONNECTED

We’re proud to create exciting opportunities for our students through our industry connections and dedication to ‘doing it for real’.

Our students get to connect with industry by tackling live briefs from real clients, supported by the University, and hearing from guest speakers. Our careers service Employability also supports industry links through career-shaping internships and events.

Whichever course you study, you’ll be encouraged to tap into skills across the University to propel your learning and

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your portfolio. On-campus students also get to experiment outside of their primary discipline through our University wide Wednesday Open Workshop sessions.

While learning your craft from expert staf and guest speakers, you’ll also gain vital business skills. From understanding how the industry works to learning how to market your talent, professional practice modules will help you make a real impact when you graduate.

WE’RE COURAGEOUS

We’re supporting our students to become courageous and conscientious creatives.

We’re re-thinking the shape of higher education so our students are ready to make a real diference when they graduate.

You’ll be challenged to experiment and take risks, with the support of our academic and technical staf, because nothing new has ever been created by playing it safe.

Our lecturers teach by example. Whether through their practice or inspirational research projects, they’re paving the way for innovation and change across a range of sectors.

They’ll support you to question the fundamentals of your feld, too. Across our courses, you’ll consider the social, environmental and cultural impacts of your practice.

“What future-proof really means is that you defne the future. Falmouth’s young, enterprising dreamers will make the new rules and forge new careers.”

Dawn French Chancellor

ON-CAMPUS COURSES

Acting BA(Hons)

Animation BA(Hons)

Architectural Design & Technology BSc(Hons)

Architecture BA(Hons)

/ Business & Digital Marketing BSc(Hons)

Business & Entrepreneurship BSc(Hons)

Business Management BSc(Hons)

Commercial Photography BA(Hons)

Computer Science BSc(Hons)

/ Computing for Games BSc(Hons)

Costume Design for Film & Television BA(Hons)

* Creative Advertising BA(Hons)

Creative Events Management BA(Hons)

Creative Music Technology BA(Hons)

/ Creative Writing BA(Hons)

Dance & Choreography BA(Hons)

* / Drawing BA(Hons)

English & Creative Writing BA(Hons)

Esports & Livestreaming BA(Hons)

/ Fashion Design BA(Hons)

Fashion Marketing BA(Hons)

* / Fashion Photography BA(Hons)

* Fashion Styling & Art Direction BA(Hons)

Film BA(Hons)

Fine Art BA(Hons)

Game Animation BA(Hons)

/ Game Art BA(Hons)

* Game Development BA(Hons)

Graphic Design BA(Hons)

Illustration BA(Hons)

* Immersive Computing BSc(Hons)

/ Interior Architecture BA(Hons)

Interior Design BA(Hons)

/ Journalism & Creative Writing BA(Hons)

Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons)

* Marketing Communications BA(Hons)

/ Media Production BA(Hons)

Music BA(Hons)

/ Music Business BA(Hons)

Musical Theatre BA(Hons)

* Photography BA(Hons)

/ Popular Music BA(Hons)

* Post Production & Visual Efects BA(Hons)

/ Press & Documentary Photography BA(Hons)

Robotics BSc(Hons)

Sound Design BA(Hons)

Sustainable Festival Management BA(Hons)

Sustainable Product Design BA(Hons)

Sustainable Tourism Management BA(Hons)

Technical Theatre Arts BA(Hons)

Television & Film Production BA(Hons)

Textile Design BA(Hons)

Theatre & Performance BA(Hons)

Working in a professional context during an additional placement year is the ideal way to enhance your studies, by broadening your experiences and gaining sought-after and transferable workplace skills. You’ll fnd full details on our website.

ONLINE COURSES

Business & Marketing BSc(Hons)

Creative Writing BA(Hons)

Illustration BA(Hons)

Interior Design BA(Hons)

Photography BA(Hons)

Visual Communication BA(Hons)

Courses are correct at time of printing. We’re continually reviewing and developing the courses we ofer, so please visit our website for the most up-to-date information:

* Integrated Foundation Year option (see page 8 for details)

/ Placement year option

There are two types of foundation year available in the UK:

• Integrated Foundation Year: an extra year prior to starting a three-year undergraduate degree, designed to help you gain the study skills and subject knowledge required for the rest of your chosen degree.

• International Foundation Year: a programme of academic subjects, study skills and English language training to provide international students with a pathway to a degree at a UK university.

INTEGRATED FOUNDATION YEAR

During your Integrated Foundation Year at Falmouth University, if you choose to add one, you will:

• Develop technical, design thinking and production skills in your chosen specialism

• Learn teamwork, leadership and project management skills through a variety of learning environments

• Develop critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills through the development of unique and innovative projects

• Complete your chosen degree over a four-year period

Entry requirements for an Integrated Foundation Year are diferent from those for a three-yearcourse, a minimum of 80 UCAS points, but English Language requirements are similar. To add a placement year to your four-year degree, please contact our Applicant Services team after submitting your application.

INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION YEAR

An International Foundation Year is an option if you cannot apply to Falmouth University because your qualifcation does not match our international entry requirements. Following completion, you can apply for entry to an undergraduate degree, which you’ll start in year one.

While Falmouth University does not ofer an International Foundation Year, we have a network of partners you can contact. Find them at:

ON-CAMPUS COURSES

Artifcial Intelligence for Games MSc

Communication Design MA

Creative Advertising MA

Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management MSc

Film & Television MA

Game Art MA

Game Design MA

Game Programming MSc

Illustration: Authorial Practice MA

International Business Management MSc

Marketing MSc

Music Business MA

Professional Writing MA

Prosthetic Efects MA

ONLINE COURSES

Comedy Writing MA

Creative Events Management MA

Film & Television MA

Fine Art MA

Graphic Design MA

Illustration MA

Indie Game Development MA

Marketing and Digital Communications MA

Photography MA

Postgraduate Certifcate in Higher Education (PGCHE)

Sustainable Fashion MA

User Experience Design MA

Writing for Script & Screen MA

Courses are correct at time of printing. We’re continually reviewing and developing the courses we ofer, so please visit our website for the most up-to-date information:

OUR DEPARTMENTS

Falmouth University’s departments are designed to refect the creative industries. Check out our website for more information on the facilities and opportunities available in each department.

Cornwall Business School

We believe entrepreneurship is a mindset, not a job title, and that your your career will be enhanced if you’re an innovative, entrepreneurial and solution-oriented professional. Throughout your business degree, you’ll apply key business theories to real-world problems through live briefs, marketing campaigns for real clients or the development of your own business or product. So, whether you head into the world of tourism, events or marketing, join an established company or embark on your own start-up venture, you’ll be set to make your mark as a nextgeneration professional.

School of Communication

From advertising, marketing and graphic design to creative writing and journalism, studying at Falmouth means you’ll work on live briefs and learn from industry experts. You’ll beneft from exposure to the complete spectrum of writing expertise, including active journalists and published authors, documentary makers, screenwriters, game writers and poets. Through access to industry contacts, frst-rate facilities and opportunities for exciting placements with big name agencies and brands, you’ll be challenged and inspired ready to begin your career.

Falmouth School of Art

Visual arts have been practised and taught at Falmouth for more than a century. The University’s reputation for creative excellence keeps us at the forefront of the British art school scene. We’re dedicated to providing the best environment for you to think, make and experiment alongside your peers, and to develop your creative network. You’ll have the chance to tackle live projects, gain access to industry connections and be inspired by our unique coastal location.

Games Academy

In the Games Academy, real games and digital products are created using professional-standard studios and equipment. You’ll learn from tutors with experience at companies such as EA Games and Square Enix, developing industry-level skills.

Creating unique games means working in a unique way. With the future of the games and computing industry in mind, we enable a multidisciplinary approach. As a game, app or immersive content developer, you’ll have the chance to work with actors in motion-capture suits, games artists, writers, composers and business experts.

School of Architecture, Design & Interiors

Falmouth’s collaborative approach gives you the chance to face real design challenges and work with industry professionals from across the creative world. You can create sustainable spaces, places or products and explore issues like energy, health and wellbeing. You’ll have the space, equipment and expertise to learn digital design and prototyping techniques, manufacturing processes, research and development methods and conceptual skills. Through a hands-on approach incorporating live-build projects and the opportunity to compile a professional portfolio, you’ll be career-ready upon graduation.

Fashion & Textiles Institute

The Fashion & Textiles Institute ofers you the chance to work on live, industrysponsored projects with global names and companies. You’ll develop your own creative practice, utilising state-of-the-art technologies alongside long-established traditional techniques and processes. You’ll work with staf ofering extensive expertise in fashion and textile design, innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability and marketing. Housed in a modern, open-plan building, replicating working industry life, our fashion and textile courses collaborate across disciplines and pioneer a futuredriven design community.

Academy of Music & Theatre Arts

AMATA (the Academy of Music & Theatre Arts) is a destination for international theatrical performances, dance groups and music acts. You’ll have the opportunity to work with industry partners and hear from visiting lecturers. Alongside this real-world experience, you could collaborate with gaming, animation and flm students, taking your work into digital and virtual environments.

AMATA facilities comprise 10 performance and rehearsal spaces, fexible theatre space, 700 square metres of sprung dance foors and digital and analogue equipment.

Institute of Photography

You’ll develop your photography practice and portfolio by taking on live industry projects and occasional paid briefs via our in-house agency. You can also go on internships and study visits. We’ll help you fnd your own creative voice, while also teaching you how to thrive in a fast-changing industry. Every large studio, darkroom, process area and piece of photography equipment is designed and calibrated for professional use. You’ll gain industry insights and inspiration from experts and guest speakers, as you develop as an ambitious, independent and adventurous photographer, ready to make your mark in this demanding industry.

School of Film & Television

We’ve taught flmmaking at Falmouth for more than 50 years. Our state-ofthe-art equipment and facilities, placement opportunities, industry connections and sheer enthusiasm for telling stories help us produce awardwinning, employable graduates. Focusing on getting you into the flm and television industry, we ofer an immersive and demanding experience across the full range of creative production roles and responsibilities in both the technical and conceptual aspects of flmmaking.

Our honorary fellows include the founders of Aardman Animation, Peter Lord and David Sproxton, Black Mirror and Doctor Who director Toby Haynes and flm producer and former BFI executive Mary Burke.

Below is an outline of the application process at Falmouth University for on-campus undergraduate and postgraduate courses starting in September 2024.

Contact our course advisers for more information at international@falmouth.ac.uk Apply

Submit your work to showcase your skills (if required)

Have an interview (if required)

Receive a decision

Accept your ofer

Pay your acceptance fee

If your ofer is conditional, send results

Ofer updated to unconditional

Send fnancial documents for checking (if required)

Pre-CAS interview (if required)

CAS issued Apply for visa

HELP WITH YOUR APPLICATION

WHO CAN APPLY?

We welcome applications from students of all nationalities. We’ll assess your qualifcations against our entry requirements and help you through every stage of the application process.

Check our entry requirements here

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

Our undergraduate courses require the equivalent of 104-120

UCAS Tarif points. We also accept applications from those who are eligible for second and third year entry. You can apply via UCAS or directly with us.

English language requirements

Overall IELTS 6.0 with no less than IELTS 5.5 in each band. We accept a range of English language tests, but they must be equivalent to the above IELTS scores.

Portfolio/performance/presentation

Depending on the undergraduate course you’re applying for, you might be asked to present a portfolio, prepare a presentation or send in a recording of your performance in dancing, acting, making music or singing.

Interviews

We interview for most undergraduate degrees as part of the application process. Check our website for more information on which courses will require an interview.

POSTGRADUATE COURSES

We welcome applications from those with a good undergraduate degree or relevant equivalent experience and a proven interest in the subject.

If you have professional experience, this can sometimes be substituted for traditional academic qualifcations. Application forms for postgraduate courses should be completed via the Falmouth University website.

We ofer regular online sessions to help you secure your place, including

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

English language requirements guidance for your application, portfolio and interview. You can also seek Overall IELTS 6.5 with no less than IELTS 6.0 in each band. help from an educational agent. The University has many partners around We accept a range of English language tests, but they must the world. Check our international pages on the website for more details. be equivalent to the above IELTS scores.

FEES & FUNDING

Tuition fees

Tuition fees can vary, but most on-campus undergraduate and postgraduate tuition fees cost £17,950 per academic year. Check our website for full details.

Course costs

You may need to budget for specifc materials, trips or equipment. Costs can vary from course to course. Further details are available on the individual course pages on our website.

Scholarships

The University is ofering scholarships to undergraduate and postgraduate students who will start their on-campus degree in September 2024 and meet certain criteria. Please note: we do not ofer scholarships for our January start. Full terms and conditions can be found on our website.

If you’re an international student, you’ll probably need to apply for a Student Visa.

To enable you to make a Student Visa application, you’ll need a CAS (Confrmation of Acceptance for Studies) statement from us.

To be eligible for a CAS, your ofer must be unconditional. You must have completed all steps of the acceptance process (including paying an acceptance fee), and you must have provided us with evidence that you meet all UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) fnancial requirements. This will ensure that your application will not be refused on fnancial grounds.

The University may invite you to join a pre-CAS interview before issuing your CAS. Not all students are eligible; please ask the international team if in doubt.

Once your Student Visa is issued using Falmouth University documentation, you’ll be able to study at Falmouth University only.

Please note: Falmouth University is not able to give visa guidance. The UKCISA website is a useful resource and ofers supportive advice: ukcisa.org.uk

The visa process can be lengthy so we recommend applying as early as you can.

To help students prepare, Falmouth ofers webinars on the subject. Check the Virtual Experience page on our website for details.

If you’re using an educational agent in your country, you can also ask them for advice.

Visit our international pages:

Visit our visa guidance pages:

ACCOMMODATION & LIVING

Falmouth University ofers quality accommodation located conveniently for your studies.

We know that student halls are more than just a place to rest your head at night, so every option is modern and well equipped a space to study, socialise and be inspired.

Accommodation costs

The weekly rental cost for university-managed halls of residence at Falmouth currently starts at £130.41/week* including most bills. Rent includes heating, electricity and water. Each room is furnished and most have provision for TV and wif. We also provide catered packages which include two meals a day on campus.

*Valid as of August 2023

Room types

• Shared en-suite rooms

• Single occupancy en-suite rooms

• Standard, medium and large rooms with shared bathrooms

• En-suite studios with kitchenettes

• Accessible en-suite rooms and studios

New international undergraduate students are guaranteed accommodation. We also have a small provision of rooms for new international postgraduate students, although these are not guaranteed.

All our campus rooms have a shared kitchen. Falmouth has a great choice of food shops, from large supermarkets to a range of smaller stores selling organic, wholefood, locally produced and international food.

Personal needs

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Were committed to providing a supportive environment for everyone. If you have a disability, an access need or a medical condition, we’ll help you explore your options. We also have single sex accomodation options and environments that are meat-free and alcohol-free.

Visit our accomodation pages:

SUPPORT

Safety

Falmouth is the second safest university setting in England and Wales (The Complete University Guide, 2023). Our campus security provides 24/7 security services and support, as well as CCTV at some sites.

International arrivals

We ofer an airport collection service every year for all international students. This service usually operates from London Heathrow Airport. For a small charge, our team will meet you, take you by private coach to our Penryn Campus and help you get settled into your new accommodation.

Mentoring system

Professional services

We ofer a range of professional and fully confdential services that can be tailored to student needs. Here are just a selection:

• Health services: on-campus health clinic

• Wellbeing and student support: comprehensive resources and support for mental health and wellbeing. Our service ofers a wide range of support, including self-help, online resources, advice and information and referral and liaison with external partners, when needed

We recognise that going to university abroad is a big step, so it s helpful to have a friendly fellow student who already knows the town and the University. Thats why every frst-year student is matched with a second or third-year student via our Student Mentor Scheme.

Inductions and welcome events

The University organises inductions and preparation sessions before you start your course, so you can feel fully prepared from day one.

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Students are also invited to a wide range of social events and activities in the week before classes start at our ‘Welcome Week , allowing you to familiarise yourself with the local area, join clubs and societies and make new friends.

English language support

As a student at Falmouth University, you’ll have the opportunity to join other international students at our free, term-time English classes on both campuses. These classes are perfect for anyone who is looking to improve their social, academic and professional English language skills, for general conversation, presentations, CVs, applications, or research and publications. And if you would beneft from more personal help, you can sign up for one-to-one tutorials in-person and online.

• Accessibility and inclusive learning: support with physical, communication or sensory disabilities, Specifc Learning Diferences (SpLDs), mental health issues or long-term health conditions

• ASK: academic support with anything related to essay writing and learning techniques

• Employability: the University’s award-winning service: Employability supports students through the curriculum and a wide range of cocurricular activity from starting your own business, exploring career options, workshops to prepare you for your future career, applying for opportunities and access to latest employability technology and AI tools

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• Multifaith chaplaincy: spiritual care for anyone, every faith or none. Both the Penryn and Falmouth chaplaincies have a quiet room for refection, contemplation, meditation and prayer

• ResLife: support with the student transition into higher education by developing independent living skills, encouraging healthy relationships and improving mental health and wellbeing

• Students’ Union: support with every aspect of student life, including academic issues and appeals, or issues with accommodation, fnances and more

Falmouth has plenty to keep you entertained. The town is home to great shopping, gourmet hotspots, beachside bistros, cocktail bars, craft beer courtyards and music venues.

Creative culture

Cornwall boasts a thriving creative community, with galleries, museums, theatres and a calendar packed with exciting events and festivals. This enterprising and innovative culture has given rise to award-winning creative businesses spanning every sector.

Keeping active

Budgeting

UKVI requires students to budget a minimum of £1,023 per month for up to nine months, to include accommodation costs. While this is usually sufcient for undergraduate students, much depends on lifestyle.

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It s best to consider your current outgoings and anything additional you’ll need to budget for when studying with us. Postgraduate students and undergraduate students planning to stay in Falmouth over summer should budget accordingly for the extra months. We would also recommend taking into consideration the cost of your fights and other expenses associated with travelling home for holidays.

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If you like keeping active, there are endless opportunities for outdoor exercise in Cornwall including world-class surfng, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, rowing, team sports or simply walking or running on the coast path. A sports centre at Penryn Campus ofers a four-court sports hall, a 90-station gym and a large ftness studio with a variety of diferent classes.

Your Students’ Union

One of the best ways to get involved in student life is through the Students’ Union (SU). Our SU is the only one in the country to represent students from two diferent universities (Falmouth and Exeter), giving you the opportunity to meet and mix with another university’s students. The aim of the SU is to ensure that every student has the highest quality education and the best experience possible during their time at the University. Our SU runs more than 130 clubs and societies you can join and is also a place you can go for help with any matter.

Connecting with other international students

You’ll have many opportunities to meet other international students from the time you apply, via groups on social media, online group chats and your Student Mentor. When you’re at the University you can also join our Language Connect Scheme, which aims to put you in touch with similarly minded people.

You can use other online sources to calculate how much money you might need to live and study in the UK.

Explore student life and fnd out more information about budgeting with our dedicated webinars.

Check out our virtual experience pages to fnd out more about life at Falmouth:

“The application process was incredibly smooth with a huge amount of assistance from the team in Falmouth.

“This made us feel like it was actually going to work, from housing to the visa process. Turnaround of responses was almost immediate and the team was so patient as they helped us through a new and international process for us.”

“Falmouth is a special place; it’s a small town that produces some of the best creatives for the industry. It’s a unique place that gives you the best environment to learn and push your dreams to greater heights and just feels amazing when you study here.

“You also do not have to worry if you have no experience, the course lecturers are more than willing to help you as you work hard as well. There’s no judgment and just a lot of collaboration to help each other.”

“Studying at Falmouth was a wonderful choice. Most importantly, I love my course. Our teachers are very friendly and the Language team has been a great help with everything from daily English communication to essay writing. The many friends I’ve made have given me a lot of support, which makes me feel that I’m not alone.”

“The people are so nice and the tutors are always there to help no matter what. Falmouth has fantastic facilities, from massive studios to around £1.5m worth of photography equipment to play with. I absolutely loved it, an experience that I couldn’t get anywhere else.

“Best three years of my life I wish I could go back and do it all again!”

Daniel Silverman from Texas, USA, Parent of a Dance & Choreography BA graduate

Winston Tjia from Singapore, Student, Post Production & Visual Efects BA

Wenqi Yu from China, Student, Musical Theatre BA

Pradyman Saman from India, Graduate, Marine & Natural History Photography BA

Any questions about life at Falmouth University?

Ask a current student at:

T: +44 (0)1326 254 350

E: international@falmouth.ac.uk

@falmouthuni

Photography

Laura Bailey

Elan Cholerton

Larissa Hollis

Matt Jessop

Neal Megaw

Hamish Kale

Sadiye Kirbas

John Liot

Holly Lowe

Jack Matthews

Lara Pomeroy

Mia Tuesday

Alexander Walker

Sophie Webster

Claire Williams

Alex Wilson