Falmouth University

HISTORY

Falmouth University (Cornish: Pennskol Aberfala) is a multi-arts university based in Falmouth and Penryn, Cornwall, England. Founded in 1902, it had previously been the Falmouth School of Art, Falmouth College of Art and Design and then Falmouth College of Arts until it received taught degree-awarding powers, and the right to use the title “University College”, in March 2005.

Originally founded as Falmouth School of Art in 1902, today Falmouth University is one of the world’s leading international specialist creative institutions. It is one of the few universities offering the full range of creative subjects.

The university aligns itself closely to the creative industries and strives to offer the latest innovative courses, such as Computing for Games and Business Entrepreneurship, to ensure its graduates get great jobs, not only within the creative sector, but in other industries, where creative skillsets are in ever increasing demand

In April 2008, University College Falmouth merged with Dartington College of Arts, adding a range of Performance courses to its portfolio.

COURSES

Falmouth Campus is the university’s main administrative hub and is the main centre for the Schools of Art, Design and Fashion. It is home to the courses of BA(Hons)Fashion Design, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Performance Sportswear Design and Public Relations, and provides facilities for MA Creative Advertising and MA Illustration: Authorial Practice. Due to the projected high intake for September 2012, the campus underwent changes to accommodate this, with the first floor of the library being converted into BA Graphic Design studios following denial of planning permission to build upon the already existing graphic design department building.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A typical offer is between 260 and 300 UCAS points (104–120 UCAS points from 2017, in line with the new UCAS tariff system), primarily from Level 3 equivalent qualifications or current, relevant experience. Grade 4 (or C) or above in GCSE English Language, or equivalent, is a minimum language requirement for all applicants.

Any course-specific entry requirements can be found on the relevant course web page.

Due to the creative nature of the university’s courses, applicants will be considered on individual merit and the students should contact the admissions team if they are predicted UCAS points below this range or if they have questions about the qualifications they are taking.

Postgraduate applicants may need an honours degree, foundation degree or HND in a related subject.

If English is not the first language, they’ll need to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficiently developed for successful completion of your studies. Their Admissions team can help with any questions the student may have about study visas or suitable language tests.

For the majority of courses, promising applicants will be invited to interview or audition, and may be asked to present a portfolio.

ACADEMIC STRENGTHS

Falmouth is a specialist provider of creative education in art, design, media, performance, writing, and entrepreneurship.

The degrees are intensely practical and structured around the demands of the creative industry. Many courses offer the opportunity to work on live briefs with real clients and collaborate with industry leaders.

Lecturers are leading professionals with direct industry and agency experience.

Falmouth encourages its students to obtain work placements, study abroad or take part in an Erasmus exchange programme.

TEACHING STANDARDS

The School of Film and Television was one of the first national centres to be accredited by Creative Skillset.

Falmouth’s journalism courses are accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council, National Council for the Training of Journalists and the Professional Publishers Association – check specific courses for details.

Art and Design courses achieved the maximum 24 out of 24 rating from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

Fashion and Textile courses benefit from membership of the International Foundation for Fashion Technology Institutes, British Fashion Council and Chartered Institute of Marketing accreditation – check specific courses for details.

The university runs an internal teaching qualification (PGCHE) for staff to ensure high teaching, learning and assessment quality.

CAREERS GUIDANCE

97% of Falmouth students are in employment or further study six months after graduating (DLHE 2015).

From on-course placements they help make the student transition as smooth and effective as possible.

Falmouth staff are practicing professionals and all courses have excellent relationships with industry, giving the students opportunities to make valuable contacts, hear from inspirational visiting speakers, work on live briefs, go on study trips and set up work placements or internships.

Careerhub is an online portal that offers current students and alumni access to free careers advice, support resources and training.

The team of trained career consultants in Career Zone offer support such as one to one careers guidance, CV workshops and mock interviews, as well as a well-stocked library.The university also runs regular employability events including careers fairs, employer recruitment presentations and industry networking events.