Arts University Plymouth has been named Arts University of the Year in the Daily Mail University Guide 2027, published digitally on A-Level Results Day, Thursday 13 August 2026.
In its citation, the Daily Mail University Guide highlights Arts University Plymouth’s range of creative courses and professional facilities, practitioner-led teaching, responsiveness to industry demand and support for graduates entering professional life.
Alastair McCall, Editor of the Daily Mail University Guide, described Arts University Plymouth’s “support infrastructure, sharing of expertise and cultivation of talent” as “critical to the creative industries in Plymouth and the wider region”, adding: “It makes Arts University Plymouth the standout candidate to be the 2027 Daily Mail Arts University of the Year.”
A print edition of the guide will follow with the Mail on Sunday on 6 September 2026.
Dr Robin Kirby, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Arts University Plymouth, said: “The breadth of this award is what makes it so meaningful. It recognises the creative education and facilities we provide, the routes we create into higher education and the support that helps graduates establish themselves as creative professionals. It is a powerful endorsement of what our students, graduates and staff achieve together.
“Creative potential cannot be measured by grades alone. We consider each applicant’s work, experience and ambitions, and support students with teaching, confidence and professional opportunities to develop their creative practice. Receiving this recognition on A-Level Results Day, as people across the country decide what comes next, feels particularly fitting.
“If you are reconsidering your plans, have only recently decided that university may be for you, or want to study somewhere that will take your creative ambitions seriously, talk to us. Clearing at Arts University Plymouth begins with a conversation about your work, ambitions and the route that could suit you.”
From creative potential to professional practice
The new title is reinforced by other current external recognition. Arts University Plymouth is ranked 6th in the UK for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2027 and was named Winner for South West England for Facilities and Student Support in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026.
Students learn across more than 13,000 square metres of professional studios, labs and workshops. Support continues after graduation through Workroom Grow, a creative business-incubation programme, and Workroom Create, which gives eligible alumni continued access to specialist facilities.
This preparation is designed for an economically significant sector. The latest Department for Culture, Media and Sport estimates show that the UK creative industries contributed £145.8 billion in gross value added in 2024 and accounted for 2.46 million filled jobs in 2025.
Apply through Clearing for September 2026
Clearing is open for creative courses with vacancies. Applicants can discuss their results, work and ambitions with the Admissions team and an academic by:
- Calling +44 (0)1752 203402. The hotline is open from 8am to 8pm on Thursday 13 August.
- Sending a WhatsApp message to 07722 744184.
- Completing the university’s Clearing form.
Prospective students and their supporters can also attend a Clearing Drop-In Day at Arts University Plymouth, Tavistock Place, Plymouth, from 10am to 1pm on Saturday 15 August 2026. Visitors can tour the campus and speak to academics, staff and students about courses, portfolios, accommodation and finance.
Course availability can change throughout Clearing. Visit aup.ac.uk/clearing for current information.
