Yahoo News Arts University Plymouth named the region’s top university
Arts University Plymouth has been named the region’s top university in an awards ceremony based on reviews submitted by students. The city’s newest university – the former Plymouth College of Art – was named University of the Year for South West England at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs).
The nominees and winners at the WhatUni Student Choice Awards are selected by students based on reviews submitted by students from across the UK, and winners are judged by a panel made up of prospective and current university students. Presented by Lenny Henry, this year’s awards saw Arts University Plymouth also pick up gongs for Lecturers and Teaching Quality Winner for South West England, Facilities Winner for South West England and Student Support Winner for South West England.
Arts University Plymouth came fourth place overall in the UK category of University of the Year and top out of all universities in the South West of England. The institution was also awarded runner-up for South West England for its Students’ Union.
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Arts University chiefs say the win in the Facilities award category for South West England reflected the access students have to the wide array of subject-specific resources available across all creative disciplines. Students voted based on Arts University Plymouth’s cutting-edge resources, including diverse multimedia and photography studios, a comprehensive laboratory that supports innovative practices in hot glass, ceramics and biomaterials, and the university’s well-equipped fashion and textile studios.
Professor Paul Fieldsend-Danks, Vice-Chancellor and chief executive of Arts University Plymouth, said: “We are so delighted with the acknowledgement of our work through these awards. In particular, the recognition in the University of the Year category has demonstrated that small and specialist universities like ours have much to contribute to the landscape of UK higher education. For the third year in a row, we are proud to celebrate these achievements with our community and with future applicants.
“This accolade is testament to the hard work and dedication of our talented colleagues at Arts University Plymouth, who work so hard to prioritise the needs and experiences of students. Thanks also to every student who used Whatuni to share their experiences of studying with us, helping applicants around the world to learn what to expect when they join our creative community.”
One recent student review of Arts University Plymouth from a BA (Hons) Painting, Drawing and Printmaking student said: “It is a joy to come in every day. I seem to make more new friends every week… All in all, attending Arts University Plymouth is proving to be one of the greatest experiences of my life… To be creative and express myself the way I want to. Everyone can be themselves. It is like entering another world walking through those doors each day. ”
A recent review by a BA (Hons) Illustration student said “it’s a vibrant, perfect uni that feels like home,” while another review by a BA (Hons) Craft and Material Practices student said “this university has the best environment in the South West to facilitate creativity in a number of mediums. The open door policy to all workshops fosters a sense of endless possibility”.
