Falmouth University: What it's really like
Learn about a creative university in a unique location
If you want a dynamic, creative degree, Falmouth might be the university for you!
Falmouth at a glance:
| Founded | Achieved university status in 2012, though founded as Falmouth School of Art in 1902. |
| Locations | Falmouth and Penryn, Cornwall |
| Length | 3 years for a standard undergraduate degree, with some 2 year accelerated or 4 year placement options |
| Courses | Courses are divided into eight categories: Photography; English, Writing, and Journalism; Games and Computing; Animation, Film, and Television; Performance, Theatre, and Music; Art and Design; and Fashion. |
| Students | c.5,500 |
| Great for | Students looking to study creative subjects in a modern, progressive setting, or technical subjects through a creative lens |
| Not for | Students who want to pursue maths, sciences, medicine or other courses not on offer |
Sarah Tompkins, Head of School and College Partnerships, explains what makes Falmouth an exciting place to study - and how to put together a strong application.
What is Falmouth?
Falmouth is a specialist, industry-focused university with creativity at its heart. Offering courses in the more traditional creative arts alongside technological, entrepreneurial courses with a creative spin, students study everything from creative advertising to video game development. With Dawn French as Chancellor, there’s a clear connection to the artistic industries sewn through study and life at Falmouth.
Based across two neighbouring campuses Cornwall, Falmouth offers a unique campus experience… think beaches and palm trees in the UK!
Why apply to Falmouth?
Falmouth provides an environment that actively fosters creativity, giving you time and space to discover yourself and the way you work. It’s more than just time to practice, though: there are also strong industry links and opportunities to prepare to enter the world of work.
For example, there is a bulletin board in the Students’ Union where you can promote your projects and seek help - for example, film students seeking actors, or business students seeking animators. You can build a network of future collaborators, studying with the people who are the future of the creative industries and your future artistic partners.
The University also runs workshop festivals, which provide opportunities to try your hand at different specialisms different departments, even ones you aren’t studying in. If you’re a dance student who wants to try your hand at sculpting, you get the chance!
Plus, Falmouth itself is a unique and beautiful place to study. Though a smaller town than some city universities, it provides tons of opportunities artistically and to live in a really unique landscape in the UK. Cornwall is known for its open mic nights, artistic festivals, and creative opportunities as well.
Who isn’t the right fit for Falmouth?
Falmouth is focused on modern, creative subjects reflecting the skills needed by employers, so if you’re looking to be a mathematician or a scientist you won’t find the courses you need. That said, take a look at the website - there are some courses you may not expect!
Any application tips?
Most applicants to Falmouth will do an interview - but don’t panic! It’s not a test of knowledge as much as it’s a way to get to know you, how you think, and what your creative processes and goals are. It’s as much for you to figure out if Falmouth is the right fit for you, too. The only real preparation required is that you bring a piece of work or, depending on your chosen course, a pitch for an idea which you then discuss over the course of the interview.
Get advice from your teachers, as they’ll have lots of experience with helping you to prepare your portfolio or whatever form of work sample you need. Falmouth run lots of webinars and preparatory seminars, so you can hear straight from the admissions team about how to make a strong application!