It’s been a breakout year for graduate gaming crew Studio Whalefall – from developing a Cornish-themed first-person shooter as a student project, to securing £25,000 in funding to take their game to the next level.
Featuring a cast of slippery sea creatures, battered cod and cannonball chaos, BRINE has proved a smash hit since it surfaced from Falmouth’s Games Academy last year. Winner of the Industry Award at the University’s Games Expo 2025, the game has proved the making of the students behind its creation – and they’re only just getting started.
Now graduates, and operating as Studio Whalefall, the team recently clinched victory at Tranzfuser – the national talent spotting programme for emerging game developers, run by the UK Games Fund. They’ve also joined Falmouth University’s Games Incubator, a hub of expert support that serves as a springboard for indie studios and startups. For the fledgling developers, it marks a huge step towards realising their ambition of bringing BRINE to market.
“We've now incorporated as a business and have been hard at work developing new and exciting features for BRINE,” says Game Art BA(Hons) graduate and project art lead Andy Aksu. “Winning £25,000 from Tranzfuser has been a huge boost to our studio, and being part of the Games Incubator has allowed us to access additional funding, secure industry collaborations and work from a purpose-built office space at the heart of Penryn Campus.”
STREETS AHEAD
Set in the streets of Falmouth and featuring some of its most iconic harbourside haunts, BRINE blends nostalgia, slapstick horror and a deep affection for local culture. “The humour has really won people over,” says Andy. “A big part of our development is focused on representing Cornwall's culture in the global gaming space. We've had great feedback from industry figures and international fans, as well as the local community. We’ll be releasing a new demo on our Steam page later this year, at store. steampowered.com/app/4190780/BRINE.”
TEAM SPIRIT
“From our very first meeting, the group’s knowledge and passion for the genre, great teamwork and inspiring work ethic stood out,” says Games Academy senior lecturer Phoebe Herring, who supervised the student team. “Each week, it was exciting to watch their chaotic, pixelated Falmouth take shape. There’s a deep love for the town and for Cornish culture beyond the tourist clichés.
“One of their real strengths has been the community they’ve built around BRINE from its earliest prototype days. They weren’t just proactive in building their world, but on bringing others into it – fans, testers, contributors, boomer-shooter developers, even local businesses whose premises appear in the game. It's been great to follow their success since graduation.”
To discover the facilities and courses in our Games Academy scan the QR code
MEET THE CAST
Dive into the weird and wonderful world of BRINE…
You’ll play as a grizzled fisherman, armed with quirky weapons and tasked with defending our picturesque harbour town from an onslaught of mutated seafood, including… THE FISHERMAN
JOHNNY JAWS
When he’s not pummelling you or popping a bullet from his concealed pistol, this mafioso thresher shark is sending his goons out to finish you off.
A cowardly character wielding a blunderbuss. Anxious and angry all at once, he’s often seen with other conger eels, shooting cannonballs from afar. GREG
MICHELLE
This mussel is a brainless little ankle biter, but don’t be fooled by the tiny stature. She hunts in packs – and a swarm can quickly overwhelm.
Game on: take a trip around town with BRINE.
GRADUATE ARTIST SHINES IN NATIONAL SHOWCASE
With a striking art practice that moves between photography, printmaking and film, Viviana Almas is making waves with her bold and experimental work. After graduating from Falmouth’s Photography BA(Hons) last year, she earned selection for the prestigious New Contemporaries 2025 showcase and is also planning a residency in Greenland in May.
“New Contemporaries is a brilliant chance to test yourself in the ‘real-world art world’,” says Viviana, who was one of just 26 emerging artists selected for professional mentoring and the chance to exhibit.
“Being chosen by another contemporary artist and supported by a team of practitioners who know how to shape and challenge work feels like stepping back into the best parts of university: time, space and people who get it. That feels like the right place to be.”
Viviana is currently seeking financial support for her residency at Greenland’s Arctic Culture Lab.
“The plan is to meet local communities, visit remote settlements and continue research that will shape a future film responding to the region’s growing global focus,” she says. “I don’t yet know what the final work will look like, but that’s part of the process. The landscape decides the rhythm; I just try to listen.”
See Viviana’s work at New Contemporaries: South London Gallery, SE5, 30 Jan-12 Apr; MIMA Middlesborough, 8 May-16 Aug.
NIALL MASTERS THE ART OF MODERN MILLINERY
From Falmouth University to London Fashion Week: it’s an impressive career trajectory for graduate Niall White, whose striking sculptural hats are sparking admiration in Britain’s most stylish circles. Fresh from an intensive training course in millinery, as one of only six students selected for last year’s CHANEL and King’s Foundation Métiers d’Art Millinery Fellowship, Niall has already completed commissions for Royal Ascot and the Mercury Prize Awards.
It was an initial interest in knitwear that drew Niall to Falmouth’s Textile Design BA(Hons) degree, where a brief to work with the University’s fashion and textiles archive led to a fascination with headwear from old Hollywood cinema and 1930s cabaret.
“The tutors and technicians really nurtured my desire to explore different creative avenues,” says Niall, who graduated in 2023. “It shows how broad textile design can be – and where it might lead.”
Following an internship with hatmaker Maison Michel at le19M in Paris, Niall is busy building a client base from his own East London studio. “I love how millinery blends sculpture, heritage craft and textiles,” he adds. “Creating hats for designers Talia Byre and Patrick McDowell at London Fashion Week in October was an amazing platform for my work and a chance to showcase millinery in a contemporary context.”
Showstopping: Niall’s exquisite hat designs are turning heads.
In the frame: Viviana’s experimental final-year project, Three Associations
TALKING FASHION WITH CHIARA CORSO
Falmouth graduate
Chiara Corso’s flair for turning pre-loved gear into fashion gold earned her a major TV series win – and a runway slot at London Fashion Week.
As one of eight emerging designers selected to star in RE/style, a six-part series produced by Lion Television, Fashion Design BA(Hons) graduate Chiara Corso was tasked with creating catwalk-ready looks exclusively from second-hand items. We chat with Chiara about her design ethos and seeing her collection take centre stage at the Oxfam fashion show.
“For me, everything we wear is both a statement and a piece of art,” says Sicily-born Chiara, who has made a business out of transforming unwanted, broken or deadstock garments instead of using endless metres of new fabric. “That’s what’s so exciting about sustainable fashion design, because each piece becomes one of a kind – just like the person who’ll wear it. In a world dominated by mass production, I believe in bringing individuality back into design.”
Chiara first tapped into the power of creative reuse at Falmouth, where sustainability and circularity inform the way we teach. “I had so much space there to be inspired by nature and to be as experimental as possible”, she says. “Whenever I returned home to Sicily, I saw how precious and beautiful the environment was and how important it is to protect it. I had a genuine desire to make a positive impact and chose to start with fashion; the industry already
EASY FASHION HACKS
generates so much unnecessary waste and I want to be part of the shift towards something better.”
FROM REWORKED TO RUNWAY
As a contestant on RE/style last autumn, Chiara’s signature glitzy style evolved into a more tempered, chic wearability as she tackled each weekly elimination challenge – finishing her creations within six hours by reinventing wardrobe staples and reimagining red carpet looks. “It was the most amazing experience,” she says of featuring on the show, which was funded by online marketplace Vinted, streamed on Amazon Prime and hosted by presenter Emma Willis. “I met the most beautiful people and such an inspiring group of designers from across Europe. Everyone involved was very special.”
Chiara earned the chance to showcase her collection on the runway at Oxfam’s London Fashion Week show – an event championing second-hand style and dressing for a better world. With the RE/style crown on her head and lots of new industry connections under her belt, her future is bright.
@chiara.design.studio
“Transforming an item that already exists into something entirely new challenges my creativity in the best way.”
1. CUSTOMISE a garment by changing the buttons – a pocket-frendly update that elevates any outfit. Or make a statement with just one coloured feature button.
2. CROP shirts or T-shirts, or add a drawstring, to change the shape. You can also attach fabric strips or bias binding to create stripes – a small tweak that makes a big impact.
4. STITCH into a garment to change its fit and drape – not easy, but you can always unpick. Plan your design first, then pin or tack the fabric to check sizing before sewing.
5. DRAW straight onto clothing with fabric pens, adding colour, pattern and detail to create something unique. from our Fashion Design BA(Hons) team
3. PATCH a hole or add patches for style. Cut fabric scraps or hand embroider your own with coloured threads; think of them as clothing tattoos.
Role model: Chiara, centre, with her winning restyled outfits at Oxfam’s star-studded fashion show.
TOY STORY
They were the creative minds behind one of the Christmas season’s biggest ads. We catch up with the Falmouth grads still friends after more than a decade in the industry.
Remember Connie and Trevor, the doll-anddinosaur duo on a mission to prove there’s more to Argos than meets the eye? The stars of one of our favourite festive ads last autumn – featuring The Inbetweeners’ Simon Bird as the hapless hijacked shopper – were out to set the record straight: this superstore sells more than ‘just toys’.
The ad was the work of Ben Fallows and Matt Deacon, the Creative Advertising BA(Hons) graduates who met at Falmouth and are now masterminding some of the most memorable campaigns in the industry. We bagged a few moments of their time to talk about creative chemistry and the power of making mistakes…
THE REVIEW: You both studied Creative Advertising at Falmouth. Was this where you decided to join forces?
BEN & MATT: Yes, it was way back in 2011, a few weeks into uni, that we met and became a team. It’s been that way ever since. We love it; working closely with someone you can bounce off makes for great ideas. Partnerships are common in advertising, but we also know loads of creatives who work solo.
How soon after graduation did you start to make an impact in the industry?
Within six months or so we were based at the advertising agency TBWA\London, working largely on the Lidl account. During that time, we picked up a lot of awards – including most promising creative newcomer at Creative Circle. We’ve since worked on campaigns for Argos, Hive, McVitie’s and Maltesers, and car stuff from Nissan to Lexus.
Where do you find your creative inspiration?
A good brief is all you need, then anything and everything you see can inspire you to write something great.
Among the many successes, have there been failures? Or ‘bad’ ideas?
All the time! In creative advertising, 99% of the things you do end up in the bin. It's all part of the process. You learn to have a thick skin, but that’s what makes success so rewarding.
Any advice for students interested in creative advertising?
It’s a career well suited to someone who’d like to be involved in creative things like film, music, writing and tech, and work for loads of different companies, all in one day. The value of the course lies in how well it sets you up to succeed in an industry that’s very competitive. Plus, Falmouth is a truly great place to live for three years. We had so much fun.
Follow them at benfallowsandmattdeacon.com
“A
Ben on creating the Snickers ad.
As a student, Connor created a fortune teller-themed campaign for Nando’s with tarot cards, celeb interviews and Snapchat filters, earning a D&AD 2024 Yellow Pencil for creative excellence. He’s now a junior creative at Wieden+Kennedy London.
George Orton and Hugh Kendall
Graduates George and Hugh were named most promising creative team at the Creative Circle Awards 2024. Their recent work with leading agency Publicis includes this year’s new ad for Buxton Water and Mind, featuring Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah.
A thumb spa for tired digits was just one fun element of Giffup Doomscrolling, a D&AD 2025 Wood Pencil-winning campaign created by students. Team member Ellianna landed a role as a junior creative at Canva within weeks of graduating last summer.
Great minds: Falmouth coursemates Matt (left) and Ben formed an award-winning creative partnership.
Meet the Creative Advertising BA(Hons) graduates on the rise from Falmouth…
FUELLED BY IDEAS
Connor Leggett
Ellianna Braddick
BUILT FOR BIG IDEAS
A new £1.7 million Design and Manufacturing Studio opening this spring is set to unlock fresh possibilities for students through emerging technologies. We go behind the scenes to discover what’s in store.
Drummond Masterton is a busy man. As Falmouth’s Head of Architecture and Design, he’s masterminding a pivotal moment for the University – the installation of advanced manufacturing facilities to rival those found in industry.
“It’s an exciting time,” agrees Drummond, speaking from our Penryn Campus where he’s overseeing the studio layout. “We’re introducing a new realm of opportunity for students in experimental fabrication, circular design and material innovation. At Falmouth, our students draw on resources from multiple spaces and disciplines to realise their design ideas. These new facilities will expand their creative horizons even further – allowing them to push boundaries and explore their practice without limits.”
Made possible by a £1.4 million grant from the Office for Students, boosted by further University investment, the project is moving fast. Students from Spatial Design, Design Innovation, Robotics, Creative Computing, Sustainable Product Design, Interior Architecture and Fashion will be the first to step inside this engine room of ideas. What awaits them? Think metal and composite material 3D printing machines and industrial SLS laser equipment – the kind of digital design technology more commonly found in leading digital design labs. Watch this space.
RAISING THE BAR
Charlie Ruck is completing his PhD studies at Falmouth University, investigating circular economy solutions within consumer electronic products. As a Sustainable Product Design BA(Hons) student here, Charlie invented a recycled eyewear design with an ingenious ‘living hinge’.
“I chose Falmouth as an undergraduate student because of its world-class facilities and industry connections, but this new lab will take things to another level,” he says. “It’s an incredible opportunity for students to get hands on with advanced manufacturing technologies – experience that will give them a real edge in the workplace. A space like this would have allowed me to explore more complex design languages, production-ready
materials and durable prototypes – things most universities can’t offer. I could have mastered industrial manufacturing techniques and software sooner and pushed my portfolio even further. Now, as a guest lecturer at Falmouth, I can’t wait to explore everything the studio has to offer.”
As a Falmouth student, you’ll have access to specialist workshops and stores, supported by expert technicians to help you turn ambitious ideas into real-world results. “The lab techs are great,” says Robotics BSc(Hons) student Anastasia Zaikina. “They’re always happy to explain how equipment works and help you build new skills. Since one of the techs showed me some new techniques for wire crimping, I haven't had a crimp fail!”
Drummond
Charlie
Anastasia
New horizons: a visualisation of our state-ofthe-art digital design studio, opening soon.
OF ME MAKING THE
CHLOE BREHERET IN A YEAR OF STANDOUT OPPORTUNITIES, STUDENTS HAVE EMBRACED FALMOUTH’S TRAILBLAZING APPROACH TO CAREER BUILDING –PROVING THAT PUSHING PAST COMFORT ZONES CAN SPARK A VIBRANT CREATIVE FUTURE.
“I learned that to stand out, you have to put in the extra effort – like starting early to catch the best conditions. You need to use every bit of time and energy to become great at what you love.” DIVE PHOTOGRAPHY
“Early one morning, the unexpected happened,” says Chloe. “I saw a flash of grey and a family of dolphins appeared, gliding gracefully through the light. For twenty unforgettable minutes they swam beside me, and at the perfect moment, when freediver Marie joined them, I captured this image.” Chloe spent two weeks in Masha Shagra, Egypt, in January, working with the University’s dive
photography team and challenging herself to find inventive ways to shoot the reefs. “The trip confirmed that this is what I want to do after I graduate,” she says.
Hometown: Nice, France Course: Marine & Natural History
Photography BA(Hons) Career-making opportunity: University diving trip to the Red Sea
LUCA VASILE BERDE
Turn to the back page and you’ll find the new film poster for Rose of Nevada, the latest project from BAFTA-winning writer- director – and Falmouth’s Distinguished Professor of Film Practice – Mark Jenkin. More than 30 students worked on the production, including Luca. The experience, he says, was transformative. “I joined the final week of filming as an AD runner, doing everything from fetching
coffees and people’s lunches to bringing cast to set,” he explains.
“That led to a post-production assistant role, where I watched Mark direct actors for sound performance. It was fascinating to see how his films come to life through considered sound design. Falmouth excels at offering on-set opportunities. Don’t be afraid to answer those crew calls from the course teams – no one expects you to know everything.”
Hometown: Bucharest, Romania Course: Film BA(Hons)
Career-making opportunity: AD runner on Rose of Nevada
RUBY SCARBORO
SCREEN TESTING
“Falmouth offers so many opportunities like this,” says Ruby, reflecting on a studio screen test in the University’s performance centre. “There are constant casting calls for student films and productions, and working with a director and full crew really shows you what to expect in the industry.” Our performance students graduate with professionally edited footage – shot on industrystandard equipment with support
from expert technicians – to add to their showreels. “We were filming as if for a real movie or TV episode,” Ruby explains. “It’s definitely a different world to stage acting. The screen test was a challenge, as I tried to keep my performance fresh for each take. It showed me just how much the camera picks up. You don’t need big gestures to convey emotion –subtlety is key.”
Hometown: Battle, UK
Course: Acting BA(Hons)
Career-making opportunity: Screen test with cameras and crew
KATHERINE AQUINO RAMIREZ
STUDYING OVERSEAS
Kat has always loved travelling and discovering new cultures, so she explored Falmouth’s global opportunities as soon as she arrived. “The cultural immersion trip appealed because it was only four weeks over the summer,” she says. One of eight Falmouth students to travel to Hong Kong’s Polytechnic University International Summer School, she chose the Fashion & Beauty course to explore how fashion could feed into performance. The highlight was a collaborative photoshoot with students from all over the world. “It showed me how creativity can work in an international setting and how fashion, performance and visual storytelling can connect,” says Kat. “Navigating the city, adapting to new teaching styles and meeting people from different cultures challenged me to become more independent and confident.”
Hometown: Lima, Peru
Course:
Theatre & Performance BA(Hons)
opportunity:
Hometown: Trowbridge, UK
Course: Post Production & Visual Effects BA(Hons) Career-making opportunity: Representing Falmouth as a Student Ambassador
TAKUMA RYONO
AMBASSADOR WORK
Takuma first discovered the value of becoming a Student Ambassador during a conversation at an Open Day. “I remember speaking to another Ambassador when I was thinking of applying to Falmouth. It felt like a genuine conversation, not a sales pitch,” he says. He quickly realised how important networking is in film and the wider creative industries: being able to talk to people and showcase your personality can open doors. Since securing the role and completing his training, Takuma has enjoyed paid work at college careers events and UCAS fairs across the UK. “Talking to such a range of audiences –teachers, parents and potential students – has boosted my confidence. There are rarely any regrets in saying ‘yes’ to new opportunities.”
Career-making
Cultural immersion trip to Hong Kong
WHAT NOW?
You’ve applied to Falmouth University – so what happens next?
Use this timeline to see where you are in the process and what to expect in the weeks ahead. And remember – whatever stage you’re at, we’re here to help.
Log in to our applicant portal using the details we’ve emailed you. Once in, you’ll see your next steps. You can message us directly through the portal if you have any questions.
If your course requires an interview, use the portal to choose and book your preferred format – in person in Cornwall or online.
Prepare for your audition or complete your portfolio, if required. Find tips at: falmouth.ac.uk/study/apply/application-toolkit
We’ll try to make our decision within five working days…
Meanwhile, take a look at student finance (studentfinance.campaign.gov.uk) and explore our accommodation options (falmouth.ac.uk/accommodation).
If you receive a conditional offer, you’ll need to meet the conditions we set out. An unconditional offer means your place is confirmed – congratulations!
Why not join us for an Offer Holders’ Day to learn more about life at Falmouth?
Enrol online (we’ll send step-by-step instructions before you arrive) and access the Student App and Portal to view your email, timetable, news and more.
Complete your accommodation induction to book your arrival date and time. Look out for an email from our Accommodation Services in mid-August.
PREPARE START
A-level results land on 13 August 2026. Good luck if you’re holding a conditional offer.
Once you’ve accepted your place, apply for your accommodation. We use a ballot system, for fairness, which closes on 5 June 2026 – full details online.
Apply for student funding by the end of May 2026, to be ready for a September 2026 start. Return the ‘Declaration of Understanding' letter you receive with your funding entitlement letter.
The most important step once you’ve been offered a place – conditional or unconditional – is to accept. Need help? Email: applicantservices@falmouth.ac.uk
Wellbeing Matters
We want you to flourish at Falmouth, in your studies, your creativity and your life outside the studio, which is why we we’re proud to have made history in 2025 as the first specialist creative arts institution to achieve the University Mental Health Charter Award. Developed by Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity, the award lasts for five years and recognises the work we’re doing to support every student’s wellbeing and success.
From your application through to graduation and beyond, we’re here to help. We have a range of easy-access resources at the ready and student support teams on hand to guide you through every step. Find out more by visiting falmouth.ac.uk/ experience/support or scan the QR code.
Headlines Hitting the
WINNING PERSPECTIVES
Two Falmouth photography alumni will feature at the PhotoVogue Festival in Milan (1-4 March), which this year is titled ‘Women by Women’ and focuses on female representation and perspective. Photography BA(Hons) graduate Alice Poyzer and Fashion Photography BA(Hons) graduate Narantsetseg Khuyagaa were both recipients of PhotoVogue grants in 2025. Alice, whose practice centres on the desire to be seen and heard as a neurodivergent woman, received the Vision Grant for a compelling, unique perspective. Narantsetseg, from Ulaanbaatar, was awarded the Rising Voice Grant for This Way Up (pictured), a portrayal of Mongolian contortionists.
A STEP AHEAD
A revolutionary, adaptable shoe design capable of shifting seamlessly from sleek urban wear to rugged, trail-ready performance earned Sustainable Product Design BA(Hons) student Ben Mancini two wins at the Global Footwear Awards 2025. Using the University’s advanced digital manufacturing facilities, Ben developed his future-facing product for his final-year project. The modular footwear, featuring a 3D-knitted upper, a density-changing grip plate and interchangeable soles, received accolades in both the Gravity Sketch and 3D Printing categories.
MACRO MAGIC
A female cellar spider, looming large as she clutches her unhatched eggs, stars in an image shortlisted for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 People’s Choice Award. Recent Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons) graduate Thomas Hunt says of his work, PreciousCargo: “I took the image within the confines of my home, which shows that you don't need to go far to find cool and interesting macro subjects.” View the work of the 24 finalists – whittled down from a global entry of more than 60,000 – and cast your vote for the winner at nhm.ac.uk/wpy/peoples-choice, before the closing date of 18 March.
MINING GOLD
The award-winning short The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay, created by Film BA(Hons) graduate Dan Simpkins (pictured) and other School of Film & Television alumni, is touring the UK following sell-out local screenings. The portrayal of a band of unlikely underground explorers in Cornwall’s forgotten mines scooped the Best Adventure & Exploration award at Kendal Mountain Festival 2025, rising to the top from 600 global entries. “We knew we’d found a gem,” said Festival Film & Arts Manager Faye Latham. “It has a kind of magic only found in a film that’s made with utter dedication.”
POLE POSITION
Falmouth Illustration BA(Hons) graduate David Doran’s career reached new heights in 2025 when his expansive mural for Mobil 1 and Honda was unveiled at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December. Another standout commission came from Stella Artois, which involved designing an icon to represent every US state for a series of limited edition chalices. “Seeing David Beckham and Matt Damon using them in the campaign was a proud moment,” says David, who has built an impressive client base over more than a decade as a freelance illustrator, working with brands including British Airways, Nissan and the National Trust.
HERITAGE REIMAGINED
Falmouth University has been reimagining the future of fashion heritage using modern technology, after taking custodianship of a renowned collection of more than 40,000 garments dating back to the 1700s. Computer games, high-definition digital archiving and immersive visitor experiences were among techniques showcased at an event held to celebrate the relocation of the Devonshire Collection of Period Costume to a new £25,000 climate-controlled campus facility.
SCHOLARSHIP SUCCESS
Winning a £3,000 scholarship from The Hospitality Industry Network has given Interior Architecture BA(Hons) final-year student Hannah Schmidt valuable industry insight and networking opportunities. Her concept, which reimagined an abandoned Grand Hotel Budapest-style building in the Italian Alps as a contemporary spa, impressed the judges and secured the top prize. “Putting the presentation together meant a few sleepless nights, but it was completely worth it,” says Hannah. “The feedback was so positive and my lecturers were incredible in helping me refine my skills with a truly industry-ready approach.”
HOG IN THE LIMELIGHT
A life-sized robotic warthog taking shape at Falmouth University is destined to support scientific research in Uganda. A team of final-year Robotics BA(Hons) students, including Adithi Jayaraman (pictured), is building the device in collaboration with University of Exeter (Cornwall) Zoology PhD student Leela Channer. Leela’s research explores the only known symbiotic ‘cleaning’ relationship between mammals, in which banded mongooses remove ticks from warthogs. Once animated by the robotics team, the model will be handed over to the University’s prosthetic effects specialists to add realistic skin and features.
ROCK STARS
Falmouth-based film Rock Pool has triumphed at the acclaimed Panda Awards, often hailed as the ‘green Oscars’ of the international wildlife film and TV industry. Created by Falmouth University master’s degree students Adam Radage and Dan McKay, the short is an experimental audiovisual work detailing the diverse beauty and drama of intertidal ocean zones.
LEVELLING UP
Duncan Cameron, Falmouth University’s new Head of Art, has won the John Ruskin Prize 2026 with Stratigraphy, a museum-style installation inspired by his observation of the flooded Somerset Levels. Chosen from almost 4,000 entries, Duncan’s work has been exhibited at Trinity Buoy Wharf, London, as part of the prize’s annual showcase.
FALMOUTH FELLOWS
Falmouth’s creative community shines even brighter this academic year with two new Honorary Fellows: Sue Perkins (pictured), broadcaster, writer, comedian and star of The Great British Bake Off, and Pawlet Brookes MBE, an artistic director and cultural leader. They join an illustrious line-up of Falmouth associates, including artist Hew Locke OBE, accessibility champion Troi Lee MBE and author Sir Michael Morpurgo.
COAST. CULTURE. CREATIVITY.
I love watching the sun set from under the warmth of their heated lamps, with chips. It’s Falmouth’s greatest hidden gem.
Having worked in New York City, it was quite the culture shock coming to Falmouth. When I walk into town here, everything feels a few minutes slower. There’s a genuine sense of community and I feel quite safe knowing that there’s always a friend around the corner.
FALMOUTH TOWN
PROVEDORE
It’s cute, like something out of an Anthony Bourdain episode. They make their own focaccia.
Falmouth’s unique appeal has inspired adventurers, explorers and creative thinkers for centuries –and it’s easy to see why.
Small in size but big in character, Falmouth sits between the sea and the countryside in the heart of Cornwall – buzzing with energy and full of creative life. Fun, friendly and easy to get around, it’s perfectly suited to students, with transport links that make it simple to move between the two campuses and the town without a car. It’s ranked among the top five safest university locations in the UK
(Complete University Guide 2025) and often celebrated as one of the best places to live for its standout lifestyle.
As a student here, you’ll be part of a thriving creative region where art and culture meet cutting-edge technology. Cornwall’s industries range from tourism, hospitality and shipping
to space, renewable energy and emerging tech, supported by a strong freelance community and ambitious startups. The county’s cultural scene is equally rich, home to Tate St Ives, the Barbara Hepworth Museum, the Newlyn School of Art and the open-air Minack Theatre, alongside independent venues, quirky festivals and a cool music scene.
With its dramatic coastline and wild moorland, Cornwall also delivers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure – and a feelgood way of life. Thinking Falmouth might be for you? Find out from our students what makes it feel like home…
CASTLE BEACH
Crab-hunting: basically me running after crabs and them out-smarting me every time.
THE GAMES ACADEMY: HALLOWEEN
Everyone turned up in their fiercest and finest. The night belonged to us.
Swanpool Beach
I spontaneously buzzed all my hair off on a summer’s day, because I was in the mood to do it. We bought a set of clippers and it was all gone by the evening. When we swam that night, surrounded by bioluminescent algae, I saw it as a sign that it wasn’t a bad decision.
SEA SWIMMING
I’ve found myself taking cold dips, even though I hate the cold with a passion. It’s the strangest thing.
Drag queen bingo, Palacio Lounge
WHAT'S
6. Fashion show: 22 May
Our Fashion & Textile Institute runway shows
7. Degree shows: 22-30 May
Falmouth’s final-year students showcase their finest work before graduation
8. Photobook Cafe: 10-12 June
Just one of our Institute of Photography graduate exhibitions in London this summer
9. Graduation ceremonies: 20-23 July
Featuring our Chancellor Dawn French
10. Boardmasters: 5-9 August
Cornwall’s iconic music festival
1. Studio K sessions: throughout spring Free student gigs on campus
2. AMATA degree shows: from 17 March
Our performance, theatre and music students take centre stage
3. Rose of Nevada UK release: 24 April
The new film from BAFTA-winning writer/director Mark Jenkin (see P7)
4. Quick, draw: throughout spring Live sketching events on campus
5. Games Expo: 21-23 May
Falmouth University’s annual Games Academy showcase
