INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2027
CONTENTS
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Welcome Falmouth in pictures Why study at Falmouth? Our courses Our departments 2027 application timeline Entry requirements Fees & funding Visas Accommodation & living Support Student life Testimonials
WELCOME
We’re delighted that you’re interested in studying with us at Falmouth University. A world of opportunity awaits you here in Cornwall, where you’ll be part of a warm and welcoming creative community with a truly global outlook. Not only will you have access to world-class facilities, impressive industry links, teaching excellence and groundbreaking research, but you’ll find the support and friendship here to make your studies a rewarding and memorable experience. Join us at Falmouth and follow your creative path. We can’t wait to see you. Professor Emma Hunt Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive 1
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FALMOUTH IN PICTURES
• Manchester • Liverpool
• Birmingham Cardiff • CORNWALL
• Bristol
• London
• Exeter Newquay Airport • Plymouth •
FALMOUTH
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WE’RE EMPOWERING A NEW GENERATION OF CREATIVES
WHY STUDY AT FALMOUTH?
As a Falmouth student, you’ll be challenged to think differently, break the mould and push the limits of possibility.
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You’ll connect with industry, collaborate with students across the University and learn the professional skills to make a real impact when you graduate. WE’RE CREATIVE For over 120 years, Falmouth University has been shaping the future of the creative industries, and beyond. Creative thinking is the driving force behind innovation, offering solutions to global challenges and inspiring people to think, act, and feel differently. At Falmouth, you’ll have the freedom, support, and opportunities to challenge conventions, think boldly, and explore the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re studying Illustration, Film Making, Game Development, Architecture, Business, or any of our diverse subjects, we’ll empower you to question the way things are, find innovative solutions, and establish your unique voice in your field. With a dynamic community of creative minds working across a huge range of disciplines, our students fuel each other to push the limits of what creativity can do. WE’RE CONNECTED We’re proud to create exciting opportunities for our students through our industry connections and dedication to mirroring professional practice. Our state-of-the-art facilities, from cutting-edge studios to collaborative workspaces, replicate professional environments, equipping students to work confidently with industry-standard tools and technologies. Whatever your course, you’ll be encouraged to collaborate across disciplines and develop the skills to thrive in a competitive world. From day one, our Employability Service offers tools and resources to help students build their CVs, attend career-shaping events, and gain hands-on experience through micro-internships. With an entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of our community, many of our students go on to build successful freelance careers or launch their own businesses.
Our students get to connect with industry through live briefs from real clients, study trips to leading industry locations, and inspiring guest lectures from sector leaders. Many undergraduate degrees also offer the option of a professional placement year, giving students the chance to spend a year gaining real-world experien WE’RE COURAGEOUS We’re supporting our students to become courageous and conscientious creatives. We’re re-thinking the shape of higher education so our students are ready to make a real difference when they graduate. You’ll be challenged to experiment and take risks, with the support of our academic and technical staff, because nothing new has ever been created by playing it safe. Our lecturers teach by example. Whether through their practice or inspirational research projects, they’re paving the way for innovation and change across a range of sectors. They’ll support you to question the fundamentals of your field, too. Across our courses, you’ll consider the social, environmental and cultural impacts of your practice. We’re proud to see our graduates taking this courageous attitude into industry and using their creativity for good.
“What future-proof really means is that you define the future. Falmouth’s young, enterprising dreamers will make the new rules and forge new careers.” Dawn French Chancellor 5
ON-CAMPUS COURSES
UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
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* / / / / * / * / * / / * / * / * / / / / / * / * / / * / * / * / * / * / * / * / * / * / * / * / * / * / / / / * / * /
Acting BA(Hons) Animation BA(Hons) Architectural Design & Technology BA(Hons) Architecture BA(Hons) Artificial Intelligence BSc(Hons) Business & Digital Marketing BSc(Hons) Business Entrepreneurship & Innovation BSc(Hons) Business Management BSc(Hons) CertHE Music Courses Combined Arts: Creativity BA(Hons) Commercial Photography BA(Hons) Computer Science BSc(Hons) Computing for Games BSc(Hons) Content Creation BA(Hons) Costume Design for Film & Television BA(Hons) Creative Advertising BA(Hons) Creative Computing BSc(Hons)/BA(Hons) Creative Events Management BA(Hons) Creative Music Technology BA(Hons) Creative Writing BA(Hons) Dance & Choreography BA(Hons) Documentary & Editorial Photography BA(Hons) Drawing BA(Hons) English & Creative Writing BA(Hons) Esports & Livestreaming BA(Hons) Fashion Design BA(Hons) Fashion Marketing BA(Hons) Fashion Photography BA(Hons) Fashion Styling & Art Direction BA(Hons) Festival Management BA(Hons) Film BA(Hons) Fine Art BA(Hons) Game Animation BA(Hons) Game Art BA(Hons) Game Development BA(Hons) Graphic Design BA(Hons) Illustration BA(Hons) Interior Architecture BA(Hons) Interior Design BA(Hons) Journalism & Creative Writing BA(Hons) Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons) Marketing Communications BA(Hons) Media & Communication BA(Hons)
* Integrated Foundation Year option (see page 8 for details) / Placement year option
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Media & Journalism BA(Hons) Media Production BA(Hons) Music BA(Hons) Music Business BA(Hons) Musical Theatre BA(Hons) Photography BA(Hons) Popular Music BA(Hons) Post Production & Visual Effects BA(Hons) Robotics BSc(Hons) Software Engineering BSc(Hons) Sound Design BA(Hons) Sustainable Product Design BA(Hons) Technical Theatre Arts BA(Hons) Television & Film Production BA(Hons) Textile Design BA(Hons) Theatre & Performance BA(Hons) Tourism & Hospitality Management BA(Hons)
Working in a professional context during an additional placement year is the ideal way to enhance your studies, by broadening your experiences and gaining sought-after and transferable workplace skills. You’ll find full details on our website.
ONLINE COURSES Business & Marketing BSc(Hons) Creative Writing BA(Hons) Game Art BA(Hons) Game Development BA(Hons) Illustration BA(Hons) Integrated Master’s Combined Arts MA Interior Design BA(Hons) Photography BA(Hons) Visual Communication BA(Hons) Courses are correct at time of printing. We’re continually reviewing and developing the courses we offer, so please visit our website for the most up-to-date information:
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There are two types of foundation year available in the UK: • Integrated Foundation Year: an extra year prior to starting a threeyear undergraduate degree, designed to help you gain the study skills and subject knowledge required for the rest of your chosen degree. • International Foundation Year: a programme of academic subjects, study skills and English language training to provide international students with a pathway to a degree at a UK university.
INTEGRATED FOUNDATION YEAR During your Integrated Foundation Year at Falmouth University, if you choose to add one, you will: • Develop technical, design thinking and production skills in your chosen specialism • Learn teamwork, leadership and project management skills through a variety of learning environments
FOUNDATION YEAR
• Develop critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills through the development of unique and innovative projects
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• Complete your chosen degree over a four-year period Entry requirements for an Integrated Foundation Year are different from those for a three-year-course, a minimum of 32-64 UCAS points, but English Language requirements are similar. To add a placement year to your four-year degree, please contact our Applicant Services team after submitting your application.
INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION YEAR An International Foundation Year is an option if you cannot apply to Falmouth University because your qualification does not match our international entry requirements. Following completion, you can apply for entry to an undergraduate degree, which you’ll start in year one.
While Falmouth University does not offer an International Foundation Year, we have a network of partners you can contact. Find them at:
POSTGRADUATE COURSES
ON-CAMPUS COURSES Artificial Intelligence for Games MSc Communication Design MA Creative Advertising MA Design Innovation MSc Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management MSc Fine Art MA Feature Filmmaking MA Film & Television MA Game Art MA Game Design MA Game Programming MSc Illustration: Authorial Practice MA International Business Management MSc Music Business MA Photography MA Professional Writing MA Prosthetic Effects MA
ONLINE COURSES Comedy Writing MA Creative Events Management MA Film & Television MA Fine Art MA Graphic Design MA Illustration MA Indie Game Development MA Marketing and Digital Communications MA Photography MA Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE) Sustainable Fashion MA User Experience Design MA Writing for Script & Screen MA
Courses are correct at time of printing. We’re continually reviewing and developing the courses we offer, so please visit our website for the most up-to-date information:
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Falmouth University’s departments are designed to align with the creative industries. Check out our website for more information on the facilities and opportunities available in each department.
OUR DEPARTMENTS
Cornwall Business School
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We believe entrepreneurship is a mindset, not a job title, and that your your career will be enhanced if you’re an innovative, entrepreneurial and solution-oriented professional. Throughout your business degree, you’ll apply key business theories to real-world problems through live briefs, marketing campaigns for real clients or the development of your own business or product. So, whether you head into the world of tourism, events or marketing, join an established company or embark on your own startup venture, you’ll be set to make your mark as a nextgeneration professional.
School of Communication From advertising, marketing and graphic design to creative writing and journalism, studying at Falmouth means you’ll work on live briefs and learn from industry experts. You’ll benefit from exposure to the complete spectrum of writing expertise, including active journalists and published authors, documentary makers, screenwriters, game writers and poets. Through access to industry contacts, first-rate facilities and opportunities for exciting placements with big name agencies and brands, you’ll be challenged and inspired – ready to begin your career.
Falmouth School of Art Visual arts have been practised and taught at Falmouth for more than a century. The University’s reputation for creative excellence keeps us at the forefront of the British art school scene. We’re dedicated to providing the best environment for you to think, make and experiment alongside your peers, and to develop your creative network. You’ll have the chance to tackle live projects, gain access to industry connections and be inspired by our unique coastal location.
Games Academy In the Games Academy, real games and digital products are created using professional-standard studios and equipment. You’ll learn from tutors with experience at companies such as EA Games and Square Enix, developing industry-level skills. Creating unique games means working in a unique way. With the future of the games and computing industry in mind, we enable a multidisciplinary approach. As a game, app or immersive content developer, you’ll have the chance to work with actors in motion-capture suits, games artists, writers, composers and business experts.
School of Architecture, Design & Interiors Falmouth’s collaborative approach gives you the chance to face real design challenges and work with industry professionals from across the creative world. You can create sustainable spaces, places or products and explore issues like energy, health and wellbeing. You’ll have the space, equipment and expertise to learn digital design and prototyping techniques, manufacturing processes, research and development methods and conceptual skills. Through a hands-on approach incorporating live-build projects and the opportunity to compile a professional portfolio, you’ll be career-ready upon graduation.
Fashion & Textiles Institute The Fashion & Textiles Institute offers you the chance to work on live, industrysponsored projects with global names and companies. You’ll develop your own creative practice, utilising state-of-the-art technologies alongside long-established traditional techniques and processes. You’ll work with staff offering extensive expertise in fashion and textile design, innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability and marketing. Housed in a modern, open-plan building, replicating working industry life, our fashion and textile courses collaborate across disciplines and pioneer a futuredriven design community.
Academy of Music & Theatre Arts AMATA (the Academy of Music & Theatre Arts) is a destination for international theatrical performances, dance groups and music acts. You’ll have the opportunity to work with industry partners and hear from visiting lecturers. Alongside this real-world experience, you could collaborate with gaming, animation and film students, taking your work into digital and virtual environments. AMATA facilities comprise 10 performance and rehearsal spaces, flexible theatre space, 700 square metres of sprung dance floors and digital and analogue equipment.
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Institute of Photography You’ll develop your photography practice and portfolio by taking on live industry projects. You can also go on internships and study visits. We’ll help you find your own creative voice, while also teaching you how to thrive in a fast-changing industry. Every large studio, darkroom, process area and piece of photography equipment is designed and calibrated for professional use. You’ll gain industry insights and inspiration from experts and guest speakers, as you develop as an ambitious, independent and adventurous photographer, ready to make your mark in this demanding industry.
School of Film & Television We’ve taught filmmaking at Falmouth for more than 50 years. Our state-ofthe-art equipment and facilities, placement opportunities, industry connections and sheer enthusiasm for telling stories help us produce awardwinning, employable graduates. Focusing on getting you into the film and television industry, we offer an immersive and demanding experience across the full range of creative production roles and responsibilities — in both the technical and conceptual aspects of filmmaking. Our honorary fellows include the founders of Aardman Animation, Peter Lord and David Sproxton, Black Mirror and Doctor Who director Toby Haynes and film producer and former BFI executive Mary Burke.
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Below is an outline of the application process at Falmouth University for on-campus undergraduate and postgraduate courses starting in September 2027. Contact our course advisers for more information at international@falmouth.ac.uk
2027 APPLICATION TIMELINE
Apply
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Submit your portfolio or performance (if required) Attend an online interview (if required) Receive a decision Accept your offer Pay your acceptance fee If your offer is conditional, send results Offer updated to unconditional Send financial documents for checking (if required) Pre-CAS interview (if required) CAS issued Apply for visa HELP WITH YOUR APPLICATION We offer regular online sessions to help you secure your place, including guidance for your application, portfolio and interview. You can also seek help from an educational agent. The University has many partners around the world. Check our international pages on the website for more details.
WHO CAN APPLY? We welcome applications from students of all nationalities. We’ll assess your qualifications against our entry requirements and help you through every stage of the application process.
Check our entry requirements here
Check our English requirements here
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
At Falmouth University, we take a rounded approach to admissions to all our courses. Instead of focusing on criteria like grades alone, we operate a contextual admissions policy, where we look at you as a person: your talents, your experiences and your potential. Every offer we make is shaped around you and your circumstances, and our conditional offers are always intended to be realistic and achievable. UNDERGRADUATE COURSES Our undergraduate courses require the equivalent of 64-104 UCAS Tariff points. We also accept applications from those who are eligible for second and third year entry. You can apply via UCAS, through an educational agent, or directly with us. Portfolio/performance Depending on the course you’re applying for, you might be asked to present a portfolio or send in a recording of your performance in dancing, acting, making music or singing. Interviews We interview for most degrees as part of the application process. Check our website for more information on which courses will require an interview. POSTGRADUATE COURSES If you have professional experience, this can sometimes be substituted for traditional academic qualifications. Application forms for postgraduate courses should be completed via the Falmouth University website. ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS We accept a range of English language tests and qualifications, equivalent to IELTS 6.0 for Bachelors and 6.5 for Masters, with no element below 5.5 (including 6.0+ in Speaking for Masters).
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Tuition fees Tuition fees can vary, but most on-campus undergraduate and postgraduate tuition fees cost £19,950 - £24,000 per academic year. Check our website for full details. Course costs You may need to budget for specific materials, trips or equipment. Costs can vary from course to course. Further details are available on the individual course pages on our website.
Scholarships
FEES & FUNDING
The University is offering scholarships to undergraduate and postgraduate students who will start their on-campus degree in September 2027 and meet certain criteria. Full terms and conditions can be found on our website.
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Visit our international pages:
If you’re an international student, you’ll probably need to apply for a Student Visa. To enable you to make a Student Visa application, you’ll need a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) statement from us. To be eligible for a CAS, your offer must be unconditional. You must have completed all steps of the acceptance process (including paying an acceptance fee), and you must have provided us with evidence that you meet all UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) financial requirements. This will ensure that your application will not be refused on financial grounds. The University may invite you to join a pre-CAS interview before issuing your CAS. Once your Student Visa is issued using Falmouth University documentation, you’ll be able to study at Falmouth University only. Please note: Falmouth University is not able to give individual visa guidance. The UKCISA website is a useful resource and offers supportive advice: ukcisa.org.uk The visa process can take some time so we recommend applying as early as you can. To help students prepare, Falmouth offers webinars on the subject. Check the Virtual Experience page on our website for details.
VISAS
If you’re using an educational agent in your country, you can also ask them for advice.
Visit our visa guidance pages:
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Falmouth University offers quality accommodation located conveniently for your studies.
ACCOMMODATION & LIVING
We know that student halls are more than just a place to rest your head at night, so every option is modern and well equipped — a space to study, socialise and be inspired.
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Accommodation costs The rental cost for university-managed halls of residence at Falmouth includes most bills, such as heating, electricity and water. Each room is furnished and most have provision for TV and wifi. We also provide catered packages which include two meals a day on campus. Room types • Single occupancy en-suite rooms • Accessible en-suite rooms and studios Visit our website for the most up-to-date costs. We know that university accommodation can be especially important for students who are joining from outside the UK, so we reserve rooms for our international students. All our campus rooms have a shared kitchen. Falmouth has a great choice of food shops, from large supermarkets to a range of smaller stores selling organic, wholefood, locally produced and international food. Personal needs We’re committed to providing a supportive environment for everyone. If you have a disability, an access need or a medical condition, we’ll help you explore your options. We also offer single-sex accommodation options and environments that are vegetarian or alcohol-free.
Visit our accommodation pages:
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Safety Falmouth is among the five safest university settings in England and Wales (The Complete University Guide, 2026). Our campus security provides 24/7 security services and support, as well as CCTV at some sites. International arrivals We offer an airport collection service every year for all international students. This service usually operates from London Heathrow Airport. For a small charge, our team will meet you, take you by private coach to our Penryn Campus and help you get settled into your new accommodation. Mentoring system We recognise that going to university abroad is a big step, so it’s helpful to have a friendly fellow student who already knows the town and the University. That’s why every first-year student is matched with a second or third-year student via our Student Mentor Scheme.
SUPPORT
Inductions and welcome events The University organises inductions and preparation sessions before you start your course, so you can feel fully prepared from day one.
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Students are also invited to a wide range of social events and activities in the week before classes start at our ‘Welcome Week’, allowing you to familiarise yourself with the local area, join clubs and societies and make new friends. English language support As a student at Falmouth University, you’ll have the opportunity to join other international students at our free, term-time English classes on both campuses. These classes are perfect for anyone who is looking to improve their social, academic and professional English language skills, for general conversation, presentations, CVs, applications, or research and publications. And if you would benefit from more personal help, you can sign up for one-to-one tutorials in-person and online.
Professional services We offer a range of professional and fully confidential services that can be tailored to student needs. Here are just a selection: • Health services: on-campus health clinic • Wellbeing and student support: comprehensive resources and support for mental health and wellbeing. Our service offers a wide range of support, including self-help, online resources, advice and information and referral and liaison with external partners, when needed. Falmouth University is the only UK specialist creative arts university with University Mental Health Charter status • Accessibility and inclusive learning: support with physical, communication or sensory disabilities, Specific Learning Differences (SpLDs), mental health issues or long-term health conditions • Skills and Engagement Team: academic support with anything related to essay writing and learning techniques • Employability: the University’s award-winning Employability Service supports students through the curriculum and a wide range of co-curricular activity – from starting your own business, exploring career options, workshops to prepare you for your future career, applying for opportunities and access to latest employability technology and AI tools • Multifaith chaplaincy: spiritual care for anyone, every faith or none. Both the Penryn and Falmouth chaplaincies have a quiet room for reflection, contemplation, meditation and prayer • ResLife: support with the student transition into higher education by developing independent living skills, encouraging healthy relationships and improving mental health and wellbeing • Students’ Union: support with every aspect of student life, including
academic issues and appeals, or issues with accommodation, finances and more
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Falmouth has plenty to keep you entertained. The town is home to great shopping, gourmet hotspots, beachside bistros, cocktail bars, craft beer courtyards and music venues.
STUDENT LIFE
Creative culture Cornwall boasts a thriving creative community, with galleries, museums, theatres and a calendar packed with exciting events and festivals. This enterprising and innovative culture has given rise to award-winning creative businesses spanning every sector.
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Keeping active If you like keeping active, there are endless opportunities for outdoor exercise in Cornwall – including world-class surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, rowing, team sports or simply walking or running on the coast path. A fitness centre at Penryn Campus offers a four-court sports hall, a 90-station gym and a large fitness studio with a variety of different classes. Your Students’ Union One of the best ways to get involved in student life is through the Students’ Union (SU). Our SU is the only one in the country to represent students from two different universities (Falmouth and Exeter), giving you the opportunity to meet and mix with another university’s students. The aim of the SU is to ensure that every student has the highest quality education and the best experience possible during their time at the University. Our SU runs more than 130 clubs and societies you can join and is also a place you can go for help with any matter. Connecting with other international students You’ll have many opportunities to meet other international students from the time you apply, via groups on social media, online group chats and your Student Mentor. When you’re at the University you can also join our Language Connect Scheme, which aims to put you in touch with similarly minded people.
Budgeting UKVI requires students to budget a minimum of £1,136 per month for up to nine months, to include accommodation costs. While this is usually sufficient for undergraduate students, much depends on lifestyle. It’s best to consider your current outgoings and anything additional you’ll need to budget for when studying with us. Postgraduate students and undergraduate students planning to stay in Falmouth over summer should budget accordingly for the extra months. We would also recommend taking into consideration the cost of your flights and other expenses associated with travelling home for holidays. You can use other online sources to calculate how much money you might need to live and study in the UK or chat to current Falmouth students using our Ask Our Community pages to find out more about the actual costs.. Explore student life and find out more information about budgeting with our dedicated webinars.
Check out our virtual experience pages to find out more about life at Falmouth:
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“Falmouth is a special place; it’s a small town that produces some of the best creatives for the industry. It’s a unique place that gives you the best environment to learn and push your dreams to greater heights and just feels amazing when you study here. You also do not have to worry if you have no experience, the course lecturers are more than willing to help you as you work hard as well. There’s no judgment and just a lot of collaboration to help each other.”
Winston Tjia from Singapore, Graduate, Post Production & Visual Effects BA
“The application process was incredibly smooth with a huge amount of assistance from the team in Falmouth. This made us feel like it was actually going to work, from housing to the visa process. Turnaround of responses was almost immediate and the team was so patient as they helped us through a new and international process for us.” Daniel Silverman from Texas, USA, Parent of a Dance & Choreography BA graduate
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“The people are so nice and the tutors are always there to help no matter what. Falmouth has fantastic facilities, from massive studios to around £1.5m worth of photography equipment to play with. I absolutely loved it, an experience that I couldn’t get anywhere else. Best three years of my life — I wish I could go back and do it all again!” Pradyman Saman from India, Graduate, Marine & Natural History Photography BA
“Falmouth University provided me with the opportunity to grow. When I arrived, I was shy and unsure of myself. However, throughout my time here, I’ve gained confidence from the numerous opportunities the University offers, along with the incredible support and encouragement from lecturers and staff. They gave me a chance to showcase my true self and my skills, helping me unleash my inner creativity. No matter who you are or where you’re from, I hope you get the chance to experience everything Falmouth has to offer.”
Karis Tung from Hong Kong, Graduate, Animation BA
Any questions about life at Falmouth University? Ask a current student or staff at:
E: international@falmouth.ac.uk @falmouthuni
Photography Laura Bailey Elan Cholerton Larissa Hollis Matt Jessop Neal Megaw Hamish Kale Sadiye Kirbas John Liot Holly Lowe Jack Matthews Lara Pomeroy Mia Tuesday Alexander Walker Sophie Webster Claire Williams Alex Wilson