New students starting in September: You can find more information about College Ready Sessions and submitting your GCSE results in our online Guide. Transport and bursary information will be available from 15 June 2026.
FACULTY OF Art, Design & Photography
Regardless of your chosen medium, your creative and technical skills will flourish in our Art, Design & Photography department.
Learn Through Creating
Your creativity will be enhanced with a unique learning environment. Truro & Penwith College offers purpose-built facilities containing specialist studios, darkrooms, exhibition spaces and inspirational views across Cornwall. These spaces will provide you with an experience of the diverse creative industries.
You will have the opportunity to build a portfolio of work as well as a chance to exhibit in our annual exhibitions. Many students progress to university or to our successful Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, based at our Tregye campus.
Get Creative
Students exhibit their work locally and nationally, at live venues and over digital platforms, including the Mall Galleries, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Royal Academy of Arts, the Truman Gallery and New Designers, London. We also host our own annual Art Shows in the Fal building at Truro College and Penzance School of Art, exhibiting artwork from all levels and courses.
2.5m
The Creative Industries account for 24% of the UK workforce (2.5 million jobs) contributing over £77 billion per year to the UK Economy.
LEVELS 1 – 6
Our Art & Design Department offers progression pathways from Level 1 through to Level 6 BA Hons in Silversmithing and Jewellery and Design Craft Maker.
travel
Student residential visits have included travel to Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, New York, and London and many individual day trips to visit local exhibitions, museums, studios, workshops, and galleries.
Expert
Students work with energetic and well qualified staff, who have expert knowledge and are practicing creatives in many specialisms.
Creative Inspiration in Milan
We caught up with Adam, studying the Extended Diploma in Art, Design & Communication, who has just returned from an inspiring trip to Milan with the course.
From exploring world-famous art and design to experiencing the creative culture of one of Europe’s most influential design cities, the trip gave Adam new ideas and inspiration for his work.
Adam hopes to pursue a future in art, and the course is helping him develop the skills, creativity, and confidence to take the next step in his artistic journey.
Trips like this are just one of the many opportunities students experience while studying Art & Design at Truro & Penwith College.
Student Art Exhibitions
The annual art exhibitions at Truro and Penwith College celebrate the creativity, innovation and technical skill of students across a wide range of disciplines. Showcasing final major projects in areas such as fine art, fashion, photography, 3D design and more, these exhibitions transform campus spaces into professional gallery-style environments where students present their work to the public, local communities and industry audiences.
More than just a celebration, these exhibitions provide invaluable opportunities for students to gain confidence, receive feedback, build professional portfolios and take meaningful steps toward careers or further study in the creative industries, making them a defining and inspiring part of the college experience.
A VARIETY OF COURSES
We have a wide range of qualifications, from A Levels and Diplomas to Undergraduate Degrees. All of our tutors are experts in their fields, whether silversmiths, photographers, illustrators or interior designers, and will give you the support and tuition you need to achieve your potential.
INSPIRATIONAL SETTINGS
Studying with us, you’ll have access to industry-standard studios and vibrant exhibition space in the purpose-built specialist White and Kenwyn buildings at Truro College and the refurbished Nanjizal building in Penwith, which offers space, light and fantastic views over the Penwith Campus and Mounts Bay beyond. Through the study of history, theory and techniques, you’ll be encouraged to explore and experiment with different ideas in a way that will spark your creativity and energise your practical work.
Every year, our students develop and explore new skills and ideas. They progress to prestigious universities and become part of the creative industries.
Arlo Tinson
Head of Faculty
The lecturers have been incredibly supportive, providing guidance on both my coursework and external opportunities like the Pelican Programme. They always encourage creative thinking and push me to explore new ideas.
Paria
A Level 3D Design, Maths, Physics and Computer Science
FIND THE COURSE FOR YOU
Frequently Asked Questions
To apply for an art, design and photography course at Truro and Penwith College, visit the course page on our official college website and complete your application online.
Entry requirements for art, design and photography programs vary. Check the specific course details on the college website or prospectus or contact the admissions office for the most accurate and up-to-date information on entry requirements.
Graduates from art, design and photography programs at Truro and Penwith College can pursue diverse career paths, including roles in Animation, Fine Art, Interior Design, Architecture, Fashion and Textiles and more. The field offers a wide range of opportunities in various industries. Visit the Career Zone or truro-penwith.ac.uk/career-zone to find out more.
Yes, students exhibit work locally and nationally, over digital platforms and live venues including the Mall Galleries, New Designers, Royal Society of British Artists and the British Art Medal Society in London. We also host our own annual Art Shows in Truro City Centre and Penzance School of Art, exhibiting artwork from all levels and courses.
The White building at Truro is a purpose-built art facility containing specialist studios and exhibition spaces. At Penwith, the Nanjizal building has space, light and views over the campus. These exceptional studios with fantastic resources, including the south west’s largest range of 3D printers, laser cutters and profilers, will provide you with an experience of diverse creative industries. Come and see for yourself at one of our Open Events. Visit truro-penwith.ac.uk/events.
We strongly recommend making an application for your chosen course as soon as you can when you are in your final year of school. After you have submitted your application, you will be invited to attend an interview where you can make amendments to your application if need be.