Falmouth University

Key Highlights

• Founded from Falmouth School of Art, which opened in 1902
• Separate Higher Education Corporation regulated by the Office for Students
• Holds its own taught-degree-awarding powers
• Operates across Falmouth Campus, Penryn Campus and online
• Current MPhil and PhD awards are made through the University of the Arts London

Student Life & Environment

Student life is divided between the neighbouring towns of Falmouth and Penryn. The university reports that its Students’ Union provides more than 100 societies alongside sports clubs, volunteering, fundraising, representation and political groups. The union serves both Falmouth University and University of Exeter students at the shared Penryn site, creating a broader cross-institution community there. The two campuses provide different day-to-day environments. Falmouth Campus combines studios and subtropical gardens within walking distance of the town and coast. Penryn is the larger shared campus, with teaching facilities, libraries, a sports centre, food outlets, the Stannary bar and event venue, gardens, student services and Glasney Student Village. The chosen course generally determines where a student spends most of their academic time, although buses connect the campuses. For September 2026, university accommodation includes shared and single rooms as well as other room types across several residences. The published first-year undergraduate guarantee is conditional on firmly accepting a place and meeting the accommodation process and deadline; after the 5 June 2026 ballot deadline, remaining rooms are allocated first come, first served. New on-campus postgraduate students starting in September 2026 may apply for accommodation at Glasney Student Village. Private rentals are also available in Falmouth and Penryn.

Location & Surroundings

Falmouth University is in Cornwall in south-west England, with campuses in Falmouth and nearby Penryn. Falmouth Campus is at Woodlane in Falmouth, while Penryn Campus is on Treliever Road in Penryn. The university states that the sites are approximately four miles apart; regular buses typically take 20–25 minutes, so students should account for their assigned campus when choosing housing and planning travel. Falmouth is a coastal harbour town with beaches, independent shops, restaurants, pubs, and an established arts and music scene. Gyllyngvase Beach is within walking distance of Falmouth Campus, while the wider Cornwall coastline provides access to sea swimming, walking and surfing. Penryn offers a quieter campus setting and direct access to substantial campus facilities and Glasney accommodation. The coastal setting is a defining advantage for students who value outdoor access and a smaller-town environment. The corresponding trade-off is distance from major UK metropolitan centres. Applicants seeking frequent access to large-city employers, nightlife or transport hubs should compare travel times and costs with the benefits of Cornwall’s setting.

Costs & Career Outcomes

For students beginning in September 2026, the published annual tuition fee for a standard three-year, on-campus BA or BSc is £9,790 for UK/Home students and £19,950 for international students. The on-campus professional placement year is listed at £1,955. Online, accelerated and integrated foundation-year routes have separate fee structures; three named foundation-year courses carry a reduced UK/Home foundation-year fee. Fees are set annually and may rise in later years, so students should budget beyond the first-year figure and confirm the terms attached to their offer. Postgraduate tuition varies by course and mode, and applicants should use the relevant 2026/27 course page rather than infer a single university-wide master’s fee. Tuition excludes accommodation and general living expenses. For September 2026, published university-linked housing ranged from £149.66 per week for an uncatered shared Glasney room to higher-priced single and other room types, generally on 40-week contracts. Course-specific materials, equipment, software and field trips can add further costs. The Employability Service is available from the beginning of study through graduation and beyond. Its support includes CV development, e-learning, career events, employment opportunities, freelance guidance and help developing business ideas. Micro-internships are also advertised through the service. These resources are relevant to Falmouth’s practice-oriented courses, but the university’s service description does not guarantee placements, employment, salaries or particular employers; candidates should investigate outcomes for their exact course and preferred industry.