Celebrating 120 Years

120 Years Banner Video

A montage of images from throughout Falmouth University's 120 year history. All images have a blue overlay and the Falmouth University 120 logo. 

In 1902 Falmouth School of Art opened as an evolution of The Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society, which aimed to 'promote the useful and fine arts, to encourage industry and to elicit the ingenuity of a community distinguished for its mechanical skill.’ 

The school started as we mean to go on - harnessing creativity to forge the future of industry. To celebrate this anniversary, we delved into the archives and quizzed our community to unearth the stories that have shaped us.

Our timeline: The moments that made us

Journey through our timeline to discover the moments that made us; from the inception of Falmouth School of Art in 1902 and the installation of our Chancellor Dawn French in 2015, to welcoming our new Vice-Chancellor Professor Emma Hunt in 2022 (and the triumphs and challenges faced along the way). 

Prospectus
Prospectus

The evolution of our prospectus


Explore how our prospectus front page has developed from the mid 1900s to the present day, and hear from the people that help bring them to life. 

View story

Stories from our community

In 2022, we quizzed former and current students, staff and friends of the University about their experience at Falmouth and what it meant to them. Read about the careers launched and connections made, below. 

All stories

Kingdom & Sparrow
Kingdom & Sparrow

Meet Falmouth-based design studio Kingdom & Sparrow

06 July 2023

Behind the doors of the old School of Art building lives the distinctive design agency and a team of...

Meet Falmouth-based design studio Kingdom & Sparrow
Emma and Alan
Emma and Alan

In conversation with Professor Alan Livingston CBE (Part 1)

16 December 2022

Our Vice Chancellor talks to the former University College Falmouth principal about the challenges a...

In conversation with Professor Alan Livingston CBE (Part 1)
Emma Rice
Emma Rice

Looking ahead: Friends of Falmouth cast their minds forward

15 December 2022

Emma Rice, Rob Da Bank, Philip Marden and Sir Tim Smit KBE imagine the future of Falmouth University...

Looking ahead: Friends of Falmouth cast their minds forward
Freya Dorgan
Freya Dorgan

Lifelong connections made at Falmouth

15 December 2022

Hear from former students who’ve formed lifelong connections with friends they met at Falmouth.

Lifelong connections made at Falmouth
Tony Njoku
Tony Njoku

Hear from inspiring alumni

15 December 2022

Meet just a few of our outstanding alumni and discover where it all started.

Hear from inspiring alumni
SOA Office
SOA Office 2

Meet the creative team now based in the original Falmouth School of Art building

15 December 2022

We visit Kingdom & Sparrow, the creative team now based in the building where it all began.

Meet the creative team now based in the original Falmouth School of Art building
Juvenile lobsters in a white growing tray
Lobster Grower juvenile tray

Research at Falmouth: Building on the rich legacy of a creative county

15 December 2022

Professor David Prior, Director of Research, reflects on the incredible evolution of Research & Inno...

Research at Falmouth: Building on the rich legacy of a creative county
filmmaker Mark Jenkin on set
BAIT Film by Lecturer Mark Jenkin Gains International Acclaim
Photo credit: Steve Tanner

In conversation: Dennis Lowe & Mark Jenkin

15 December 2022

Dennis Lowe and Mark Jenkin discuss classic cameras, creative inspiration and their experiences at t...

In conversation: Dennis Lowe & Mark Jenkin
5 people, who are part of the Diploma in Art and Design Course, sit on the ground in front of Falmouth University in 1963.
Art School

Then and now: Student life

15 December 2022

In 60 years, how has student life changed? From parties to politics, two students past and present d...

Then and now: Student life
An open window reveals a large ferry
David Swarbrick

Falmouth alumni photo album

27 April 2022

Explore Falmouth life through the lens of our graduates.  Whether you're reminiscing about y...

Falmouth alumni photo album

Join our alumni community

We love to keep in touch with our alumni. Head to our Alumni page to share your news with us, join our Falmouth Connect LinkedIn group and subscribe to our newsletter, which is packed full of stories, opportunities and useful information. 

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Falmouth student singing into microphone and playing keyboard.