Celebrating 120 Years

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. 

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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

Salem
Salem

From studying Film to International Business Management at Falmouth

02 June 2026

For BA(Hons) Film graduate Salem Joynes, the collaborative and supportive environment of Falmouth’...

From studying Film to International Business Management at Falmouth
Ottilie's work
Ottilie's work

Fashion Design student sees her work featured in Flanelle Magazine

01 June 2026

BA(Hons) Fashion Design final-year student Ottilie Macmillan has seen her work featured in the most ...

Fashion Design student sees her work featured in Flanelle Magazine
Hannah Moffatt
Hannah Moffatt

Creative Advertising alumna on her varied career as creative director and children’s author

28 May 2026

Having seen her debut novel shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2023, MA Crea...

Creative Advertising alumna on her varied career as creative director and children’s author
jack mulford

Game Development graduate on working on the new Forza Horizons 6

27 May 2026

Hot off the heels of graduating from BA(Hons) Game Development: Design, graduate Jack Mulford joined...

Game Development graduate on working on the new Forza Horizons 6
A student in the costume studio

The future of Costume Design starts here | Degree Show Stories

27 May 2026

BA(Hons) Costume Design for Film & Television final year student Maisie Pepperell discusses collabor...

The future of Costume Design starts here | Degree Show Stories
Dawn French
Dawn French

Falmouth Chancellor Dawn French releases new novel with Penguin Books

27 May 2026

Falmouth University Chancellor, much-loved comedian and bestselling author, Dawn French, has release...

Falmouth Chancellor Dawn French releases new novel with Penguin Books
Alex Barton
Alex Barton

Textile Design alumna on her exciting global career with Edinburgh Weavers

21 May 2026

From spending a summer studying in Florence as part of her course to now travelling to Italy again a...

Textile Design alumna on her exciting global career with Edinburgh Weavers
Natasha Knight
Natasha Knight

Online Illustration alumna on working at the Association of Illustrators

20 May 2026

After being drawn to Falmouth because of the University’s reputation, course content, flexibility ...

Online Illustration alumna on working at the Association of Illustrators
josh bainbridge
josh bainbridge

Visual Effects graduate celebrated with Academy Award

15 May 2026

BA(Hons) Digital Animation & Visual Effects graduate Josh Bainbridge has received a Scientific and T...

Visual Effects graduate celebrated with Academy Award
SAS Paddle Out
SAS Paddle Out

How creatives from Falmouth are using art to advocate for positive change

15 May 2026

Duncan Cameron, Head of Art at Falmouth University, has been working with students to create a giant...

How creatives from Falmouth are using art to advocate for positive change

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Falmouth student singing into microphone and playing keyboard.