As a student at the University of Plymouth, I've witnessed firsthand the invaluable role that arts education plays in shaping our futures, nurturing our creativity, and fostering a well-rounded, inclusive environment. The arts are not a luxury; they are an essential component of our education and personal growth, providing a space for self-expression and innovation.

Following recent internal meetings, it has come to light that the University is considering significant reductions in arts and design courses and staffing. Many PGR (post-graduate researcher) students have chosen to study at this university because of the opportunity to work under the guidance of specific academic staff (especially Director of Studies) whose research aligns with their own. Should these staff members be made redundant, students may be left without suitable academic supervision, and many international students will not choose this university anymore. 

We strongly oppose these proposals.

These cuts endanger the future of creative education at Plymouth and represent a clear departure from the University's stated values of inclusivity, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

These proposals are not isolated—they reflect a broader national pattern of devaluing arts and humanities education. The University of Plymouth has long benefited from the visibility, richness, and innovation that its creative disciplines offer. To dismantle them now is to reject a future where culture, creativity, and education must remain deeply connected.

We urge the University of Plymouth to halt the proposed redundancies and course closures, engage in transparent consultation with students and staff, and publish the financial rationale behind these decisions and explore fairer, alternative solutions that do not disproportionately target the arts.

Let's stand together to protect and uphold the arts at the University of Plymouth. Please sign this petition to ensure we keep arts education accessible to all students.