Author bio: Falmouth University: a UK university with over a century of creative excellence. We’ve proudly delivered accessible online degrees alongside our on campus provision since 2016.
For families who are home educating or using online schools, conversations about applying to university often come with extra questions and concerns. Will universities recognise my child’s unique educational journey? What if they don’t have traditional qualifications like GCSEs, or A-levels?
At Falmouth University, we understand that education doesn’t look the same for everyone. In fact, some of the most talented, curious, and creative students we work with have taken unconventional routes to get here – and we celebrate that.
Why non-traditional backgrounds matter
As a specialist creative arts university, we know that creativity doesn’t follow a set path. We regularly welcome students who don’t have standard qualifications but have spent their time pursuing their passions; whether that’s building a design portfolio, composing music, writing scripts, creating animations, or earning qualifications like Open University modules. That’s exactly the kind of student we’re here to support: someone who has shown drive, passion, and commitment to their subject in their own way.
Most universities – Falmouth included! – use a process called Accreditation of Prior Learning to assess future students. Accreditation of Prior Learning means future students may be able to meet the entry requirements for a chosen course in a different way than traditional UCAS points. For instance, they may have proven equivalent experience that would give them the prior knowledge to study the course.
- Relevant qualifications
- Their own proven study
As part of our application process, we see every student as more than their grades. Many of our courses request a portfolio or presentation of a future students’ work, and we also ask to speak with students via online interview too.
Non-traditional backgrounds need non-traditional degrees
Students who have already experienced online learning – whether through home education or online schools – are often well prepared for university-level study, but for various reasons the physical move to university may not be best for them.
For many home-educated families, the Open University has long been a go-to for higher education. It’s an excellent option, but not the only one.
For learners with a passion for creative subjects such as design, fine art, photography, or illustration, studying at a specialist arts university like Falmouth offers an equally flexible pathway, but with course content tailored specifically for creative thinkers.
Our online degrees build on those foundations, combining expert tutor support, a flexible learning model, and access to a global community of creative peers. Students graduate with a full degree – that does not say “Online” – just like their on-campus counterparts, but with the flexibility to study in ways that fit their lifestyle.
What we look for
While UCAS points and formal qualifications can be useful, they are not the only indicators of potential. When you apply to Falmouth, we look at:
- Your portfolio of work – if you’re applying for a creative degree, we want to see what you can do, not just what certificates you have.
- Your experience and achievements – these could be independent projects, self-directed learning, or even work experience.
- Your motivation and passion – through your personal statement and interview, we want to understand your commitment to your chosen subject.
- Your educational background – yes, we’ll ask about it, but we don’t expect it to be the standard route.
Find out more
We’d love to talk to you about your options, and support your young person to make the move to university, whether joining us on campus or online. You can speak with a Course Advisor for 1:1 advice on our website.
Whether you have a collection of sketchbooks, a self-built animation, or just a spark of creative ambition – you don’t have to follow a traditional route to join us.
