Falmouth University (Cornish: Pennskol Aberfala) is a multi-arts university based in Falmouth and Penryn, Cornwall, England. Founded in 1902, it had previously been the Falmouth School of Art, Falmouth College of Art and Design and then Falmouth College of Arts until it received taught degree-awarding powers, and the right to use the title "University College", in March 2005. In April 2008, University College Falmouth merged with Dartington College of Arts, adding a range of Performance courses to its portfolio. On 27 November 2012, a communication was released to the staff and students and local press that 'University College Falmouth is to be granted full university status in a move that will further its ambition to become one of the top five arts universities in the world.' On 9 December 2012, the University College was officially granted full university status by the Privy Council. Falmouth University was judged by The Sunday Times to be the UK’s top art university from 2015-2017.