Back to top

UK university rebrand already has impact

Plymouth University in the UK has undergone a substantial rebranding process and claims that its new image – which reflects its creative, connected, empowering ethos – is already impacting on application figures for the 2012/2013 academic year.
April 30 2012
1 Min Read

Plymouth University in the UK has undergone a substantial rebranding process and claims that its new image – which reflects its creative, connected, empowering ethos – is already impacting on application figures for the 2012/2013 academic year. “Above-sector average application figures for 2012/13 reveal that it’s already having a telling effect,” announced the institution.

The university, which is in southern England, discarded the graphic elements that had been a part of its identity for the previous 19 years to produce a new brand where words are the main communication tool. It uses simple typographical constructs based around the words “with Plymouth University”; such as Empower with, Innovate with, Pioneer with, Engage with…

The message behind the rebrand is to convey Plymouth’s five core values: Expert; Connected; Creative; Spirited; Empowering.

Jane Chafer, Director of External Relations and Communication Services, said that where the university was seen as ‘fun’, ‘modern’, and ‘prestigious’, the previous logo did not support those perceptions. “It was also clear that the University was suffering from a ‘house of brands’ – with scores of different identities for its institutes and public-facing entities.”

She highlighted that branding was key in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape: “Where differentiation could be key to success and survival, that strong, embedded brand can help Plymouth University stand apart from its peers.”

Chafer added that feedback had been positive. “Importantly, the feedback from prospective students is that the brand… befits our world-class reputation for research and teaching, and our collaborative and connected approach to engaging with community partners and key stakeholders.”

2
Comments
Add Your Opinion
Show Response
Leave Your Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *