University of Plymouth
United Kingdom
Direct PartnerQS Ranking 2025
661
-100THE Ranking 2024
401
Shanghai Ranking 2024
701
-100Guardian University Ranking 2024
69
-6Student Satisfaction
91.3%
Graduate Employability
87%
Int. Student Percentage
7.8%
Int. Fee Range
£15,600k- £19,000k/pa
TEF Rating
Gold
Overview
The University of Plymouth is a welcoming place for international students! With great courses, modern facilities, and lots of support, it’s perfect for your studies and future career. Plus, the beautiful seaside location and friendly community make it a lovely place to live and learn.
Extended Overview
The University of Plymouth offers everything you need for a life-changing experience. Located by the coast, the campus offers beautiful views and a relaxed atmosphere, while providing quality education and modern facilities.
Whether you're pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate course, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to grow academically and personally. But it’s not just about hitting the books—this university is located in one of the most picturesque parts of England, with stunning coastal views just minutes from campus!
You’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: a thriving, modern university environment and a laid-back seaside lifestyle. As an international student, you’ll find a warm, welcoming community with endless support to help you succeed. Whether it’s career guidance, counselling, or social activities, Plymouth goes above and beyond to make sure you feel at home.
Plus, with close ties to industry leaders, you’ll have access to excellent internship and job opportunities. So, why wait? Apply now to join this exciting, forward-thinking institution and make your UK study adventure unforgettable!
Mission Statement
Advancing knowledge, transforming lives.
History
Origin: The University of Plymouth started in 1862 as the Plymouth School of Navigation. Back then, its focus was to support the city’s famous seafaring traditions by teaching maritime skills.
Expansion: Over time, the institution grew and started offering more courses in different areas. By 1970, it became Plymouth Technical College, known for practical and academic learning.
Achieving University Status: In 1992, it officially became the University of Plymouth, marking a huge step in its journey to becoming a leading centre for education and research.
Accreditation
The University of Plymouth boasts accreditation from some highly respected organisations. These include:
- Department for Education (DfE)
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
- Association of International Accountants (AIA)
- Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
- Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
- Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
- Joint Audio Media Education Services (JAMES)
- Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB)
Campus Facilities
Teaching and learning facilities
Universities offer high-tech classrooms, labs, and online learning tools. These help students understand lessons better, stay updated, and enjoy a flexible and engaging way of learning and growing.
Social and leisure facilities
The University of Plymouth cares about a balanced lifestyle. You’ll find plenty of sports and leisure facilities, both on campus and nearby, to match your interests and keep you active.
Research facilities
The university has great research facilities to help students, academics, and organisations work on new ideas. With modern labs and special equipment, it’s easy to team up, run experiments, and solve real-world problems.
Student learning and support services
Plymouth is all about helping you succeed. They offer a wide range of learning and support services to help with your studies and personal growth.
Accommodation facilities
Plymouth offers comfortable and convenient accommodation options to suit different needs. With a range of choices, you’ll find a place to call home while enjoying university life.
Courses
Undergraduate
- Accounting and Finance
- Accounting and Finance (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Accounting and Finance (with Foundation Year)
- Accounting and Finance (with Placement Year)
- Acting
- Acting (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Acting (with Foundation Year)
- Acting (with Placement Year)
- Anthropology
- Anthropology (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Anthropology (with Foundation Year)
- Anthropology (with Placement Year)
- Architectural Engineering
- Architectural Engineering (with Placement Year)
- Architecture
- Art History
- Art History (with Placement Year)
- Audio and Music Technology
- Audio and Music Technology (with Placement Year)
- Biological Sciences
- Biological Sciences (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Biological Sciences (with Foundation Year)
- Biological Sciences (with Placement Year)
- Biomedical Science
- Biomedical Science (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Biomedical Science (with Foundation Year)
- Biomedical Science (with Placement Year)
- Biosciences
- Biosciences (with Placement Year)
- Building Surveying
- Building Surveying (with Placement Year)
- Business
- Business and Management
- Business Management
- Business Management (2 Year Fast Track)
- Business Management (2 Year Fast Track) (with Placement Year)
- Business Management (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Business Management (with Foundation Year)
- Business Management (with Placement Year)
- Business Management with Finance
- Business Management with Human Resource Management
- Business Management with International Business
- Business Management with Marketing
- Business Management with Project Management
- Chemistry
- Chemistry (with Foundation Year)
- Chemistry (with Placement Year)
- Civil and Coastal Engineering
- Civil and Coastal Engineering (4 Years)
- Civil and Coastal Engineering (4 Years) (with Placement Year)
- Civil and Coastal Engineering (with Placement Year)
- Civil Engineering
- Civil Engineering (4 Years)
- Civil Engineering (4 Years) (with Placement Year)
- Civil Engineering (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Civil Engineering (with Foundation Year)
- Civil Engineering (with Placement Year)
- Clinical Physiology (Cardiac Physiology)
- Clinical Physiology (Cardiac Physiology) (with Placement Year)
- Computer Science
- Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
- Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) (with Placement Year)
- Computer Science (Cyber Security)
- Computer Science (Cyber Security) (with Placement Year)
- Computer Science (Games Development)
- Computer Science (Games Development) (with Placement Year)
- Computer Science (Software Engineering)
- Computer Science (Software Engineering) (with Placement Year)
- Computer Science (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Computer Science (with Foundation Year)
- Computer Science (with Placement Year)
- Conservation Biology
- Conservation Biology (with Placement Year)
- Construction Project Management
- Construction Project Management (with Placement Year)
- Creative Media
- Creative Media (with Foundation Year)
- Creative Writing
- Creative Writing (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Creative Writing (with Foundation Year)
- Creative Writing (with Placement Year)
- Criminology
- Criminology (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Criminology (with Foundation Year)
- Criminology (with Placement Year)
- Criminology and Psychology
- Criminology and Psychology (with Placement Year)
- Criminology and Sociology
- Criminology and Sociology (with Placement Year)
- Critical Care
- Critical Care (Intercalated)
- Dental Surgery
- Dental Surgery (with Integrated Foundation and Placement Year)
- Dental Surgery (with Integrated Foundation Year)
- Dental Surgery (with Placement Year)
- Dental Therapy and Hygiene
- Dental Therapy and Hygiene (with Integrated Foundation Year)
- Dental Therapy and Hygiene (with Integrated Foundation Year) (with Placement Year)
- Dental Therapy and Hygiene (with Placement Year)
- Diagnostic Radiography
- Diagnostic Radiography (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Diagnostic Radiography (with Foundation Year)
- Diagnostic Radiography (with Placement Year)
- Dietetics
- Dietetics (4 Years)
- Dietetics (4 Years) (with Placement Year)
- Dietetics (with Placement Year)
- Digital Media Design
- Digital Media Design (3 Years)
- Digital Media Design (3 Years) (with Placement Year)
- Digital Media Design (with Placement Year)
- Drama
- Drama (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Drama (with Foundation Year)
- Drama (with Placement Year)
- Early Childhood Studies
- Early Childhood Studies (with Foundation Year)
- Economics
- Economics (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Economics (with Foundation Year)
- Economics (with Placement Year)
- Education
- Education (with Foundation Year)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering (4 Years)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering (4 Years) (with Placement Year)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering (with Foundation Year)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering (with Placement Year)
- English
- English (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- English (with Foundation Year)
- English (with Placement Year)
- English and Creative Writing
- English and Creative Writing (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- English and Creative Writing (with Foundation Year)
- English and Creative Writing (with Placement Year)
- Environmental Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry (with Placement Year)
- Environmental Geography
- Environmental Geography (with Placement Year)
- Environmental Geoscience
- Environmental Geoscience (with Placement Year)
- Environmental Management and Sustainability
- Environmental Management and Sustainability (with Placement Year)
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Science (with Foundation and Placement Year )
- Environmental Science (with Foundation Year)
- Environmental Science (with Placement Year)
- Events Management
- Events Management (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Events Management (with Foundation Year)
- Events Management (with Placement Year)
- Filmmaking
- Finance with Business Accounting
- Financial Economics
- Fine Art
- Fine Art (with Foundation Year)
- Game Arts and Design
- Game Arts and Design (with Placement Year)
- Geography
- Geography (3 Years)
- Geography (3 Years) (with Placement Year)
- Geography (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Geography (with Foundation Year)
- Geography (with Placement Year)
- Geography with International Relations
- Geography with International Relations (with Placement Year)
- Geography with Ocean Science
- Geography with Ocean Science (with Placement Year)
- Geology
- Geology (4 Years)
- Geology (4 Years) (with Placement Year)
- Geology (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Geology (with Foundation Year)
- Geology (with Placement Year)
- Graphic Design with Typography
- Graphic Design with Typography (with Foundation Year)
- History
- History (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- History (with Foundation Year)
- History (with Placement Year)
- Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management
- Human Biosciences
- Human Biosciences (with Placement Year)
- Human Resource Management
- Illustration
- Illustration (with Foundation Year)
- Integrated Engineering
- Integrated Engineering (with Placement Year)
- Interior Design
- Interior Design (with Placement Year)
- International Business Management
- International Finance
- International Hospitality Management
- International Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- International Relations
- International Relations (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- International Relations (with Foundation Year)
- International Relations (with Placement Year)
- International Supply Chain and Shipping Management
- International Tourism Management
- International Tourism Management (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- International Tourism Management (with Foundation Year)
- International Tourism Management (with Placement Year)
- Law
- Law (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Law (with Foundation Year)
- Law (with Placement Year)
- Law and Criminology
- Law and Criminology (with Placement Year)
- Law with Business
- Law with Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Marine Biology
- Marine Biology (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Marine Biology (with Foundation Year)
- Marine Biology (with Placement Year)
- Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology
- Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology (with Placement Year)
- Marine Biology and Oceanography
- Marine Biology and Oceanography (with Placement Year)
- Marine Technology
- Marine Technology (4 Years)
- Marine Technology (4 Years) (with Placement Year)
- Marine Technology (with Placement Year)
- Maritime Business
- Maritime Business (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Maritime Business (with Foundation Year)
- Maritime Business (with Placement Year)
- Marketing
- Marketing (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Marketing (with Foundation Year)
- Marketing (with Placement Year)
- Mathematics
- Mathematics (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Mathematics (with Foundation Year)
- Mathematics (with Placement Year)
- Mathematics with Computer Science
- Mathematics with Computer Science (with Placement Year)
- Mathematics with Statistics
- Mathematics with Statistics (with Placement Year)
- Mathematics with Theoretical Physics
- Mathematics with Theoretical Physics (with Placement Year)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (4 Years)
- Mechanical Engineering (4 Years) (with Placement Year)
- Mechanical Engineering (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Mechanical Engineering (with Foundation Year)
- Mechanical Engineering (with Placement Year)
- Medicine & Surgery
- Medicine & Surgery (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Medicine & Surgery (with Foundation Year)
- Medicine & Surgery (with Placement Year)
- Midwifery
- Midwifery (with Placement Year)
- Music
- Music (with Placement Year)
- Nursing (Adult Health and Child Health)
- Nursing (Adult Health and Child Health) (with Placement Year)
- Nursing (Adult Health and Mental Health)
- Nursing (Adult Health and Mental Health) (with Placement Year)
- Nursing (Adult Health)
- Nursing (Adult Health) (with Placement Year)
- Nursing (Child Health and Mental Health)
- Nursing (Child Health and Mental Health) (with Placement Year)
- Nursing (Child Health)
- Nursing (Child Health) (with Placement Year)
- Nursing (Mental Health)
- Nursing (Mental Health) (with Placement Year)
- Nutrition, Exercise and Health
- Nutrition, Exercise and Health (with Placement Year)
- Occupational Therapy
- Occupational Therapy (4 Years)
- Occupational Therapy (4 Years) (with Placement Year)
- Occupational Therapy (with Placement Year)
- Ocean Exploration and Surveying
- Ocean Exploration and Surveying (with Placement Year)
- Ocean Science
- Ocean Science (with Placement Year)
- Ocean Science and Marine Conservation
- Ocean Science and Marine Conservation (with Placement Year)
- Ocean Sciences (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Ocean Sciences (with Foundation Year)
- Optometry
- Optometry (with Placement Year)
- Paramedic Science
- Paramedic Science (with Placement Year)
- Photography
- Photography (with Foundation Year)
- Physical Geography and Geology
- Physical Geography and Geology (with Placement Year)
- Physiotherapy
- Physiotherapy (4 Years)
- Physiotherapy (4 Years) (with Placement Year)
- Physiotherapy (with Placement Year)
- Podiatry
- Podiatry (with Placement Year)
- Politics
- Politics (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Politics (with Foundation Year)
- Politics (with Placement Year)
- Politics and International Relations
- Politics and International Relations (with Placement Year)
- Product and Furniture Design
- Product and Furniture Design (with Placement Year)
- Professional Policing
- Psychological Studies
- Psychology
- Psychology (4 Years)
- Psychology (4 Years) (with Placement Year)
- Psychology (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Psychology (with Foundation Year)
- Psychology (with Placement Year)
- Psychology with Clinical Psychology
- Psychology with Clinical Psychology (with Placement Year)
- Psychology with Criminology
- Psychology with Criminology (with Placement Year)
- Psychology with Human Biology
- Psychology with Human Biology (with Placement Year)
- Psychology with Human Neuroscience
- Psychology with Human Neuroscience (4 Years)
- Psychology with Human Neuroscience (4 Years) (with Placement Year)
- Psychology with Human Neuroscience (with Placement Year)
- Psychology with Sociology
- Psychology with Sociology (with Placement Year)
- Quantity Surveying
- Quantity Surveying (with Placement Year)
- Robotics
- Robotics (4 Years)
- Robotics (4 Years) (with Placement Year)
- Robotics (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Robotics (with Foundation Year)
- Robotics (with Placement Year)
- Social Work
- Social Work (with Placement Year)
- Sociology
- Sociology (with Foundation and Placement Year)
- Sociology (with Foundation Year)
- Sociology (with Placement Year)
- Urgent and Emergency Care (Intercalated)
- Zoology
- Zoology (with Placement Year)
Research
- Applied Health Studies
- Architecture
- Art & Media
- Art History
- Biological Sciences
- Biomedical Sciences
- Brain-Computer Music Interfacing
- Built Environment
- Business with Management
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Codex
- Computer Music
- Computing
- Creative Writing
- Criminology
- Cyber Security
- Dance
- Dental Studies
- Digital Art and Technology
- Education
- Education (6 Years)
- Engineering
- Engineering (with Placement Year)
- English
- Environmental Sciences
- Finance
- Geological Sciences
- Health Studies
- History
- Human Geography
- International Logistics, Supply Chain and Shipping Management
- International Relations
- Law
- Marine Sciences
- Marketing
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Studies
- Medicine
- Music
- Nutrition and Health
- Performing Arts
- Physical Geography
- Politics
- Prior Published Works in Biological Sciences
- Prior Published Works in Cyber Security
- Prior Published Works in Dental Studies
- Prior Published Works in Marine Science
- Prior Published Works in Medical Studies
- Psychology
- Quantum Computing in the Arts, Music and Humanities
- Social Policy
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Transtechnology Research
Postgraduate
- Acting
- Advanced Clinical Practice in Ophthalmology
- Advanced Clinical Practitioner in Mental Health
- Advanced Professional Practice (Health and Social Care Professions)
- Advanced Professional Practice (Nursing and Midwifery Professions)
- Advanced Professional Practice in Dietetics
- Advanced Professional Practice in Neurological Rehabilitation
- Advanced Professional Practice in Occupational Therapy
- Advanced Professional Practice in Physiotherapy
- Agriculture and Food
- Applied Health Studies
- Applied Marine Science
- Applied Marine Science (1 Year)
- Applied Theatre
- Architectural Design
- Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2)
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biological Sciences
- Biomedical Science
- Biomedical Science (1 Year)
- Biomedical Sciences (Plymouth)
- Business and Management
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering (1 Year)
- Climate Science, Policy and Society
- Clinical Education
- Clinical Education (1 Year)
- Clinical Education (Distance Learning)
- Clinical Psychology
- Clinical Research
- Clinical Research (2 Years)
- Coastal Engineering
- Communication Design
- Creative Writing
- Criminology
- Cyber Security
- Cybercrime, Terrorism and Security
- Data Science and Business Analytics
- Data Science and Environmental Intelligence
- Data Science and Environmental Intelligence (with Placement Year)
- Dental Studies
- Design
- Digital and Social Media Marketing
- Digital Culture and Society
- Education
- Education (Further Education and Skills)
- Education (Further Education and Skills) (with Placement Year)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering (1 Year)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering (with Placement Year)
- Endodontics
- Endodontics (1 Year)
- Endodontics (2 Years)
- English Literature
- Environmental and Engineering Geology
- Environmental Consultancy
- Environmental Geochemistry
- Environmental Sciences
- Experience Design
- Filmmaking
- Finance
- Fine Art
- Game Design
- Geological Sciences
- Global Health
- Health Data Science and Statistics
- Healthcare Management, Leadership and Innovation
- Healthcare Management, Leadership and Innovation (1 Year)
- Healthcare Management, Leadership and Innovation (3 Years)
- Heritage Theory and Practice
- History
- Human Geography
- Human Geography Research
- Human Neuroscience
- Human Nutrition
- Human Resource Management
- Hydrography
- International Business
- International Business (with Placement Year)
- International Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- International Procurement and Supply Chain Management
- International Relations: Global Security and Development
- International Shipping
- Law
- Low Carbon Architectural Engineering
- Marine Biology
- Marine Conservation
- Marine Sciences
- Marine Technology
- Marine Technology (with Placement Year)
- Maritime Cyber Security
- Maritime History
- Mathematics and Statistics
- MBA
- MBA (Top-Up)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (with Placement Year)
- Mechanical Engineering Design
- Medical Engineering
- Medical Studies
- Midwifery (Pre-Registration)
- Midwifery (Pre-Registration) (with Placement Year)
- Midwifery (Shortened)
- Midwifery (Shortened) (with Placement Year)
- Music
- Music Production
- Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration)
- Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) (with Placement Year)
- Offshore Renewable Energy
- Offshore Renewable Energy Engineering
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Optometry
- Optometry (with Placement Year)
- Oral Surgery
- Oral Surgery (1 Year)
- Oral Surgery (2 Years)
- Orthodontics
- Orthodontics (1 Year)
- Orthodontics (2 Years)
- Periodontology
- Periodontology (1 Year)
- Periodontology (2 Years)
- Photography
- Physical Geography
- Physiotherapy
- Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration)
- Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) (with Placement Year)
- Physiotherapy (with Placement Year)
- Planning
- Pre-Registration Nursing (Adult Health)
- Pre-Registration Nursing (Adult Health) (with Placement Year)
- Pre-Registration Nursing (Child Health)
- Pre-Registration Nursing (Child Health) (with Placement Year)
- Pre-Registration Nursing (Mental Health)
- Pre-Registration Nursing (Mental Health) (with Placement Year)
- Project Management
- Psychology
- Research Methods in Psychology
- Restorative Dentistry
- Restorative Dentistry (1 Year)
- Restorative Dentistry (2 Years)
- Robotics (1 Year)
- Screenwriting
- Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries
- Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries (with Placement Year)
- Sustainable Environmental Management
- Sustainable Environmental Management (1 Year)
- Teaching (Further Education and Skills)
- Teaching (Further Education and Skills) (with Placement Year)
- Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Biology
- Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Biology (with Placement Year)
Divisions and Departments
Plymouth University has something for everyone. Students can choose from business, health, science, engineering, arts, and more. Each department offers hands-on learning in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business
- Plymouth Business School
- School of Art, Design and Architecture
- School of Society and Culture
Faculty of Health
- School of Biomedical Sciences
- Peninsula Dental School
- Peninsula Medical School
- School of Health Professions
- School of Nursing and Midwifery
- School of Psychology
Faculty of Science and Engineering
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences
- School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Faculty and Staff
The University of Plymouth has a wonderful team of highly respected staff members. Some of the key people include:
- Professor Richard Davies (Vice-Chancellor)
- Professor Dafydd Moore (Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor)
- Professor John Curnow (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Education and Student Experience)
- Professor Kevin Jones (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation)
- Professor Chris Bennewith (Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business)
- Professor Robert Fern (Interim Executive Dean, Faculty of Health)
- Professor Christopher Fogwill (Executive Dean, Faculty of Science and Engineering)
- Julie Fielder (Chief Financial Officer)
- Laura Avery (HR Director)
- Ruth Bourne (IT Director)
- Lesley Castens (Director of Library and Academic Development)
- Adrian Dawson (Director of Research and Innovation)
- Paula Webster (Director of Strategy and Planning)
- Michael Lurie (Director of Plymouth Global)
- Anna Sendall (Academic Registrar)
- Trevor Wills (Director of Estates and Facilities)
- Professor Richard Yarwood (Director of the Doctoral College)
- Clare Martin (Interim Director of Marketing and Communications)
Student Life
Student life at the University of Plymouth is exciting and welcoming. The campus is in a beautiful coastal city, offering amazing views and a friendly atmosphere.
You’ll find great facilities like libraries, labs, and sports centres to support your studies and hobbies. There are plenty of clubs, societies, and events to join, making it easy to meet new people and have fun.
Living in Plymouth is more affordable than in bigger cities, and you can explore nearby beaches or Dartmoor National Park for outdoor adventures. The university also provides lots of support to help you succeed in your studies and enjoy your time there.
Student Statistics
- Undergraduate: 80%
- Postgraduate: 20%
- Full-time students: 85%
- Part-time students: 15%
- UK students: 89%
- EU students: 3%
- International students: 7%
- Female: 61%
- Male: 39%
Transportation
The University of Plymouth offers a variety of transportation options, including:
Train: The Plymouth Railway Station is a short walk from the campus.
Coach: The Plymouth Coach Station is a 10-minute walk from the campus.
Bus: Plymouth's buses connect the city centre, suburbs, and major transport hubs.
Ferry: Brittany Ferries offers car ferry services to Plymouth from Roscoff (France) and Santander (Spain).
Bicycle: The university has many cycling facilities on campus. The university also has three e-bike hubs and two electric pool cars on the main campus.
Parking: Drake Circus (PL1 1EA) and the Regent Street car park (PL4 8BA) are convenient parking options near the university's venues.
The university also has a Green Travel page on the intranet that provides information on travel schemes supported by the university.
Housing and Accommodation
The University of Plymouth has both on-campus and private accommodation options. Here’s a quick breakdown:
On-Campus Accommodation:
Types: Catered halls (meals included) and self-catered halls (kitchen available).
Popular halls: Albion House, Smeaton Court, and Penrose Court.
Location: Close to campus and the city centre.
Sustainability: Many options are eco-friendly.
Private Accommodation:
Available through partnerships with local letting agents.
Important Info:
- New undergraduates are guaranteed accommodation if they apply on time.
- Postgraduate students should apply early to secure a place.
Extracurricular Activities
The University of Plymouth offers lots of fun activities outside of classes. There are also plenty of clubs and societies you can join, and you can even take on a role on the committee. If you want to represent your year group, you can become a course rep.
You can join sports clubs like:
- Sailing
- Hockey
- Football
- Rugby
- Surfing
- Futsal
- Dodgeball
- Dance
- Clay pigeon shooting
- Boxing
The Careers Service also organizes events that help you develop important skills and get some work experience.
You can compete for the university in sports through British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) on Wednesday afternoons. Joining these activities helps you build skills that employers look for.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The University of Plymouth works with many different partners to support its teaching, research, and projects. These collaborations help the university make a positive difference both locally and around the world.
- United Kingdom Alliance for Disaster Research
- Plymouth City Council
- English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark
- Westcountry Rivers Trust
- Eden Project (an educational charity exploring how we can work towards a better future)
- Devon County Council
- North Devon Biosphere Foundation
- Babcock
- University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
- Plymouth Science Park
- Plymouth Energy Community
- Plymouth Social Enterprise Network (PSEN)
- Plymouth Citybus
- Plymouth Community Homes
- Princess Yachts
- GeoScience Limited
- Plymouth Culture
- Devon Wildlife Trust
- Devon and Cornwall Police
- SWMAS
- Devon and Plymouth Chamber
- Cornish Mining World Heritage Site
- Cornwall Council
- National Geographic
- Heart of the South West LEP
- Accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
- art.earth
- BRE
- Regen
- Sustainable Soils Alliance
- Schumacher College
- Torridge District Council
- Environment Plymouth
- Forestry Commission
- Network of Wellbeing
- MAKE Southwest
- School for Social Entrepreneurs
- Future Earth
- Surfing England
- Amey plc
- National Centre for Universities and Business
Research Opportunities
The University of Plymouth supports postgraduate research across 30 different areas. This institution is home to a range of research facilities, including centres, institutes, and laboratories.
Research Centers
- Centre for Coastal Communities
- Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy
- Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC)
Strategic Research Institutes
- Richard Thompson Plymouth Pioneers
- Marine Institute
- Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research
Laboratories
- Wolfson Laboratory: A cleanroom lab for nanomaterials, graphene devices, and electronics.
- Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre: Features electron microscopes for advanced research.
- Biomedical Research Group: A lab with high-level safety for working with dangerous pathogens.
- Materials and Structures Group: Includes facilities for rapid prototyping, such as 3D printers and laser cutters.
Fees and Scholarships
Tuition fees for international students at the University of Plymouth depend on the course and year:
- Extended Diplomas: £11,500 per year for a two-year course
- Foundation Diploma: £11,500 per year for a ten-month course
- BA (Hons) and Extended BA Degrees: £16,500 per year for a full-time three-year course
The university requests for full payment upon enrollment, but if you can’t pay all at once, you can pay in three instalments. To get your Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS), which is needed for your Student visa, you must pay a minimum deposit of £3,500.
You can also apply for scholarships like the International Academic Excellence Scholarship, which offers a 50% discount on your first-year tuition fees if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Alumni Network
- Seb Clover, world's youngest single-handed cross-Atlantic sailor
- Philip Payton, historian.
- Monty Halls, BBC wildlife presenter
- Michael Underwood, television presenter
- Judith Wilcox, Baroness Wilcox, life peer
- Jane Wilson-Howarth, travel writer and physician.
- Steve Augarde, children's author.
- Sue Austin, artist.
- Julian Bovis, artist.
- Pen Dalton, artist.
- Andrea Polli, artist.
- Hatice Güleryüz, artist.
- Ellen Levy, multimedia artist and scholar.
- Mandy Chessell, computer scientist at IBM.
- Darren Jones, MP for Bristol North West.
- Matt Cooke, journalist.
- Laura Anne Jones, politician.
- Mark Williams, politician.
- Darius J. Pearce, politician.
- Heather Koldewey, marine biologist.
- David Sims, marine biologist.
- Clare Nasir, meteorologist.
- Members of the band Meeky Rosie.
- Jaka Singgih, Indonesian businessman and politician.
- Tom Rivett-Carnac, Officer of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
- Gareth Owen (sound designer), sound designer.
- Heiko Andreas von der Gracht, futurist.
Career Services
The University of Plymouth has an exclusive My Career Portal and team designed to support students in their career journeys. Here are some of the ways it helps:
- See an adviser
- Skills development workshops and resources
- Careers support for first-year students
- Events and professional development to help you network and grow
- Careers support for international students
- Gaining work experience, looking and applying for work
Awards and Recognitions
- ‘Triple Gold’ rating across all three categories (Teaching Excellence Framework)
- Queen’s Anniversary Prizes
- Over 95% employability (Graduate Outcome Survey)
Rankings and Achievements
- 2nd carbon-neutral university in the UK (Verified to PAS 2060 standard 2023)
- Ranked 661–670 in the 2025 QS World University Rankings
- Ranked as a top green university in the UK (People & Planet Green League)
- Ranked top 5 for life below water and top 3 for zero hunger in UK (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024)
Location
The University of Plymouth is right in the heart of Plymouth city. It’s a lively spot with shops, cafes, and everything you need just around the corner. The city is full of history and has a cool coastal vibe, with amazing views of the sea and plenty of places to explore.
You can visit the nearby beaches, enjoy water activities at Plymouth Sound, or relax in Dartmoor National Park. It’s a great mix of city life and nature, making it a fantastic place to study and enjoy life. The campus is modern and easy to reach, with good transport links to other parts of the UK.
Address: Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's known for strong research, modern facilities, and courses in health, marine sciences, and engineering. It's student-focused and affordable.