The University of Plymouth

One of the UK's largest Universities, Plymouth's main campus is situated in the heart of the city of Plymouth, Devon. The University has other campuses in Taunton and Truro (Health subjects), and Camborne (Social Work) and a network of affiliated colleges all over the South West of England.

Background and History

The origins of higher education in Plymouth can be traced back two centuries to the establishment of the Mechanics' Institutes in Plymouth and Devonport after adult educational movements swept across Britain. Plymouth University's recent history started as Plymouth College of Technology which was given Polytechnic status in 1970. It gained its University status in 1992.

Location and Accessibility

Rail: The railway station is a five-minute walk from campus. Trains run direct to London, South Wales, Scotland and the Midlands. Regular coach services operate from Plymouth bus station.

Road: From the M5 take the A38 Expressway via Exeter. Follow signs to the city centre.

For information on disability services at Plymouth, please visit the website.

What's on Offer

BA, BDS, BEd, BEng, BM, BS, BSc, CertEd, CPD, DBA, DPA, DipHE, FdA, FdSc, LLB, LLM, MA, MArch, MBA, MEng, MFA, MGeol, MRes, MSc, Grad Dip, PG Dip, PG Cert, Prof Doc.

Entry Requirements

For Accounting, Economics and Maths; 240-300 UCAS Points For Arts and Languages: 220-260 UCAS Points For Social and Health Care: 240-280 UCAS Points For Sciences: 240-340 UCAS Points.

University Accommodation

The university offers self-catered accommodation in the form of halls of residence and cluster flats. All halls are close to the shopping and nightlife in the city centre and within a fifteen minute walk from the campus.

Private Accommodation

The university works with letting agents in Plymouth who specialise in student accommodation. There is also a selection of private accommodation which is university approved, which is all within walking distance of the university campus.

Faculties and Departments

Plymouth University is divided into five different faculties: The Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Health, Education and Society, the Faculty of Science and Technology, Plymouth Business School. The University is also home to the University of Plymouth Colleges Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry and Plymouth Devon International College.  

Academic strengths and research profile

Plymouth is ranked in the top ten in the UK for Agriculture and Forestry and Food Science. The University offers a wide variety of subjects to study, including Architecture, Business, Education, Hospitality, Marine and Environmental Sciences, Robotics and Computer Science, Social Work and Tourism. Some 80% of research was judged as being of international repute in the Research Assessment Exercise of 2008 and many subject areas contained research that was rated world-leading'.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary depending on the course of study chosen and whether you wish to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. Fees for international students are also likely to be considerably higher than those for UK/EU students. For a full list of fees it is advisable to contact the university directly or visit their website. Financial Support The National Scholarship programme is available to students with a household income of under £16,000. There are also various bursaries and funding options available for specific courses.

Academic Facilities

The Charles Seale-Hayne Library at the heart of the Plymouth campus offers 24/7 access to books and learning resources, IT facilities and WiFi, study spaces and a caf. Libraries are also located in Taunton and Exeter.

Other on-site Amenities

Plymouth city provides a variety of shops, banks and restaurants, which are close to the Plymouth campus. The University boasts a range of sporting facilities such as a state-of-the-art fitness complex, a diving and marine centre, watersports centre and grass pitches. The Students' Union offers a range of clubs and societies.  

Medical and Social Care

Plymouth has its own medical centre, which provides a range of services. The counselling service and a multi-faith chaplaincy also offer support for students.

What's on in the Area

Plymouth has a range of shopping facilities, from High Street names in Drake Circus to markets and retailers in the Independent Quarter and specialist shops in the Barbican's Historic quarter of town. The Barbican Leisure Centre boasts a multiplex cinema, Megabowl and Health Club while the Plymouth Pavillions complex has a range of facilities including an ice rink, swimming pool and conference facilities and hosts an array of concerts, operas, ballets and sporting events. Comedies, musicals, pantomimes and various other top class productions are also on frequently at the Theatre Royal. Other local attractions include Crownhill Fort, Tinside Lido and Blackfriars Distillery.

Moving On

Careers Gateway is open to students of Plymouth and other Universities and Colleges and graduates (within the past three years) for guidance and advice. The service offers workshops, advice on CVs and interviews and other career guidance.

Plymouth has the largest Marine Science and Engineering School in Europe. BBC wildlife presenter Monty Halls went to Plymouth and documentary host Professor Iain Stewart is a member of staff. Plymouth consistently ranks highly in The People Planet Green League of UK universities and was ranked first in 2010.

Is Plymouth the place for you?

If you'd like to be part of a large student community then Plymouth is a good option. It has a wide range of vocational and more unusual subjects on offer such as Marine Biology and Agriculture and Forestry. If you'd rather be close to a big city, UWE might be a better option. Other universities you might like to consider would be Bournemouth and Brighton.