About University of Plymouth
University of Plymouth is a modern, research-intensive university on England's spectacular south-west coast. Known for marine sciences, environmental research, and health programmes, Plymouth offers stunning waterfront facilities, strong industry links, and access to outstanding natural environments for study and recreation.
Key Information
Student Statistics
- • 21,000 total students
- • 3,000 international students
- • 100 student societies
Location
- • Located in Plymouth
- • Public university
- • Established 1862
Subject Rankings
Earth & Marine Sciences (2024)
51Academics & Faculties
Degrees Offered
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Foundation, BDS, MBBS
Popular Subjects
Marine BiologyOcean ScienceNursingMedicineEnvironmental ScienceArchitectureBusiness ManagementPsychologyLaw
Student-Staff Ratio
16 : 1
Faculties & Departments
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Biological and Marine Sciences, Computing, Electronics and Mathematics, Engineering, Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Faculty of Health
Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry and Medicine, Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business
Architecture, Design and Art, Humanities and Performing Arts, Law, Criminology and Government, Plymouth Business School
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
Academic: AAA - CCC depending on programme
Alternatives: IB: 26-36 points depending on programme, BTEC: DDD-MMM depending on programme, Access to HE accepted
IELTS: 6
R 5.5 / W 5.5 / L 5.5 / S 5.5
TOEFL iBT: 72
UCAT for Medicine and Dentistry • Portfolio for Architecture and Art • DBS check for health programmes
Postgraduate
Minimum Qualification: UK Honours degree (2:1 or 2:2 depending on programme)
GPA: 2.7
IELTS: 6.5
R 6 / W 6 / L 6 / S 6
TOEFL iBT: 85
Two references • Research proposal for PhD • Portfolio for creative programmes
Fees & Funding
Tuition (International)
- Undergraduate: £15,000
- Postgraduate: £16,000
- Foundation: £13,500
Living Costs (Annual)
- Accommodation: £5,000
- Food: £2,100
- Transport: £400
- Entertainment: £1,000
- Other: £600
- Total: £9,100
Scholarships
Plymouth International Scholarship
MeritMerit-based scholarship for international students.
Value: £4,000 (Partial)
International students • Strong academic achievement
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship
MeritPremium scholarship for top international applicants.
Value: £6,000 (Partial)
Outstanding academic record • Exceptional applicants
Plymouth Bursary
Need-basedFinancial support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Value: £1,000 (Partial)
UK students • Household income below £25,000
Campus & Facilities
Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA
Modern campus overlooking Plymouth Sound with stunning waterfront views. £150m+ investment has created state-of-the-art facilities including the Marine Station, one of the finest in Europe.
Size: 35 acres
Facilities
Academic
Marine Station, Roland Levinsky Building (arts), Dental Education Facility, Engineering labs, Architecture studios
Research
Marine Institute, Coastal Processes Research Centre, Brain Research and Imaging Centre, Sustainable Earth Institute
Student Life
Plymouth Students' Union, The Hoe student area, Multiple cafes and bars, Student hub
Libraries
Charles Seale-Hayne Library
Main library with 24/7 study spaces, marine collections, and digital resources.
24/7 during term
Sports Facilities
Sports Centre
Gym, fitness studios, sports halls, and outdoor facilities.
Water Sports Centre
Sailing, kayaking, and water sports on Plymouth Sound.
Manadon Sports Hub
Football, rugby, and athletics facilities.
Student Services
Student Hub
Central point for student support and administration.
studenthub@plymouth.ac.uk
Wellbeing Service
Mental health support, counselling, and disability services.
wellbeing@plymouth.ac.uk
Careers and Employability
Career guidance, placements, and graduate support.
careers@plymouth.ac.uk
Accommodation
Robbins Hall
University-managedModern en-suite accommodation close to campus.
Cost: £130 - £160 (per week)
En-suite rooms • Shared kitchens • Social spaces • Laundry
Distance: 5-minute walk
Contract: 42 weeks
Francis Drake Hall
University-managedPopular city centre accommodation.
Cost: £115 - £145 (per week)
Standard and en-suite rooms • Kitchens • Common rooms • 24/7 support
Distance: 10-minute walk
Contract: 42 weeks
Mary Newman Hall
University-managedBudget-friendly accommodation option.
Cost: £100 - £125 (per week)
Standard rooms • Shared facilities • Common areas • Central location
Distance: 10-minute walk
Contract: 42 weeks
First-year undergraduates guaranteed accommodation if applying by deadline. Apply through Plymouth accommodation portal after receiving offer.
International welcome programme, airport pickup from London, ongoing support.
Student Life & Support
Clubs & Sports
Clubs: 100
Teams: 40
Cultural Activities
- Marine Activities — Weekly
- Arts Festival — Annually
- Outdoor Adventure — Throughout the year
International Support
- Visa support: Yes
- Language support: Yes
- Orientation: Yes
- Buddy program: Yes
- Contact: international@plymouth.ac.uk
Health & Wellbeing
- Medical centre: Yes
- Counselling: Yes
- Disability support: Yes
- Emergency: +44 (0)1752 588000
Careers & Outcomes
Employability Rank
300
Graduate Outcomes
Employed: 82%
Further study: 10%
Unemployed: 5%
Average Salary
£24,500
per year (graduate)
Top Employers
NHSRoyal NavyBabcock InternationalPrincess YachtsEnvironmental agenciesMarine industriesSchoolsPolice forcesConservation organisations
Career Services
- Careers and Employability: Career guidance, employer events, and graduate support.
- Placements: Support for work placements and internships.
- Marine and Maritime Careers: Specialist support for careers in marine and maritime sectors.
Location & Transportation
Nearest Airport
Exeter Airport
75 km • 1 hour by car
Public Transport
- Train: Plymouth station with direct services to London Paddington (3 hours), Bristol, and Exeter. • From £40 to London (advance)
- Bus: Local buses and National Express coaches to major cities. • £2.00 local single
- Ferry: Ferries to France and Spain from Plymouth port. • Varies
Local Area
Plymouth is Britain's Ocean City, a vibrant waterfront city with stunning natural harbours, access to Dartmoor National Park, and a rich maritime heritage.
Cost of Living: Low-Medium
Attractions: Plymouth Hoe, National Marine Aquarium, Dartmoor National Park, Barbican historic quarter, Plymouth Sound, Cornwall beaches (nearby)
Shopping: Drake Circus shopping centre, Royal William Yard, Barbican shops, City centre
Entertainment: Theatre Royal Plymouth, Barbican nightlife, Water sports, Live music venues, Beach activities
Additional Information
Accreditation
Royal Charter, GMC (Medicine), GDC (Dentistry), NMC (Nursing), RIBA (Architecture), BPS (Psychology)
Partnerships
- Research: Marine Biological Association — World-leading marine biology research partnership.
- Industry: Princess Yachts — Engineering and design partnerships.
- NHS: University Hospitals Plymouth — Clinical training for medical and health students.
Research Highlights
- Marine Institute — One of the largest marine research institutes in Europe, studying ocean health and sustainability. (2024)
- Microplastics Research — World-leading research on microplastics pollution in oceans. (2024)
- Peninsula Medical School — Innovative medical education and health research. (2024)
Notable Alumni
- Ellen MacArthur — Record-breaking solo yachtswoman (Honorary) (2005)
- Ben Ainslie — Most successful Olympic sailor (Honorary) (2012)
- Dawn French — Comedian and actress (1981)
Metadata
Source: University of Plymouth official website, QS Rankings 2025, HESA data 2023/24
Last Updated: 2025-12-03T00:00:00Z
Verified: Yes
Contact Email: profiles@ukuni.io