The Complete Guide to the University of Plymouth

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1. Introduction

1.1 Background

The roots of the University of Plymouth can be traced back to the 1820s when the self-help adult educational movements swept Britain. That led to the establishment of Mechanics Institutes in Plymouth and Devonport in 1825. 

Over 200 years later, the university has made the largest-ever investment in buildings in the first decade of the 21st Century, co-manages the Peninsula Medical School and Peninsula Dental School with the University of Exeter, and has received the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Award, 3 times!

The University of Plymouth also gains its reputation in the marine sciences by being in the heart of Britain’s Ocean City. Even if you’re not planning to study the maritime courses, you can find that the courses here are well-equipped and well-prepared to help you make it count.

Ready to find out how the University of Plymouth will help you find a degree that counts? Then continue reading this guide!

Total Student Population15,675
Percentage of International Students16%
Teaching Faculty-to-Student Ratio1:17
Graduate Employability Rate81.3% (The Complete University Guide 2025)

1.2 University of Plymouth Rankings 2025

The University of Plymouth ranks #661-#670 globally on the QS World University Rankings. The university also achieved ranking status for a number of its courses within the Top 150 up to the Top 650 of the QS Subject Ranking. 

QS Subject CategoryRanking For 2025
Earth and Marine Sciences#101 – 150
Environmental Sciences#201 – 250
Geology#151 – 200
Geophysics#201 – 250
Education and Training#401 – 450
Medicine#401 – 450
Agriculture and Forestry#401 – 475
Life Sciences and Medicine#451 – 500
Engineering – Mechanical#501 – 575
Biological Sciences#601 – 650

2. Student Life & Living Cost

2.1 University of Plymouth Campuses

University of Plymouth Campus

Key Highlights

  • The largest campus ground in the region of Plymouth, located at the heart of the city. 
  • Located close to many historical and cultural landmarks of the South West of England.
  • While the campus facilities are mostly centrally located, some are outside of the main campus grounds, within walking distance. 
  • Students can also apply for PADI certification, given the coastal location of the campus!

How To Get There
🗺️ Located at the heart of the Plymouth city centre!

  • Key amenities are within a 5-minute walk from campus. 
  • While there are bus stops at the entrance of the campus, students are also within walking distance of the city’s main coach station. 
  • The nearest train station to the campus is the Plymouth railway station. 

2.2 Learning Facilities

The University of Plymouth prides itself on providing the best teaching and learning facilities to help students perform academically and professionally. Facilities on campus are designed to better the learning experience and give students hands-on opportunities to develop their skills. 

Here’s a bonus plus point: The University of Plymouth has provided a fleet of boats for Marine Science students to conduct their research!

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2.3 Recreational Facilities

The sports facilities at the University of Plymouth are run by the University of Plymouth Students’ Union. Located in the heart of the city centre campus, students can find gyms, indoor courts, and studios available for them. 

2.4 Student Activities

Clubs and societies are governed by the University of Plymouth Students Union, an independent charity that also represents the needs of students studying at the University of Plymouth. The union aims to empower students, help them learn and grow, be socially fulfilled, and ensure that they know they are supported and cared for. 

2.5 Student Services

The University of Plymouth has a Student Hub, where students can find services and support such as:

  • Academic Support
  • Counseling and Psychological Services
  • Career Services
  • Disability Support
  • Financial Support
  • Health Services
  • International Student Support
  • Pastoral and Spiritual Support Services
  • Student Security Services

2.6  University of Plymouth Accommodation and Cost

The University of Plymouth not only provides on-campus accommodation close to key campus facilities but also provides all-inclusive fees for its rooms! Once assigned to an on-campus accommodation, students will have utility bills, WiFi, and contents insurance included in their weekly rental fees!

University of Plymouth Accommodations

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On-Campus (Halls of Residence)

  • Francis Drake (from GBP 199/week)
  • Mary Newman (from GBP 199/week)

On-Campus (University of Plymouth Student Village)

  • Radnor (from GBP 188.50/week)
  • Pilgrim (from GBP 188.50/week)
  • Robbins (from GBP 128.50/week)
  • Gilwell (from GBP 188.50/week)

Off-Campus

Nearby towns: Beaumont, Greenbank, Lipson

Cost of Living in Plymouth

Plymouth is one of the cheapest cities in the UK to live as a student, with costs (excluding rent) being 26% cheaper than London. Students can expect to spend GBP 900 per month, with costs consisting of accommodation, groceries, leisure, transport, utilities (if renting off-campus), and study material.

We do have to remind you, that despite the significantly lower costs of living, it can also vary based on a student’s lifestyle!

How Can Uni Enrol Help?

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3. Courses, Fees & Scholarships

3.1 Courses You Can Study At The University of Plymouth

Courses at the University of Plymouth are categorised under their respective schools. You can take a look at some of the undergraduate courses here:

Fields Of StudyCourses
Peninsula Dental SchoolDental Surgery, Dental Therapy
Peninsula Medical SchoolMedicine (MBBS), Diagonistic Radiography
Plymouth Business SchoolAccounting & Finance, Business, Business Management, Economics, Finance, International Business Management, International Tourism Management
School of Art, Design & ArchitectureMedicine (MBBS), Diagnostic Radiography
School of Biological & Marine SciencesBiological Sciences, Biosciences, Marine Biology, Ocean Science, Zoology
School of Biomedical SciencesBiomedical Science, Clinical Physiology, Human Biosciences, Nutrition, Exercise & Health
School of Engineering, Computing & MathematicsCivil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Engineering, Robotics
School of Geography, Earth & Environmental SciencesChemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Geography, Geology
School of Health ProfessionsDietetics, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Paramedic Science, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Social Work
School of Nursing & MidwiferyCritical Care, Midwifery, Nursing, Urgent & Emergency Care
School of PsychologyPsychology, Psychological Studies
School of Society & CultureAnthropology, Creative Writing, Criminology, Early Childhood Education, Education, Law, Politics, Sociology

 Take your time to review the courses available at the University of Plymouth, and maybe you will find one you are interested in.

Or, you could speak to a study abroad consultant to speed up the process!

3.2 Course Fees At The University Of Plymouth

We have also saved you the hassle and compiled the full list of the university’s detailed course fees into one article below. Check it out and share it!

Coming Soon!

3.3 University Of Plymouth Scholarships

These are some of the scholarships offered by the University of Plymouth to international students. Check out the full list here. (Coming Soon)

ScholarshipsDetails
Undergraduate International Student ScholarshipGBP 2,000 off tuition fees for the first year

10%-20% off successive years tuition fees if 60% – 70% overall grade is maintained

Offer does not include Peninsula Medical School, Peninsula Dental School, and School of Biomedical Sciences students.
Vice Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship50% off tuition fees in the first year

50% off successive years if an overall grade of 70% and above is maintained

Got Scholarship?

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Dentistry Studies

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State-of-the-art clinical learning centres are available in all of Peninsula Dental School campuses.

The University of Plymouth’s Dentistry course, housed under the Peninsula Dental School, is one of the top dental schools in the UK, achieving top spot in The Guardian 2024 university league table. The course is also popular due to its efforts to tackle oral health inequalities in the South West while training future dentists and dental therapists. 

This effort is spearheaded by the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise, which was established in 2013 to provide access to dental care to patients who otherwise would have had no way to get it. To date, 418 dental students have been able to provide crucial primary care through over 28,000 appointments!

This outstanding feat awarded the University of Plymouth’s dentistry course the “Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community” award by Times Higher Education in 2023. 

Delivery of the curriculum by Peninsula Dental School is done at the University’s Dental Education Facilities in: 

  • Plymouth (Portland Square, Derriford, Devonport)
  • Exeter
  • Truro

These facilities not only have learning spaces, lecture theaters, and libraries but there are also state-of-the-art Simulated Dental Learning Environments and dental chairs for students to carry out clinical duties. Clinical sessions will also be supervised by experienced general dental practitioners and dental therapists! 

Psychology Studies

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The most resourceful department in the UK will provide you with facilities such as the MRI machine!

The University of Plymouth has one of the largest and best-resourced psychology departments in the UK. The University covers all areas of psychology, from clinical psychology to child psychology. The university is also level in terms of research with big names such as Nottingham, Aberdeen, Bath, Cambridge, and York! 

One of the key highlights of studying Psychology at the University of Plymouth is the hands-on approach that is in the course. Students will have embedded practical activities throughout the course, and that is further bolstered by the state-of-the-art psychology facilities in the university, such as: 

  • Virtual reality labs with the latest headset tech and hardware.

  • The Brain Research and Imaging Centre (BRIC) for brain imaging, electrophysiology, and psychophysiology.

  • Health Psychology lab with psychophysiology equipment and a computer-controlled exercise bike to measure physical activity.

  • Fully supported Eye Tracking facilities.

  • Social labs with video recording facilities and an observation deck.

  • The Plymouth Baby Lab, the university’s bespoke suite for language development, social cognition, and social development research from infancy to school age. 

  • Psychology Experiential Learning lab.

Studying Psychology also gives students a fast track to being a Chartered Psychologist. Upon graduation at the undergraduate level, students will be eligible for a Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society, a vital step in achieving the highly competitive Chartered status.

Graphic Design Studies

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The University of Plymouth connects students to fellow creatives in the area by working with collectives in and outside the greater Plymouth area.

The School of Art, Design, and Architecture, home to the Graphic Design course of the University of Plymouth, is made up of a connected community of creative thinkers, makers, and professional practitioners, making the course very popular amongst students who are looking for a hands-on approach to their degree. 

The academic staff comprises experienced practitioners, who have made an impact in the British urban landscape, key research publishers, and drivers of smarter British cities. Classes are conducted in small groups, where students are given 100% attention by their tutors. 

As a very practical course, students will learn in studio spaces, where collaborative spirit is highly encouraged. Apart from the learning space, students will be involved in major design collectives in the university and greater Plymouth, such as the Smart Cities Working Group (SCWG), and the university’s Design Society. 

In the University, students will have access to facilities to assist them in their projects such as:

  • Printmaking and photography studios
  • TV Studios
  • Mac workstations
  • Fab Labs
  • Letterpress workshop

Students will also be able to showcase their work through the Plymouth Design Forum and Industrial Liaison Day. These two events, which run monthly and annually, will see visiting practitioners in attendance for knowledge exchange opportunities, and a vital portfolio check before students graduate! 

Computer Science

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Get ready for a fully hands-on experience with the Computer Science course in the University of Plymouth!

At the University of Plymouth, students of the Computer Science course will experience a fully hands-on learning experience, with projects handed to students from Week 1!

Oh, did we mention that the degree is 100% coursework-based?

Students will learn through practice and doing throughout the 3 years of their degree, and the practical and production-based work is relevant to the curriculum of the course, and it takes many elements from real problems facing the industry. 

While students can take up a year-long placement in industry as an optional extra year, students will also have the opportunity to work on industry projects throughout their studies. The academics have strong links with industry giants such as Apple, Microsoft, IBM, and Intel, who also support the Industrial Advisory Panel in providing feedback on the industrial relevance of the project and taught material. 

Apart from the strong industry links providing a holistic learning experience for students who study the computer science course at the University of Plymouth, the campus has 8 specialist labs catered to the students of the degree, supporting the core majors under the degree. 

These facilities provide different hardware and software, from state-of-the-art GPUs to flexible networking infrastructure. The specialist labs on campus are: 

  • Cyber Security and Digital Forensics Labs
  • Games Development Lab
  • XR Lab
  • Software Engineering and Project Labs
  • Web Services Lab
  • AI Lab

4. Entry Requirements & Intake Dates

4.1 University of Plymouth Entry Requirements 2025

Minimum entry requirements for Foundation:

  • SPM: 3D including Mathematics
  • UEC: 4C
  • IGCSE: 5C

Minimum entry requirements for Degree:

  • UEC: 5C
  • STPM: CCC
  • A-Level: CCC
  • Foundation: Completion of Foundation
  • Diploma: Completion of Diploma

Minimum language proficiency requirements (IELTS):

  • Foundation: 5.5 Overall
  • Undergraduate: 6.0 Overall
  • Postgraduate: 6.5 Overall

Some courses may require you to earn higher entry requirements and additional qualifications.

4.2 University of Plymouth Intake Periods for 2025

The intake periods for 2025 are as follows:

  • Foundation: September, January
  • Degree: September, January
  • Postgraduate: September, January

Please note that the intake periods may vary depending on the courses. For specific intake periods and dates, click here (Coming Soon!).

4.3 Admission Process For Studying in the UK

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5. Student Testimonials & Alumni

The University of Plymouth has been or is home to over 181,000 graduates from all over the world, past and current. Hear from some of them about their experience at the university!

6. Conclusion

The University of Plymouth is a university that aims to make it count. From its prestigious history, world-class facilities and buildings, high-quality teaching, and award-winning research, you will have the opportunity to make your future count. 

Sounds like a future worth getting into? Maybe you should consider applying to the University of Plymouth!

Kickstart your application process with the help of Uni Enrol’s study abroad consultants!

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