The University of Plymouth is a public research university based predominantly in Plymouth, England, where the main campus is located, but the university has campuses and affiliated colleges across South West England. With 18,410 students, it is the 57th largest in the United Kingdom by total number of students.
The university was founded in 1862 as the Plymouth School of Navigation, and became a polytechnic in 1970. It was granted university status in 1992. The university has a strong focus on research and teaching, and is ranked 4th in the world for marine research and 15th in the world for climate action in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022.
Highlights
- Academic excellence: The university is ranked 4th in the world for marine research and 15th in the world for climate action in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022. It also has a strong focus on teaching, and is ranked 25th for teaching quality in the 2020 National Student Survey.
- Wide range of courses: The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a variety of subjects, including arts and humanities, business and management, computing and engineering, dentistry, education, health and social care, marine science and engineering, and science and technology.
- Strong focus on employability: The university has a strong focus on employability, and offers a number of support services to help students find jobs after graduation. Over 95% of graduates are working or studying 15 months after graduating.
Important Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 18 September 2023 | Start of Semester 1 |
| 18 to 22 September 2023 | Induction week for new students |
| 25 September 2023 to 13 January 2024 | Semester 1 teaching weeks |
| 17 November 2023 | Publication of January (Semester 1) examination timetable |
| 16 January to 10 February 2024 | Semester 1 examinations |
| 12 February 2024 | Start of Semester 2 |
| 13 February to 13 May 2024 | Semester 2 teaching weeks |
| 17 March 2024 | Publication of May (Semester 2) examination timetable |
| 14 May to 14 June 2024 | Semester 2 examinations |
| b | Publication of results |
Rankings
University of Plymouth Rankings
Global Rankings:
- QS World University Rankings 2023: 561
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023: 401-500
- U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities 2023: 558
National Rankings:
- The Complete University Guide 2023: 64th
- The Guardian University Guide 2023: 49th
The University of Plymouth is also ranked among the top universities in the UK for a number of specific subjects, including marine science, engineering, and education.
It is important to note that university rankings can vary depending on the methodology used. However, the University of Plymouth’s consistently high rankings in a variety of different rankings suggest that it is a well-respected university with a strong academic reputation.
Courses
University of Plymouth Popular Courses
Arts and Humanities:
- English Literature
- History
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Languages
Business and Management:
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Finance
- Marketing
Computing and Engineering:
- Computer Science
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Robotics
Dentistry:
- Dentistry
Education:
- Early Childhood Education
- Primary Education
- Secondary Education
- Special Educational Needs
Health and Social Care:
- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Social Work
- Physiotherapy
Marine Science and Engineering:
- Marine Biology
- Marine Engineering
- Oceanography
Science and Technology:
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
The university also offers a number of professional development courses and short courses.
Examples of Specific Courses:
- BSc (Hons) Marine Biology
- MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- MBA
- MSc Data Science and Business Analytics
- MA English Literature
- BSc (Hons) Nursing
- Social Work BA (Hons)
- MSc Physiotherapy
Fees
Tuition Fees for International Students
The tuition fees for international students at the University of Plymouth vary depending on the course and the student’s country of origin. However, as a general guide, international students can expect to pay the following tuition fees for the 2023/24 academic year:
| Course | Tuition Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | £14,600 to £16,500 |
| Postgraduate | £15,700 to £16,500 |
Please note that these fees are for tuition only and do not include additional costs such as accommodation, living expenses, and travel.
Admission
Tips for Applying to the University of Plymouth
- Start planning your application early. This will give you plenty of time to research the courses you are interested in, and to gather the required documentation.
- Make sure you meet the entry requirements for the course you are applying for. You can check the entry requirements on the university’s website.
- Submit your application as early as possible. The earlier you submit your application, the more likely you are to receive an offer.
- Write a personal statement that is clear, concise, and well-written. Your personal statement should explain why you are interested in studying at the University of Plymouth and why you are a good fit for the course you are applying for.
- Prepare for your interview. If you are invited for an interview, be prepared to answer questions about your academic background, your career goals, and why you want to study at the University of Plymouth.
To apply for admission to the University of Plymouth, you must submit an online application through UCAS. The application deadlines vary depending on the course and the applicant’s country of origin. Students are advised to check the university’s website for the latest information on application deadlines.
The entry requirements for each course also vary. However, as a general guide, international students will need to have a good academic record in their previous studies, and they will also need to meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements.
The English language proficiency requirements for international students vary depending on the course and the applicant’s country of origin. However, as a general guide, international students will need to achieve a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, or a minimum TOEFL score of 80.
Once you have submitted your application, the university will assess your application and make a decision. If you are offered a place, you will need to accept the offer and pay the deposit.
Cut offs
Cut-off Grades for Admission
The cut-off grades for admission to the University of Plymouth vary depending on the course and the applicant’s country of origin. However, as a general guide, the cut-off grades for international students are typically around A-level grades BBB or higher, or equivalent.
| Course | Cut-off Grades |
|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) Marine Biology | A-level grades BBB, including a grade B in Biology |
| MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering | A-level grades AAA, including a grade A in Mathematics |
| MBA | A-level grades BBB, or equivalent |
| MSc Data Science and Business Analytics | A-level grades BBB, including a grade B in Mathematics |
| MA English Literature | A-level grades BBB, including a grade B in English Literature |
| BSc (Hons) Nursing | A-level grades BBB, including a grade B in Biology and a grade C in Chemistry |
| Social Work BA (Hons) | A-level grades BBB, or equivalent |
| MSc Physiotherapy | A-level grades BBB, including a grade B in Biology and a grade C in Chemistry |
Placements
University of Plymouth Employability Support
Employability Focus:
- The University of Plymouth has a strong focus on employability, offering support services to help students find placements and jobs after graduation.
- The university’s Placements Team assists students in finding relevant placements aligned with their degree and career goals.
- The team provides support and advice throughout the placement process, including CV and cover letter writing and interview preparation.
- The university has a wide network of placement providers, including national and international companies, charities, and government organizations.
- Students can apply for placements directly through the university’s Placements Hub or search for placements independently.
- The university offers scholarships and bursaries to help students cover the cost of their placements, with more details available on the university’s website.
- In recent years, over 95% of University of Plymouth graduates have been in work or further study within six months of graduating, indicating the effectiveness of the university’s employability support services.
Examples of Placement Providers:
- BBC
- CERN
- EDF Energy
- GCHQ
- IBM
- Jaguar Land Rover
- NASA
- NHS
- Rolls-Royce
- Royal Navy
- Sky
Scholarships
University of Plymouth Scholarships for International Students
- International Merit Scholarship:
- This scholarship is awarded to international students who have achieved outstanding academic results.
- Worth £2,000 per year.
- GREAT Scholarships:
- Funded by the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign.
- Awarded to international students studying postgraduate courses at the University of Plymouth.
- Each scholarship is worth £10,000.
- Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship:
- Available for international students studying undergraduate or postgraduate courses at the University of Plymouth.
- Worth £2,000 per year.
- Chevening Scholarship:
- Funded by the UK government and awarded to international students from over 150 countries.
- Chevening Scholars study postgraduate courses at universities across the UK, including the University of Plymouth.
- Covers the cost of tuition fees, living expenses, and travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
To apply for admission, you should submit an online application through UCAS. The application deadlines vary depending on the course and your country of origin. Please check the university’s website for the latest application information.
Tuition fees for international students vary depending on the course and the country of origin. As a general guide, undergraduate courses range from £14,600 to £16,500 per year, and postgraduate courses range from £15,700 to £16,500 per year. These fees are for tuition only and do not include additional costs like accommodation and living expenses.
The University of Plymouth offers a Placements Team to assist students in finding relevant placements and provides support throughout the placement process. The university also has a wide network of placement providers. For job support after graduation, the university’s employability services can help students with job searches and career development
