University of Plymouth logo

University of Plymouth

Plymouth, UK · Ranking #30

The University of Plymouth is a dynamic and research‑active public university in the UK, located in the coastal city of Plymouth in South West England. Its origins date back to 1862 as a navigation school, evolving into a full university in 1992 with a strong emphasis on applied learning, research excellence and employability. Plymouth is internationally recognised for its strengths in marine and environmental sciences, engineering, health and biomedical disciplines, business and social sciences. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes taught by academics engaged in impactful research that addresses real‑world challenges, from ocean sustainability to public health. The university fosters robust industry links, practical work placements embedded within courses, and extensive student support to prepare graduates for global careers. With over 19,000 students from diverse backgrounds and more than 150 international partnerships, Plymouth blends high‑quality teaching with hands‑on learning and opportunities for global engagement.

University of Plymouth logo

University of Plymouth

About the university

The University of Plymouth is a dynamic and research‑active public university in the UK, located in the coastal city of Plymouth in South West England. Its origins date back to 1862 as a navigation school, evolving into a full university in 1992 with a strong emphasis on applied learning, research excellence and employability. Plymouth is internationally recognised for its strengths in marine and environmental sciences, engineering, health and biomedical disciplines, business and social sciences. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes taught by academics engaged in impactful research that addresses real‑world challenges, from ocean sustainability to public health. The university fosters robust industry links, practical work placements embedded within courses, and extensive student support to prepare graduates for global careers. With over 19,000 students from diverse backgrounds and more than 150 international partnerships, Plymouth blends high‑quality teaching with hands‑on learning and opportunities for global engagement.

Key information

  • Location: Plymouth, UK
  • Ranking #30
  • QS #651
  • National ranking #23
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Marine Sciences
  • Environmental Science
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Computing
  • Health and Social Care

Programs (29)

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • International Relations
  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Environmental Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Education
  • Fine Arts
  • Music

Student body

  • Total students: 22,000
  • Undergraduate: 18,000
  • Graduate: 4,000
  • International students: 15%

Campus life

Campus life at the University of Plymouth is shaped by its coastal setting and strong focus on student success. Students benefit from modern facilities, a vibrant student union and over 150 clubs and societies spanning academic, sporting, cultural and community interests. Hands‑on learning, industry placements and practical projects are integrated into many programmes, enhancing employability and real‑world experience. The city of Plymouth offers a lively student‑friendly environment with festivals, outdoor activities, a maritime heritage and social venues that complement academic pursuits.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: £750 - £1,200 / per month

Housing options

  • On‑campus halls
  • Shared flats
  • Private student housing

Student clubs and organizations

  • Academic societies
  • Sports clubs
  • Arts & culture societies
  • Volunteering societies

Sports

  • Football
  • Rugby
  • Basketball
  • Swimming
  • Athletics

Career & internships

Employment rate: 95%

Partner companies

  • NHS
  • Deloitte
  • PwC
  • KPMG
  • BAE Systems
  • Airbus
  • Google

Internships: The University of Plymouth embeds internships, work‑based learning and professional placements into many degree programmes to ensure graduates gain practical experience and employability skills. Dedicated career services support student placement searches, industry networking, CV development and interview preparation. Plymouth’s strong links with local and international employers help students secure internships that complement academic study and build professional portfolios before graduation.

Admission requirements

Required documents

  • High School Diploma
  • Academic Transcripts
  • English Proficiency Test (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • Personal Statement
  • Reference Letters

Minimum GPA: 3

Tuition costs

  • £14,500 - £20,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 50.00%
  • Scholarships available: The University of Plymouth offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid programmes to support international and domestic students, including merit‑based awards, subject‑specific scholarships and excellence awards. Funding opportunities such as Vice‑Chancellor’s Scholarships, International Excellence Awards and specialised awards in fields like engineering or health sciences may provide reductions in tuition fees or additional support. Scholarship amounts can range from several hundred to several thousand pounds, with details and eligibility updated annually on the university’s official funding pages.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1862
  • Teaching languages: English, english
  • Study formats: offline

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