The University of Plymouth is a public research university founded in 1862 as the Plymouth School of Navigation. Granted polytechnic status in 1970, it became a university in 1992. Rated Gold across the board in the UK’s 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework, the University of Plymouth has a research-led culture, is ranked 69th in the Guardian UK University Guide 2024, 561st in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and is a three-time winner of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, the highest national award for an educational institution.
Sustainability is a core principle of the university, its award-winning, climate-conscious campus achieving net zero three years early.
The university is right in the heart of Plymouth, a Student Crowd Awards 2022 top 15 best student city. As Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth’s vibrant waterfront and centre offer a variety of bars, cafes, restaurants and shops and other attractions including theatres, museums, aquarium, and lido.
University of Plymouth
- Plymouth ,
- United Kingdom
At a glance
Est.
Students
Acceptance rate
Semester tuition
Available subjects
- 📊 Accounting & Finance ,
- 🏛️ Architecture ,
- 🎨 Art & Design ,
- 🧬 Biological Sciences ,
- 📈 Business & Management Studies ,
- 🧪 Chemistry ,
- 🌋 Earth & Marine Sciences ,
- 💹 Economics & Econometrics ,
- 📚 Education & Training ,
- 🌿 Environmental Sciences ,
- 🌍 Geography ,
- 📜 History ,
- 🏨 Hospitality & Leisure Management ,
- 🔢 Mathematics ,
- 🎭 Performing Arts ,
- 🌐 Politics & International Studies ,
- 🧠 Psychology ,
- 👥 Sociology ,
- 📊 Statistics & Operational Research
About
Rankings and accreditations
Top 600
In the top 600 universities in the world by QS and THE
49th
Best university in the UK by EduRank
84th
Among world’s 100 best universities for sustainability by THE
Academic calendar
Prerequisites
Expense breakdown
Housing
Food
Transport
Leisure
Semester tuition
8,550 GBP
Living expenses (5 months)
Travel & trips
Estimated semester cost
wearefreemovers discount
Lifestyle
Life in
Plymouth
Accommodation
The University of Plymouth offers a range of accommodation options, including university-managed halls and private sector housing.
The halls provide a safe, supportive environment with various room types, all single occupancy, and include special provisions for international students, those with disabilities, and specific lifestyle preferences like quiet or alcohol-free living.
An accommodation guarantee is offered for new undergraduate students who meet certain conditions.
For students with families or other specific needs, the city of Plymouth offers diverse accommodation choices. The university adheres to the Student Accommodation Code to ensure high-quality standards.
Social and extracurricular activities
The University of Plymouth offers a vibrant array of social and extracurricular activities for students, primarily facilitated by the University of Plymouth Students’ Union (UPSU). UPSU, an independent charity, is dedicated to supporting students’ well-being and represents their views on various university, local, and national matters. It provides opportunities for socializing, skill development, campaigning for change, and exploring new experiences.
Students can join a wide range of student groups, including sports clubs and societies, catering to diverse interests like Tennis, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Choir, and Robotics. The university encourages students to get in touch with sports and societies teams for assistance or information. To join a Sports Club or Society, students must pay a subscription fee (£20 for sports clubs and £3 for societies), which is reinvested in supporting club activities, facilities, and events. Membership fees vary and are set by individual clubs or societies.
Additionally, the university’s location offers unique opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Dartmoor National Park, located near the university, provides activities such as hiking, wild camping, cycling, climbing, bouldering, and dining. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including rare birds, otters, and semiwild ponies, and offers conservation volunteering opportunities for students.
If you want to dig further on social and extracurricular activities, visit University of Plymouth’s Student Life website.
Visa and immigration
The University of Plymouth provides comprehensive visa and immigration support for international students through its Student Immigration team. This team collaborates with the Home Office to offer free specialist advice on immigration matters related to studying at the university. The team can assist with various issues, including the EU Settlement Scheme, visa refusals, administrative reviews, short-term study visas, visitor visas, and Hong Kong BN(O) visas.
The Student Immigration team is accredited by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) and follows the OISC Code of Standards. They also adhere to guidance from the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) and the Association of International Student Advisers (AISA), ensuring reliable and up-to-date advice for international students.
Climate
Fall semester
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Autumn begins mild and breezy, with increasing rain and colder nights as winter approaches. Storms sometimes roll in from the Atlantic.
Spring semester
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Cool, damp winter days gradually transition into a gentler spring. Sunshine becomes more frequent toward late May, but umbrellas still recommended.
