University of Plymouth in United Kingdom

Where is the University of Plymouth?

The main campus is at Drake Circus near Plymouth city centre, close to the Student Village and many everyday services. Plymouth is a coastal city, with access to Plymouth Sound and the wider Devon and Cornwall region. Marine students may use the Marine Station and field sites; health students should examine placement locations throughout the South West, which can require travel or temporary accommodation. The compact central area makes walking practical for many students, but do not assume every teaching or placement activity is at Drake Circus. Plymouth is farther from London and major international airports than some alternatives, so include travel home in the decision.

Programs at the University of Plymouth

The examples below use official award names. Availability, optional placement years, campus, accreditation and fees can change by intake. Plymouth's current structure has three faculties and schools within them; it does not have a standalone “Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences.”

Faculty of Science and Engineering in the University of Plymouth

• BSc (Hons) Marine Biology
• BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Oceanography
• BSc (Hons) Ocean Science and Marine Conservation
• BSc (Hons) Computer Science
• BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering
• BEng (Hons) Civil and Coastal Engineering

Marine and ocean courses are offered through the School of Biological and Marine Sciences; engineering and computing sit within the faculty's relevant school. Check field-trip costs and safety or equipment requirements on the individual course page.

Faculty of Health in the University of Plymouth

• BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health)
• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

Professional courses may require interviews, occupational-health checks, criminal-record checks and placements. The precise professional registration route depends on the course and regulator.

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business in the University of Plymouth

• BSc (Hons) Business Management
• BA (Hons) Graphic Design
• BA (Hons) English
• BSc (Hons) Economics

Plymouth Business School and the School of Art, Design and Architecture are among the faculty's schools. A student seeking a postgraduate course should use the separate postgraduate catalogue rather than assume an undergraduate title has an identical master's route.

Top Programs at the University of Plymouth

These are useful courses to investigate, not an official league table of the university's degrees.

• BSc (Hons) Marine Biology: combines laboratory work and coastal fieldwork, with access to the marine environment.
• BSc (Hons) Ocean Science and Marine Conservation: joins ocean processes and conservation questions; examine field activities and their costs.
• BEng (Hons) Civil and Coastal Engineering: relevant to infrastructure and coast-related engineering interests.
• BSc (Hons) Computer Science: includes a published optional placement route; verify modules and placement selection.
• BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health): requires careful review of clinical placements and professional checks.
• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy: another professional route where practical learning and entry screening matter.
• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science: inspect accreditation and the steps needed for the career you want.
• BSc (Hons) Business Management: a broad business option; compare specialisms and employer projects.

The real cost of studying at the University of Plymouth

International tuition fees

Fees are course-specific. The published full-time international fee for BSc (Hons) Computer Science starting in 2026/27 is £19,200 per year; its page lists £19,800 per year for a 2027/28 start. An optional UK placement year is listed at £1,955 for a 2026/27 start on that course, with a different rate for an overseas placement. The 2026/27 international fee for MSc Business and Management is £19,500 per year. These examples cannot be applied to marine, clinical, dental or medical courses. Check each course's fee section, the offer and any annual changes. Plymouth states that international fee schedules may change if a proposed UK levy is introduced; treat this as a possible policy change, not a charge already in force. Budget separately for fieldwork, equipment, professional checks, placements, visa and health surcharge where relevant.

Monthly living costs and housing

University-managed halls advertise 2026/27 weekly rates from £141 for a shared-facility room at Gilwell Hall to £209.50 for Francis Drake Hall, while Mary Newman Hall ranges from £209.50 to £233. At 52 weeks, £141 a week is £7,332 and £209.50 a week is £10,894; these are arithmetic comparisons, not the actual contract price. Check the number of contracted weeks and included bills before estimating a month or a year. University halls state that bills and contents insurance are included under their terms, and private housing may differ. Add groceries, transport, phone, personal spending and any return travel. For a Student visa outside London, the current government maintenance evidence requirement is £1,171 per month for up to nine months, plus outstanding tuition; this rule is separate from your actual budget and may change.

Is the University of Plymouth worth the cost?

It can be compelling if the exact course makes practical use of the coast, Marine Station, laboratories or clinical connections. Plymouth's central accommodation and lower-cost options may compare favourably with some larger cities, but the lowest advertised room is not necessarily suitable or available. Ask what field trips, specialist equipment and placements cost; inspect module content and the accreditation relevant to your profession. Compare the whole course and living budget with other realistic universities. Marine or health interests alone do not guarantee a job or a paid placement.

Scholarships at the University of Plymouth

The university administers the following international awards. They reduce tuition, subject to eligibility; they are not cash for living expenses. Plymouth normally applies the highest qualifying university award rather than stacking its scholarships or alumni discount. Its stated exclusions include Peninsula Medical School and Peninsula Dental School courses, online courses and sponsored students.

A scholarship is not guaranteed merely because a student is international. Wait for the university's confirmation and use the stated fee after the award in a final budget.

Admission requirements

Entry grades, subject prerequisites, portfolios, interviews and professional screening depend on the course. Plymouth's standard IELTS Academic threshold is 6.0 overall and at least 5.5 in each component for many undergraduate courses; for standard postgraduate courses it is 6.5 overall and at least 5.5 in each component. Some courses set higher requirements. The university also lists accepted alternatives and pre-sessional options, with different test and visa rules. For example, its Jordan country guidance says the Tawjihi plus a foundation year or equivalent is normally required for undergraduate entry; do not apply that country rule to every GCC qualification. Review your own country page and exact course conditions.

Undergraduate applications normally go through UCAS; the institution code is P60. Taught postgraduate applicants use Plymouth's postgraduate process. Check deadlines, intake dates and whether a portfolio, interview or clinical screening is needed; a course showing places for one intake does not establish availability for another. Plymouth's international college offers foundation and other pathway options when direct entry requirements are unmet. A conditional offer and a CAS are separate steps.

Muslim student life and practical support

Prayer and community

The university provides pastoral and spiritual support through Student Wellbeing and lists local faith communities; its former Pastoral and Spiritual Support Centre closed on 1 August 2026. Do not rely on an old campus prayer-room listing without checking current access with the Student Hub. The Students' Union lists an Islamic Society, and Plymouth has local Muslim worship communities. Confirm meeting schedules, prayer facilities and travel from your accommodation before relying on them.

Halal food and daily routine

Ask restaurants and shops directly about current halal status, preparation and certification if needed. City-centre groceries and a shared kitchen can make meal planning more predictable, especially for students on early placements or field days. Catering menus and society activities change, so check practical options near the actual timetable rather than assuming a daily campus offering.

Where to live in Plymouth

On-campus halls: Francis Drake and Mary Newman place students near central teaching, with different room prices. Student Village: Radnor, Pilgrim, Robbins and Gilwell are within walking distance of campus and the city centre; compare shared bathroom against en-suite costs. Mutley and North Hill: commonly considered for private shared housing near the university; walk the route and inspect the property. City centre and Barbican: useful for amenities and the waterfront, but compare rent and noise. Further-out neighbourhoods: may offer other prices, but check evening buses, fieldwork starts and placement commutes. Plymouth guarantees a hall place, either university-managed or with an accredited private provider, to eligible new undergraduates who make it their firm first choice and apply by the guarantee deadline; it does not guarantee a particular hall or room. University-managed halls are mainly for new first-year undergraduates and are single occupancy. The Students' Union offers private-tenancy checking, useful if a landlord requests a guarantor.

Your first month in Plymouth

Arrange accommodation from the day you arrive. Complete enrolment, collect your student card, attend academic induction and find the library and Student Hub at Drake Circus. Check any course-specific safety briefing, field kit, placement documents or medical screening. Register with a GP, arrange banking and a phone plan, understand buses and rail, and keep copies of immigration and payment records. Visit the Students' Union societies and careers service early. International students should check the university's arrival checklist and the dates and places of their own induction.

Ramadan while studying

Plan food shopping and prayer around the specific teaching schedule. Marine fieldwork can start early and clinical placements may involve shifts or travel, so speak with the course or placement team about applicable adjustments in good time. Current campus prayer arrangements should be confirmed after the closure of the former centre. Check local mosque and Islamic Society schedules each year; do not assume an iftar or altered assessment date will be available. Health and safety in laboratories, on vessels and in clinical settings remain essential.

Working while studying

A Student visa commonly limits degree-level work to 20 hours a week during term, subject to the exact conditions on the student's status and current UK rules. Do not count on part-time work to cover tuition or the money required for a visa application. Careers support, volunteering, employer projects and optional placement routes can help build experience; the availability, selection and pay of a placement vary by course. Clinical placements may be compulsory and geographically spread across the South West, bringing extra travel or accommodation costs.

Three limitations to weigh

1. Travel and placements: the city is far from London, and health placements can require journeys across the South West.
2. Extra practical costs: marine fieldwork, specialist equipment, clinical checks or an optional placement can add to published tuition and rent.
3. A smaller local market: students seeking a large metropolitan labour market or extensive specialist halal services may need more travel and planning.

Quick comparison

Considering other universities in Plymouth?

Arts University Plymouth is a separate institution focused on creative study, and Plymouth Marjon University is another separate local university. Compare their precise courses and fees rather than confusing either with the University of Plymouth. For marine or coastal programs, also inspect suitable courses at the University of Southampton and the University of Exeter; a named university is not proof of an equivalent degree.

Who is Plymouth for — and who may prefer another option?

It merits serious attention from students who want a coastal setting, practical marine and environmental work, or specific professional health or engineering training. A student who wants a much larger city, very frequent international flights nearby or a single guaranteed placement location should compare other options. The decision should rest on a course offer, verified facilities and a budget covering the full period of study.

Before using university rankings

QS, THE and ARWU measure different aspects of universities and publish separate annual editions. An overall band is not a ranking of every course. For a career that needs registration, the course's professional route and placement conditions matter more than a broad table. Review the subject and the methodology before using any rank as a deciding factor.

University of Plymouth rankings

QS World University Rankings 2027

QS places the University of Plymouth at =691 globally in the 2027 edition; the equals sign denotes a tied position.

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026

THE places the university in the 501–600 global band for 2026, not at one exact position within that range.

Academic Ranking of World Universities 2025

ShanghaiRanking's published ARWU 2025 list places the University of Plymouth in the 701–800 global band. This is an overall ranking; subject rankings and 2026 ARWU results belong to different editions.

Similar universities to compare

For marine, environmental or coastal engineering interests, compare course content with the University of Southampton, University of Exeter and University of Portsmouth where the relevant award exists. For health and applied subjects, compare the same qualification and professional route at institutions that suit your location and budget. Ask each university about compulsory placements and their geographical range rather than treating a similar title as an identical course.

Frequently asked questions

Is Plymouth a good place for marine study?

Its coastal location, Marine Station and range of marine courses can make it a strong candidate; check the modules, fieldwork and equipment of your chosen degree.

How many faculties does the university have?

Its current structure lists three core academic faculties: Arts, Humanities and Business; Health; and Science and Engineering.

What are typical English requirements?

For standard courses, IELTS Academic is generally 6.0 overall with 5.5 per component for undergraduate entry, or 6.5 overall with 5.5 per component for postgraduate entry. Specific courses may differ.

Is a Welcome scholarship automatic?

Eligible new students may receive the relevant undergraduate or postgraduate Welcome award automatically, but course, sponsorship, fee status and offer conditions apply.

Is a room guaranteed?

An eligible new undergraduate making Plymouth a firm first choice and applying before the guarantee deadline may receive a place in qualifying halls. A specific building, price or room is not promised.

Can I live with my family in a university hall?

The university says its halls are single occupancy; applicants bringing a partner or children should investigate suitable private accommodation and applicable visa rules.

Is a campus prayer centre open?

The former Pastoral and Spiritual Support Centre closed in August 2026. Ask the Student Hub about current arrangements and local faith support before relying on older information.

Can part-time work pay for my degree?

It is uncertain and subject to visa restrictions. Make a funding plan that covers tuition and essential living costs without assumed earnings.

Information for parents and supporters

Ask the student to compare the actual offer, tuition for each year, contract-length rent, field or equipment costs, placement travel and any confirmed award. The headline hall price and advertised scholarship maximum do not establish the final bill. Check how they will reach early sessions or placements, and keep an emergency fund. The university makes admissions decisions; an education agent may assist but cannot issue an offer on its behalf.

Need help applying?

Shortlist the exact degree and intake, check official course requirements, then ask Plymouth admissions about an unclear qualification or fee. A visit or conversation with current students can help assess the city and teaching environment.

Apply Now! for the University of Plymouth

1. Choose your course and intake

Identify the exact award, location, duration, optional placement and likely field or clinical commitments.

2. Check eligibility

Compare your country's qualifications, English results, subject prerequisites and any interview, portfolio or professional checks with the course page.

3. Gather documents

Prepare transcripts, qualifications, English evidence, personal statement, references and any portfolio or screening information requested by the application route.

4. Check finances

Use the course's published fee and full housing contract, add living and extra practical costs, and confirm any eligible university scholarship before relying on it.

5. Submit your application

Apply via UCAS for undergraduate study or the relevant university process for postgraduate study. Monitor deadlines, offer conditions, accommodation, CAS and Student visa steps through official channels.