The best part of uni is part of a society where everyone is friendly and inclusive. As I study a male dominated subject I’m glad that the leaders of my degree are always trying to include the women and promote women in stem. It could only be improved by updating some of the very old buildings which the uni is already starting to do.

My course is a very interesting topic and we are always taught face to face with some of the best lecturers in each topic. I have about 14-18 hours in uni each week including in classrooms learning content, in labs where we can trial experiments we’ve been taught, or in computer rooms learning different programs that are used in industry.

No

Studying civil engineering at Plymouth University has been a genuinely positive experience. One of the strongest aspects of the course is the university’s commitment to supporting students with placement opportunities. The careers team and faculty staff are proactive in connecting us with industry partners, offering guidance on applications, and running events that make it easier to secure valuable work experience. For a subject like civil engineering, where practical exposure is essential, this support is a real advantage. The location of the campus adds a lot to student life. Being close to the city centre, the Barbican, and the waterfront means there is always something to do outside of lectures. Whether it’s relaxing by the sea, exploring Plymouth’s historic areas, or enjoying the local food scene, the setting makes the overall experience more enjoyable and balanced. The campus itself has seen recent renovations, and the improvements are clear. Modern lecture halls, updated labs, and refreshed social spaces create a professional yet welcoming environment. For engineering students, having access to well-equipped facilities makes a big difference, and the investment in infrastructure shows the university’s commitment to keeping standards high. The staff also deserve recognition. Lecturers and support teams are approachable, friendly, and genuinely invested in student success. Civil engineering can be demanding, but knowing that guidance and encouragement are always available helps ease the pressure and creates a supportive atmosphere. Overall, Plymouth University offers a strong combination of academic quality, practical opportunities, and a great location. For civil engineering students, it provides the tools, environment, and support needed to succeed both during the degree and beyond.

The civil engineering course at Plymouth University is definitely challenging, but in the best possible way. It pushes you to think differently and really opens your eyes to how engineering shapes the world around us. Some of the modules can feel intense at first, but that difficulty makes them more rewarding once you put the effort in and start to understand the concepts. One of the highlights for me has been the hands-on side of the course. The laboratory sessions are genuinely fun – getting to test materials, work with equipment, and see theory come to life makes the learning feel real. It’s not just sitting in lectures; you’re actually applying what you’ve learned. The CAD software sessions are another strong point. Learning to design and model projects digitally is both practical and creative, and it’s a skill that feels directly relevant to the industry. Of course, there are modules that really test you. STAD, for example, is one of the tougher ones. It can feel overwhelming at first, but once you put in the time and effort, the sense of achievement when things finally click is huge. It’s the kind of challenge that makes you grow as a student and gives you confidence that you can handle complex engineering problems. Overall, the course content balances difficulty with reward. It’s demanding, but that’s exactly what makes it worthwhile. Between the practical labs, the CAD work, and the more advanced modules, you come out of the degree not just with knowledge, but with the confidence that you’ve earned it.