OVERALL UNIVERSITY RATING
Tell us about your overall university experience so far.
A very well-rounded University. Communication throughout my University experience has been very good, and I have been able to find...
University rating
Tell us about your overall university experience so far.
A very well-rounded University. Communication throughout my University experience has been very good, and I have been able to find guidance and extra information about everything I have required. I am enjoying my time at Plymouth University, and would definitely recommend this uni to others.
Facilities
How good are your university's facilities?
The university is working to greatly improve their computing facilities, which have been an issue in the past. The library in particular have recently implemented a feedback and improvement system, taking students opinions and using them to mould the way the library operates. Each course has dedicated facilities, and a lot of money is invested into maintaining and improving these services. Plymouth University has some of the best facilities in the world, and is renowned for its marine facilities. Often overlooked, however, are the various facilities used for other courses, which allow students to fully explore their chosen subject areas.
Student support
How good is the support offered by the uni? Think both academic (tutors/feedback) and personal (counselling, etc).
The university offers plenty of support services to students. From counselling, to CV advice, to volunteer experiences - anything you may need help with at Plymouth University, you will be able to find it. Student opinions are listened to, and used to help improve available services.
Students' union
What do you think of your Students' Union in terms of student representation and facilities?
Our students' union provides a wide variety of extra-curricular activities, so there is always something for everyone. The on-campus gym offers good prices for individual sessions and memberships, and offers a series of sessions for different activities. Societies are also well supported through the SU, and reasonable membership prices are offered to students.
The student union bar was refurbished for 2014 opening, and a lot of time, effort and money has been put into creating an improved space for students. This now provides a much more open and usable space for students, day and night.
Local life
Is your university in a good location in terms of distance to accommodation and local amenities?
Plymouth has a good mix of city life and scenic waterfront views. There are a lot of activities going on year-round, many of which are either free, or offer a student discount. The University is very involved with city-wide events, and students are often able to contribute to these. Plymouth is also a very safe city, which is important to students who, many of which, are living away from home for the first time.
Societies and Sports
How would you rate the variety of societies/sports?
There is a huge range of clubs and societies for Plymouth University students, with a reasonable joining fee. The SU supports all societies, and offers funding and space to practice, play, etc. Students are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities, especially during first year.
Lecturers and teaching quality
What do you like most and least about the way your course(s) are taught?
I have been very happy with my course so far, and have found the majority of my lecturers to be supportive and keen to help their students to do their best. I have found that if students are willing to take some time to meet with their lecturers and discuss projects or essays, the lecturers will display the same enthusiasm. My lecturers have been happy to discuss any queries regarding work experience opportunities and essays, providing additional ideas and solid feedback.
The grade weighting on group work seems to be a little unfair, especially regarding group presentations, as lecturers' grading for these seems a little irregular. It is usually the case (on my course) that students put a lot more effort into group work, but usually find that their grades are lacking, therefore a lower grade weighting on group work would be desired. These opinions have been raised with our programme leader, who has been looking into the course structure, so it is great to know that student opinions are taken into consideration.
Career prospects
How does your uni make efforts to increase your employability (careers department, work placements, transferable skills)?
I am currently undertaking a 12 month work placement for my third year, and the placements team and my lecturers were especially helpful in helping me to find a placement for the year. I have had a lot of support before, and during my placement, and having dedicated placement tutors definitely helps students to resolve and potential issues during the placement year.
After graduation, I feel confident that I will find a good job in my field, and that the University will offer advice and support if necessary, to help me find a job. My lecturers are often happy to provide good recommendations and connect their students with various business contacts, making it easier for students and graduates to settle into their careers.
University halls
What do you think about the safety, condition, location and cost of your accommodation?
I have had little contact with the accommodation team during my time at university, though the time I have needed to contact them has been really easy and pleasant. The online form for accommodation applications was easy to navigate and I received confirmation of my accommodation when I received my results. Though I wasn't allocated a space in Halls, I was in a Unite property, who worked closely with the university to provide first-year accommodation. Many other students were also in the same building, and it was easy to find friends and meet people in other flats in the building. The uni also offer a range of university managed accommodation for students after first-year, and are happy to take a look at any contracts before you sign them.