Plymouth Marjon University is a small, student-focused university on the south coast of England, with a history stretching back more than 180 years. Based on a green 17-hectare campus in Plymouth, the university offers a close-knit learning environment alongside easy access to the Devon coastline and Dartmoor National Park.
Marjon has a particularly strong reputation for student experience and inclusive education, being ranked 7th in the UK for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2027. More than three quarters of Marjon students are the first generation in their immediate family to attend university, which highlights the university's strength in providing opportunities for social mobility.
Teaching is another recognised strength. Plymouth Marjon holds an overall Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), reflecting the quality of its undergraduate teaching, learning environment and student outcomes. In the National Student Survey 2026, students also ranked Marjon first in the South West for helping them connect learning across different topics and placed it within the top 25 per cent nationally for learning opportunities.
Marjon also places a strong emphasis on employment-focused learning, cultivating close links with employers, with work placements incorporated into its programmes. This combination of personalised teaching and career-oriented support services makes Marjon a strong option for students seeking a well-rounded education while preparing for their future career.
Plymouth Marjon University students on Whatuni say:
''Marjon is a great university with a variety of sports and courses. lecturers are very supportive and helpful.''
''Best aspects is that I am loving my course and the people I have met.''
''I liked how close everyone and everyone on campus was! I felt a sense of belonging.''
Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
Marjon's campus facilities include everything students need to excel academically and develop themselves personally. Its physiology laboratory is the only CASES-accredited facility of its kind in the South West, and the campus also includes a 24-hour computer room, theatre, and cinema room.
The Marjon Sport & Health Centre includes a 25-metre swimming pool, fitness suite, sports halls, sports science laboratories and outdoor pitches, and the newer Health & Wellbeing Hub features simulation rooms, a teaching kitchen, immersive and virtual-reality spaces, and public clinics for physiotherapy, osteopathy, counselling and speech and language therapy.
Plymouth Marjon University students on Whatuni say:
''I like the location and facilities.''
''The campus is beautiful and you know everyone, which really gives it that community feel.''
''The facilities for my course are fantastic.''
Marjon's accommodation is located on its Plymouth campus, conveniently within a few minutes' walk of university teaching rooms, sports facilities, library and social spaces. There are seven halls of residence and a student village of 38 houses, with The Oaks providing accommodation for master's and PhD students. Current room prices range from £121 to £147 per week, depending on room type, with utilities, Wi-Fi and contents insurance included. First-year students who apply by the deadline and meet the university's conditions will receive an offer of accommodation.
Plymouth Marjon University students on Whatuni say:
''The halls provide lots of storage space and large rooms, and were perfectly situated on campus so you could walk to your lecture in 5 mins.''
''It was nice to be close to classes.''
''The location is good and it's not too expensive.''
Plymouth Marjon University offers several forms of financial support, alongside helping its students access external funding schemes and government student finance. Eligible care leavers and estranged students aged 25 or under can receive an annual £2,000 bursary, as well as access to year-round campus accommodation and dedicated support. The university also operates a means-tested University Hardship Fund for students experiencing unexpected financial difficulties.
Other support includes help with travel and subsistence costs for students on work placements and Sport Performance Scholarships for elite athletes. Marjon's Attribute Development Bursary can also contribute towards extracurricular opportunities that build professional and personal skills, with awards of up to £250 for UK-based activities and £400 for international opportunities.
For 2026/27, the standard full-time undergraduate tuition fee for Home students is £9,790 per year. Eligible students can normally apply to Student Finance England for a tuition fee loan to cover this cost, alongside a maintenance loan to help with living expenses. International student undergraduate tuition fees are set at £15,200 per year, and all applicants should check their chosen programme before applying.
Plymouth Marjon University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses spanning subject areas that include education, health and wellbeing, sport, psychology, criminology and forensic science, business, and journalism. Its teaching model is built around small classes and practical learning, giving students regular contact with lecturers, plenty of options for personalised feedback, and the opportunity to apply what they learn outside the classroom in a way that benefits their future career ambitions.
Many courses include placements or professional experience. Education students spend time in schools and community settings, health students can work with real patients through Marjon's on-campus clinics, and sport students can gain experience with professional clubs and community organisations. Journalism students train at The Workshop, Marjon's broadcasting hub on the BBC South West campus, where they can work alongside industry professionals.
Lecturer support is a particularly recognised strength. In the National Student Survey 2026, Marjon ranked second among 12 South West institutions for support from lecturers. Students also placed the university first in the region for helping them connect learning across different topics, reflecting its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning.
Plymouth Marjon University students on Whatuni say:
''We have been taught through in person lectures which I have really liked and the course provides a good balance of study and placement, while ensuring you get a wide range of placement experiences.''
''All lecturers are really supportive and have really helped me excel in my studies.''
''Lectures are more interactive with you as a student because of the smaller class sizes so they get to know you as an individual.''

Plymouth Marjon University has particular strengths in education, health, sport and other professionally focused subjects, combining specialist teaching with practical experience.
Teacher training is one of Marjon's longest-established areas of expertise. The university has been doing this for more than 180 years and works with hundreds of primary, secondary and specialist schools across the South West. Its teacher training programmes include undergraduate and postgraduate routes to Qualified Teacher Status.
Recent student feedback also highlights high performance across several subject areas. In the National Student Survey 2026, Forensic Science achieved joint first-place rankings nationally for teaching quality, academic support, student voice and wellbeing support. Psychology and Forensic Science were also ranked first in England for assessment and feedback, while Health Science programmes achieved first-place results for engaging teaching and intellectually stimulating learning.
Marjon also has established expertise in sport and exercise, supported by specialist laboratories and practical facilities on campus. Its research strengths span areas including education, health and wellbeing, rehabilitation, sport performance and psychology, giving students opportunities to be taught by professors and academics who are involved in active research.
Plymouth Marjon University students on Whatuni say:
''Content is up to date and valuable.''
''The quality of teaching and learning is like no other, with lecturers remaining passionate about their chosen subjects and ensuring their students walk away with in depth knowledge about how to approach teaching in the classroom.''
''The course is exactly what i want and something i'm really interested in.''
Plymouth offers students a rare combination of city life, coastline and countryside. Marjon's campus is around a 15-minute drive from the city centre and is well connected by a regular bus service. Students can explore the historic Barbican and Plymouth Hoe, with a selection of beautiful sandy beaches within easy reach. Dartmoor National Park is also close to campus, offering walking, cycling and outdoor activities.
Students can join a varied selection of clubs and societies through Marjon Students' Union, covering a range of options from subject-specific societies to language groups, sports teams, cultural and special-interest societies, campaigning, and outdoor activities. It's a great way to expand the university experience and find like-minded individuals to try new things with. Students can also get support from the SU to establish a new society if their interest is not represented.
Marjon Students' Union is an independent charity that represents the voice and interests of students across the university. It organises events including Freshers' Week, the Graduation Ball and May Ball, as well as overseeing sports clubs and societies and running campaigns on issues such as mental health, discrimination and student welfare.
Plymouth Marjon University students on Whatuni say:
''The people are lovely and helpful and there are dogs.''
''Super friendly and chill vibes all round.''
''Very inclusive and social atmosphere where everyone is welcome.''
Plymouth Marjon University provides a raft of services to ensure every student has the resources and guidance needed to complete their studies with confidence. Academic support is in place to help students develop the skills needed to progress through their course, and the university offers an academic improvement programme and peer-assisted learning. Online support is available through Studiosity, a 24/7 virtual learning tool that gives students rapid formative feedback on written work, helping them strengthen academic writing, build confidence, and access consistent support whenever they need it.
A dedicated student wellbeing and support team enables students to access advice throughout the working week, with appointments and drop-in sessions available for those who need help. Support covers mental health and wellbeing, disability and inclusion, academic issues, personal development and student funding. Marjon also has a team of qualified counsellors providing free and confidential counselling, while its Disability and Inclusion Advice Service can help eligible students access adjustments, specialist mentoring and Disabled Students' Allowance.
Additional help is available for care-experienced and estranged students, including practical and emotional support before and during university. Students experiencing financial difficulties can also access advice on grants, bursaries, loans and other sources of funding.
Plymouth Marjon University students on Whatuni say:
''Positive experience, student support for when we are both on campus and also off campus is amazing.''
''Student support is amazing, the lecturers here all genuinely care and want you to achieve highly while you're at Marjon.''
''Great support, lovely campus.''
Employability is integrated with study programmes at Marjon. The university states that all of its programmes include some form of work placement, helping students gain practical experience and make professional contacts before graduating. Courses also develop graduate-level skills such as writing job applications, interview techniques, presenting information, and networking, with employers actively involved across the curriculum.
Students can access dedicated careers support through Marjon Futures, the university's careers, employability and enterprise service. The team provides many types of services, such as one-to-one guidance, support with CVs, applications, interviews, part-time work, placements, volunteering, enterprise and international opportunities. Students and graduates can also connect with employers through Handshake and Marjon Futures' professional networks.
Marjon currently reports that 90 per cent of graduates are in work or further study, according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey. Careers support continues after graduation, with alumni able to access one-to-one appointments, digital resources and employer connections for as long as they need them.

