Plymouth Marjon University

Overview

Plymouth Marjon University is in the south-west of England, just a short distance from Dartmoor and the English Channel. It was recently ranked 4th in England for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide’s 2024 League Tables. 

The university prides itself on its green spaces around campus, and it’s small, close-knit community feel. With under 5,000 students, you’ll never feel lost in the crowd. The university is student-centred and places a big focus on creating connections and community. 

Living in Plymouth, you’ll have access to a vibrant city, full of attractions, history, landmarks, shopping, eateries and nightlife. The university is also just 12 miles from the seafront, so you can spend weekends on the beach, or head the same distance up to Dartmoor and experience the beautiful landscapes. 

The university itself is in Derriford, just north of the city of Plymouth. Plymouth is well-connected via rail, with trains to and from London, Bristol, Birmingham and Exeter to name a few. The nearest airports are Exeter and Newquay, which offer a range of national and international destinations. 

The university does offer part-time undergraduate courses, though this mode of study is not available for all subjects. Part-time study allows you to fit your course around other commitments such as work and family. 

As well as three-year long bachelors degrees, the university also offers two-year long foundation degree programs. Foundation degrees are equivalent to the first two years of study for a bachelors, and once you’ve completed your foundation degree you’ll be able to apply for a year-long top-up course to obtain a bachelors degree if you wish to. 

The university also offers a limited number of integrated masters degrees. These courses are four years long as standard, and you’ll progress seamlessly from your third year of bachelors study to postgraduate, masters level study. 

Some courses also have the option to add an extra placement year into the course. You’d complete your placement year after your second year, and you’ll gain valuable workplace experience and build your professional network. 

Plymouth Marjon encourages applicants who don’t have traditional qualifications to reach out to the admissions team to discuss their qualifications and experience and the options available to them. All applications are considered on an individual basis. Entry requirements are intended as a guide only.  

We’ve summarised the entry requirements for a few popular subjects so you can see if Plymouth Marjon is likely to be a good fit for you. 

For BSc Forensic Science, you’ll need A-level grades BBC including a science subject. Chemistry or biology are preferred, but other sciences are considered. You’ll also need GCSE English, maths and science at grade C/4 or above. 

BA Journalism requires CCC at A-level, and GCSE English language grade C/4 or above. 

BSc Psychology applicants will need BBC or higher in A-level, and GCSE English language grade C/4 or above. 

For BSc Business, you’ll need A-level grades CCC, as well as GCSE English language and maths at grade C/4 or above. 

The university has seven different halls of residence and a 38-house student village. Most first-years opt to stay in one of these accommodations. All first-year students living on campus will have a dine-in-scheme card issued as part of their accommodation package, giving you money to spend each week on purchasing food from campus outlets. 

The first three blocks, Coleridge, Kay Shuttleworth and Tufnell Halls offer a choice between ensuite rooms in mixed gender flats shared between five students, or shared facility rooms in single-sex flats shared between six students.  

Cromwell, Hudson and Clark Halls all offer shared facility rooms in flats of nine, single sex flats. Each block has just six flats in it, so it’s easy to get to know other students in your block. 

Dix Hall offers shared facility mixed gender rooms in flats shared between six students. Dix Hall also has a limited number of bedrooms with an accessible ensuite wetroom. 

All rooms are furnished with single bed, desk and chair, bedside cabinet, wardrobe and noticeboard. Shared facility rooms also have a washbasin. Flats each have a shared kitchen-diner with fridge, freezer, cooker, microwave, toaster, sink and kettle. Rent is inclusive of all bills, security and maintenance. 

The career service at Plymouth Marjon University is known as Marjon Futures. Futures offers student-focused careers advice and support at all stages of career planning. It supports workplace based experience such as internships, volunteering and part-time work as well as international opportunities and business and enterprise development. 

There’s also an online platform, which provides digital information, advice and guidance. On Futures Online, you can access CV 360, Interview 360 and Job Tracker to get support with the application process. 

Futures is accessible to Plymouth Marjon University for life. Alumni are able to book one-to-one sessions with careers advisers, and there’s a dedicated alumni area on Futures Online which remains accessible to graduates. 

Graduates of the university are also encouraged to become career mentors and work with current students or more recent graduates to share their career journey and offer support and advice to those starting out. 

The university offers a range of funding support to students on top of any support you get from the government. Scholarships and bursaries are non-repayable, so they won’t add to your student debt. 

The university offers a Hardship Fund for those experiencing financial difficulties. Applications to this fund are means tested and payments are made in instalments. You can apply once you’re fully registered at the university. 

Disabled students can also access the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA), which provides support towards covering the cost of specialist support or equipment needed for your studies. 

Student parents may be able to access the Childcare Grant or the Parents’ Learning Allowance to help cover the costs of childcare while studying. 

The university also offers Sport Performance Scholarships for elite athletes. It’s split into three tiers and any award you receive will be paid directly into your bank account. You’ll also get performance support from the university including free gym access, free use of the Sport & Health Clinic, and free use of the Osteopathy Clinic. 

You can also apply for the care leavers and estranged students bursary if you’re under 25 when your course starts and are either a care-experienced student or estranged from family. You’ll also get a dedicated adviser and support completing your UCAS and student finance applications.