Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
4.04.04.1
The University of Plymouth is a modern campus university ideally placed in the centre of Britain's Ocean City, Plymouth, located on the south west coast and nestled between picturesque Dartmoor and Cornwall.
The university offers an impressive portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and has opened £100 million of new facilities in the 2023/24 academic year. Students develop hands-on learning through a mix of real-world and simulated course facilities. Newly established, InterCity Place houses the university's health professions, nursing and midwifery. For STEAM subjects, Babbage is where engineering and design come together.
Plymouth law students benefit from practising their courtroom skills in the new moot court, Foulston Room, in the historic surroundings of Plymouth's museum, The Box. Criminology and policing students understand real life investigations in the University's Crime Suite, and a sustainably renovated £14.5 million Fitzroy Building opens in early 2025, and is the new home for Plymouth Business School.
Plymouth guarantees housing to all applicants who put Plymouth as their firm choice by the deadline stated on their website.
Students have superb access to the stunning beaches and beautiful countryside of Devon, and direct rail links to London, South Wales, the Midlands and Scotland. There are also nearby airports in Exeter, Newquay and Bristol.
Plymouth is a great student city, with many places of cultural interest, shopping centres, a bustling nightlife, and a fantastic overall quality of life which is mentioned frequently by student reviewers.
Virtual campus tours are available online, and prospective students can get first-hand insights into life in Plymouth through a podcast series which covers topics including mental health, careers, the application process and so much more.
The University of Plymouth placed 5th in South West England in the career prospects category at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024.
Sign up for one of the online subject webinars to discover more about your programme of interest. Now's the chance to ask academics any questions and get answers about the application process from the University admissions team. Check the dates in the University website.
University of Plymouth students on Whatuni say:
''I really like where the university is situated, very central to the city, and I have met some really really lovely people.''
''The location being near the sea is amazing as well as student life. Being on campus is always great with everyone being friendly and nice buildings available.''
''Very welcoming to new comers, makes everyone feel comfortable.''
4.2Plymouth's library is open 24/7, with around 350,000 books and multimedia items in addition to 14,000 journal subscriptions.
Specialist facilities at Plymouth include:
University of Plymouth students on Whatuni say:
''The campus is easy to navigate with everything relatively close compared with other campuses, and Plymouth is by the sea which is huge bonus.''
''I love that the university has many different places to eat, you can book rooms and there's shops on campus.''
''Good student life and campus.''
Maritime history meets contemporary city life in Britain's Ocean City. The city has an eclectic mix of everything: green spaces, a growing art scene, exciting clubs, and thriving music venues. It's easy to find delicious food and an excellent cup of coffee in Plymouth.
The proximity to both nature, the sea, and the city makes Plymouth popular with students.
Our city has also been found to be Britain's best city in which to live and work (PwC's index measuring cities by economic performance and quality of life, 2024).
There are over 180 clubs and societies available to join at the University of Plymouth. As a coastal institution, there are a whole host of water sports such as sailing, windsurfing and stand up paddleboarding (SUP). Other society themes include business and enterprise, culture, food and drink, performing arts, and faith-based groups.
Participation is welcomed, and there is truly something for everyone.
3.7The university has a dedicated careers and employability service based on campus. Students can easily access a range of services to help get ahead in their career, including:
These services are available to graduates of the University of Plymouth for as long as they are needed. The university offers job search support, networking opportunities, and even organises a programme of graduate careers events to ensure that students gain not only a qualification, but the tools and support needed to build a meaningful career.
Students are encouraged to gain professional experience as part of their degree. Plymouth also invests into the city's economy by helping to develop links with local businesses, creating jobs in Plymouth and the South West. Plymouth is the key partner in the South West Peninsula City Deal, which has the potential to create 10,000 jobs.
Plymouth's student reviewers seem to have found all the careers support that they need to confidently make the next step from university to the world of work.
4.0Plymouth's halls of residence are spacious, safe, close to campus, and provide a welcoming environment for students. Undergraduates are guaranteed placement on two conditions – firstly, that Plymouth is their firm first choice university, secondly, that they've applied for their accommodation by the stated deadline.
The university now offers a prepaid catering service for some of its halls, and full details can be found online.
The halls of residence on campus are:
Health students have direct-let halls available in Truro and Cornwall.
University of Plymouth students on Whatuni say:
''Safe place to live, friendly.''
''University of Plymouth campus is located in the heart of the city centre making it perfectly accessible, with lots of student accommodation options surrounding it.''
''Very good value for money, all bills included with what you pay either monthly, termly or yearly.''
Scholarships and funding
The university supports its students with a wide programme of financial aid schemes and funding opportunities, including:
The Mayflower Award
Awarded to first year students living in England with a household income up to £35,000. This award is granted automatically, and paid in two instalments dependent on satisfactory attendance.
What Just Happened Fund
This fund provides limited financial support for students and close family or friends for costs incurred at short notice, in the event of a serious injury or illness while studying.
Financial Support Fund
This fund is for students undergoing significant financial difficulty during their studies, particularly if it may lead them to consider leaving higher education.
Helena Kennedy Foundation
Every year FE Colleges, adult education centres and sixth form colleges are invited to nominate a student to receive a £1,500 bursary sponsored by the University of Plymouth.
Summer Support Fund
This fund provides basic assistance for students who are unable to work during the summer period (up until the end of August) for personal, health, or course-related reasons.
UK students - £9,250 per year
International students – see fees and funding page for details
The university has a wealth of highly accomplished staff members. Lecturers are passionate about the subject they teach, which shows in their quality lectures and in the high level of engagement which students display.
The university year works in semesters. Students complete six modules over the course of two semesters, which include two assessment periods – one in January and one in May. This facilitates regular feedback between lecturer and student.
In the first year of study, many of Plymouth's courses feature a Plymouth Plus module, which encourages interdisciplinary work. These modules encourage students to utilise cross-subject links and work alongside students from other disciplines, nurturing a dynamic learning experience. Throughout this module, students develop essential skills such as teamwork, problem solving, and communication - transferable skills invaluable to employers.
The accessibility of academic staff at the University of Plymouth was something a number of reviewers mentioned, with lecturers always happy to help and highly engaged with their subjects.
University of Plymouth students on Whatuni say:
''The quality of teaching is fantastic, with great one to one time with lecturers.''
''I would argue the best part of this university is it's staff, especially the lecturers. Every single one has been so attentive and engaging, clearly having a passion for their subject.''
''The best thing of the course are the teachers that always helps you if you have questions or you are struggling with your studies.''
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Marine biology and marine science are both key focus areas for the university.
The Babbage Building is a brand new £63 million education and research facility for STEAM subjects, designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and creative innovation.
Faculty of Health
The faculty offers degree courses ranging from psychology and social work to nursing, midwifery and emergency care.
In addition to the Babbage Building, InterCity Place is another brand-new facility which will use a range of digital health technologies to train the next generation of nurses, midwives and allied health professionals
Faculty of Arts, Business and Humanities
The School of Business has strong links within the city, providing extra opportunity for graduate employability and work experience. The university is currently sustainably renovating the Fitzroy Building, at a cost of £14.5 million, as the new home for Plymouth Business School, which will open in early 2025. Students will benefit from an upgraded Bloomberg Interactive Suite, Maritime Suite and Language Lab.
The House is a state-of-the-art performing arts centre with a high-spec 200-seat studio theatre, and is fast attracting some of the best national and international artists.
University of Plymouth students on Whatuni say:
''The teaching is great and lots of manageable hours with plenty of time and opportunity to connect with lecturers.''
''In December 2023, the new Babbage Building for STEAM subjects was opened. A visually exciting modern & spacious design, elegantly worked to be flexible for working in. It is much in demand and it is hard to book a room there already!''
''Tutors are very helpful with giving feedback when it comes to class work.''
4.1Plymouth's award-winning Students' Union (UPSU) employ 75 permanent staff and around 400 student staff members, campaigning for student rights, organising a lively programme of events, and offering dedicated support though the advice centre.
The campus has a range of campus cafes which are loved by Plymouth's students, such as Drake's Kitchen, Reservoir Cafe, Writing Cafe, and Loafers.
University of Plymouth students on Whatuni say:
''The SU is great for social events, meals, drinks and more.''
''The best thing is the student life, the several activities you can do outside your studies.''
''The Student Union offers considerable support and the onsite cafes between them provide tasty nutritious food at a reasonable price.''
4.0Plymouth students report that there is a lot of easy access, well-organised help and support from both tutors and lecturers, and wider student services. The Student Hub is Plymouth's centralised student services department, and is a located on campus in the Charles Seale-Hayne Library. It is open daily during weekdays, and exists to support student wellbeing and learning at every stage of study.
The Student Hub is staffed by a team of friendly and dedicated advisers who help students to succeed with their studies and make the most out of their time at university. All advice is free and confidential, and accessible to students from the entire University of Plymouth community.
Available support services include:
Student reviews are praiseworthy of the level of student support provided at Plymouth, highlighting the willingness of the university support team to engage with any kind of issue, offering general guidance, as well as referrals to more specialist services where required.
University of Plymouth students on Whatuni say:
''I have been able to easily access student counselling through student support services during a personal difficult time.''
''The student support is the bit that stands out for me as it is absolutely exceptional.''
''Very supportive staff and great atmosphere!''
4.2
