University of Plymouth

QS Ranking 2024: 561
QS Ranking 2025: 661-670

THE University Ranking 2023: 401–500
THE University Ranking 2024: 401–500

Established:
1862 (Full university status in 1992)

Famous for:
Marine Sciences, Medicine, Civil Engineering, Environmental Sciences

Distance from London:
Approx. 3.5 hours by train (230 miles)

Fees:
£14,000 - £18,000/Year

Plymouth, England | Visit Website
The University of Plymouth is one of the UK's largest universities, with over 23,000 students, including 2,000 international students from over 100 countries. Founded in 1862 as the Plymouth School of Navigation, it achieved full university status in 1992. Plymouth is renowned for its marine and maritime education, receiving the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2012 for its global impact in this field. Today, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with a strong emphasis on placement opportunities and work-based learning.

As a university dedicated to sustainability, Plymouth ranks among the top green universities in the UK. The city itself is an attractive place for students, consistently ranked as one of the most cost-effective places to study in the UK. The university’s Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Geography and Environmental Science, and Art and Design courses also rank highly nationally, making it a popular destination for students with diverse academic interests.

With a student satisfaction rate that puts several of its courses in the UK top ten, the University of Plymouth continues to deliver a world-class student experience.
The International Student Advice Service offers a comprehensive range of services for international students, helping them settle into life in the UK. The services include:
  • Meet and Greet Service: This is available at Heathrow Airport at the start of the academic year.
  • Orientation Programme: This covers the university campus, departments, and general British culture to help international students adapt smoothly.
  • Languages Café: Hosted by the School of Tourism, this weekly event allows students to meet and practise different languages with native speakers in an informal setting.
Plymouth also provides ongoing support for students in areas such as visa and immigration advice, English language support, and careers guidance.
The University of Plymouth consistently ranks well in various national and international rankings. In 2024, Plymouth placed:
  • 70th in the Times University Guide
  • 69th in the Guardian University Guide
  • 661-670th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
Plymouth is also recognized for its research output. In the REF 2021 (Research Excellence Framework), 78% of the university’s submissions were rated internationally excellent (4* or 3*), showing significant improvement from the previous assessment. Plymouth is known as one of the top 40 global modern universities and is ranked among the best green universities in the UK.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Course Name Fees Duration Qualification Start Date Enquire Now
MSc in Business and Management GBP 18,400/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Artificial Intelligence GBP 19,800/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MA in Education GBP 17,600/year 12 Months MA Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
BSc (Hons) in Business Management with Placement GBP 17,100/year 36 Months BSc (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Finance GBP 18,400/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Tourism and Hospitality Management GBP 18,400/year 12 Months MSc Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MSc in Clinical Psychology GBP 17,600/year 12 Months MSc Sep Enquire Now ➤
BA (Hons) in Geography GBP 18,100/year 36 Months BA (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance GBP 17,100/year 36 Months BA (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
BEng (Hons) in Robotics GBP 18,100/year 36 Months BEng (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
BA (Hons) in Human Resource Management GBP 17,100/year 12 Months BA (Hons) Jan, Sep Enquire Now ➤
MArch in Architecture GBP 17,100/year 24 Months MArch Sep Enquire Now ➤
BSc (Hons) in Mathematics with Theoretical Physics GBP 18,100/year 36 Months BSc (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
BSc (Hons) in Ocean Exploration and Surveying GBP 18,100/year 36 Months BSc (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
BSc (Hons) in Ocean Science and Marine Conservation GBP 18,100/year 36 Months BSc (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy with Placement GBP 18,100/year 36 Months BSc (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
BSc (Hons) in Nutrition, Exercise and Health GBP 18,100/year 36 Months BSc (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
BSc (Hons) in Podiatry with Placement GBP 18,100/year 36 Months BSc (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Sociology GBP 18,100/year 36 Months BSc (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
BA (Hons) in Social Work GBP 18,100/year 36 Months BA (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology GBP 18,100/year 36 Months BSc (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology and Oceanography GBP 18,100/year 36 Months BSc (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
BEng (Hons) in Marine Technology GBP 18,100/year 36 Months BEng (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
BSc (Hons) in Mathematics GBP 18,100/year 36 Months BSc (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
BA (Hons) in Creative Media GBP 17,100/year 36 Months BA (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
BA (Hons) in Filmmaking GBP 17,100/year 36 Months BA (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
BA (Hons) in Game Arts and Design GBP 17,100/year 36 Months BA (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies GBP 17,100/year 36 Months BA (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
BEng (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering GBP 18,100/year 36 Months BEng (Hons) Sep Enquire Now ➤
MRes in Marine Biology GBP 19,800/year 12 Months MRes Sep Enquire Now ➤
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Scholarship Name Enquire Now
Undergraduate International Student Scholarship Enquire Now ➤
International Academic Excellence Scholarship Enquire Now ➤
Postgraduate Taught International Student Scholarship Enquire Now ➤
International Academic Excellence Scholarship PG Enquire Now ➤
UKESC Caribbean Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship Enquire Now ➤
International Undergraduate Gold Scholarship (School of Psychology) Enquire Now ➤
Plymouth Business School Career Support Scholarship Enquire Now ➤
GREAT Scholarships Enquire Now ➤
International Plymouth Award Enquire Now ➤
The University of Plymouth offers a vibrant student life, combining academic excellence with a wide range of extracurricular activities. With a campus located in the heart of Plymouth, students have access to the stunning natural surroundings of Devon and Cornwall, including the Dartmoor National Park and the nearby coastline.

The university has more than 100 clubs and societies, catering to a variety of interests from sports, art, and culture to more niche activities such as surfing and sailing, making Plymouth an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. The Students' Union plays a vital role in organising events and providing a sense of community on campus.

Plymouth is also a cost-effective city for students, with lower living costs compared to many other UK cities. This makes it an attractive option for students seeking high-quality education without the high expenses.
The University of Plymouth guarantees accommodation for all first-year undergraduates. There are six halls of residence on campus and six off-campus options, all within walking distance of the main campus and city centre. Students can choose from en suite rooms, studio apartments, or flats, typically shared with 3 to 11 other students.

Most accommodation includes shared kitchens and common areas, offering a social environment for students. Off-campus options are equally affordable, and the university’s accommodation services provide assistance with finding suitable housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here is some of the frequently asked questions about the University of Plymouth

Q. What are the top-ranked courses at the University of Plymouth?

The University of Plymouth is known for its excellence in Marine Sciences, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Computer Science, and Medicine.

Q. What research opportunities are available at the University of Plymouth?

Plymouth is a research-intensive university, with 78% of its research rated internationally excellent or world-leading in the REF 2021. Research areas include Marine Science, Medicine, Environmental Sustainability, and Robotics.

Q. What type of visa do I need to study at the University of Plymouth?

International students typically need a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) to study at the University of Plymouth. The university’s International Office provides guidance and support throughout the visa application process.

Q. Can I work part-time while studying at the University of Plymouth?

Yes, international students on a Student Visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Plymouth's Career Services can help students find part-time work.

Talk to our Advisor

Enquire Now!