Welcome to our handy guide on the University of Plymouth! Whether you’re a prospective or current student, or just curious about the university, we’ve got you covered with all the essential information you need to know. Let’s dive in and explore!
Location of the University of Plymouth
The University of Plymouth is situated in the lively coastal city of Plymouth, in the southwest of England. It’s in a prime spot with awesome views of Plymouth Sound and the English Channel. The campus is right in the city centre, so it’s super convenient for students with lots of shops, restaurants, and fun stuff nearby. Plus, being on the coast means you can enjoy outdoor activities and hit the beautiful beaches. It’s a perfect combo of city life and nature vibes!
Campuses of the University of Plymouth
Newcastle University encompasses multiple campuses, including its main campus in Newcastle upon Tyne, as well as two additional campuses in Asia.
Main Campus
The main campus of the University of Plymouth is the central hub for various faculties like the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business, the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and the Faculty of Health. It’s also home to the University of Plymouth Students’ Union, offering a variety of student support services and activities. Within a short walking distance from the main campus, you’ll find the Marine Station, a specialized facility focused on marine and coastal research.
North Campus
The university’s North campus is located approximately four miles to the north of the main campus, in close proximity to Derriford Hospital. This area accommodates the facilities for Medicine and Dentistry, which are housed within the Plymouth Science Park. This setup encourages collaboration and promotes innovation in healthcare education and research.
History of the University of Plymouth
The University of Plymouth has a history that goes way back to 1862 when it started as the School of Navigation. Back then, it was all about training merchant navy officers. Fast forward to 1992, and it officially became the University of Plymouth. Since then, it has grown into a renowned university, offering a wide range of programs and making exciting contributions to research and innovation.
Key Milestones
- 1862: The School of Navigation is established, focusing on the training of merchant navy officers.
- 1920: The school expands its curriculum to include marine engineering and becomes the Plymouth School of Navigation and Marine Engineering.
- 1962: The institution is designated as a College of Advanced Technology and changes its name to Plymouth College of Technology.
- 1970: Plymouth College of Technology merges with other local institutions, forming Plymouth Polytechnic.
- 1992: Plymouth Polytechnic achieves university status and becomes the University of Plymouth.
- 2008: The university opens the Roland Levinsky Building, a state-of-the-art facility for arts and humanities.
- 2012: The Marine Building, a dedicated marine research facility, is opened by the university.
- 2017: The university celebrates its 150th anniversary, marking a long history of educational excellence.
- 2020: The university contributes to the fight against COVID-19 by supporting healthcare initiatives and research.
Rankings of the University of Plymouth
The University of Plymouth has consistently received acclaim in diverse international university rankings.
- QS World University Rankings 2024: #551-600
- U.S. News World University Rankings 2023: #558
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024: #401-500
Strong Programmes of the University of Plymouth
The University of Plymouth offers a diverse range of strong programs that prepare students for success in their chosen fields. From marine sciences to engineering, business, and the arts, the university provides high-quality education and practical training. The Marine Sciences program stands out as a flagship program, with its long-standing reputation for pioneering research and exploration of marine environments. The engineering programs at Plymouth are also highly regarded, with the university boasting the largest marine and engineering program in Europe. Moreover, the University of Plymouth excels in the field of Medicine and Dentistry, showcasing a high level of expertise.
Marine Sciences
The University of Plymouth is a renowned leader in marine sciences, with a history of over 160 years in groundbreaking oceanographic research. It boasts the largest marine and engineering program in Europe and achieves remarkable global recognition.
With a focus on hands-on learning and cutting-edge research, students explore diverse marine environments, from coastal margins to the deep sea. The University of Plymouth’s expertise in marine sciences has earned it a top position among global institutions in this field. Shanghai Rankings position it 11th for Marine and Ocean Engineering and 34th for Marine Science worldwide. Moreover, it consistently secures a spot in the top 15 in the UK and the top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings.
Marine Biology
Studying marine biology at the University of Plymouth offers a hands-on experience where you can explore marine organisms in diverse environments, from coastal margins to the deep sea. With access to stunning coastlines and excellent marine facilities, you’ll not only learn about marine biology but also actively practice it through laboratory and field work. The program covers a wide range of topics, including the biology of marine organisms, their behavior, evolution, and the impacts of factors like climate change and pollution. Ranked highly in global and UK rankings, the program provides opportunities for research, field courses abroad, placements, and personal research projects, equipping you with the practical and intellectual skills needed to succeed as a marine biologist.
Peninsula Medical School
Peninsula Medical School, resulting from the split of Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, offers exceptional programs in Dentistry and Clinical Medicine. In the 2021 Guardian University Rankings, Peninsula Medical School is ranked 2nd in the UK for Dentistry and 8th for Clinical Medicine. The school provides students with valuable hands-on experience through partnerships with expert-led placement partners across the UK. Students have the opportunity to gain practical experience in a variety of clinical settings, with extended placements of up to one year in Torbay, Taunton, or Plymouth. They also have the chance to rotate between these sites and may need to travel to GP practices from the main hospital locations.
Student Accommodation near the University of Plymouth
There are plenty of student accommodations near the University of Plymouth to ensure a convenient campus life. Here are a few recommendations for student accommodation in Plymouth. They benefit from a convenient location, enabling students to easily commute on foot to both the campus and popular attractions in Plymouth.
Price Range: £161-238/week
- 440 Beds
- Highest Floor 21
- University of Plymouth and Arts University Plymouth virtually over the road
- Nestled in the vibrant heart of Plymouth
Price Range: £180-216/week
- Easily access the harborside
- 7 min walk from the Arts University Plymouth
- 10 min walk from the University of Plymouth
- 2 min to Sainsbury’s Local
Price Range: £156-260/week
- Close to the city centre
- Within walking distance of both the University of Plymouth and Arts University Plymouth
Price Range: £149-291/week
- 519 Beds
- Renovated in 2020
- Nestled in the heart of the city
- Convenient distance from City College Plymouth and the University of Plymouth
- Peanoramic views of Plymouth’s city and seafront from the rooftop lounge
Price Range: £138-250/week
- 500 Beds
- Built in 2018
- 10 min walk from Arts University Plymouth
- 12 min to the University of Plymouth
- Easy access to the University of Exeter
Price Range: £133-147/week
- Affordable Price
- Multiple room options
- 5 min walk from the University of Plymouth
- 14 min walk from Arts University Plymouth
Price Range: £127-175/week
- Arts University Plymouth 7-min walk away
- University of Plymouth 11-min walk away
- Good Reviews
All You Need to Know about the University of Plymouth FAQ
The University of Plymouth offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, engineering, health, and social sciences.
Yes, the University of Plymouth offers a range of accommodation options, including halls of residence and private rented accommodation.
Plymouth is a vibrant coastal city in Devon, England. It offers a mix of historical landmarks, cultural attractions, beautiful coastline, and a thriving arts scene. The city provides a welcoming and friendly environment for students, with a range of amenities, entertainment options, and easy access to stunning natural landscapes.
