Plymouth Marjon University

Plymouth St Mark and St John University, often referred to as Marjon University, is a higher education institution based in the city of Plymouth, in the south west of England.  

It’s a prominent university with a history that begins in 1840, and today offers quality postgraduate programmes across a range of disciplines, including subjects such as business, health, sports, education and performing arts among its specialities. 

It's a highly rated university, having achieved 5th place in the 2022 Whatuni Student Choice Awards and earning its title as one of the WUSCA 2022 Universities of the Year. 

Plymouth Marjon has a campus located in northern Plymouth, on the doorstep of the famous Dartmoor National Park. Students can enjoy easy access to the city and countryside in equal parts, while the campus itself is home to a range of specialist facilities and modern, comfortable study and social spaces. 

Plymouth is a vibrant coastal city that’s popular with students due to its multiple universities and laid back lifestyle. The Plymouth waterfront is home to a wide range of bars, cafes, restaurants and scenic areas. Throughout the city, students will find all kinds of activities and events, from cinemas to clubs, galleries theatres and sports venues. 

Plymouth Marjon University provides postgraduate students with access to a robust portfolio of innovative and highly rated study options. Students are highly satisfied with the quality and reach of their programmes, with courses combining the best of the newest academic learning and industry-focused learning and skill building. 

Students on taught postgraduate courses will be able to choose from full master’s degrees and shorter qualifications, such as the postgraduate certificate or diploma. Teaching on these courses is typically through tutorials and small seminars, practical research and laboratory work, professional projects and applied learning, and wide-ranging academic support. 

Prospective students can also choose from two distance learning courses at Marjon, which allows learners to complete one of the two master’s degrees from the comfort of their own home. The MSc in Management for a Sustainable Future and the MA in Professional Education Practice are both available to learn online. 

Plymouth Marjon also has an active research community, with students able to apply for PhD courses in education, sport and exercise science, business and social science, and health and wellbeing. 

The university sets progressive entry requirements for its postgraduate courses, designed to enable a diverse cohort of students from various backgrounds to access life-changing education at Plymouth Marjon. Students can expect to be considered based on their academic credentials, along with their professional experience and application quality in some cases. 

For example, students applying for the MA in Youth and Community Work will be expected to have an undergraduate degree in a relevant area. They will also need to provide evidence of 100 hours or more of related work experience in a youth or community settings. Completion of an interview and attainment of DBS clearance is also required. 

Applicants for the MSc in Sport Rehabilitation will need an undergraduate degree with a 2:2 grade or higher, in a subject such as: sport, exercise science, physiotherapy, sports coaching, or similar. Applicants with other degrees and professional or vocational experience will also be considered. 

Applicants for the PGCE in Secondary Education with Chemistry should have a degree at 2:2 level or higher, with GCSE grade C or above in English and mathematics. 

Entry requirements can change, so students should check with the university before applying. 

Plymouth Marjon University places a clear focus on student employability and graduate prospects for its students, from the day they arrive to well after they leave. The university achieves high further education or employment rates for its students, supported by industry-relevant curricula, professional skill building and future-focused support services. 

The university’s ‘Futures’ team is available to provide tailored support and useful guidance to students throughout their degree. Learners can make use of online portals which allow them to browse hundreds of paid and voluntary vacancies, as well as internships and placements. 

Many courses at Plymouth Marjon involve applied learning opportunities and practical activity. Through a focus on real-world skills, students are able to stand out to potential employers. 

A range of careers events and networking opportunities means that students can make valuable connections to prospective employers while at university, preparing for success as soon as they graduate. 

Plymouth Marjon also has a wide reaching network of institutional links, with other universities and business around the world. As a result, study abroad and international research opportunities are common, providing students with the chance to add eye-catching experience to their CV. 

Accommodation

Plymouth Marjon is a single campus university, which means that students living at any of its halls of residence will enjoy having easy access to all the facilities and social activities that the university has to offer.  

The university has an exclusively postgraduate residence, The Oaks, which is available to master’s and PhD students. They can also apply for places in other halls, where the university will aim to house them with other postgraduates. 

Accommodation contracts are typically 42 weeks in length and include the Christmas and Easter holidays, allowing postgraduates to settle in for the duration of their course. With payments made in instalments and bills included in the price, it’s a stress free way to enjoy life at the heart of the student community. 

Many postgraduate students opt for privately rented accommodation in or around Plymouth. The city is home to various private halls of residence, in addition to modern apartments or homely townhouses that are perfect for individuals or groups of friends. It’s a great student city that offers coastal living, and all the views and outdoor activities that entails, along with a vibrant urban lifestyle rich with arts, culture, entertainment, food and nightlife. 

Postgraduate students at Plymouth Marjon University can benefit from a broad range of scholarships and bursaries during their time there. These funding options may be offered as discounts on tuition fees or as direct payments to students, towards maintenance or equipment costs. 

Some of the available funding opportunities include: 

• The Marjon alumni discount, which provides a 20% waiver to tuition fees for students progressing from undergraduate study at the university to a postgraduate course. PGCE students are not eligible for this award. 
• Postgraduate research students are able to apply for grants or studentships via the UK’s Research Councils or other doctoral research funding bodies. These funding streams may vary in value or availability, so students are encouraged to explore and check the relevant sites regularly. 
• Other external funding is available through businesses and charities, as well as government departments. In some cases students can be sponsored by their current employers. 

Students are encouraged to explore the full range of available scholarships, bursaries and other funding sources through the university’s website.