The University of Plymouth's campus is centrally located within Britain's Ocean City, perched on the south western coast of Devon in between scenic Cornwall and the historic Dartmoor National Park.
Plymouth is a research-intensive institution and has won awards for its eco-initiatives while becoming established as a leading university for sustainability. Plymouth's students learn through a mix of real-world and simulated course facilities, enabling them to graduate with experience. There are specialised campus facilities for medical, nursing and allied health students at Derriford Hospital and Treliske Hospital sites. The university campus also boasts nine award winning cafes, the Jill Craigie cinema, and the Nancy Astor gym.
The university welcomes international students with a team of dedicated advisors to provide students with information about life at the university and advice on moving to the UK. Students from more than 100 countries currently study at Plymouth, attracted to the university by its reputation for teaching and research. The university has a thriving international community, with over 3,000 international students joining Plymouth for part time and full time study each year.
University of Plymouth Students on Postgraduate Search say:
''Overall, very impressed by my university experience at Plymouth and would highly recommend!''
''It is a good place to study in terms of the level of teaching, placement location, and success rate of achieving postgraduate employment.''
''Overall positive experience, mostly made by placements and practical skills learned in the clinical skills department.''
The university is renowned for its world leading research. Postgraduate students are supported by accomplished and experienced staff who undertake research that is innovative, operates across disciplinary boundaries, and provides outstanding training for postgraduate students.
The University of Plymouth continues to invest in high-quality learning environments and collaborative spaces, giving students access to facilities designed to support their learning, practical skills and future career. Students will develop practical skills through a mix of real-world and simulated course facilities, helping them gain experience that can be applied beyond their studies.
Flagship facilities include InterCity Place, home to health professions, nursing and midwifery, and Babbage, where engineering and design come together for STEAM subjects. Law students can practise courtroom skills in the Foulston Room moot court, while Criminology and Policing students can develop their understanding of real-life investigations in the University's Crime Suite.
Plymouth Business School is based in the sustainably renovated Fitzroy Building. The £14.5 million redevelopment provides specialist teaching facilities and social learning spaces, including the Bloomberg Interactive Suite, Maritime Suite and Language Lab.
University of Plymouth Students on Postgraduate Search say:
''The library is my favourite place. It's the best place for studying, and it's near my university accommodation too.''
''The bedroom is super comfortable, despite being small.''
''You are provided with a small double bed, a proper ensuite and a fully kitted kitchen It is great for flat socialising and has a common room downstairs and the staff are lovely.''
Student accommodation is not provided for postgraduate students, however the university's accommodation and housing department can help any postgraduate student to source opportunities in Plymouth and the surrounding area.
Entry requirements for postgraduate courses at the University of Plymouth vary, so applicants should review the course-specific details on the university's website before applying. The university seeks to attract talented and motivated students while ensuring the admissions process remains accessible to all applicants with the desire to study there. A strong undergraduate honours degree, typically a 2:1 or higher in a related field, is preferred. Some courses also accept professional qualifications. Candidates with lower or alternative qualifications may be considered based on relevant professional or personal experience.
Since courses are taught in English, non-native English speakers must demonstrate a required level of English language proficiency for admission.
Full information about postgraduate entry requirements can be found on the university website, as well as key information about how to build an application, and dates for submission.
The university's postgraduate admissions team are also available all year round to discuss course specific entry requirements.
The University of Plymouth understands that the cost of completing a postgraduate university degree can be a significant investment, and as such provides accessible funding opportunities to all students. Full details can be found via the university's fees and cost of studying page.
From scholarships to loans or grants from charitable trusts, it is possible to fund postgraduate study at Plymouth in a number of ways. The university's financial services team is always on hand to help postgraduate students make the most of their money before, during and after their time at Plymouth.
Tuition fees vary between taught and research degree options, and also depend on a student's fee status. To check the fee band for a programme, non-standard and part-time fees, applicants can refer to the individual programme on the university website.
Eligible students starting a postgraduate master's programme on or after 1 August 2026 could apply for a Postgraduate Masters Loan of up to £13,206 towards the cost of their studies.
Whether choosing to undertake a research degree, a professional doctorate or a taught master's programme, Plymouth's postgraduate students are supported by staff who are internationally recognised in their field. Their breadth and depth of knowledge makes them well placed within professional networks to help students plan their future career and give experience-based advice.
Most postgraduate programmes can be studied full time or part time, incorporating appropriate input from researchers, current practitioners, professional bodies, businesses and industry. This ensures that the programmes are current, relevant and stimulating, enabling students to develop a wide range of practical skills sought by employers.
Alternatively, there is a range of conversion courses at the University of Plymouth. Postgraduate conversion courses allow students to study something completely different from their undergraduate degree, to help gain a professional accreditation, or to generally increase job prospects in a chosen field.
They also provide the opportunity to fast-track a complete change in career or learning pathway. Conversion courses are available in many different Business subject areas, such as marketing, data science and finance, as well as various health professions including nursing and psychology – many with full- and part-time options available.
University of Plymouth Students on Postgraduate Search say:
''I found that the tutorials with tutors, tutors weekly hours and the workshops very useful and supportive.''
''The academic staff are generally very approachable and happy to help.''
''My course is great, interesting and exciting.''
All masters programmes include training in research methods and generic skills, as well as subject-specific modules. Most are completed in 12 months on a full-time basis, although some part-time and distance learning modes are also available.
The University of Plymouth is a research-focused institution, and has a progressive and forward-looking approach to its portfolio of postgraduate programs. It supports a wide array of research groups that address up to 30 areas of study. The university's research output is significantly driven by the efforts of its postgraduate researchers, and this community is at the heart of Plymouth's pioneering work, which the institution proudly shares with the wider research community, contributing to advancements in a number of fields.
University of Plymouth offers research degree programmes at doctoral level or at research master level.
Plymouth offers a growing range of fully online postgraduate programmes, allowing students to study flexibly alongside work and other commitments. Online courses combine self-paced learning with recorded content, guided activities, student forums and live interactive sessions. Current online study options span areas including global health, international relations and psychology.
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Research-informed teaching underpins the vast range of MSc and MRes science programmes, enabling students to develop skills and knowledge in a specialist area. Taking full advantage of Plymouth's unique coastal and moorland location and facilities, the focus on marine and environmental subjects is enhanced with themes of sustainability throughout all of the university's programmes.
Faculty of Health
Plymouth is renowned for its medicine, dentistry and biomedicine courses. Many students undertake training at the nearby Derriford and Treliske Hospital sites. The university offers degree courses ranging from physiotherapy and social work to nursing and midwifery, covering a huge range of health and care services.
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Plymouth Business School offers a range of courses, with a strong focus on internationalism and employability.
Plymouth prides themselves on training the new scientists, engineers, policymakers, artists, technicians and business managers of the future; the research they undertake contributes hugely to worldwide projects.
University of Plymouth Students on Postgraduate Search say:
''Incredible staff who are extremely passionate and knowledgeable, and who care for their students.''
''The workshops specifically have given me the opportunity to work alongside new people in group presentations and support each other, while writing work independently.''
''The uni is a great place to study in. The facilities are top-notch, and services are very sound.''
Plymouth is the second largest city in the South West, with major high street stores, theatres, multiplex cinemas, arts cinemas, an abundance of tranquil green spaces, and a wealth of popular clubs and venues.
The campus is located in the city centre, allowing easy access to shops, restaurants, bars, transport and accommodation, along with the city's main attractions, the Barbican harbour and Plymouth Hoe seafront. Plymouth's surrounding coastline boasts everything from cosy coves to vast, golden sand beaches. The tranquillity of the coast and first-class beaches are just a stone's throw from the city.
University of Plymouth Students on Postgraduate Search say:
''The location of the university is incredible - an easy walk away from the sea and a short drive away from the moors. Main campus is in the middle of city centre and the hospital is a short bus drive away.''
''Small and safe city with the beautiful ocean at the front of it.''
''The student union has a wide range of activities and has shaped my overall university experience so far and has helped me meet some amazing people and create an amazing peer support community around me.''
Societies and clubs provide a great way to meet new people while studying. They are themed around the following areas:
Plymouth's award-winning Students' Union (UPSU) campaigns for student rights and represents the voice of its membership. The UPSU is democratically led, with students being involved in making key decisions.
UPSU co-ordinates sports clubs and societies at the university, as well as a host of events, volunteering opportunities, and advice services.
All students might find they occasionally need to access additional support to help them through their studies, whether this is personal, financial, or academic. There are plenty of challenges to face when completing a postgraduate degree, and the University of Plymouth is proud to provide a wealth of support across all these areas to ensure the greatest success for their students. Available support services include:
The university has a dedicated Mental Health support team on campus which is here to provide support for any student whose mental health is seriously impacting their life. They also advise if any student is concerned about someone else's mental wellbeing. They have a team of qualified and trained professionals and will offer support on issues affecting academic work and enjoyment of university life.
University of Plymouth Students on Postgraduate Search say:
''Everyone is so interested in your well-being and want you to grow and be the best version of yourself.''
''The university is student friendly and willing to assist students in the best way they can.''
''Student support are usually very helpful.''
The university places huge focus on using work placements to prepare students for the world of work, which is effective at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Plymouth has a dedicated careers and employability service, where students can access help to search for jobs, have their CV evaluated, and do mock interviews to improve their chances in a competitive job market. The careers and employability hub and the Postgraduate Society both offer professional development, careers fairs and chances to participate in conferences throughout the year, ensuring students have every opportunity to prepare for their future.
Plymouth Compass is a skills development service that guides students through their university experience, helping them develop key academic, civic, professional, and personal skills beyond the classroom.
These services are available to all students throughout their studies and to graduates. The university enjoys a high graduate employment rate, with over 94% of its graduates working or studying 15 months after graduating.
University of Plymouth Students on Postgraduate Search say:
''Great location with access to so many career and skill learning opportunities. My lecturers and professors are all actively working in the field so we get up to date developments all the time!''
''There are plenty of opportunities around Plymouth to get some volunteering and part time work if needed and the university can help with that.''
''The taught modules are really useful and prepare students for real job market. This course has bright job prospect.''
