University of Plymouth

The University of Plymouth’s campus is centrally located within Britain’s Ocean City, perched on the South Westerly coast of Devon in between scenic Cornwall and the historic Dartmoor National Park.

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.

Plymouth’s campus boasts nine award winning cafés, the Jill Craigie cinema, the city’s largest contemporary art gallery (the Arts Institute), and the Nancy Astor gym. There are also specialised campus facilities for medical, nursing and allied health students at Derriford Hospital and Treliske Hospital sites.

Plymouth is recognised as the top UK university for Marine and Ocean Engineering (Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic subjects 2019). Plymouth is also the first university in the world to receive the Social Enterprise Mark in Higher Education, a mark awarded for their dedication to supporting and mentoring young entrepreneurs in their business ventures. The university has been rated in the top 15 best universities for career services in 2017 (StudentCrowd University Careers Service Winners).

The University welcomes international students with a team of specialised and dedicated advisors who 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 their reputation for teaching and research in addition to the opportunity to experience one of the UK’s most beautiful regions. The University of Plymouth has a thriving international academic community, with over 3,000 international students joining Plymouth for part time and full time study each year.

For information about how the current situation might affect your application to study with the University of Plymouth, please visit their website.

University of Plymouth students on Postgraduatesearch say:

“Very positive. Excellent facilities, great staff, great course mates. Workshop facilities are excellent too, as is the technical support. I'd definitely recommend Plymouth to anyone.”

“Genuinely superb and an amazing experience. I have met people from all over the world and shared some brilliant moments, I actually do not want it to end. The knowledge and skills I have gained even as a mature student have empowered me and given me increased confidence.”

“Teaching is good, feedback on assessments is quick and fair. Facilities are good. App is particularly useful. There is online access to reading notes etc. which is good for part time students.”

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 & Employability Service, which is rated in the top 15 Best Universities for Career Services in 2017 (Student Crowd University Careers Service Winners 2017). In the Careers and Employability Hub 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.

University of Plymouth students on Postgraduatesearch say:

“The university offers a career hub that allows students to visit and discuss graduate options. It also offers a link to graduate jobs websites which are very useful in looking for postgraduate work.”

“Placements are integrated into the course throughout the two years to prepare us for working after graduation…I believe they have gone a long way to ensure we have employment after the course.”

“Plymouth Uni helps you a lot in developing your career.”

Whether you choose to undertake a research degree, a professional doctorate or a taught masters programme, you will be supported by staff who are internationally recognised in their field. Their breadth and depth of knowledge means that they are well placed within professional networks to help you plan your future career and give advice based on their experience.

Their postgraduate programmes – most of which can be studied full time or part time – incorporate appropriate input from researchers, current practitioners, professional bodies, businesses and industry. This ensures that the programmes are current, relevant and stimulating, enabling you to develop a wide range of practical skills sought by employers.

Alternatively, you may be interested in a conversion course at the University of Plymouth.

Postgraduate conversion courses allow you to gain additional knowledge and skills you didn’t pick up during your undergraduate degree, to help you gain a professional accreditation or to generally increase your job prospects in your chosen field.

They also provide you with the opportunity to fast-track a complete change in your career or learning pathway. Conversion courses are available in areas such as Business, Marketing, Finance, and Psychology, with full and part time options available.

University of Plymouth students on Postgraduatesearch say:

“Highly practical and engaging sessions and great knowledgeable lecturers.”

“Course is well structured and teaching is honest and has good elements of participation included.”

“The lecturers are extremely approachable and friendly. They always provide support and advice where possible.”

Plymouth’s award-winning Students’ Union (UPSU) campaigns for student rights and will help you with any issues you’re facing.

The campus has areas to relax and a range of cafés provided by UPSU which are loved by Plymouth’s students. Students make the most of the 50 clubs and 120 societies, the events they put on, the volunteering opportunities hosted and the independent advice services and the sports facilities UPSU have on offer.

The UPSU is a democratically led, with students being involved in making key decisions. There are 75 permanent officers and 200 casual staff roles, many of which are filled by students looking to earn extra money whilst studying. 

The UPSU has received several accolades, including Bronze in the Students’ Union Evaluation Initiative (SUEI) and Gold in the Investors in Volunteers and Investors in People Awards.

The SU ensures postgraduate students feel represented and included in all activities, and also run a society specifically for those studying at this level.

University of Plymouth students on Postgraduatesearch say:

“Plymouth is a great uni for students and feel there are a lot of societies for people to get involved in. The atmosphere on campus is inviting and there is variety with regards to the evenings put on by the SU.”

“Lots of activities and events, good representation.”

“It is great and caters for needs really well.”

The University offers accommodation in a variety of halls of residence with 41-week contracts. And while all University-managed accommodation is in an undergraduate environment, you’re welcome to apply as a postgraduate student too. Where possible, the University ensures you live with mature undergraduates and other postgraduate students. 

The University offer studios for single occupancy and shared flats - most rooms are en suite. The halls of residence sites on campus are:

• Francis Drake (en-suites, three bed flats and studios available)
• Gilwell
• Radnor (all en-suite rooms)
• Robbins (en-suites available)
• Mary Newman (all en-suite rooms)
• Pilgrim (all en-suites)

Halls situated within walking distance of the University are:

• Central Point (all en-suite rooms)
• Discovery Heights (en-suites and studio flats)
• Astor House (en-suites and studio flats)

For updated prices and information about Postgraduate accommodation please visit their website.

The University’s library serves as a great academic resource. Open 24/7 with around 350,000 books and multimedia items and 14,000 journal subscriptions, students’ studies are fully supported.

There are a range of study environments and all of the resources you need to carry out research are available. You can conduct your studies with experienced and friendly staff to help you with an array of facilities on hand, including: computers, printers, photocopiers, loan equipment, and a shop.

Plymouth has a range of bespoke study areas and expert facilities which can be utilised to explore new techniques and conduct research. Many of these facilities are geared towards the University's portfolio of postgraduate taught and research programmes, including the:

• PG Admissions and Study Zone
• Coastal, Ocean and Sediment Transport (COAST) Laboratory
• Derriford Research Facility
• Writing Café
• Immersive Vision Theatre
• The House
• High Performance Computing and the Supercomputer
• Advanced Composites Manufacturing Centre
• Marine Navigation Centre

University of Plymouth students on Postgraduatesearch say:

“Really good. The library is amazing.”

“Absolutely top notch.”

“Up to date resources including interactive whiteboards.”

“Very good. I have been very impressed with the library and also food outlets.”

Plymouth has everything you would expect from the second largest city in the South West, with major high street stores, theatres, multiplex cinemas, arts cinemas, an abundance of beautiful and 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. You can find the tranquillity of the coast and first-class beaches just a stone’s throw from the city.

University of Plymouth students on Postgraduatesearch say:

“I love Plymouth, it's a really nice city.”

“Plymouth is great for students, everything that is needed is close by and there is enough to do around the city during weekends and holidays.”

“Very active nightlife around uni.”

“Really good, a thriving city and generally feels quite safe and secure.”

Societies and clubs provide a great way to meet new people while studying. They are themed around the following areas:

• Academic
• Business / Enterprise
• Culture
• Faith and Belief 
• Food and Drink
• Fundraising and Volunteering
• General Interest
• Media
• Performing Arts / Music
• Politics / Campaigning
• Welfare

University of Plymouth students on Postgraduatesearch say:

“Good selection of societies and clubs for a wide audience. I am part of the polo team.”

“Huge variety, good community within society, lots of social activities.”

“A great choice of over 120 clubs and societies.”

All students might find they occasionally need to access additional support to help them through their studies, whether this is personal, financial, or academic. The University of Plymouth provides a wealth of support across all these areas. Available support services include:

• Counselling
• Disability and dyslexia
• Modified assessment practice
• Faith and spiritual support
• Staying safe
• Peer assisted learning scheme 
• Learning development
• Maths drop-in sessions
• Wellbeing Centre 
• Careers support 
• Mental health support

The University has a dedicated Mental Health support team on campus which is here to support you if your mental health is seriously impacting on your life. They also advise if you’re concerned about someone else’s mental wellbeing. They have a team of qualified and trained professionals and will offer support on issues affecting your academic work and your enjoyment of university life.

University of Plymouth students on Postgraduatesearch say:

“Absolutely superb, the tutors on my degree are generally second to none when it comes to support. They are AMAZING.”

“Wide range of support available through tutors, lecturers, societies, counselling, employment help etc.”

“It’s pointed out regularly where to go for support.”

To check the fee band for a programme, non-standard and part time fees, please refer to the individual programme on our website.

You may now also be eligible for a postgraduate government loan of up to £11,222 to help towards the cost of your masters degree! To find out more please visit their website.

From scholarships to loans or grants from charitable trusts, you can fund your postgraduate study at Plymouth in a number of ways. They’re always on hand to help you make the most of your money before, during and after your time at Plymouth.

To find out more about the options available please visit their website.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Research-informed teaching underpins the vast range of MSc and MRes science programmes, enabling you to develop your skills and knowledge in your 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: Medicine, Dentistry and Human Sciences

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, Midwifery and Urgent and Emergency Care, covering a huge range of health and care services.

Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Peninsula Arts is the University’s public arts programme, providing exhibitions, dance, film, music, performance and talks from established, new and emerging artists from around the world. The School of Business offers a range of courses from Economics to Business Management, with a strong focus on internationalism and employability.

Plymouth prides themselves on training the new scientists, engineers, policy-makers, artists, technicians and business managers of the future; the research they undertake contributes hugely to worldwide projects.

Please see the University's website for entry requirements.

Alternatively, please contact the Postgraduate admissions team to discuss course specific entry requirements.

Tel: +44 1752 585858

Plymouth University offers research degree programmes at doctoral level (PhD, MD, EdD, DBA, DPA, DClinPsy) or at research master level (MPhil, ResM, MS).

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.