Skip navigation

University of Plymouth

Plymouth

  • Location: Seaside, City

Student life

We are a campus university right in the heart of the city with everything you’ll need as a student within walking distance. Devon and Cornwall’s stunning coast and Dartmoor’s spectacular countryside are just a short distance from the city making our location the perfect blend of inner-city excitement and outdoor adventure! 

Plymouth is an incredible seaside city steeped in history and culture with a vibrant nightlife, surging numbers of independent bars and restaurants, and has been found to be the top place to live and work in the UK (PwC, 2024). 

The University of Plymouth’s Students’ Union (UPSU) is the hub of the campus. There are over 120 societies to join, providing the ideal place to meet like-minded students and make lifelong friends. The award-winning bar is host to weekly events and the highly anticipated Summer Ball(!), not to mention volunteering opportunities and student support. 

 

Visit University of Plymouth to see what life is like on campus.

What's it like to live in South West?
Check out our region guide

The South West of England is made up of seven counties, with rural areas surrounding key student cities – from Plymouth and Bournemouth up to Bath, Bristol and Cheltenham & Gloucester.

You'll find many a festival – including the world-famous Glastonbury. And if you're a cider or cheese buff, you'll have plenty to try in the South West. You can always walk it off in Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks, or beautiful countryside from the Cotswolds to Land's End.

Cornwall, Dorset, and Devon are big coastal favourites, with idyllic beaches and waves to test the bravest surfers.

Learn more

What's it like to live in Plymouth?
Check out our city guide

Study by the sea in ‘Britain’s Ocean City’ – a port city that's known for exploration, gin and sealife.

Learn more

Campus and facilities

We’re serious about ensuring you have the best facilities, environments and collaborative spaces to learn the theory behind your subject and put that into practice, and we are continually investing in our campus to give our students the best possible university experience. 

We have superb immersive facilities such as our navigation suite for students studying marine subjects, clinical wards for health professions such as nursing, and business start-up spaces to name just a few. Adding to this, we’ve just opened exciting new buildings for our design and engineering students, and for students studying subjects in the health professions.  

Our University-managed halls are a big hit with our students – with organised events, a dedicated support team and 24-hour security. They’re a great place to start building friendships in a safe and supportive environment.  

Course locations

Main Site

Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA

Truro, Cornwall

Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, TR1 3HD

Plymouth Site

Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA

Exeter

WESC Foundation, Topsham Road, Countess Wear, Exeter, EX2 6HA

Chat to students powered by Unibuddy

See all

  • Elena

    University of Plymouth
    BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
    Hi! I'm Elena, I am a mature student (aged 31) studying Mechanical Engineering. I have a strong passion for art and design, so I love the fact that Mechanical Engineering can be really creative. My dream is to go into Engineering Design someday. I have a disability and I am a wheelchair user, but I don't let that stop me!

  • Ishita

    University of Plymouth
    BSc (Hons) Psychology with Human Biology
    Namaste 🙏 I am Ishita and I come from Lucknow, India and I’m currently studying at the University of Plymouth and living my dream life haha. I really enjoy my independence and freedom here:)

  • Brigitte

    University of Plymouth
    BA (Hons) Social Work (Full-time)
    I am aware starting your university journey may seem daunting and perhaps lonely. Myself, having had moved to Plymouth from London can understand some of the concerns or fears around university life but hopefully my experience can ease some of your anxiety :) I'm in my 1st year of social work and so far it's been an interesting learning experience! My placements have been very insightful and inspiring for my journey in social work, at this moment my interest is around working in children's services but im still enjoying exloring my placement with adults. My previous studies being A-Level Psychology, Sociology and BTEC Health & Social Care has definetely contributed to my interest in this career path as I am intrigued in both sociological and psychological aspects of individuals with my favorites being around biopsychology and adverse childhood experiences. The best thing about this degree is that it's extremely broad so there's an interest for everyone. for example, it covers subjects from the medical field, law, sociology, education and psychology which gives you unlimited opportunities to explore in the future and plenty of career choices!

  • Albert

    University of Plymouth
    BSc (Hons) Marine Biology
    I am really passionate about marine research and conservation. I hope to continue in academia after my degree to pursue a Master's or a PhD and to one day work in research! I also really enjoy combining my studies with my love for scientific diving and anything ocean-related, you're always very likely to find me underwater somewhere.

  • James

    University of Plymouth
    MSc Marine Conservation
    Hey there, I'm James, I'm a postgraduate student here at Plymouth, as well as an aspiring SCUBA diver with a passion for music, football and climbing.

  • Feiyu

    University of Plymouth
    PhD Civil Engineering
    My research interest is in geopolymer concrete and my dream is to be an academic at a higher education institution. I love playing badminton and Ping-Pong and would like to do language exchange (Chinese <-> English).

  • Jenita

    University of Plymouth
    MSc Advanced Professional Practice (Nursing and Midwifery Professions)
    I’m a current student on the MSc Advanced Professional Practice (Nursing and Midwifery Professions) programme, living in Cornwall and studying through a blended learning approach with the University of Plymouth. Previously studied BSc Biomedical Science on the Plymouth campus and FdSc Nursing Associate and BSc Nursing (Adult Health) on the Truro campus (both with the University of Plymouth). Currently practicing as a Registered Nurse in Cardiac and Respiratory health alongside my studies. Within the next 12 months, I'm hoping to obtain my Master's qualification and hope to one day teach as a lecturer at the University of Plymouth. I started off my University of Plymouth journey through Clearing, so I am happy to answer any questions relating to the Clearing process, as well as applying for new courses through UCAS. With over 10 years of experience of higher education under my belt, I’m happy to answer any questions you might have about university life.

  • Gifty

    University of Plymouth
    BMBS Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery with Foundation (Year 0)
    I enjoy studying medicine. It challenges me for the better. I want to make a positive impact in the lives of people no matter where I am as well as support people going through mental health issues.

  • Annabel

    University of Plymouth
    BSc (Hons) Dietetics (Full-time)
    I'm Annabel a second year Dietetics student in beautiful Plymouth! I am a foodie, I work part-time as a chef alongside studying nutrition and cooking every day.

  • April

    University of Plymouth
    MDiet (Hons) Dietetics
    After spending 12 years as a military musician, I made the decision to change careers and study dietetics! I am about to start my 2nd year as a mature student. I'm originally from Southampton but work brought me to Plymouth before starting Uni, so I know the area well. Please feel free to ask me any questions about the course, uni life, being a mature student or the local area - I'm happy to help!

  • Chloe

    University of Plymouth
    BSc (Hons) Business Management
    My dedicated future plans consists of continuous career development within Business Management but my final decisions on what route to go down is still undecided! The best thing about University is you have a year (or two if you complete a foundation year) to explore the different subjects to understand what you enjoy most. I have 7 years experience in Human Resources so if you want advice, I am the lady to ask! My life background has been different to say the least, but it has made me more dedicated to succeed more, and your previous life experiences does not dictate your success in you future.

  • Ed

    University of Plymouth
    LLB (Hons) Law
    I am currently a second year Law student at the University of Plymouth! From my degree to student life I cannot recommend Plymouth University enough, I have loved every moment so far!
  • See all