University of Plymouth

Worldwide reputation

At the University of Plymouth, we are proud to be a top 3 modern UK university (Times Higher Education Young University Rankings, 2023) and are internationally renowned for high-quality research and teaching. We have also recently been awarded gold ratings across the board in the latest round of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023). The great power of coming to the University of Plymouth is that you will be studying alongside a community of people who believe deeply in the power of education to create positive change in society.

“I would recommend studying at Plymouth because I have had a great experience and outcome. Plymouth is a very modern university which is constantly growing. It is an accepting community, open to worldly views, and looking into the future. There is a great atmosphere at the University and facilities are only ever improving.”

Future career prospects

We have a proud track record of helping our students find their way in an increasingly complex world, including developing the essential skills, resilience and experience they will need throughout their future careers.

Our Careers Service offers a whole host of support for postgraduate students, whether you need support to develop your CV, events to network with employers, or would like to explore placements or self-employment opportunities. Many postgraduate students work alongside studying and the Careers Service can also help with finding part-time work. Our team offers careers support for life and we’re proud that over 96% of postgraduates are working or studying 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2020/21).

With strong connections to business and industry, we generate opportunities for placements, internships and employment, alongside inspiring and nurturing creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.

“Returning to study my masters was a significant benefit to my career. Whilst I worked in a rewarding role before, my return to my postgraduate degree was the key to opening some of the opportunities I was looking for.”

Facilities and support arrangements

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.

As a Plymouth student, you will also have access to a full range of non-academic and wellbeing support throughout your studies, meaning you get the opportunity to develop both personally and professionally – from disability support to mental health and wellbeing, academic support to personal development sessions.

“Being a postgraduate has given me an everlasting bond to the University, and the staff have been so supportive, I really feel like I’ve found a second home here.”

Fees, funding and costs

There are a number of ways to fund postgraduate study at the University of Plymouth, with the most common being applying for a government funded loan of up to £12,167 towards the cost of your masters degree.

We also have a wide range of scholarships, studentships, and grants from charitable trusts. Details of these can be found on our funding web pages. Additionally, if you studied with us for your undergraduate degree, you may be eligible for an alumni discount on your tuition fees.

We offer support with all money matters and will help you to find a route to fulfil your career goals.

Location

With a city centre campus and further state-of-the-art facilities spread across Plymouth and beyond, plus Devon and Cornwall’s stunning coast and countryside on the doorstep, our university provides a unique blend of urban and outdoor lifestyle opportunities for everyone who studies and works here.

Plymouth is an incredible city by the sea, steeped in history and culture, increasing numbers of independent bars and restaurants, all whilst being one of the safest cities in the UK (Complete University Guide, 2023).

“The city has a great waterfront, from the Barbican to Plymouth Hoe. There’s definitely a lot to discover about the city. It’s rich in naval history and the city is surrounded by beautiful coastlines and incredible nature to take advantage of. The people that I spent time with in Plymouth will always bring back good memories.”

Culture

On campus, there is a range of facilities for students to make the most of university life – both undergraduates and postgraduates alike. The University of Plymouth’s Students’ Union (UPSU) is the hub of the campus. There are over 120 societies and sports clubs to join from open water swimming to badminton, and everything in between.

Beyond campus, soak in the breath-taking views of the waterfront on the Hoe. Then, visit the neighbouring historic, cobbled streets of the Barbican to enjoy a bite to eat and a drink in a traditional pub or stylish bar.

Alternative evening entertainment is in abundance in Plymouth whether it’s taking in the latest box-office musical, laughing out loud at a local comedy gig in the Barbican Theatre, or taking a comfy seat and settling in for an independent film at the Arts Centre cinema.

Get a culture kick from The Box Museum, the many independent galleries that line the Barbican, or explore the Royal William Yard – an old naval base that now houses a thriving artistic community... not to mention some great places to eat!

Plymouth holds some fantastic and unique events throughout the year too. Head to the Hoe for the spectacular British Fireworks Championship, the Barbican for the ever popular and outlandish Pirate Weekend, or the city centre for Flavour Fest for some seriously delicious food!

Events

Why not visit the University at one of our Postgraduate Open Evenings? These events offer you the chance to speak with academic and professional support staff. They can answer your questions and give you advice, guidance and information about the postgraduate options available to you.

Gain insight into student life by chatting to our current students to find out about their personal experiences of studying at postgraduate level.

Our Open Evenings take place on campus, so you will have the opportunity to explore the city centre campus and world-class facilities. There will be a range of sessions, from finance talks to subject specific drop-in sessions, to provide you with all the information you require to choose the right postgraduate programme to meet your needs.

How to apply

You can apply to join our thriving postgraduate community and start building the career of your dreams by heading to our website.

If you need any assistance, our Postgraduate Admissions and Enquiries team are on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.

If you are a current student at Plymouth, depending on your programme, you may not need to apply through the normal route. Talk to our admissions team about fast tracking your masters.