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University of Plymouth

History

The university was originally founded as the Plymouth School of Navigation in 1862, before becoming a University College in 1920 and a Polytechnic Institute in 1970, with its constituent bodies being Plymouth Polytechnic, Rolle College in Exmouth, the Exeter College of Art and Design (which were, before April 1989, run by Devon County Council) and Seale-Hayne College (which before April 1989 was an independent charity). It was renamed Polytechnic South West in 1989, a move that was unpopular with students as the name lacked identity. It was the only polytechnic to be renamed and remained as 'PSW' until gaining university status in 1992 along with the other polytechnics. The new university absorbed the Plymouth School of Maritime Studies.

In 2006 part of the remains of the World War II Portland Square air-raid shelter was rediscovered on the Plymouth campus. On the night of 22 April 1941, during the Blitz, a bomb fell here killing over 70 civilians, including a mother and her six children. The bomb blast was so violent that human remains were found in the tops of trees. Only three people escaped alive, all children.

The university's first Vice-Chancellor was John Bull. He was succeeded by Roland Levinsky until his death on 1 January 2007, when he walked into live electrical cables brought down during a storm was temporarily replaced by Mark Cleary (now VC of the University of Bradford), and then by Steve Newstead. Wendy Purcell became VC on 1 December 2007. She was placed on leave on 2 July 2014 by the University's governors while an internal review was conducted. A month later the Higher Education Funding Council for England requested an independent external review of the university's governance. In August 2014, the university was instructed by HEFCE to undertake an external review of its governance after the vice-chancellor, Wendy Purcell was placed on leave.

Important Facts

Why Plymouth?

What makes Plymouth special? Why stay local if you already know the city? What can you take away from the University of Plymouth experience?

We fuel your career development

Professional development is at the core of our degrees. Our modules and modes of study are designed to help you to uncover your strengths, specialize your skills and interests, and prepare you for the next step in your career.

At every junction of your learning, you will encounter experiences that advance your knowledge and help you to gain invaluable sought-after skills that will make you more employable.

We nurture your academic achievement

Whether you’re diving into the magical world of marine biology or practicing dentistry on phantom heads within the first week of the course, our degrees are characterized by an approach that nurtures you into your subject from the outset.

We are committed to your wellbeing

Our aim is to maximise your university experience and help you to overcome any difficulties you may encounter along the way.

Friendly and approachable staff are there to guide and advise you in the key aspects of student life – funding, budgeting, career advice, additional academic support, mental health, disability and dyslexia requirements, immigration advice for international students, faith, and spirituality – everything you can think of.

We are investing in your future

Our campus must support excellence and enhance collaboration for us to meet our mission to advance knowledge and transform lives.

Blending state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities with attractive casual and social spaces, our continual aim is to facilitate creativity and the sharing of ideas and knowledge.

We have a thriving student community

A large cohort of students and a vibrant city-center campus make Plymouth a uniquely appealing study location.

Students in University-managed halls benefit from dedicated Hall Volunteers, helping you to feel safe and supported in your new home, and an exclusive program of social activities and trips throughout the year.

Ranking / Awards

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

Plymouth was awarded TEF Silver which is given for high-quality teaching, learning, and student outcomes, exceeding the national quality requirements for UK higher education.

Research-Informed Teaching

The University of Plymouth is committed to enhancing the link between research in its disciplines, professions, and teaching. All academic staff undertakes a teaching qualification ensuring that superb teaching quality is maintained.

Rankings and Ratings

In the 2020 Complete University Guide League Table Ranking, Plymouth ranks 77th among universities in the UK.

Features

  • Ranking: 401
  • Ranking: 651
  • Type of Accommodation: On Campus

Financials

Annual Cost of living 9207 GBP /year
Average Annual UG Fee 14200 GBP
Average Annual PG Fee 14800 GBP
Application Fee N/A

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Contact Information

  • Plymouth Devon PL4 8AA United Kingdom
  • To know more contact PSA toll free number 18002585772
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Campus Information

City centre campus

Our main campus is home to the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business, Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Health, as well as the University of Plymouth Students’ Union.

North Plymouth campus

Four miles north of the main campus and close to Derriford Hospital, you’ll find the purpose-built, multi-million pound Peninsula Allied Health Centre based on the University of St Mark & St John (Marjon) campus. It’s where you’ll study if you’re on the Dietetic, Occupational Therapy, Operating Department Practice, Physiotherapy or Podiatry course.

Programs Offered

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BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (with placements)

  • Length 03 Year  
  • Total Tuition Fee 54300 GBP
  • Application Fee N/A
  • Average processing time 30 days
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BSc (Hons) Psychology

  • Length 03 Year  
  • Total Tuition Fee 42600 GBP
  • Application Fee N/A
  • Average processing time 30 days
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MSc Business and Management

  • Length 01 Year  
  • Total Tuition Fee 15200 GBP
  • Application Fee N/A
  • Average processing time 30 days
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MSc Civil Engineering

  • Length 01 Year  
  • Total Tuition Fee 16200 GBP
  • Application Fee N/A
  • Average processing time 30 days
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MSc Clinical Psychology

  • Length 01 Year  
  • Total Tuition Fee 14800 GBP
  • Application Fee N/A
  • Average processing time 30 days
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MSc Cyber Security

  • Length 01 Year  
  • Total Tuition Fee 16700 GBP
  • Application Fee N/A
  • Average processing time 30 days
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MSc Data Science and Business Analytics

  • Length 01 Year  
  • Total Tuition Fee 16700 GBP
  • Application Fee N/A
  • Average processing time 30 days
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MSc Digital and Social Media Marketing

  • Length 01 Year  
  • Total Tuition Fee 15700 GBP
  • Application Fee N/A
  • Average processing time 30 days
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MSc Human Nutrition

  • Length 01 Year  
  • Total Tuition Fee 17500 GBP
  • Application Fee N/A
  • Average processing time 30 days
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MSc in Tourism and Hospitality Management

  • Length 02 Year  
  • Total Tuition Fee 29600 GBP
  • Application Fee N/A
  • Average processing time 30 days
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MSc International Business

  • Length 01 Year  
  • Total Tuition Fee 15700 GBP
  • Application Fee N/A
  • Average processing time 30 days
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