Plymouth Marjon University

Key Highlights

• Independent OfS-regulated university operating in 2026–27
• Heritage begins with St John’s College’s first students in 1840
• Moved to Plymouth in 1973 and received university title in 2013
• Preferred name is Plymouth Marjon University; the legal institution is the University of St Mark & St John

Student Life & Environment

Student life is centred on Marjon’s single campus, where teaching, social spaces, the library, sports provision, support services, and university-managed housing are close together. The Marjon Students’ Union represents students and supports activities and events, while university services cover wellbeing, disability-related needs, academic support, and practical concerns. Applicants who value a compact community may find this arrangement appealing, although those wanting to live amid a city-centre student district should consider the Derriford location. University accommodation includes six halls, 38 student-village houses, and The Oaks, which is reserved for master’s and PhD students. The official accommodation information states that applications for 2026 entry opened on 1 March 2026. Applicants need an offer, and undergraduate applicants using UCAS must have selected Marjon as their firm choice before an application is considered. Standard first-year contracts run for 42 weeks and include the Christmas and Easter vacations; arrangements for returning and postgraduate residents may use 45-week contracts. Accommodation charges include utilities, Wi-Fi, contents insurance, and pastoral support. The university also reports round-the-clock security and out-of-hours support. Resident parking is restricted, with exceptions including Blue Badge holders, so students expecting to bring a car should review the current parking rules before committing to housing.

Location & Surroundings

Marjon’s campus is on Derriford Road in northern Plymouth, rather than in the city centre. Derriford is also associated with major health and employment facilities, while central Plymouth provides the city’s principal retail, cultural, nightlife, and waterfront areas. Students should factor local travel into plans for off-campus work, entertainment, and rail connections. Plymouth is a coastal city in Devon in South West England. Its position gives students access to the waterfront and beaches of Devon and Cornwall, while Dartmoor lies inland. These surroundings are particularly relevant to students interested in outdoor activity, sport, education, or community placements, but access to specific sites depends on transport and course arrangements. The university recommends local bus services and notes that operators offer student discounts through their apps. On-campus residents generally cannot park at the university during the working day unless an exemption applies, although evening and weekend permits may be available. Prospective students should check current timetables and placement travel expectations, especially when a course requires attendance at schools, clinics, sports organizations, or other sites away from campus.

Costs & Career Outcomes

For 2026–27, the published annual fee for a standard undergraduate or foundation degree is £9,790 for home students and £15,200 for non-UK students. The work-based foundation-degree rate is listed separately at £6,186 where applicable. The university states that undergraduate fees may rise in later years in line with government-approved annual increases, so a first-year figure should not be treated as the total price of a multiyear degree. For 2026–27 postgraduate study, the published full-time taught master’s fee is £8,800 for home students and £16,500 for non-UK students. PGCE fees are £9,790 and £15,200 respectively. Certificates and diplomas are charged pro rata, while research-degree fees and course-specific professional or accreditation charges require separate checking. Funding eligibility depends on residency, programme, and personal circumstances. University accommodation currently advertises weekly prices that vary by room type, with utilities and several support services included. Because the accommodation pages do not consistently label every displayed rate by academic year, applicants should confirm the rate attached to their 2026 offer before budgeting. They should also allow for food, transport, study materials, visa and immigration expenses where relevant, and costs connected with placements or professional checks. Marjon emphasizes work-related learning across its programmes. Its Futures service provides career information, guidance, employer connections, and professional-development resources to students and graduates. Placement structure and professional recognition remain course-specific, and no unsupported salary or employment guarantee should be inferred.