University of Plymouth
A TEF Gold university in a naval city by the sea, strongest in marine science, medicine and dentistry.
- Students
- 16,895
- International
- 22%
- of students
- Student–faculty
- 17.8:1
- ratio
- Tuition
- £18,700
- From · 2027-28
- Founded
- 1862
About Plymouth
The University of Plymouth traces its origins to the Plymouth School of Navigation, founded in 1862. It became part of Plymouth Polytechnic, was renamed Polytechnic South West in 1989 and gained university status in 1992. Its main campus sits in the centre of Plymouth, a naval city on the Devon coast, and it works with partner colleges across South West England.
Teaching is organised into three faculties: Arts, Humanities and Business; Science and Engineering; and Health, which includes Peninsula Medical School and Peninsula Dental School. Plymouth is best known for marine and ocean science: its seafront location hosts one of Europe's highest concentrations of marine scientists, students use a fleet of survey vessels, and the university leads research through the National Centre for Marine Autonomy.
Plymouth was rated Gold across the board (overall, student experience and student outcomes) in TEF 2023 and named Community University of the Year 2027 by the Daily Mail University Guide. Typical offers range from 104 UCAS points for Computer Science and Architecture to A*AA-AAB plus the UCAT for Medicine and Dentistry, with contextual offers usually 8 points lower, so it suits students who want the sea on their doorstep and hands-on, professionally focused degrees.
Indagate Fingite Invenite
“Explore Dream Discover” — university motto
Why students choose Plymouth
Ocean Exploration and Surveying students do boatwork and data collection on the university's fleet of survey vessels off Plymouth's coast.
Peninsula Medical School places BMBS students in clinical settings from the start of year 1.
Law students take on real client cases in the award-winning pro bono Law Clinic and practise in a replica courtroom.
Plymouth reports that 94% of its graduates are working or studying 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2026).
Admissions
2027 entry
Selectivity
Plymouth does not publish an overall offer rate. Most courses list a typical UCAS points offer, and contextual offers (typically 8 points lower, or up to three grades below) are available for September 2027 entry to applicants flagged through UCAS widening access questions. Medicine and Dentistry are highly selective, with UCAT-based shortlisting for interview.
Typical entry requirements
| A-levels / UCAS tariff | Typical offers on course pages: 104 points for Computer Science BSc and Architecture BA; 112 for Psychology BSc, Law LLB and Ocean Exploration and Surveying BSc (with a grade C in a relevant science); 120 for Marine Biology BSc including grade B in Biology; A*AA-AAB for Medicine BMBS and Dental Surgery BDS including A in Biology and a second science |
|---|---|
| IB Diploma | 26-30 (Computer Science), 26 (Architecture), 28 (Psychology, Ocean Exploration), 28-32 (Law), 30 with HL5 Biology (Marine Biology), 36-38 with HL6 in Biology and another science (Medicine) |
| BTEC | DMM for most courses listed, e.g. Psychology, Law, Architecture and Computer Science; DDM for Marine Biology |
| English language | IELTS 6 Standard undergraduate requirement: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each component. Health professions, nursing, medicine, dentistry and creative writing courses require more, e.g. IELTS 7.5 with at least 7.0 in speaking and listening for Medicine. |
Deadlines
- UCAS (Medicine and Dentistry) Non-binding Next deadline · In 9 days15 October 2026, 18:00 UK time
UCAS deadline for BMBS Medicine and BDS Dental Surgery; the UCAT must be taken before applying.
- UCAS equal consideration deadline Non-binding In ~3 months13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
Deadline for equal consideration for most September 2027 courses.
- UCAS last date before Clearing Non-binding In ~9 months30 June 2027, 18:00 UK time
Applications received after this are entered into Clearing, which opens on 2 July 2027; places depend on availability.
UCAS dates for 2027 entry. Plymouth also publishes guidance on applying after the January deadline.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS (international students can also apply via an agent in their country). Medicine and Dentistry applicants need GCSEs, A-levels and a UCAT score and are shortlisted for interview; Dental Surgery applicants must be 18 or over at the course start.
What admissions looks for
- UCAS points at the typical offer, with named subjects where required, such as grade B in A-level Biology for Marine Biology.
- GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4/C for many courses.
- For Medicine and Dentistry, strong GCSEs, A*AA-AAB with Biology and a second science, and a competitive UCAT score to reach interview.
- Contextual factors, such as time in care or free school meals, which can lead to a lower offer.
Tips for applying to Plymouth
- 1 Complete the widening access questions in the 'More about you' section of UCAS accurately: Plymouth uses them to make contextual offers for September 2027 entry.
- 2 For Medicine or Dentistry, take the UCAT before the 15 October deadline; Plymouth says the typical offer is not necessarily the interview threshold, which depends on applications and UCAT scores.
- 3 If you hold a BTEC, list the exact units you studied in your UCAS application to avoid delays.
- 4 Make Plymouth your firm first choice and apply by the guarantee deadline to secure a place in halls.
Costs & financial aid
2027-28 · figures in GBP
International undergraduates can apply for scholarships such as the International Undergraduate Welcome to Plymouth Scholarship; international scholarships are not available for Peninsula Medical School and Dental School courses. UK students who are care leavers or estranged may qualify for bursaries and support funds.
- Typically 8 UCAS points below the advertised tariff
- Contextual offer
- 94% (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2026)
- Graduates working or studying 15 months after graduating
Academics
Academic calendar: Academic year starting in September
Marine Biology (BSc)
120 UCAS points with Biology; doorstep coastline and some of Europe's best marine facilities.
Ocean Exploration and Surveying (BSc)
CICES-accredited hydrographic surveying degree using research vessels and uncrewed surface vehicles, with optional HSE Professional SCUBA training.
Medicine (BMBS)
Peninsula Medical School; A*AA-AAB, UCAT and interview; clinical placements from year 1; international fee £43,175 (2027/28).
Dental Surgery (BDS)
Peninsula Dental School, with early patient contact and a Dental Outreach Team working in local communities.
Law (LLB)
Pro bono Law Clinic, replica courtroom and a curriculum aligned with the SQE and Bar requirements.
Psychology (BSc)
112 UCAS points from any A-level subjects, with an experiential psychology lab, field trips and an optional placement year.
Research
- Plymouth leads research with the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, developing autonomous technology for the ocean economy.
- It is a founding member of the Defence Universities Alliance, which links universities with UK government defence priorities.
- A new £7.7 million Centre for Eyecare Excellence extends the university's community healthcare facilities.
Schools & faculties
- Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Faculty of Health
- Peninsula Medical School
- Peninsula Dental School
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences
- School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics
- School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Plymouth Business School
- School of Art, Design and Architecture
94% of graduates are working or studying 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2026, as reported by the university).
Student life
Plymouth's campus is in the city centre, with halls on campus or in the nearby Student Village a few minutes' walk from lectures and the city centre; halls are run with UPP. Student life mixes the sea and the city: the historic Barbican harbour has bars, cafes and galleries, the Students' Union turns into a club at night, and a Summer Ball is held on campus. Dartmoor National Park is close by for walking and outdoor sport. The university also supports thousands of hours of paid part-time work on campus each year.
- Community University of the Year 2027 (Daily Mail University Guide).
- The Barbican harbour area is a short walk from campus.
- Dartmoor National Park is on the city's doorstep.
- Students completed over 40,000 hours of paid part-time work on campus in one academic year.
Housing. Plymouth guarantees a place in halls (University-managed or an accredited private provider) to new undergraduates who make it their firm first choice and apply by the guarantee deadline; the portal for 2027-28 opens later.
Location
Plymouth is a historic naval city on the south Devon coast, where the Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence are major local employers. The campus is a short walk from the Barbican waterfront and the city centre, and Dartmoor is nearby. The university describes Plymouth as one of the UK's most affordable student cities.
Nearest airport: Exeter Airport (EXT)
Notable alumni
- DJ Darren JonesLabour MP for Bristol North West and government minister; studied human bioscience and was Students' Union president
- MH Monty HallsWildlife broadcaster and former Royal Marine; studied marine biology
- CN Clare NasirMeteorologist and TV presenter; honours degree in mathematics
- HK Heather KoldeweyMarine conservationist, co-founder of Project Seahorse; first-class BSc in biological sciences, 1989
- MU Michael UnderwoodTelevision presenter; BEd in drama and performance from Rolle College
- JW Jane Wilson-HowarthTravel writer and physician; studied biological sciences at Plymouth Polytechnic
- SC Seb CloverSailor who became the youngest person to sail single-handed across the Atlantic
Frequently asked questions
What grades do you need for the University of Plymouth?
Typical offers range from 104 UCAS points (Computer Science, Architecture) and 112 (Psychology, Law) to 120 for Marine Biology with a B in Biology, and A*AA-AAB plus the UCAT for Medicine and Dentistry. Contextual offers are usually 8 points lower.
What is Plymouth's acceptance rate?
Plymouth does not publish an overall offer rate. Most courses admit on UCAS points, while Medicine and Dentistry shortlist for interview using UCAT scores.
How much are Plymouth's fees for international students?
For 2027/28 entry, international fees are £18,700 or £19,800 a year for most undergraduate courses and £43,175 a year for Medicine and Dental Surgery.
When is the Plymouth application deadline for 2027 entry?
15 October 2026 for Medicine and Dentistry, and 13 January 2027 for most other courses via UCAS. Applications up to 30 June 2027 may be considered if places remain.
Does Plymouth guarantee accommodation?
Yes, new undergraduates who make Plymouth their firm first choice and apply by the guarantee deadline are guaranteed a place in halls.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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