Education

The University of Plymouth has an international reputation in providing courses associated with the sea. 

Around 50 marine and maritime courses are taught on its campus or as foundation degree level courses provided by its partners within University of Plymouth's College network, including partnership with the Royal Navy (FOST HM). 

This makes us a provider of one of the widest portfolios of marine and maritime courses in Europe. 

Around 2,600 of the University’s 30,000 registered students choose to study a degree with a marine or maritime theme. The Marine Institute acts as a gateway to the wide range of marine and maritime courses, but individual courses are organised and managed by the University’s faculties and schools.

Students on marine courses at the University of Plymouth have access to the state-of-the-art research laboratories and equipment, particularly in their final year project, in addition to excellent teaching facilities such as a recently refurbished library, modern lecture theatres and extensive computing provision.

Courses are often accredited by the relevant professional body and have a strong hands-on theme; the University is recognised as a leader in experiential learning – fieldwork, for example, is a vital and important component of environmental degrees. 

Away from the city campus, the natural harbour of Plymouth Sound, with its sheltered waters, provides a unique opportunity on our doorstep to study aspects of the sea. 

It also offers unparalleled recreational opportunities for students, who can access the marine environment through our new Marine Station and Mount Batten Watersports Centre.

The city has also constructed one of the largest sports centres outside London, the Life Centre, which includes a 50 metre Olympic standard pool part-funded by the University. 

Plymouth is renowned as a centre for aquatic and marine sports and the Marine Institute supports a range of student and local marine and sporting activities.