Rankings of Plymouth University

Founded in 1992, Plymouth University is established in the small city of Plymouth, South West England. The university has a variety of residence halls at distinct price points, and all within walking distance of your classrooms. When wandering off-campus, students will find a blend of both urban and rural surroundings, ensuring that there’s something for everyone here.

Latest ranking updates for Plymouth University
  • July 2024: Webometrics announced latest results of Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities with Plymouth University in position 553.
  • July 2024: Publication of CWTS Leiden Ranking . Ranking position #1104.
  • June 2024: Us News announced latest results of US News: Best Global Universities with Plymouth University in position 655.
  • June 2024: Plymouth University ranks 940 in the latest Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector from Nature Index.
221 Bachelor and Masters - Course Catalogue Admission advice for international students

University rankings

Historic rankings in TOP global university rankings

Chart Data

Subject rankings

Agriculture

    • #28 
    • #475 
    Agriculture
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]

Architecture, Building & Planning

    • #14 
    • #18 
    Architecture
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #14 
    • #19 
    Architecture
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #14 
    • #19 
    Architecture
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]

Arts Visual & Performing

    • #9 
    • #10 
    Creative Writing
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #20 
    • #22 
    Creative Writing
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #17 
    • #18 
    Music
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #43 
    • #52 
    Music
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]

Business

    • #15 
    • #16 
    Marketing
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]

Computer Science

    • #30 
    • #42 
    Computer Science
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #40 
    • #53 
    Computer Science
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #25 
    • #301 
    Computer Science
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]

Design

    • #18 
    • #22 
    Graphic Design
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]

Education

    • #19 
    • #28 
    Education
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #41 
    • #51 
    Education
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #49 
    • #64 
    Education
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #20 
    • #219 
    Education
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #28 
    • #251 
    Education
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #38 
    • #301 
    Education
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]
    • #36 
    • #301 
    Education
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]

Engineering

    • #19 
    • #26 
    Civil Engineering
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #25 
    • #38 
    Civil Engineering
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #27 
    • #39 
    Civil Engineering
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #16 
    • #151 
    Civil Engineering
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #18 
    • #241 
    Civil Engineering
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #26 
    • #429 
    Civil Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #31 
    • #301 
    Engineering
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]
    • #35 
    • #834 
    Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #20 
    • #303 
    Environmental Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #35 
    • #48 
    Mechanical Engineering
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #39 
    • #49 
    Mechanical Engineering
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #46 
    • #57 
    Mechanical Engineering
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]

Languages & Literature

    • #24 
    • #30 
    English
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #36 
    • #44 
    English
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #34 
    • #45 
    English
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]

Law

    • #33 
    • #47 
    Law
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #36 
    • #48 
    Law
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #55 
    • #69 
    Law
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]

Mathematics

    • #11 
    • #17 
    Mathematics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #29 
    • #42 
    Mathematics
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #40 
    • #52 
    Mathematics
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]

Medicine & Health

    • #1 
    • #1 
    Dentistry
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #7 
    • #10 
    Dentistry
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #7 
    • #11 
    Dentistry
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #16 
    • #24 
    Medicine
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #17 
    • #25 
    Medicine
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #21 
    • #29 
    Medicine
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #29 
    • #401 
    Medicine
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]

Natural Sciences

    • #39 
    • #54 
    Biology
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #24 
    • #30 
    Chemistry
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #26 
    • #32 
    Chemistry
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #27 
    • #34 
    Chemistry
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #40 
    • #1311 
    Chemistry
    Nature Index - Top Academic Institutions by Subject
    [Published 15 June, 2024]
    • #17 
    • #22 
    Geology
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #18 
    • #23 
    Geology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #15 
    • #101 
    Geology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #20 
    • #307 
    Geology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #14 
    • #17 
    Anthropology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #16 
    • #19 
    Anthropology
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #34 
    • #45 
    Economics
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #44 
    • #57 
    Economics
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #55 
    • #69 
    Economics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #43 
    • #53 
    Geography
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #28 
    • #151 
    Geography
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #33 
    • #43 
    History
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #35 
    • #46 
    History
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #50 
    • #58 
    History
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #30 
    • #41 
    Psychology
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #36 
    • #47 
    Psychology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #38 
    • #52 
    Psychology
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #45 
    • #301 
    Psychology
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]
    • #41 
    • #401 
    Psychology
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #43 
    • #472 
    Psychology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #29 
    • #282 
    Social Sciences
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #9 
    • #14 
    Social Work
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #20 
    • #26 
    Social Work
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #31 
    • #37 
    Social Work
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #18 
    • #24 
    Sociology
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #28 
    • #36 
    Sociology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]

Highest subject rankings for Plymouth University

Dentistry The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#1 
Medicine & Health
Creative Writing CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#10 
Arts Visual & Performing
Social Work The Times Good University Guide by Subject
#14 
Social Studies & Humanities
Marketing CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#16 
Business
Mathematics The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#17 
Mathematics
Architecture CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#18 
Architecture, Building & Planning
Geology The Times Good University Guide by Subject
#22 
Natural Sciences
Graphic Design The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#22 
Design
Civil Engineering The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#26 
Engineering
Education CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#28 
Education

Student Ratings for Plymouth University

Student satisfaction
All - aggregated:
4.1 (based on 2184 student ratings)
NSS logo NSS ratings:
3.6 (based on 1205 student ratings)
google logo Google ratings:
4.0 (based on 170 student ratings)
facebook logo Facebook ratings:
4.2 (based on 809 student ratings)

“My only complaint is that you’re not supposed to smoke in front of the library but there are always a lot of people smoking right outside and nothing is ever done about it. Besides this, the social scene offers us a lot, with many active societies and clubs to get involved in.”

“Lecturers are supportive and helpful, but they have restricted contact hours which can be frustrating when you have questions to ask. The university’s Wi-Fi network has poor bandwidth, so it may be wise to bring your own USB Wi-Fi stick.”

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Plymouth University. I’ve met passionate students and experienced professionals throughout my time here, and I’m much closer to my goal of working as a History teacher. I wish I could stay here a little longer!”

About Plymouth University

PROS

  • All student residences are on campus, or located nearby. Living here entitles you to the university’s social events for community promotion, as well as welfare support and campus security.
  • Many students praise the wide variety of clubs and societies. Some popular options are the American Flag Football club, Archery, and the Boxing club.
  • Ranked highly for engineering research and impact, and students have the opportunity to author on publications emerging from this university.

CONS

  • Many students complain about a lack of contact hours and availability of lecturers outside uni hours. These are important factors for student success in many cases.
  • Some mention that the campus has a weak Wi -Fi signal, so it may be advisable to bring your own Wi -Fi USB just in case.

Key facts

Foundation year:
1992
Telephone:
+44 (0) 1752 600 600
Address:
Drake Circus
PL4 8AA, Plymouth
England UK
Website:
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/
Social:
  • Plymouth as a Playground
  • What students think of University of Plymouth
  • UPSU Freshers 18 highlights
  • The Moment I Realised - Rachael Palmer

NSS Aggregate Student reviews

Below you see the results of Plymouth University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK universities.

Overall student satisfaction
73 /100
1205 total respondents
Chart Data
Source: National Student Survey NSS 2023. The Overall student satisfaction data point is from 2022 (latest available year). The Office for Students made the unfortunate decision to discontinue collecting overall student satisfaction data points per course.
The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

THE Student Experience Survey by Times Higher Education

Times Higher Education has surveyed 20251 undergraduate students in the UK about their study experience. 241 students of Plymouth University participated in the survey.

Below you'll find the results for each of the survey questions for Plymouth University in comparison to the average for all UK universities.

Overall score: 75.7

Chart Data
Source: Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018
Data is from 2018 which was the last year for which the survey was published. Survey was discontinued after 2018. Details of Methodology

Student composition of Plymouth University

Students by level of study Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on January 2023
undergraduates:
13880
postgraduates:
2275
Total:
16155
Students by subject Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on January 2023
Nursing and Midwifery:
3155
Biosciences:
2440
Business and Management:
1755
Psychology:
1010
Medicine (Non-Specific):
1010
Law:
940
Education and Teaching:
850
Creative Arts and Design:
810
Computing:
525
Architecture, Building and Planning:
450
Dentistry:
445
Mathematical Sciences:
365
Geography, Earth and Environmental Studies:
365
Mechanical Engineering:
305
History:
295
Performing Arts:
255
English Studies:
245
Electrical And Electronic Engineering:
185
Sociology:
185
Civil Engineering:
165
Chemistry:
165
Social Policy:
145
Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology:
105
Foreign students by nationality Academic year 2020/21 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on January 2023
China:
465
Nigeria:
130
India:
95
Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China):
80
United States:
40
Malaysia:
40
Kuwait:
40
Saudi Arabia:
35
Singapore:
25
Turkey:
25
Zimbabwe:
20
Nepal:
20
Kenya:
20
Ghana:
20
Egypt:
20
Norway:
20
United Arab Emirates:
15
Canada:
15
Taiwan:
15
Switzerland:
15
Barbados:
10
Russia:
10
Cayman Islands:
10
Trinidad and Tobago:
10
Jordan:
10
Vietnam:
10
Sri Lanka:
10
Pakistan:
10
South Africa:
10
Indonesia:
10
Oman:
5
Peru:
5
Chile:
5
Brazil:
5
Ukraine:
5
Libya:
5
Jamaica:
5
Mauritius:
5
Seychelles:
5
Bermuda:
5
Sudan:
5
Bangladesh:
5
Qatar:
5
Myanmar (Burma):
5
Brunei:
5
Iraq:
5
Iran:
5
Bahrain:
5
Australia:
5
Japan:
5
Uzbekistan:
5
Thailand:
5
Kazakhstan:
5
Korea (South):
5
Maldives:
5
Source: Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on January 2023

Campuses of Plymouth University

Main Site
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Plymouth Site
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Exeter
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Truro, Cornwall
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Other universities in Plymouth:

FAQ

Plymouth University ranks #40 in England UK in our meta ranking of 123 university rankings. See rankings of all 382 universities in England UK.

Plymouth University ranks #2 in Plymouth in our meta ranking. See rankings of all 5 universities in Plymouth.

Plymouth University is listed in The Times Good University Guide, The Guardian League Table, CUG The Complete University Guide, THE World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, US News: Best Global Universities and more. See all 31 rankings of Plymouth University.

Plymouth University achieved #65 in CUG The Complete University Guide. This is the university’s highest ranking in the 123 rankings tracked on our website. See all rankings for Plymouth University.

Plymouth University achieved the highest ranking for Medicine & Health. It is ranked #1 in The Guardian University League Tables by Subject (Dentistry). See all subject rankings for Plymouth University.

A large number of university rankings include surveys among academics on reputation. In our meta ranking of 123 university rankings Plymouth University ranks #2 among universities in Plymouth and #40 among universities in England UK. See all rankings of Plymouth University.

In our meta ranking Plymouth University ranks #40 among all universities in England UK and University of Oxford ranks #1. See all rankings of universities in Plymouth. Apart from rankings you may also want to see the ratings from students who attended the universities.
221 Bachelor and Masters - Course Catalogue
Admission advice for international students