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Undergraduate course
BSc (Hons)
Business Management (2 year fast track)
Fast-track your career with this two-year BSc (Hons) Business Management course. Gain the same skills in managing people, projects, and resources as the three-year version, graduating with a full honours degree a year earlier.
Our typical offer
112 - 128 UCAS points
Hands-on entrepreneurial support
The Cube, an on-campus resource dedicated to nurturing student and graduate talent will provide you with comprehensive support at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey.
Make a positive impact in the community
We offer you opportunities to work with local businesses and social enterprises through live consultancy projects. This hands-on approach enhances your practical skills while fostering social responsibility and community impact.
Build strong industry connections
From collaborating on live briefs with consultancy professionals to networking at conferences, you'll build valuable relationships with industry leaders, providing the connections and opportunities essential for launching your career.
About
Our degree prepares you with all the skills to enter the workplace with confidence, becoming a graduate the industry is looking for. We deal with real life issues and industry-based case studies. What is taught in the classroom is reflective of the experience you will have in the workplace.
Come and meet Admissions Tutor and Programme Lead Cat Hine at an Open Day.
Dr Cat Hine
Lecturer in Leadership and Business Management
Lecturer in Leadership and Business Management
This course is for you if...
You want to enter the graduate employment market one year earlier than your peers
you want to get stuck into real business tasks from day one
you enjoy the flexibility to follow your interests
you get a buzz from solving problems
Details
How it works
The academic year is extended into the summer, enabling you time to gain 200 credits in year 1 and the final 160 in year 2.
September – January
One 40 credit core module
One 20 credit core module
One 20 credit core module
February – May
One 40 credit core module
One 20 credit core module
One 20 credit core module
June – July
Two 40 credit core modules
(80 credits)
(80 credits)
September – January
Two 20 credit optional modules
(40 credits)
(40 credits)
February – May
One 20 credit core module
One 20 credit optional modules
One 20 credit optional modules
Working towards honours project (40 credits total)
June – July
One 20 credit core module
One 20 credit core module
One 20 credit core module
Working towards honours project (40 credits total)
Year 1
Gain a solid understanding of management in a business and enterprise context. Look into the ethical and sustainability issues of business, work on live case studies and with businesses, in order to develop learning and apply theory to practice. In the summer (from early June to the middle of July), you begin to learn and acquire the knowledge and skills required of a practising manager, thereby enhancing your future employability.
Core modules
HRL4001
Developing Management and Leadership Competencies
20 credits
This module introduces you to the practices of the manager and leader, exploring the key attributes, roles, responsibilities and challenges facing them in 21st century organisations, and the attributes, skills and competencies required to be effective. The module focuses on leadership and management practice and encourages a self /individual developmental approach, enabling you to reflect on your current and future competencies.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
MKT4003
Marketing, Enterprise and the Digital Economy
20 credits
As consumer behaviour and needs change, organisations need to become more creative and entrepreneurial in every aspect. This module will provide you with the foundation knowledge of consumer behaviour in the digital world; how businesses are adapting and developing effective entrepreneurial climates, cultures and structures for long-term sustainability. You will explore the role and impact of digital technologies and how the integration of online and traditional marketing techniques can be successful.
100% Coursework
PBS500CPD
Careers and Professional Development
0 credits
This module is aimed at enhancing students employability skills and knowledge especially those who will be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their degree. It is designed to build on skills learned in Stage 1 and helps students in their search for a placement, and in their preparation for the placement itself.
HRL4003
Business Culture and Behaviour
40 credits
This module encompasses the internal aspects, functions and processes of organisations, including their diverse nature, purposes, structures, size/scale, governance, operations and management, together with the individual and corporate behaviours and cultures which exist within and between different organisations.
60% Tests
40% Coursework
STO4002
The Business Environment: A Global Perspective
40 credits
This module introduces students to essential understanding and competencies in the dynamic and changing nature of business and the consideration of the future of organisations within the global business environment, including the management of risk and business resilience.
60% Tests
40% Coursework
ACF5011SU
Financial Data Analysis
Sustainable business performance can only be maintained if managers have access to high quality financial information. This module utilises financial data for fundamental corporate decisions by exploring analytical techniques such as financial statements analysis, risk estimation, descriptive and inferential statistics in the context of their role in informing business decisions (e.g. investment, working capital decisions, corporate financing decisions, business valuation, budgeting, marginal analysis, and financing etc).
ECN5015SU
Decision Making for Business
Decision Making for Business offers students a thorough understanding of rational, behavioural, and economic approaches to decision-making, emphasising their practical application in business contexts. Students are introduced to key decision-making frameworks that guide analysis, choice, and strategic planning in economic environments. They develop skills to analyse situations, evaluate risks, navigate asymmetric information, and apply strategic thinking to enhance decision-making across various business contexts.
HRL5010SU
People Management
Understanding how to manage people is vital for anyone aspiring to become a business owner, manager, or HRM practitioner, as it is increasingly understood that people provide a key source of competitive advantage, yet many organisations continue to struggle to harness this resource effectively. In this module you will explore the core areas of people management policy and practice, consider the challenges faced by people managers, and the attributes required to address them.
Optional placement year
Gain valuable paid experience after your first or final year within a public or private sector organisation. You may even decide to set up your own business.
Core modules
PBS6000
Honours Project
40 credits
The module gives you the opportunity to investigate in-depth a specialist academic or practice-based topic for which you have a passion for knowing more within your field of study.
100% Coursework
PBS600CPD
Continued Careers and Professional Development
0 credits
The Continued Career and Professional Development module is a development scheme designed to enhance students’ employability and builds on the stage 2 module. The stage 3 module focuses on providing students with information on graduate options and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary for articulating and recording achievement and applying for graduate positions. The module also includes a number of workshops and events designed to develop students’ skills and knowledge, with the purpose of filling gaps in their CV’s and enhancing their employability.
STO6003SU
Strategy and Leadership
20 credits
This module brings a problem-focused view to Strategy, Leadership and their interaction through Strategic Leadership. Particular consideration is given to strategic analysis, the development, evaluation and implementation of strategies and appropriate styles of leadership which facilitate this. The ethical and moral responsibilities of leaders will be critiqued, along with the development of relationships between organisational decision makers, leaders, and followers, within businesses.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
STO6004SU
Enterprise, Innovation and Creativity
20 credits
The module will enable you to use creative processes to develop an innovative and viable business concept and to pitch for resources from potential stakeholders.
60% Coursework
40% Practicals
STO5005
Operations for Competitive Advantage
In today’s competitive global market, efficient operations are critical to success in both goods and service industries. This module provides a strategic, problem-solving approach to operations management, focusing on areas that drive competitive advantage, such as leveraging technology. The module explores how to improve operations using key concepts such as operations strategy, lean thinking, performance measurement, and quality management. Through case studies and real life examples you will gain the tools to apply these principles, increasing customer satisfaction, improving productivity and performance, while driving long-term business success
Optional modules
HRL5002
Contemporary HRM
20 credits
In this module, you will focus on exploring the management of human resources in modern organisations operating in complex environments.
100% Coursework
HRL5003
Human Resource Management in a Global Context
20 credits
This module introduces you to the consequences of globalisation for workers and how they are managed, the particular people management issues confronted by multinational corporations (MNCs) and the human resource management systems adopted in different national contexts.
100% Coursework
HRL5004
Managing Change
20 credits
This module considers the importance of change management and how it can be achieved and sustained. You will examine how change affects organisations and the individuals who work within them. You will go on to evaluate the means by which change can be analysed and implemented, considering the interactions between strategy, policy, human resources, and the organisational environment.
100% Coursework
HRL6002
Contemporary HRM
20 credits
In this module, you will focus on exploring the management of human resources in modern organisations operating in complex environments.
100% Coursework
HRL6003
Human Resource Management in a Global Context
20 credits
This module introduces you to the consequences of globalisation for workers and how they are managed, the particular people management issues confronted by multinational corporations (MNCs) and the human resource management systems adopted in different national contexts.
100% Coursework
HRL6004
Managing Change
20 credits
This module considers the importance of change management and how it can be achieved and sustained. You will examine how change affects organisations and the individuals who work within them. You will go on to evaluate the means by which change can be analysed and implemented, considering the interactions between strategy, policy, human resources, and the organisational environment.
100% Coursework
MKT5003
Marketing for a Digital World
20 credits
In this module you will examine the impact of new forms of digital technology on all aspects of the modern marketing mix, organisational strategies and consumer facing activities. You will examine new approaches for segmentation, targeting and positioning to generate sales through a digital lens. This module further aims to provide a greater understanding and awareness of the relationships between marketing and digital technology.
100% Coursework
MKT5004
Strategic Marketing Management
20 credits
The module is designed to provide business students with an understanding of the essential elements of the marketing management process. It explores the way in which marketing strategies can be developed and implemented in business organisations, and the relationship between marketing, other functional areas of management and the external environment. It will address the potential impact of current issues on the marketing process.
100% Coursework
MKT6003
Marketing for a Digital World
20 credits
In this module you will examine the impact of new forms of digital technology on all aspects of the modern marketing mix, organisational strategies and consumer facing activities. You will examine new approaches for segmentation, targeting and positioning to generate sales through a digital lens. This module further aims to provide a greater understanding and awareness of the relationships between marketing and digital technology.
100% Coursework
MKT6004
Strategic Marketing Management
20 credits
The module is designed to provide business students with an understanding of the essential elements of the marketing management process. It explores the way in which marketing strategies can be developed and implemented in business organisations, and the relationship between marketing, other functional areas of management and the external environment. It will address the potential impact of current issues on the marketing process.
100% Coursework
STO5001
Project Management
20 credits
This module provides insight and application into key aspects of successful project management and the project management lifecycle.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
STO6001
Project Management
20 credits
This module provides insight and application into key aspects of successful project management and the project management lifecycle.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
HRL6010
Experiential Practice
20 credits
This module provides you with the opportunity both to reflect upon practical experience as well as develop your capabilities and profile so you are on course for life after graduation.
100% Coursework
STO6005
Business Consultancy
20 credits
This module focuses on exploring and understanding a range of theoretical approaches to developing strategies for businesses and applying these principles to a live consultancy project. You will have the opportunity to gain experience of working with a business on a consultancy basis, either in a research or strategic development setting. You will engage with a client business to mutually identify a suitable project and develop findings and guidelines to inform a new strategic direction.
100% Practicals
PBS5001C
The Challenge Module: Sustainable Business
20 credits
Through this module you can select from a choice of topics related to the big challenges business and society are facing today. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy.
100% Coursework
PBS5002C
The Challenge Module: Sustainable Supply Chains for Global Trade
20 credits
In this module, you will be challenged to evaluate the sustainability of the globalised business world. You will assess conflicting viewpoints and present balanced arguments for the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the supply chains that support global trade.
100% Coursework
PBS5003C
The Challenge Module: Responsible Entrepreneurship in Action
20 credits
Through this module you can develop an understanding of the big challenges business and society are facing today, in the context of entrepreneurship. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy and will be informed by established business theories. You will develop and reflect on a business idea which has sustainability at its core.
100% Coursework
ACF5010
Financial Institutions and Markets
This module deals with financial markets, instruments, and institutions. You will examine the bond market, stock market, and foreign exchange market, and explore topics such as investment banking and mutual funds.
ACF6010
Financial Institutions and Markets
This module deals with financial markets, instruments, and institutions. You will examine the bond market, stock market, and foreign exchange market, and explore topics such as investment banking and mutual funds.
ECN5010
International Finance, Trade and Globalization
This module explores the economic and financial implications of globalisation by examining contemporary topics in international financial markets and international trade. It enables the consideration of the impact of the contemporary financial and trading system on key areas for business decision making.
ECN6010
International Finance, Trade and Globalization
This module explores the economic and financial implications of globalisation by examining contemporary topics in international financial markets and international trade. It enables the consideration of the impact of the contemporary financial and trading system on key areas for business decision making.
Final year
Enhance your employability and understanding of professional development and career planning. Hone your decision-making, project planning and research skills. Tailor your degree by studying topics of interest and graduate with a specialist qualification. During the second year, you increase your understanding of strategic management and complete a research project in an area of your choice. You also have the opportunity to undertake a live consultancy project or reflect on your industry experience.
Optional pathways
We offer a suite of business management courses allowing you to choose your specialist field.
We also offer:
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BSc (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year (3 years + optional placement) -
BSc (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year (4 years + optional placement)
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![IACBE logo]( "Accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education")
Plymouth Business School is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) – the only UK university to have this status *
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![Teaching Excellence Framework Gold]( "Teaching Excellence Framework All Gold")
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Triple Gold 2023 – the University holds an overall Gold rating and Gold for student experience and student outcomes
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![CIPD logo]( "CIPD logo")
Championing better work and working lives – accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
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![Graduate Outcomes logo]( "Graduate outcomes Business Management")
95% of graduates are working or studying 15 months after graduating
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![BGA logo]( "Business Graduates Association (BGA)")
Member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA)
Plymouth Business School is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) – the only UK university to have this status *
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Triple Gold 2023 – the University holds an overall Gold rating and Gold for student experience and student outcomes
Championing better work and working lives – accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
95% of graduates are working or studying 15 months after graduating
Member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA)
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Experience
We get you in front of industry straight away to start developing your leadership, communication and problem solving skills. And to start you networking with potential employers.
Dr Cat Hine
Lecturer in Leadership and Business Management
The Business Challenge in week three brings all first-year BSc (Hons) Business Management and BSc (Hons) Marketing students together to pitch solutions to real-world business challenges.
I decided to switch from a different course to Business Management. The University gave me all the tools I needed to thrive, and since switching I have loved the experience and could not be more grateful for the opportunity. I have learnt so much and made close friendships on the course that I value dearly.
Callum
BSc (Hons) Business Management (2 year fast track) student
BSc (Hons) Business Management (2 year fast track) student
The course is extremely diverse. I found it really interesting working alongside people with different lived experience of business.
Samuel Jaffe
3rd year student
3rd year student
Thriving industry connections
From consultancy colleagues commissioning live briefs, to networking at conferences, you will develop relationships with industry to help provide you with the connections and opportunities you need to begin your career.
Put learning into practice
With a vibrant mix of innovative, globally-leading businesses, our relationship with the city defines what we do and contributes to your graduate outcomes.
Industry mentors
Mentors from business will guide you, guest speakers from industry will inspire you, and entrepreneur experts will help you start your business.
Working together in Britain’s Ocean City
With a vibrant mix of innovative, globally-leading businesses, our relationship with the city defines what we do and contributes to your graduate outcomes.
There’s so much room to try new things and conquer some of your fears. The course is a great stepping stone before you enter into the real world and the team will ensure you are as well prepared as you can be.
Nadine
BSc (Hons) Business Management graduate
BSc (Hons) Business Management graduate
A new home to cultivate business leaders
Our Fitzroy Building has been transformed, becoming the new home of the Plymouth Business School, providing students with specialist facilities and social learning spaces. Among these spaces for business, management, accounting, finance and marketing students, you'll find the Bloomberg Interactive Suite for tracking stock markets and The Cube - support for our student and graduate entrepreneurs, as well as a Maritime Suite and a Language Lab.
Meet your expert teaching staff
We’re Team Plymouth. As one of our team, we’re here to help you succeed. Our expert lecturers and your own personal tutor will be with you every step of the way.
Dr Katie Angliss
Head of Division - Business Management
Dr Ben Siu
Lecturer in Marketing (Education)
Dr Rumbi Mukonoweshuro
Lecturer in Finance
Develop your leadership skills on the water
Making the most of our waterside location, we develop your essential leadership skills in a unique and unforgettable way – out on the water Mount Batten Watersports Centre.
While classroom learning provides a solid foundation, practical experiences play a crucial role in shaping effective leaders.
During your first semester you are challenged to develop and reflect on your current capacity to lead and motivate one another through a series of challenges including rock climbing and abseiling, bell boating and orienteering.
Life in Plymouth
Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Get involved with one of our many student groups
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
I chose to study at Plymouth because I had a specific interest in business management and the University was one of the few places that offered a fast-track degree in this subject. This allowed me to complete my studies at a faster rate and gave me the ability to learn skills quickly and immediately apply everything in the real world – it was a complete win-win.
Business Management (2 year fast track) graduate
Undertaking a business degree will develop your understanding of business organisations and the markets and frameworks they operate within. You will acquire knowledge concerning customers, operations, communication, policy and strategy and how all of these are connected.
With the skills, knowledge and commercial awareness acquired through a business degree programme, careers in accountancy, project management, consultancy, banking, analytics and many more are open to you.
You may however wish to explore other pathways that will make use of a more specific knowledge and skills set that you have developed. Maybe you have a passion to support, motivate and encourage people in the workplace, and so a human resources role might suit you. The public and charity sectors will take on business graduates to harness their commercial awareness and business acumen for public/charitable benefit. Or, maybe your outgoing personality will help you soar as a sales executive.
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
Inspiring student and graduate entrepreneurs
From an idea to a fully-fledged business, the Cube offers advice, funding and support at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey. The Cube can develop your creative skills and business acumen to maximise your future career.
“On my placement I ran my own business and got support from the Cube. They helped my business model and refine my skills.”
Samuel Jaffe
Inspiring Futures enables you to engage in knowledge exchange activities with businesses while you study.
Collaborating with academics and external partners across sectors, you will tackle real-world challenges and often work on marketing projects, such as competitor analysis and develop funding strategies for local charities.
Shubha Tobias gained invaluable skills through her Inspiring Futures project, where she worked on a live consultancy task for a local entrepreneur as part of her Business Management degree.
Now a Business Manager at Colt Technology Services, this experience helped Shubha develop her communication, teamwork, time management and leadership skills, ultimately building her confidence for future professional challenges.
Working with a real client on a live project was good. It made me more confident about talking to business people in the future.
Shubha
BSc (Hons) Business Management graduate
BSc (Hons) Business Management graduate
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£11,440 per year
£11,440 per year
Part-time study
£635 per 10 credits
£635 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Following final Parliamentary approval in March 2025, the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£21,500 per year
£21,500 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,850
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,385
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Additional costs
This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business. Studying a course in this faculty may incur additional costs relating to placement or equipment requirements.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Secure your place this September
Use our helpful application support tool at any time to find out what you need to do to secure your place at the University of Plymouth.
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
112 - 128 UCAS points
112 - 128 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above.
A levels
112 - 128 points from a minimum of 2 A levels.
International Baccalaureate
28 - 32 overall to include 4 at any subject at Higher Level.
English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4 Standard Level = 5
English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4 Standard Level = 5
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DMM-DDM in any subject.
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
All Access courses
Pass a named Access to HE Diploma in any subject with at least 33 credits at merit/distinction.
T level
Merit in any subject.
Extended entry requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
Short of the entry requirements for this course? Don’t worry you may be eligible for a
foundation year
to prepare you for possible entry onto this course for the following year.
UCAS course code
N200
N200
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
2 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Other routes into this course
The following courses are available as routes into this programme.
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
112 - 128 UCAS points
112 - 128 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Short of the entry requirements for this course? Don’t worry you may be eligible for a
foundation year
to prepare you for possible entry onto this course for the following year.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
N200
N200
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
2 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Other routes to this course
The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
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The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.