Agent toolkit

If you're an agent looking to work or already working with the University of Plymouth, you can find answers to your questions here
Christina on campus

Answers to some of our most frequently asked agent questions can be found using the buttons below:

What courses do you offer? 

The University of Plymouth offers a range of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Discover study options and search for courses.

The institution has preserved its maritime tradition and, due to its location, is famous for its study programmes in the fields of Biological and Marine Sciences, Navigation and Maritime Science. The University has received numerous awards for the quality of teaching and includes five major faculties: the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Business, the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, the Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, and the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.

An overview of our subject areas:

Accounting & Finance • Architecture, Building & Construction • Art, Design & Media • Biological Sciences • Biomedical Sciences • Business & Management • Chemistry • Computing & Mathematical Sciences • Earth, Geography & Environment • Education & Teaching • Health Professions • Hospitality & Tourism • Humanities • Law & Criminology • Marine & Ocean • Medicine & Dentistry • Nursing • Optometry, Nutrition & Dietetics • Performing Arts & Music • Psychology • Shipping & Logistics

What are your key accolades?

The University of Plymouth is based in the largest coastal city in South West England, providing international students with all the best aspects of British life. With a campus in the centre of this vibrant coastal city, the University is located a short drive from the local beaches and Dartmoor National Park. The city and campus location allow students to enjoy one of the most convenient student lifestyles available in the UK at relatively low cost.

A three-time winner of the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education, most recently in 2019, in respect of its pioneering research on microplastics pollution in the oceans, its impact on the environment, and changing behaviour, the University continues to grow in stature and reputation.

Ranked a UK Top Ten Young University in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020, the University has 139,000 alumni across 135 countries, as well as 3,000 current international students (who comprise approximately 14% of the student body).

The University has high-quality facilities that help its students to make the most out of their time in the UK. Over £155 million has been invested in the campus, from a new performing arts centre to a Marine Building with wave tanks and ship simulators to a 24-hour library.

The University is home to a brilliant careers service, which includes a Careers and Employability Hub that helps students create the perfect CV, search for employment, or speak to an advisor about what they can do with their degree once they have graduated. In addition, over 4,500 students take part in placements and work-based learning every year.

To see some of our latest awards, achievements and accreditations, read our facts and figures.

Summary of our awards and achievements:

  • Ranked among the world’s top 25 – and 1st for Marine – in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021

  • Top 10 UK Young University (Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020)

  • Three-time winner of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education

  • Top 25 for Teaching Quality (2020 National Student Survey)

  • 19th in the UK for Architecture (The Guardian UK University Subject Rankings 2021)

  • 19th in the UK for Earth and Marine Sciences (The Guardian UK University Subject Rankings 2021)

  • Top 25 UK University for Engineering (THE World University Rankings 2021)

  • Top 6 Modern UK University for Psychology (Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020)

  • Top UK University for Marine and Ocean Engineering (Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2019)

  • Top 60 UK University (QS World University Rankings 2021)

  • Top 50 research university (Research Fortnight Research Power League Table 2014) 

  • The first university to be awarded the Social Enterprise Mark

Why choose Plymouth?

Plymouth is located on the coast in beautiful South West England – an ideal location for both learning and leisure, with plenty of quiet study spaces and recreational opportunities. Plymouth enjoys a combination of modern city living and rural charm, located three hours by train from central London, and with international airports nearby and ferry links to France and Spain. The University is set in the heart of the city with shops, facilities and attractions nearby.

Quick facts

  • Year of Establishment: 1862

  • Number of students: over 18,000

  • Number of international students: approximately 2,000

  • Number of nationalities: over 130

  • Over 4,500 UoP students per year benefit from work placements and internships 

  • Over 160 sports clubs and societies

  • Guaranteed place in halls for undergraduate first-year students who apply before the accommodation deadline 

  • All accommodation on-campus or within a 15-minute walk 

  • International Scholarships of up to 50% off tuition fees available

  • Plymouth is surrounded by 120 miles of stunning coastline and over 50 beaches

How do I submit an application?

The quickest and most efficient way to submit an application to one of our postgraduate taught programmes is via our online application form.

Please note that if you are completing an application form on behalf of a student, it is vital that you use the applicant's email address to register to avoid multiple applications being registered using the same email address, thus causing duplication issues. There is an opportunity for agents to include their contact details within the application as well, so you will still receive the relevant correspondence from the University of Plymouth. 

Please make sure your agency name is clearly marked if you are submitting an application on behalf of a student.

If you have any questions prior to submitting an application, you can contact the International Office at international.office@plymouth.ac.uk 

Please note that in some regions, agent applications need to first be approved by the University of Plymouth. Applications that do not meet the standard required may be rejected at this stage.

More information on how to submit an application

The application form should be filled in digitally and must be saved as a PDF – this needs to be sent to pduadmissions@plymouth.ac.uk along with a separate PDF of supporting documents.

If you find that the more traditional September start isn’t ideal timing for you, then our January intake gives you the chance to commence your studies at an alternative time of year. If choosing a January start for your postgraduate studies, you will be studying the same course content within the same timeframe as those starting in September. So, you can rest assured that you will have the same degree experience, but on your terms.
Find out more:

Still have questions? Please read on for more answers

What is your processing time for applications?

Under normal circumstances, we expect to respond within 14 working days of receiving applications, provided you or the student has supplied all the documents required. Please note that during busy periods such as clearing, processing times may vary. Complete applications can be processed much faster, and the sooner a student applies the sooner they will know the result of the application. This is very important as it will leave them more time to apply for their student visa if accepted.

If you are unsure about the status of a submitted application, the Applications team will be able to advise (applications@plymouth.ac.uk), but if in doubt, please also copy in the International Office who can follow up if required (international.office@plymouth.ac.uk).

Nadine Mashingaidze, international student
Tuition fees payment
You can find information on the fees for each course we offer on our website's course pages. More information about fees and funding.
Applicants will only be asked to pay their £3,500 tuition fee deposit (please note this deposit amount is subject to change) once they have first met all academic conditions as stipulated in their offer letter, and have been invited to submit payment. Please do not try to pay deposit or fees before this time. 
International payments – University of Plymouth has partnered with Flywire to securely process international payment
By making your payment using Flywire, you can: 
  • pay by credit or debit card, bank transfer or e-wallet 
  • pay from any country or bank 
  • pay in over 150 supported currencies 
  • avoid bank fees and extra charges 
  • be guaranteed the best exchange rate when making a bank transfer using Flywire. If you find a better rate within two hours, Flywire will match it 
  • receive email and text alerts each step of the way of your payment, including confirmation your payment has been securely delivered to Plymouth 
  • get 24/7 multilingual support with any questions you have about making your payment from Flywire’s expert team. You can give them a call, send an email or use live chat online. 
Please note: we do not accept payment in cash for tuition fees. 
For further enquiries about tuition fees, payment methods or refunds, email the Student Accounts Team at studentaccountsteam@plymouth.ac.uk or call us on +44 1752 588130. 
Do you offer any scholarships?
Yes, we do. We offer a range of scholarships to support international students with their studies. Find out more about international student scholarships. 
Please note: students who are eligible for multiple scholarships, awards or discounts by the University of Plymouth will only qualify for the highest amount awarded. If a student qualifies for the alumni discount and a scholarship, only the highest award will be applied.
What about work experience?
Not all courses offer a placement but most do. They are completely optional. They are usually in year three of a four-year Bachelor's degree (year two for fast track Business Management). As with any job, students must apply for their placement, so these are not guaranteed – but the students are supported in finding and applying for posts in real projects with real responsibilities, which are usually paid. For more information, please visit our work experience page.
Please note: Student visa holders must seek advice from International Student Advice (ISA) before considering an optional placement year because some students will not be able to apply: studentservices@plymouth.ac.uk.
Businessman in airport courtesy of shutterstock
UK Agent Quality Framework
The University of Plymouth recognises that education agents and counsellors play a critical role in marketing UK education and supporting international students on their journey to the UK to ensure that they have an outstanding international student experience. We are therefore keen to promote the UK Agent Quality Framework.
Please read the British Universities' International Liaison Association (BUILA) guide to good practice for education agents which we would advise that you adhere to, as well as our guidance notes for agents which we hope you will find useful. Please also read The National Code of Ethical Practice for Education Agents for your information.
We strongly encourage all our contracted agents to be certified by the British Council. Please refer to the British Council free agent training.

I have a proposal about an event, marketing campaign or a question related to student recruitment in my country – who can assist?

The main point of contact for queries like this is the International Office. Please contact international.office@plymouth.ac.uk and we will be able to direct your query to the relevant Regional Manager for your country for consideration, or the relevant team to answer your query.

View our contact information

If you would like any country-specific information, you can also visit our country pages. Please note that the Regional Managers and International Officers are often on the road travelling or have more limited access to their emails, so it is always good practice to copy in international.office@plymouth.ac.uk, who can assist if the regional staff are unable to respond quickly.

Plymouth Hoe
Diverse People Studying Students Campus Concept. Courtesy of Shutterstock

Which social media channels do you have?

The International Office has the following social media channels. Please follow us and remember to tag us in any content you post:

Facebook: @plyminternational

Twitter: @PlymInt

Instagram: @plymuni

YouTube: University of Plymouth International

WeChat (China): universityofplymouth

Hashtags: #WeArePlym #PlymUni #Plymouth #UniversityofPlymouth

If you are a contracted agent and require our logo or any other content for your website or social channels (such as photos and videos), get in contact with us and we will be able to assist.
Similarly, if you require prospectuses or our international mini guide for your staff, would like to request bespoke training, or have questions or suggestions, then get in touch with us at international.office@plymouth.ac.uk.

We regularly send out news and updates to our agent network to help you keep up-to-date on our courses and achievements. If you are a contracted agent and are not receiving these, please get in touch with international.office@plymouth.ac.uk to be added to our mailing list. Similarly, if you have any staff or offices changes, be sure to let us know so that we can keep our records up-to-date.

Other useful links

Students on Plymouth Hoe
Plymouth Hoe
International students on campus