Parents and supporters’ guide to application
From choosing a course to finding somewhere to live, our helpful guide will support students through their university application
Why go to university?
Going to university is a big decision and you may be wondering if it’s the right choice for your family member. There are many paths they could take after school or college, but going to university is a life-changing opportunity that offers more than just a career path.
Guardianship
If your family member will be under the age of 18 on commencement of their studies they are required to provide us with details of a guardian in line with our safeguarding policy." Find out more and complete the form
Applications for 2027 entry
Find out what to expect from the application process when applying for degrees that start in September 2027.
Reasons why going to university may be the right option
Improve career prospects and earning potential
These days, the careers market is competitive, and a degree will give your family member a head start on their chosen path. With a degree, they are also more likely to progress faster up the career ladder.
At Plymouth, we are proud to say we are one of a select number of UK universities to achieve triple gold – gold overall, and for student experience and student outcomes (TEF, 2023).
According to the most recent graduate outcomes survey over 95% of our graduates are in work or further study.*
The University of Plymouth is ranked among the UK’s top 25 universities for career prospects (source: Whatuni 2025).
*Excludes those travelling, retired or caring for someone, out of all UK domiciled, full-time first-degree graduates. Contains HESA Data: Copyright JISC 2022. JISC cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.
Develop life skills
Going to university and living away from home for the first time gives students the chance to develop independence and self-confidence in a supported environment.
Find out about the support available in our new Student Hub
Our degrees also provide scope for our students to develop their communication and presentation skills. University presents plenty of opportunities to develop time management, teamwork and organisation – all of which are important lifelong skills.
Our degrees also provide scope for our students to develop their communication and presentation skills. University presents plenty of opportunities to develop time management, teamwork and organisation – all of which are important lifelong skills.
Enjoy new opportunities
Both within their course and through our vibrant Students’ Union, our students will have new opportunities available to them throughout their time with us. Our Students’ Union has over 110 societies and 55 sports clubs to choose from.
Many courses at the University of Plymouth provide the option of a placement or work-based learning. If a course doesn’t offer this, then our Careers Service can explore other work experience options. These opportunities will give our students the opportunity to gain real-world experience and pick up a range of employability skills to kick-start their career.
Many courses at the University of Plymouth provide the option of a placement or work-based learning. If a course doesn’t offer this, then our Careers Service can explore other work experience options. These opportunities will give our students the opportunity to gain real-world experience and pick up a range of employability skills to kick-start their career.
Make lifelong connections
Joining us here at Plymouth is an opportunity to make lifelong connections with fellow students from different backgrounds and cultures. We provide guaranteed places in halls for all our undergraduate first years, and our Residence Life and Student Accommodation team are there to offer advice and guidance.
“University is probably the best opportunity you will get to meet new and like-minded people, join endless societies and try things you have never done before. It’s a chance to have lots of fun (and gain a degree of course) before you enter the world of work. You want to be able to look back at your experience and think, I did everything I could have done and had an amazing time. So do it!”
Nina, BA (Hons) Fine Art and Art History
[ Accommodation guarantee
We understand how important it is for new students to find the home that's right for them, so that's why we offer an Accommodation Guarantee. We guarantee a place in halls (either University-managed or with an accredited private provider) to all new undergraduate students who make Plymouth their firm first choice, apply by the guarantee deadline and are eligible under our
terms and conditions.
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how to apply – everything you need to know about student accommodation.
Visit us
The best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth is to visit us at one of our on-campus open or offer holder days.
Explore our campus, meet lecturers, and experience student life at Plymouth.
Subject-specific events that give University of Plymouth offer holders a chance to take the next step towards starting their course.
Find the right course
We understand that finding that single perfect course from thousands of options is much harder than selecting four A level subjects from a limited list.
Because of this, we encourage applicants to hone in on a broad subject area and to then research University course webpages thoroughly to start to build a picture of what distinguishes one course against another.
Open days also offer a great way for applicants to confirm that they have found the right course or to learn something new about previously overlooked courses.
Browse our course options
Search for a course
×
Career and employment opportunities
Studying at Plymouth provides our students with real and simulated industry experiences, increased transferable skills, and the support they need to make informed decisions about their career path.
Writing a personal statement for your UCAS application
It’s likely that writing a personal statement will be a new experience for students - that’s why we’ve pulled together some top tips, so you can support them and know what to look out for.
-
![Teaching Excellence Framework Gold]( "Teaching Excellence Framework Gold")
Teaching Excellence Framework Gold
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023 -
![High rate of graduate employment]( "Graduate employment accolade (2023 update)")
High rate of graduate employment
94% of our graduates are working or studying 15 months after graduating* -
![Carbon neutral logo]( "Carbon neutrality 2023")
Second carbon-neutral university in the UK*
Verified to PAS 2060 standard (2023) -
![Pound symbol]( "Plymouth is one of the UK's most affordable cities for students")
One of the UK's most affordable cities for students
Living costs in Plymouth are 51% lower than London and 31% lower than Bristol† -
![Lighthouse line drawing]( "Plymouth, a top city to live and work")
Plymouth, a top city to live and work
PwC Good Growth for Cities Report 2024
Teaching Excellence Framework Gold
High rate of graduate employment
Second carbon-neutral university in the UK*
One of the UK's most affordable cities for students
Plymouth, a top city to live and work
*Excludes those travelling, retired or caring for someone, out of all UK domiciled, full-time first-degree graduates. Contains HESA Data: Copyright JISC 2022. JISC cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.
†Source: livingcost.org.