Plymouth Marjon University

Plymouth Marjon University is a respected and student-focused institution with a rich educational heritage dating back to the 19th century. Its origins can be traced to St John’s College, Battersea, founded in 1840, and St Mark’s College, Chelsea, established in 1841. Following their amalgamation in 1923, the institution became known as “Marjon,” and in 2013, it officially received legal confirmation of university status. Today, Plymouth Marjon University combines historic values with modern academic excellence, creating an environment where students are at the heart of everything it does.

Located on a spacious green campus in Plymouth, the university offers world-class facilities in one of the most attractive regions of England. Students benefit from studying in a vibrant city that is surrounded by stunning coastlines, secluded beaches, and the natural beauty of Dartmoor National Park. This unique setting provides an inspiring backdrop for both academic and personal growth.

Plymouth Marjon University is recognised for delivering an outstanding student experience. The university achieved Gold in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), reflecting the high quality of its teaching and student outcomes. It was also ranked No. 3 in England for Student Satisfaction in The Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and placed among the top four universities in England for Career Prospects in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2024.

With a close-knit student population of approximately 2,680 students, Plymouth Marjon offers a supportive and community-focused learning environment. Every programme includes practical work placement opportunities, ensuring students gain valuable real-world experience alongside their academic studies. In addition, students develop essential graduate skills, including presentation techniques, interview preparation, job application strategies, and leadership abilities.

The university offers a diverse range of study areas, including Journalism and Literature, Business, Criminology and Forensic Science, Education, Children and Communities, Health and Wellbeing, and Sport, Physical Education and Coaching. Its research reputation is equally impressive, with REF 2021 results showing that 89% of research was internationally recognised, 55% rated internationally excellent or world-leading, and 100% nationally recognised.

Welcoming students from more than 60 countries over the years, Plymouth Marjon University provides an inclusive and globally connected learning community that prepares graduates for successful careers and meaningful futures.

Plymouth Marjon University is committed to delivering a supportive, inclusive, and student-centred experience through a wide range of services designed to help students succeed academically, professionally, and personally. The university’s comprehensive support network ensures that students receive guidance at every stage of their educational journey, creating an environment where they can achieve their full potential.

A key part of the university’s support system is its dedicated Student Wellbeing and Support Team. This specialist team provides advice and assistance on important aspects of student life, including mental health, wellbeing, disability support, personal development, and financial matters. By offering accessible and professional support services, Plymouth Marjon helps students overcome challenges and maintain a positive university experience.

Academic support is available for students who may need assistance managing their studies. Whether students are considering taking a break from their course, require deadline extensions, or need guidance navigating academic challenges, the university’s support team works closely with them to identify practical solutions and ensure continued progress toward their degree goals. Financial wellbeing is also a priority. The Student Funding Advice service helps students understand and access available grants, bursaries, loans, and other funding opportunities. By providing expert financial guidance, the university supports students in managing financial pressures that may otherwise affect their studies.

The Student Life Team acts as a direct connection between students and university support services. Their role is to assist with all areas of student welfare, ensuring that students can easily access the help and resources they need throughout their time at Marjon. Plymouth Marjon University is strongly committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion. The Disability and Inclusion Advice Service (DIAS) offers confidential advice and tailored support to both prospective and current students, helping to create an accessible learning environment for everyone. In addition, the university provides professional counselling services delivered by qualified, accredited, and experienced counsellors who support students through personal or academic challenges in a confidential setting.

Career development is another major strength of the university. Through Futures, Marjon’s Careers, Employability and Enterprise team, students receive professional guidance on career planning, employability skills, enterprise development, and experiential learning opportunities. The service supports access to part-time work, international opportunities, business development initiatives, and funding for career-enhancing experiences. Futures also provides a dedicated digital platform powered by Canvas, offering valuable career resources and guidance.

Students are encouraged to gain practical experience through placements, volunteering, student ambassador roles, clubs, societies, study-abroad opportunities, and leadership activities. These developmental experiences help students build transferable skills, enhance employability, and prepare confidently for graduate careers. Notably, Futures continues to support Marjon alumni indefinitely, providing ongoing career guidance, digital resources, employer connections, and one-to-one professional advice long after graduation..

Plymouth Marjon University has built a strong reputation as one of the United Kingdom’s most student-focused institutions, consistently earning recognition for teaching excellence, student satisfaction, academic support, career outcomes, and social inclusion. Its impressive performance across major national rankings highlights the university’s commitment to delivering a high-quality educational experience and outstanding student support.

In the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, Plymouth Marjon University climbed five places to secure 70th position in the UK, demonstrating its continued progress in an increasingly competitive higher education sector. The university’s teaching standards received particular recognition, achieving a Top 10 national ranking for Teaching Quality and placing 8th in the UK. It was also ranked as the highest-performing university in the South West region for teaching quality.

Student experience remains one of Plymouth Marjon’s greatest strengths. The university ranked among the Top 10 universities in England for Student Experience and achieved 30th place nationally in the UK. These results reflect the institution’s strong focus on creating a supportive, engaging, and rewarding environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

Plymouth Marjon has also earned recognition for widening participation and creating opportunities for learners from diverse backgrounds. The university was ranked 12th in the UK for Social Inclusion and achieved No. 2 position among universities in England for this category in the Good University Guide 2025. These achievements reinforce its reputation as an institution that prioritises accessibility, equality, and student success.

National league tables continue to highlight the university’s academic strengths. Plymouth Marjon was placed 84th in The Guardian University Guide 2026 and ranked 125th in the Complete University Guide 2027. It has also been recognised for excellence in specific subject areas, particularly Education, where it has historically ranked among the Top 5 universities in the UK. Additionally, the university has frequently achieved Top 10 positions nationally for Teaching Quality.

The university’s student-centred approach is reflected in numerous recent accolades. It was ranked No. 3 in England for Student Satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2025 and secured a Top 5 UK ranking for both Career Prospects and Lecturers & Teaching Quality in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2024. Furthermore, Plymouth Marjon was rated Joint 1st among UK universities for Academic Support in the National Student Survey 2024.

Additional achievements include No. 3 in the UK for Teaching Quality in the Good University Guide 2025, No. 1 in the UK for Assessment in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2023, No. 2 in England for Student Voice, and No. 6 in England for Student Union performance in the National Student Survey 2024.

These rankings and awards demonstrate Plymouth Marjon University’s consistent excellence in teaching, student support, employability, and overall student experience, making it a highly attractive choice for students seeking a personalised and high-quality university education in the United Kingdom.

Student life at Plymouth Marjon University is designed to be engaging, supportive, and memorable. As a close-knit university community, Marjon offers students the opportunity to build meaningful friendships, develop new skills, and enjoy a rewarding university experience both inside and outside the classroom. The university understands that starting higher education is a major life step, and it provides an environment where students can feel welcomed, supported, and inspired from day one.

At the heart of student life is the Marjon Student Union (MSU), a dedicated organisation committed to enhancing every aspect of the student experience. The MSU provides support, advice, and guidance while organising a wide variety of activities, events, sports clubs, and societies. Throughout the academic year, students can take part in major social events such as Freshers’ Week, Rag Week, the Graduation Ball, Leavers’ Dinner, and the highly anticipated May Ball, widely regarded as one of the highlights of the university calendar.

The university’s vibrant campus culture is strengthened by an extensive range of clubs and societies. Whether students are interested in sports, music, baking, LGBT+ awareness, or other hobbies and interests, there are numerous opportunities to get involved. The MSU actively encourages students to establish new societies, ensuring that everyone can find a community that reflects their passions and interests.

Sport plays a significant role in life at Plymouth Marjon University. Supported by the university’s state-of-the-art sports facilities and strong sporting culture, students can participate in a wide range of activities, including football, netball, badminton, surfing, and many more. Annual events such as Varsity Week allow students to compete against students from Plymouth University, creating a strong sense of pride, teamwork, and university spirit.

Student engagement beyond academics delivers measurable benefits. According to university data, 95% of students involved in extracurricular activities reported developing new skills, while 90% experienced personal growth. Participation in sports, societies, volunteering, and leadership opportunities also helps students strengthen their employability profile and gain valuable experience sought by graduate employers.

A popular social hub on campus is BARJON, the Student Union Bar. Known for its lively atmosphere, affordable food, and regular entertainment, BARJON hosts live music performances, comedy nights, film screenings, quizzes, themed celebrations, and social competitions throughout the year, providing students with countless opportunities to relax and connect with friends.

Located in Derriford, just north of Plymouth, the university benefits from one of the most attractive student locations in the UK. Plymouth combines a vibrant city atmosphere with stunning natural surroundings, including beautiful beaches, dramatic coastlines, and nearby Dartmoor National Park. Students can explore historic attractions such as the Barbican and Plymouth Hoe, enjoy cultural venues including theatres, museums, and music venues, or take advantage of the region’s renowned outdoor lifestyle.

From waterfront adventures and cultural experiences to thriving clubs, societies, and campus events, Plymouth Marjon University offers a dynamic and fulfilling student experience. Its supportive community, active student culture, and exceptional location create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally throughout their university journey.

Accommodation at Plymouth Marjon University is designed to provide students with a safe, comfortable, and welcoming place to live while studying. Whether students are leaving home for the first time, returning to education, or travelling from overseas, the university offers a supportive residential environment that helps them quickly settle into campus life and become part of the Marjon community.

Many first-year students choose to live on campus, allowing them to build friendships, participate in university activities, and enjoy easy access to academic and social facilities. With all accommodation located within the university’s single-campus setting, students live at the heart of campus life, just moments away from classrooms, sports facilities, dining venues, and social spaces.

One of the major advantages of living on campus at Plymouth Marjon University is the strong focus on student safety and wellbeing. Resident students benefit from 24/7 support during term time, with duty staff, senior resident students, the Resident Life Team, and Security Officers available to provide assistance whenever needed, including overnight and at weekends. This supportive environment helps students feel secure and confident throughout their university experience.

The university-owned and managed accommodation also offers excellent value and transparency. There are no unexpected charges, and accommodation costs include utility bills, broadband with technical support, and contents insurance. In addition, accommodation prices are significantly lower than the average weekly cost of university-owned accommodation in the South West, according to the NUS/Unipol Accommodation Costs Survey 2021, making Marjon an attractive option for students seeking affordability without compromising on quality. Plymouth Marjon University offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different student needs. Coleridge, Kay Shuttleworth, and Tufnell Halls provide standard rooms in six-bedroom flats as well as en-suite rooms in five-bedroom flats and are particularly popular with first-year students. Clark, Cromwell, and Hudson Halls offer standard rooms within larger nine-bedroom flats, creating a sociable living environment. Dix Hall features six-bedroom flats with shared kitchen-diner facilities and is another popular choice among new students.

For students seeking a quieter residential setting, the Student Village consists of 38 houses located on the west side of campus. Surrounded by green spaces, it is especially popular with returning students, top-up students, and postgraduates. Postgraduate and PhD students can also apply for accommodation in The Oaks, a newly refurbished six-bedroom house offering high-quality on-campus living. Student life is further enhanced by convenient access to the university’s three dining outlets: the Dining Hall, the Grandstand Café, and Barjon. With no daily commute, students can dedicate more time to studying, socialising, participating in sports, and enjoying the full university experience.

Plymouth Marjon University accommodation combines affordability, convenience, safety, and community, creating an ideal home away from home for students from across the UK and around the world.