University of Plymouth

The University of Plymouth is one of the UK's most prominent and dynamic universities with an educational history dating back to 1862 It is the largest university in the southwest of England, with over 30,000 students and is the fifth largest UK university based on student population. It has almost 3,000 staff (one of the largest employers in the southwest), and an annual income of around £160 million.

The University of Plymouth is pursuing a development agenda that will ensure a place as an excellent regional university delivering research and teaching to world-class standards, fostering scholarship, enterprise and culture, and reaching out to the community in a comprehensive and inclusive way.

The university's main campus is home to the Faculties of Arts, Health & Social Work, Social Science & Business, Science and Technology, and the Peninsula Medical School. The purpose built multi-million pound Peninsula Allied Health Centre is used by the Faculty of Health and Social Work to deliver Dietetic, Midwifery, Physiotherapy and Podiatry courses. Located four miles north of the main campus and close to Derriford Hospital the centre has state of the art clinical skills labs, computing facilities, lecture theatre and seminar space.

The University of Plymouth has its own unique Diving & Marine Centre.  We are the only University in the country to offer students the opportunity to gain an internationally recognised Professional Diving (SCUBA) qualification, as part of your marine-based academic degree program.  This qualification is a requirement if you intend to work ( and get paid ) as a diver.

To get to the University you have the following options:

By foot from the Guest House

When you stay at the Guest House, you can leave your car and walk through the centre of town to the university. It will take about 20 minutes to get there. Parking is limited at the university and our advice is to walk. If you are bringing all the necessary 'stuff' that your son or daughter needs for a new term then you are generally allowed to unload it in the Halls of Residence area - but only for a limited time.

Air Southwest flies to Plymouth from the following destinations:

Plymouth’s airline, Air Southwest, operates from Plymouth City Airport and flies to a range of destinations in the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands and France with fares starting from £29 one-way, including taxes. From the airport you will need to take a taxi into Plymouth Centre for the university or to our Guest House. The ride takes about 15 minutes.

London Gatwick – four flights daily
Manchester – twice daily
Leeds Bradford – twice daily
Bristol – twice daily
Newcastle – daily
Glasgow - daily
Jersey – daily
Cork – four flights weekly
Dublin – three flights weekly

By rail

The rail station is just a few minutes' walk from the main campus at Plymouth. There is a regular train service from Plymouth to London Paddington which takes between three and three-and-a-half hours. There are other direct services from Plymouth to South Wales, the Midlands, the North of England and Scotland. For rail enquiries, call 08457 484950 or visit http://www.nationalrail.co.u. The Guest House is about 20 minutes walk or a taxi will bring you here in 5 minutes.

By coach

There are regular coach services from most major cities to Plymouth. The coach service from Bretonside Bus Station in Plymouth to London Victoria goes via Exeter and takes just four-and-a-half hours. For coach enquiries, call 08705 808080 or visit http://www.nationalexpress.co. The Guest House is about 10 minutes walk or a taxi will bring you here in 5 minutes.

By car

Plymouth is easily reached by following the M5 motorway and then continuing on the A38 Expressway via Exeter. It's about a three-and-a-half-hour journey from London to Plymouth.

Overnight accommodation

If you want to visit and wish to stay overnight or for a few days then the Athenaeum Lodge Guest House can accommodate you. We have many parents and relations staying on a regfular basis here. Having had two children who both went to Plymouth University, however not when we lived in Plymouth, we know what it's like to leave you offspring here for the first time!

Plymouth is a great place for the students. Have no doubts, Plymouth University is one of the best in the country and has a tremendous reputation for being brilliant!!!