Plymouth Marjon University

Plymouth Marjon University: A Small, Supportive University with Strong Professional and Practical Courses

Plymouth Marjon University is a small UK university based in Plymouth, Devon, with a strong emphasis on personalised teaching, practical learning, professional preparation and student support.

The university is particularly known for subjects connected to Education, Sport, Health, Psychology, Journalism, Business, Criminology, Outdoor Adventure and Community Work. Marjon highlights its small class sizes, close relationships between students and staff, and professionally relevant programmes.

Marjon received an overall Gold rating in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and describes itself as a university where students receive a high level of personal support.

What is Plymouth Marjon University Known For?

Plymouth Marjon University is particularly known for:

• Education and Teacher Training
• Sport and Exercise
• Psychology
• Health and Wellbeing
• Criminology
• Journalism
• Business
• Community and Youth Work
• Outdoor Adventure Education
• English
• Photography
• Physical Education

Education & Teacher Training

Education is one of Marjon's key academic areas.

Students can study subjects such as:

• Primary Education
• Community, Youth and Families
• Special Educational Needs and Disability Studies
• Outdoor Learning
• Education-related subjects

The university has a long history connected with teacher education and professional preparation.

Sport & Exercise

Sport is another important area at Marjon.

Students can explore:

• Sport coaching
• Sport development
• Physical education
• Exercise
• Sports therapy
• Performance
• Health and wellbeing

This can be particularly suitable for students interested in sports coaching, fitness, physical education and the wider sports industry.

Psychology

Marjon offers psychology-related study covering areas such as:

• Biological psychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Social psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Research methods

International postgraduate students can also consider the MSc Psychology, which includes research methods and an independent research project.

Criminology

Students interested in crime and criminal justice can study:

• Criminology
• Criminology with Forensics
• Criminology with Psychology

These programmes can provide knowledge of:

• Crime
• Criminal behaviour
• Criminal justice
• Forensic approaches
• Psychology

Marjon's undergraduate programme specifications list these courses among its current offerings.

Journalism & Media

Students interested in media can study:

• Journalism
• Journalism with Photography

The journalism programmes can develop practical skills in:

• News writing
• Reporting
• Digital media
• Photography
• Communication
• Storytelling

Business

International students can consider the MSc Business, Management and Enterprise, which focuses on developing skills relevant to starting a business or working within an organisation.

Outdoor Adventure Education

Marjon's location in the South West of England makes outdoor and adventure-related education particularly relevant.

Students can explore:

• Outdoor education
• Adventure activities
• Leadership
• Personal development
• Community engagement

English & Humanities

Marjon also offers subjects such as English, allowing students to develop:

• Communication
• Writing
• Critical analysis
• Research
• Literary understanding

Academic Environment

Marjon focuses strongly on small classes and personal teaching.

The university states that its small class sizes allow students to participate actively in lessons and receive greater access to facilities and academic support.

The university also says that all its programmes involve some form of work placement, with programmes designed to be professionally relevant and connected to employers.

Quick Facts

• University: Plymouth Marjon University
• Location: Plymouth, Devon, England
• Type: Specialist teaching-focused university
• Strengths: Education, Sport, Psychology, Health, Criminology and professional subjects
• Teaching style: Small classes and personalised support
• Work experience: Placements incorporated across programmes
• International students: Students from more than 60 countries have studied at Marjon
• TEF: Gold overall in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework

Q. Is Plymouth Marjon University a good university?

A. Yes, particularly for students who prefer a small, supportive university environment. It is especially worth considering for Education, Sport, Psychology, Health, Criminology, Journalism and community-focused subjects.

It may be less suitable for students specifically looking for a large research-intensive university or a huge range of highly specialised STEM programmes.

Plymouth Marjon University Campus – A Small University Experience

Marjon's campus is located in the north of Plymouth and provides a single-campus environment, meaning students can live, study, socialise and participate in activities without travelling between multiple campuses.

Students can access:

• Teaching facilities
• Library
• Sports facilities
• Study areas
• Student support
• Accommodation
• Social spaces
• Specialist facilities related to their courses

Life in Plymouth

Plymouth offers a combination of:

City + Coast + Countryside

The university describes Plymouth as "Britain's Ocean City", with beaches, coastline, watersports and access to Devon and Cornwall.

Students can enjoy:

• Beaches
• Watersports
• Sailing
• Diving
• Kayaking
• Surfing
• Museums
• Restaurants
• Cafés
• Cultural activities
• Outdoor adventures

International Student Experience

Marjon has welcomed international students from more than 60 countries over the years. International students can receive support with:

• Applications
• Visa guidance
• Accommodation
• Arrival
• Academic support
• Student services
• Careers

International undergraduate applicants normally apply through UCAS, while postgraduate international applicants can apply directly to the university.

Q. Is Plymouth Marjon University good for international students?

A. Yes, especially for students who want a smaller and more personal university environment. Marjon specifically highlights its small classes and high level of support for international students who may be moving to a new country for the first time.

Plymouth Marjon University Courses – Education, Sport, Psychology, Business, Criminology, Health and Journalism

Plymouth Marjon University offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses across Education, Business, Health & Wellbeing, Criminology, Sport, Physical Education, Coaching, Arts and Humanities. Its undergraduate portfolio includes subjects such as Psychology, Business, Journalism, Primary Education, Criminology, Forensic Science, Football Coaching, Sport Science and Outdoor Adventure Education.

Popular Subject Areas

Education & Teacher Training

Education is one of Marjon's strongest areas.

Students can study:

• Primary Education
• Primary Education – Early Years
• Physical Education
• Secondary Education with Science and Mathematics
• Special Educational Needs and Disability Studies
• Youth and Community Work
• Outdoor Learning

Several teacher-training degrees include Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), while postgraduate routes include PGCE programmes.

Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology

Students can explore:

• Biological psychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Social psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Research methods
• Psychological research

The programme can provide a foundation for careers in psychology-related services, education, research and wider graduate employment.

Business

BSc (Hons) Business

The Business programme focuses on developing knowledge of:

• Business management
• Entrepreneurship
• Strategy
• Marketing
• Organisations
• Business decision-making

Marjon also offers postgraduate study through programmes such as MSc Business, Management and Enterprise.

Criminology & Forensic Science

Students can choose from areas including:

• Criminology
• Criminology with Forensics
• Criminology with Psychology
• Forensic Investigation
• Forensic Science

These courses examine:

• Crime
• Criminal behaviour
• Criminal justice
• Forensic investigation
• Legal and social issues

Sport, Physical Education & Coaching

Sport is another major area at Marjon.

Courses include:

• Football Coaching and Development
• Football Science
• Physical Education
• Sport Coaching and Physical Education
• Sport Development and Coaching
• Sport and Exercise Science
• Sport Business Management
• Sport Rehabilitation and Conditioning
• Sports Therapy
• Strength and Conditioning

Many programmes incorporate practical experience and professional placements, making them suitable for students targeting careers in sport, coaching, fitness, performance and physical education.

Health & Wellbeing

Students can study subjects including:

• Adult Nursing
• Osteopathy
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Sports Therapy
• Sport Rehabilitation
• Psychology

Marjon highlights its on-site clinical and practical learning facilities for relevant health programmes.

Journalism & Media

Students can study:

• Journalism
• Journalism with Photography

These programmes can develop skills in:

• News reporting
• Writing
• Photography
• Digital media
• Communication
• Storytelling

Outdoor Adventure Education

BA (Hons) Outdoor Adventure Education

This is a distinctive option for students interested in:

• Outdoor learning
• Adventure activities
• Leadership
• Coaching
• Environmental experiences
• Personal development

Marjon's location in Devon provides opportunities for outdoor and coastal activities.

Q. What Are the Best Courses at Plymouth Marjon University?

A. Marjon is particularly worth considering for:

Education | Sport | Psychology | Criminology | Business | Health & Wellbeing | Journalism | Outdoor Adventure Education

Its strongest fit is generally for students looking for professionally focused and practical programmes rather than highly research-intensive academic disciplines.

Student Life at Plymouth Marjon University

Marjon offers a small-campus university experience, with teaching, accommodation, sport and student activities centred around its Plymouth campus.

Students can participate in:

• Sports clubs
• Student societies
• Volunteering
• Social events
• Outdoor activities
• Student-led activities
• University events

The university emphasises small class sizes and a hands-on approach to teaching.

Practical Learning

Marjon places significant emphasis on practical experience.

The university states that most courses involve a period of work placement and that its programmes are designed to be professionally relevant.

For sport students, this can include practical experiences with professional clubs or community organisations.

International Student Experience

Marjon has welcomed students from more than 60 countries and provides international students with support covering:

• Applications
• Visa guidance
• Accommodation
• Arrival
• Academic support
• Student services
• Careers

International undergraduate applicants normally apply through UCAS, while postgraduate international applicants can apply directly to the university.

Q. What is student life like at Marjon?

A. Student life is small, supportive and community-focused, with particular strengths in sport, practical learning and student support. It can suit students who prefer a smaller university environment rather than a very large city university.

Careers & Employability

Marjon places strong emphasis on preparing students for employment.

Students can gain experience through:

• Work placements
• Practical projects
• Professional practice
• Industry connections
• Community projects
• Career support

The university specifically states that its courses are designed to be professionally relevant and to improve students' employment options.

Career Areas

Depending on the programme, graduates can pursue careers in:

• Teaching
• Education
• Sports coaching
• Fitness
• Sports development
• Psychology-related fields
• Business
• Journalism
• Criminology
• Forensic services
• Health and wellbeing
• Community work
• Youth work

For Indian Students

Marjon can be particularly relevant for Indian students interested in:

Education | Psychology | Business | Sport | Criminology | Forensic Science | Journalism | Health & Wellbeing

Students should check:

• Academic entry requirements
• English-language requirements
• Course-specific requirements
• Professional accreditation
• Placement requirements
• Tuition fees
• Scholarships
• Accommodation
• Student visa requirements

International students studying full-time on-campus programmes will generally require a UK Student Visa.

Q. Does Marjon provide placement opportunities?

A. Yes. The university states that most of its courses involve a period of work placement, although the exact placement structure varies by programme.

Q. Who should consider Plymouth Marjon University?

A. Marjon is particularly suitable for students who want a small, supportive and practical university experience, especially in Education, Sport, Psychology, Business, Criminology, Health and Journalism.

It may be less suitable for students looking for a large research-intensive university with a very broad range of academic disciplines.

Plymouth Marjon University Fees – Tuition Costs, Scholarships and Financial Support for International Students

For international students, Plymouth Marjon University publishes course-specific fees. For many of its undergraduate programmes, the current international tuition fee is:

£14,600 per year

For many postgraduate taught programmes, the international fee is:

£16,500 per year

Marjon confirms that overseas students must pay the full year's tuition fee before starting, and the university does not offer instalment plans to overseas fee payers.

Tuition Fees for International Students

Programme / Study Area	International Tuition Fee
BEd Primary Education (with QTS)	£14,600/year
BEd Primary Education – Early Years (with QTS)	£14,600/year
FdA Sport Development & Coaching	£14,600/year
FdSc Sport, Coaching & School Sport	£14,600/year
BA Community, Youth & Families	£14,600/year
Foundation Degree Nursing Associate	£14,600/year
PGCE Primary	£14,500/year
MA Education	£16,500/year
MSc Business, Management & Enterprise	£16,500/year
MSc Psychology	£16,500/year
MRes	£16,500/year
MSc Applied Sport Psychology	£16,500/year

These figures are from Marjon's current course pages; fees can differ between programmes, so applicants should check the exact course before applying.

Undergraduate Tuition Fees

A number of Marjon's undergraduate programmes currently charge:

£14,600 per year

For example, BEd Primary Education with QTS costs £14,600 per year for international students.

A three-year programme at the current rate would be:

£14,600 × 3 = £43,800

This is a simple calculation based on the current annual fee; future fee increases could change the final total.

The same £14,600 annual fee applies to programmes such as FdA Sport Development and Coaching and BA Community, Youth and Families.

Postgraduate Tuition Fees

For many full-time taught Master's programmes, the international fee is:

£16,500 per year

Examples include:

• MSc Business, Management and Enterprise — £16,500
• MA Education — £16,500
• MSc Psychology — £16,500
• MSc Applied Sport Psychology — £16,500

For a one-year Master's, the tuition would therefore be approximately:

£16,500 total

before any applicable scholarship or other financial support.

PGCE Fees

For the PGCE Primary, the current international tuition fee is:

£14,500

The fee includes tuition and access to course-specific facilities and university services, although additional course-related costs may apply.

What Does the Tuition Fee Include?

Marjon states that tuition fees cover:

• Tuition
• Course-specific equipment and facilities
• Library access
• Study-skills support
• IT support
• Student support and wellbeing services
• Student Union membership

Additional costs can apply depending on the course.

Students should separately budget for:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Transport
• Books
• Stationery
• Personal expenses
• Visa costs
• Travel
• Course-specific equipment
• Placement-related expenses where applicable

For example, the Nursing Associate programme specifically lists travel to placements, accommodation, textbooks, stationery and printing among possible additional costs.

Payment Requirements for International Students

This is important for international applicants.

Marjon states that students assessed as Overseas fee payers must:

Pay the full year's tuition before starting the course.

The university does not offer instalment plans for overseas fee payers.

For each subsequent year, the year's tuition must again be paid in full before registration.

This means international students should have their finances arranged before travelling to the UK.

Scholarships & Financial Support

Marjon offers various forms of financial support, although availability depends on the student's circumstances and programme.

Elite Sports Scholarships

Marjon offers Elite Sports Scholarships for eligible students with strong sporting ability. The university also lists support for travel and accommodation on placement in certain circumstances.

University Financial Support

Marjon also provides support such as:

• University hardship assistance
• Care Leaver and Estranged Student Bursaries
• Placement travel/accommodation support
• Elite Sports Scholarships

However, some of these schemes are aimed primarily at students who meet UK-specific eligibility criteria and should not be assumed to be available to Indian international students.

Postgraduate Funding

For eligible students starting an eligible Master's course in 2026/27, the UK Postgraduate Loan can be up to:

£13,206

However, eligibility depends on residency and other requirements, so Indian students living in India should not assume they qualify for this UK government funding.

Cost Example for an Indian Undergraduate Student

Suppose an Indian student chooses a three-year undergraduate programme with the current international fee of £14,600 per year.

Year 1

£14,600

Year 2

£14,600

Year 3

£14,600

Simple total

£43,800

This excludes:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Transport
• Visa
• Travel
• Personal expenses
• Any future tuition-fee increases

The Honest Verdict – Is Plymouth Marjon University Worth the Cost?

Marjon can be a good value option for international students who want a smaller, supportive and professionally focused university.

Marjon Is an Excellent Choice If You...

• Want Education or Teacher Training.
• Are interested in Sport.
• Want to study Psychology.
• Are interested in Business.
• Want to study Criminology.
• Are interested in Health and Wellbeing.
• Want Journalism or Media.
• Prefer smaller classes.
• Want practical learning.
• Value work-placement opportunities.
• Prefer a smaller city environment.

It May Not Be the Right Fit If You...

• Want a large research-intensive university.
• Want a very broad range of STEM subjects.
• Prefer a huge city campus.
• Want a major London-style student environment.
• Prefer a university with extensive research infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marjon Fees

Q. What is the international undergraduate tuition fee?

A. Many Marjon undergraduate programmes currently charge £14,600 per year for international students.

Q. What is the international Master's fee?

A. Many full-time taught Master's programmes currently cost £16,500 per year for international students.

Q. How much is BEd Primary Education?

A. £14,600 per year for international students.

Q. How much is MSc Psychology?

A. £16,500 per year for international students.

Q. How much is MSc Business, Management and Enterprise?

A. £16,500 per year for international students.

Q. How much is PGCE Primary?

A. £14,500 for international students.

Q. Can international students pay tuition in instalments?

A. No. Marjon states that overseas fee payers must pay the full year's tuition before starting and cannot use an instalment plan.

Q. Is there financial support?

A. Marjon offers schemes including Elite Sports Scholarships, hardship support and certain placement-related assistance, but eligibility varies and many UK funding schemes are not available to overseas students.

A Final Word – Why Plymouth Marjon University Deserves Your Consideration

For international students, Marjon's key tuition figures are:

Undergraduate: £14,600/year

Postgraduate taught Master's: £16,500/year

PGCE: £14,500

These fees make Marjon relatively accessible compared with many higher-cost UK universities, particularly for students interested in Education, Sport, Psychology, Business, Criminology and Health-related subjects.

The university's other major advantage is its small-class, professionally focused learning environment, with Marjon stating that most courses involve work-placement experience.

Overall Verdict: Plymouth Marjon University is a strong option for international students seeking a smaller, supportive and practical UK university, particularly in Education, Sport, Psychology, Business and related professional disciplines. Its £14,600 undergraduate and £16,500 postgraduate international fees make it a comparatively accessible choice, although students should budget separately for living costs and confirm course-specific fees before applying.