Studying with our Partner Colleges
Our partners range from large further education colleges with a broad mix of students and courses, to smaller specialist institutions with unique facilities. Colleges offer a uniquely different experience to larger university campuses. As a student you will benefit from a supportive learning environment in a small, friendly community. However, your course will be of the same high quality and standard as all university courses and your qualification will be awarded by Plymouth University.

You can take advantage of the facilities and services that your local college provides and the additional support and resources available from the University. At the start of your course, you will be given a university computing account that will enable you to access a wealth of electronic resources and study guides.

Every student is automatically a member of UPSU – the University of Plymouth Students' Union.

Academic Partnerships  Faculty
Plymouth University works in partnership with colleges, schools and other organisations throughout the South West to offer you the opportunity to study in your local area, or to attend specialist courses not widely available nationally. A range of vocational courses from honours degrees, foundation degrees and HND/HNCs to university short courses and continuing professional development awards are provided via Academic Partnerships.

Our courses are designed in close collaboration with employers combining academic study with work-based learning to equip you for a job in your chosen industry.

Foundation degrees are equivalent to the first two years of a full-time undergraduate degree and usually take two years to complete, when studied full-time. Many of our courses are available on a part-time basis which makes them particularly suitable for students with other commitments, such as work or family.

Further study and progression opportunities
Many of our foundation degree graduates take advantage of the progression opportunities and go on to study for a related honours degree at Plymouth University, usually with just one further year of study (please note there is a progression application deadline of 15th January and places may be subject to availability).