University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) - Navitas UK

Located in the South West of England, University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers undergraduate and postgraduate pathways to University of Plymouth (UoP). With small class sizes and one-to-one support available, UPIC is proud to deliver quality teaching to students from across the world.

All courses include a focus on critical thinking and research methodology. By using these skills successfully at the college, students will thrive within the UK education system. Students will also benefit from taking part in group projects, leading presentations, and choosing modules that will spark their interest.

Before UPIC students graduate to UoP, they have access to campus events and volunteering opportunities that will help them to feel confident and acclimatised to university life.

UoP is ranked in the top 5 in the UK for marine teaching and research (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024) and the geographical location is perfect for navigation, marine, and ocean studies. The university's dedicated marine station allows students to conduct their own experiments on site. Plymouth is unique because it is home to the largest marine institute in Europe.

UoP has placed as a Top 2 Young UK University (Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024). To get these results, educational intuitions have to be less than 50 years old, and are judged based on teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.

The city of Plymouth hosts a vibrant community, with the campus just minutes away from the beautiful Devon coastline. It is a lovely place for international students to study and relax.

More than 90 percent of UPIC students progress to UoP and graduate with their chosen degree. The equivalent number of 1st class (Hons) and 2:1s are awarded to UPIC students as to international direct entrants.

In September 2023, the university achieved Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) gold ratings across all criteria, with the university in particular praised for its student experience.

A Gateway to University of Plymouth

When UPIC students successfully progress to the University of Plymouth, they will be joining 18,500 other students on their academic journey. Over 95 percent of UoP graduates* are working or studying 15 months after graduating, which demonstrates the excellent results that an education at this institution can provide.

UoP is dedicated to creating opportunities for students to develop industry-related skills. The university's long-standing connections with business leaders have ensured a variety of placements, internships and employment for both students and graduates, so that they can get their foot in the door and begin the next steps of their career with the help of the institution which trained them.

*Excludes those travelling, retired or caring for someone, out of all UK domiciled, full-time first-degree graduates.

UPIC students can enrol in a variety of Foundation, First Year and Pre-Masters programmes.

Foundation

Foundation courses are designed to improve study skills, subject knowledge and English language level. All courses will lead directly to UoP upon successful completion.

• Arts, Design & Architecture
• Biological/Biomedical Sciences & Psychology
• Business & Management
• Computer Science
• Construction Management & Building Surveying
• Engineering & Robotics
• Environmental Sciences
• Health & Human Sciences
• Law
• Marine, Coast & Ocean Sciences
• Maritime Business & Logistics
• Mathematical Sciences
• Politics & International Relations
• Tourism & Hospitality

First Year

Students will start their bachelor's degree at UoP straight away with a First Year direct entry programme. The added benefit is that extra support is given to help transition to the UK education system.

• Business & Management
• Computer Science
• Education
• Environmental Sciences
• Marine & Ocean
• Maritime Business
• Politics & International Relations
• Tourism & Hospitality

The Pre-Masters programmes at UPIC will lead directly to postgraduate degrees at UoP.

• Art & Design
• Business & Management
• Communication Design
• Data & Computer Sciences
• Education
• Engineering
• Psychology
• Social Sciences & Law
• Tourism & Hospitality

Foundation and First Year entry to the University of Plymouth International College requires successful completion of secondary school, or equivalent. Pre-masters entry requires a HND or bachelor's degree. The full list of entry requirements will provide further details for students who wish to apply – it's recommended that students make themselves familiar with the requirements for their chosen subject and level of study well in advance of their application.

In terms of English language requirements, the levels of achievement needed will differ depending on the level that students wish to study at. Foundation courses have the lowest requirements, with a 5.5 IELTS score and no individual band less than 5.5. For a First Year or Pre-Masters programme, the average score must be 6.0 with no band lower than 5.5. Alternative qualifications are accepted, and exemptions can be applied in certain circumstances. The college also offers pre-sessional English courses online and on-campus.

Generally, students will need to apply for a pre-sessional English (PSE) course if they do not fit the eligibility criteria.

Student orientation begins at the start of enrolment week at University of Plymouth International College (UPIC). The friendly student experience team will welcome the new cohort with a wealth or academic information and practical advice. Each student will be encouraged to meet their new classmates and ask the staff about college life.

The team understands that moving to a new country to study is a big step. That's why the team exists – to help students with the transition and to make sure they are ready to make the most of the time they do have at the college.

At orientation, students will:

• Enrol at the college
• Review course scheduling and timetables
• Take a campus tour and attend welcome events

All information regarding international visas, UK bank accounts, accommodation, food shopping, tenancy agreements and health insurance will be provided. Students will be given all the support needed to set them up for their programme and for their time in the UK in general, so that they are ready to get to work and achieve the qualification they deserve.

UPIC students are encouraged to visit the UoP Student Hub (located in the Charles Seale-Hayne library) to access numerous services that will help them flourish both academically and personally. The team of confidential and impartial advisers are trained to support students with a wide range of topics related to student life – not just academically but those that can affect students personally during their time at the college.

The list of services available includes:

• Career development
• Mental health & wellbeing
• Student learning services
• Financial guidance
• Disability services
• Pastoral and spiritual services
• University medical centre
• Immigration advice
• English language centre

Students can visit the team in person or, if they prefer, they can call or email for confidential advice. Anything that the student hub cannot help students with directly, they will give recommendations on additional support resources where students will get the answers they need.

MBA

The new MBA at the university is accredited by the IACBE (International Accreditation Council for Business Education), making this a prestigious postgraduate qualification that is highly valued by top employers.

Babbage

The University of Plymouth has invested GBP 63 million into the new Babbage Building for students in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Located on the western edge of campus, this state-of-the-art space has been built so that engineering and design students can be inspired to create their best work, helping them prepare to lead their respective industries in the future. The new faculty building offers students the chance to use cutting edge specialist equipment and will allow for holistic approaches to solving major global problems.

InterCity Place

InterCity Place is a newly renovated facility for students in Health and Human Sciences. UoP has invested GBP 33m into creating the best learning environment for future nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.

Located next to Plymouth train station, students are already using this facility to develop a range of health technologies and digital innovations. It has been designed to closely mirror existing clinical facilities and to inspire students of all levels to learn together under one roof.