Postgraduate Edition
THE STUDENT LOAN EXPLAINED
MAKING A CAREER CHANGE
OUR GRADUATE COMMUNITY
Admissions
+44 (0)1752 585858 applications@plymouth.ac.uk plymouth.ac.uk
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University of Plymouth @plymuni
Welcome to the postgraduate edition of Student Life. In this issue, you’ll find content from our alumni and discover where their masters degree has taken them since graduating, as well as fees and funding information, the social side of postgraduate student life, and much more.
We’re so proud of our postgraduate community, and we hope this edition will provide you with the information you need as you take that next exciting step towards securing your future.
Meet some of this issue’s contributors:
Find out about funding support Explore your next steps
Let us guide you through all financial matters to support your postgraduate journey. There are many avenues of funding and support you can explore. Scan the QR code below to find out more.
Find out more about your next steps now that you’ve applied to join us.
P.6 The student loan explained Discover all you need to know about funding your degree.
P.8 Realise your career ambitions
The importance of careers guidance for postgraduate students.
P.10 What’s it really like to be a postgraduate student?
Find out how our students are making their postgraduate ambitions a reality.
P.14 Student Hub
Discover our range of support services.
Congratulations on your offer!
You’ve taken the first step towards joining our postgraduate community, and we’re here to support you all the way. Our goal is to help you build the skills you need to succeed, plus give you real-world experience through placements, internships, jobs, and even opportunities to start your own business.
Along with academic support, you’ll have access to wellbeing resources to help you grow both professionally and personally. We want you to strike the right balance between studying, socialising, and handling any work or family commitments – all the while prioritising your wellbeing.
At our university, we’re all about pushing knowledge forward and changing lives. As a student here, you’ll have access to top-notch resources and expertise, plus you’ll get to live in one of the most beautiful areas of the country. We encourage you to make the most of your time here and grab every opportunity that comes your way.
Now that you’ve applied, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, you’ll need to reply to your offer, and then you can start to think about what comes next.
1. REPLY TO YOUR OFFER
Now is the time to reply to your offer. You can do that by logging into your applicant portal at srsstudentportal. plymouth.ac.uk or, if you have applied through UCAS, you will need to respond to your offer on UCAS.
2. RESEARCH YOUR FUNDING OPTIONS
Head to our website to look at postgraduate funding options. If you studied at Plymouth for your undergraduate degree, you can find out more about our alumni discount.
3. EXPLORE ACCOMMODATION
Plymouth has a wide range of private sector student accommodation. Consider what you want from your new home - whether that’s a studio apartment or shared house. Find out more about postgraduate accommodation on our website.
We’re excited for you to start this journey, and we can’t wait to see what you achieve!
You’ve applied for a masters programme and now it’s time to start thinking about funding it! You could be eligible for a loan from the UK government of up to £12,858 to help with programme fees and living costs.
• It’s recommended that you apply for student finance early to ensure it’s in place ready for the start of the academic year.
• You do not need a confirmed place to apply.
• The loan is not means tested.
• It will be paid directly into your bank account in three instalments during the academic year.
• It can be used however you like –towards either your tuition fees, your living costs, or other costs associated with your postgraduate study.
• You’ll start to repay the loan once you’ve finished your programme and are earning over £21,000.
Head to the government website (https://gov.uk/masters-loan) to find out what evidence you need to submit and how to start your application.
Just like the undergraduate loan application, you don’t need to complete your application all in one go; you can save your progress and go back at any time to complete it.
It’s important to print your student declaration form, then sign and return it. If you’re asked to provide any evidence or supporting documentation, send it as quickly as possible to avoid delays with your application.
If your personal information, programme or university changes, let Student Finance England know before your programme starts.
Once your application is complete, Student Finance England will assess it and send you an entitlement letter, confirming how much you’ll receive. They will also send you a payment schedule to let you know when you’ll be paid. You’ll have to enrol on your programme before the first payment can be made.
Studying
a postgraduate degree offers many opportunities – be it a change in career, progression to roles that require a higher qualification, or enhanced subject knowledge. At Plymouth, we’re here to help you realise your ambitions.
Our Careers Service is here to help you explore different career opportunities, and to evaluate and prioritise what your next steps might be. Our services are free and easy to access as both a current student and graduate, for as long as you need. You can access the Careers Service for career guidance, and advice on job searches, CVs, LinkedIn, interview preparation and much more.
The University offers a mentoring programme* where industry
professional mentors give their time and knowledge to support our students. A mentor can help you gain unique insights into your desired career, learn about networking opportunities, increase your skills, and undertake mock interviews, giving you a competitive advantage in the job market.
The Careers Service runs a wide range of employer-led careers and recruitment events. These offer opportunities to find part-time work while you study, as well as the chance
to network with potential future employers and find placements or internships.
*The Careers Mentoring Programme is open to all students and recent graduates, excluding those on postgraduate research programmes.
“My experience of the Careers Service was highly positive. The advisers are informative, approachable and incredibly helpful, and I am so grateful the University offers this wonderful service. My only regret is that I didn’t use it as much as I wish I had done!”
Charlotte Education graduate
“Even now, when I’m running a business and developing my career as an educator, I continue to receive outstanding careers and enterprise support from the Careers Service team.”
Eleanor Law graduate
The Cube is the University’s business creation and growth service, offering a range of activities and support to our students and graduates in business ventures. You can learn how to start a business, or grow an existing one. There are also networking opportunities with a wide range of experts outside of the University.
“The University careers fairs are a goldmine, especially for connecting with peers and companies in your field. I had a blast learning from companies and uncovering new opportunities. And here’s a shocker – I’m not some super extrovert!”
Mya Engineering student
WHAT’S ON OFFER?
• Events and workshops from experts
• One-to-one appointments
• Business clubs and competitions where you can learn about building a business and even win cash prizes!
• Funding pots to advance your business idea
• A freelancers’ agency where you can earn money by providing your skills.
We talked to some of our postgraduate students to find out about juggling work, parenting and studying. We asked how they’ve found getting back into studying after taking a break, and gathered some tips on managing money and budgeting.
Our students all have their own wisdom to impart, which hopefully provides some reassurance that it’s possible for you to succeed in postgraduate study, no matter your circumstances.
“I was initially worried about doing a masters alongside working full time, and although it could seem daunting at times, the hours were manageable and the academics were really understanding. My biggest tip would be to keep your work bite sized, and try and set aside time each week to either do your reading or start working on assignments.”
“I secured a part-time weekend job that fitted alongside my academic commitments. It allowed me to keep weekdays free for lectures, coursework and self study. This arrangement provided me with financial stability while still opening doors for work experiences relevant to my field of study. I also worked as a brand ambassador for the University – a role that complemented my studies perfectly. Managing these responsibilities required a structured and disciplined approach. I prioritised my studies by creating a detailed weekly schedule, allocating specific time slots for lectures, independent study, work and personal activities.”
“I worked as a student ambassador for the University. I found it beneficial as I could pick and choose work that came up and manage it alongside the commitments of the programme. The MSc ebbs and flows; there are busier periods of the year and then there are comparatively quieter times.”
”It was a very interesting experience – it’s almost impossible to compare. For one thing I was at such a different point in my life when I went to do my undergraduate History degree: I was 18 and I was leaving home for the first time. I was setting out to establish myself and work out who I was. Whereas about ten years later, coming to the postgraduate degree, I was a lot older, and I knew what I wanted in life. I think it was really important for me to have had that big break between undergraduate and postgraduate. I’d done the 9 to 5 jobs and been very stressed at various points. It allowed me to mature and
get to know what I wanted in life, and from my studies. I enjoyed being part of a community of students again. It was particularly great being able to meet other mature students, like myself, who had different life experiences and were coming to this at different stages of their lives.”
“I took a five-year break between my degrees, so don’t be afraid if you have had some time away from academia. Of course, I had to learn how to write at an academic research level and adjust to the communal goings-on of student life … but after a month or two it was like I had never left!”
“From mental health, financial, academic, pastoral, etc, I was blown away by the additional services and resources that were available to me at the University to help me adapt to the demands of a postgraduate programme. There are multiple different academic writing support options available, which was a real positive as I have never been the strongest academically. This really helped me to get back into the swing of things having had eight years out of education. Having a specific postgraduate induction week was helpful in getting me back up to speed with being a student again.”
“I’m a mum of three and sometimes it was a bit challenging but thankfully I had a lot of support from the University.
I was the first in my immediate family to go to university, so I didn’t have any point of reference. I remember saying to my daughter, ‘One day Mummy is going to graduate from here’ (even though I didn’t know if I was)!
I was a mature student and I remember my first few months. I was thinking, ‘Is this for me or is this not for me?’ But it’s the way that they teach you: everything is broken down for you. I felt at ease and you’re encouraged to give your views; your views are always welcomed. That meant a lot to me.”
“I have an amazing family who supported me, and my daughters were old enough to help at home. During this year, as a family, we made sure that we spent Saturdays together and I did not think about my programme for that day. I used
Sundays to work on my assignments. My advice to anyone returning to study who is managing other commitments is to make sure that you have downtime and if you need help, to ask for it.”
“For most, there will be concerns with programme fees and living costs, but I applied for a loan, which I was very thankful for because it made postgraduate study accessible for me. I also applied for the Santander business bursary, which helped me create the small studio where I now work, and there are some other ways to apply for funding – the Student Hub is a great place to get advice.”
“For a masters degree you can still apply for finance from Student Finance England (for UK students), which covers the cost of the degree. Furthermore, if you continue your studies at the University of Plymouth from undergraduate to postgraduate study, you receive 20% off your tuition fees (this applies to most degrees; for the exclusions, you’ll have to check the website).”
“In Plymouth, you won’t spend too much on your monthly expenses because it’s a very compact city. You don’t spend too much on transportation. It’s also easy to find a part-time job to cover your expenses.”
“I was really nervous about that at first. I was worried I would be lagging behind everyone else, but I think going into a masters as a mature student and having a big break is quite a normal thing, so there were lots of people in the same position as me. Everyone was also from different fields as it is such an interdisciplinary degree, so we all learnt a lot from each other – it was a great group of people! It was definitely a shock to the system, but it was really fun getting back into it again.”
“I took a nine-year break between my undergraduate degree and my conversion course. Initially, I was concerned that I might struggle with academic writing after being out of academia for so long; however, the University provided exceptional support to help me overcome this challenge. Resources such as the
“The most important thing I could ever impart to anybody about a good work-life balance is to know when to rest. There is a lot to be said about getting work done, but there is also the necessary element of letting work breathe.”
“Getting back into studying was easier than I thought because I’m so much more focused than I was when I was 18. During my first degree, I remember doing barely any work; I just went out a lot and focused on the extracurricular side of uni. Coming back to study later in life all I cared about was the programme and getting so much more out of it.”
“If you are able to organise your time effectively then you will not struggle to manage the workload. I have found that it is crucial that you do have some time off and, on these days, you prioritise your own self-care, do activities you love, and spend your time with family and friends.”
The university experience is a very individual journey, and we want our students to be able to thrive and enjoy their time here. The Student Services Hub team are here for students who have any concerns or need any non-academic support during their time at university. The team of friendly and experienced Hub Advisors are on hand to talk things through and offer a range of options to support our student community. From disability support to student wellbeing, or financial guidance to visa advice, students can drop in and have a chat, and work through things together with the team.
FIND OUT MORE
+44 (0)1752 587676
studentservices@ plymouth.ac.uk
plymouth.ac.uk/ student-hub
@plymunisupport
@plymunisupport @plymuniservices
“I applied for the Santander business bursary which helped me create the small studio which I work in now, and there are other ways to apply for additional funding. The Student Hub is a great place to get advice.”
AARON, ARTS GRADUATE
“The Disability Support team was essential in my daily life as a student and as a person. They understood my needs and supported me to discuss my condition with my lecturers to make adjustments where needed. The Student Hub teams are always super empathetic, understanding and helpful.”
THIAGO, GAMES DESIGN GRADUATE
“The Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS) runs regular group study sessions, where leaders facilitate learning, give you advice and support, and signpost where to get further help. They go beyond academic help – they are support systems with people who are going through what you are going through.”
BELLE, CREATIVE WRITING GRADUATE
“I got tremendous help and advice from the Student Hub, student ambassadors, my tutors and other staff. It’s almost unbelievable how willing they are to help you at every moment.”
RUTH, DIGITAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING GRADUATE
“I contacted the Student Hub a couple of times with questions and everyone I spoke with was so kind and happy to help. I really appreciated how helpful and reassuring the team were to keep things running smoothly.”
STEPH, MARINE CONSERVATION GRADUATE
If you’re thinking about changing career, our conversion programmes are designed for you. Whether your undergraduate degree is no longer the path you want to follow, or you’re simply ready for something new, these programmes offer a practical and supported way to move forward. Many of our recent graduates have successfully made the switch, showing how quickly you can gain the skills and confidence needed for a fresh start.
SAMUEL, DIGITAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING GRADUATE
“I previously completed an undergraduate degree in Economics; however, the roles I held after graduation were unrelated to my field of study. I wanted a conversion programme that bridged the gap between my undergraduate degree and my work experience as a Digital/Strategic Communications Officer.
After being out of academia for several years, it was important for me to pursue a programme that was not only
relevant to my professional background, but also familiar and offered strong future career prospects. The practical nature of my programme was a standout feature, equipping me with real-world skills and positioning me strongly for future career opportunities.
I would highly recommend a conversion programme, as it provides a strong foundation for students transitioning into a new field. At Plymouth, the programme is taught at an accessible level, with outstanding support from lecturers who make complex concepts easy to understand.”
“I previously studied an undergraduate degree in History and then a masters degree in Data Science and Business Analytics. Now, I’m doing my PhD in Computing here at the University, focusing on using AI to try and detect Parkinson’s disease early through brain scans.
I was particularly interested in going back to academia because, at school, I had always loved maths and sciences, and I felt that I had kind of missed out on applying that in life.
I think it was important for me that I had that big break between undergraduate and postgraduate. It allowed me to mature and get to know what I wanted in life, and from my studies.
What I wanted to study was entirely unrelated to history, so that is why I did the conversion programme. The Data Science conversion programme was just brilliant for taking all kinds of levels and abilities and getting us all to do data science and teaching us coding from scratch.
My advice to someone considering a career change or conversion programme would be to absolutely go for it! It’s been so important and positive in my life and I’m so much happier now having had time to think about my career over the past years.”
MATT, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY GRADUATE
“I studied an undergraduate degree in business here at the University, and after completing my degree I secured a Marketing Executive role at an international animal charity in Wiltshire. I then returned to the University because I secured a new, full-time marketing role within one of the faculties.
I really enjoyed my work and experiences in the marketing world but I have also always had a real passion for helping others and began thinking about how I could incorporate this into my career path. When I started researching, I realised I wanted to seek a new challenge and to make a difference to the people around me in a different way. Occupational therapy appealed to me because it is a professional role but with people’s wellbeing at the heart of it.
I chose the conversion programme because it is a fast-track programme that covers all the essential skills and knowledge I need to pursue my ideal career direction. Having a masters qualification really benefits me in terms of employment and career progression. What did I hope to gain from it? Well, it’s simple, a learning experience that I’ve never forgotten!”
As a postgraduate student, you get the same access to the Students’ Union as undergraduate students – so you’re in the loop with everything, too!
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE POSTGRADUATE COMMUNITY?
The best way is to join the postgraduate meet-and-greet events, whether in person or online. It’s a great way to connect, make new friends, and become part of the community. You can also reach out through social media and Facebook groups, or email the SU reps with anything you want to talk about or ask.
WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING PART OF THE POSTGRADUATE COMMUNITY?
At undergraduate level, there’s a strong sense of community right away, but as a postgraduate student, you’re expected to be more independent. That said, the postgraduate community still provides the support you need, helping you avoid isolation while connecting with other like-minded students. Here are a few societies you can join.
POST GRAD SOCIETY
A fun and relaxed community where you can hang out, de-stress, and celebrate with other postgrads. Expect pub quizzes, movie nights, a Christmas ball, and even beach cleans and volunteering.
STUDENT ACTION FOR REFUGEES
If you love helping others, this society organises fundraisers like tote bag painting to support local refugee charities. It’s a perfect blend of fun and making a difference.
Many subject areas have a society that will allow you to explore your passion in a different way. If there isn’t one yet, you have the opportunity to create one yourself.
Whether you’re a pro surfer or a complete beginner, this club welcomes all skill levels. They offer lessons, training sessions, and trips to the best surf spots in Cornwall and Devon.
This group promotes mindfulness and wellbeing through meditation. Whether you’re new to meditation or experienced, they host weekly sessions from various traditions, offering a peaceful space for reflection.
If you’re a mature student returning to education or changing careers, this network is perfect for meeting others in the same situation. It’s all about building a supportive community.
LGBT+
FIND OUT MORE
Getting involved in any of these societies is a great way to enrich your university experience and meet some brilliant people.
Join this vibrant society where all musical abilities are welcome. The choir performs a wide range of music, from classical and jazz to musicals and Disney songs. It’s a fun way to meet new people while making beautiful music!
This group supports and empowers the LGBT+ community at the University. They host socials, quizzes and events to create a fun and inclusive space for everyone.
A society for students with children. It’s a great place to meet others in a similar situation through events for kids and parents of all ages, plus some adult-only events too!
Find out how studying in Britain’s Ocean City has helped shape the future of our postgraduate students.
Sami Robotics graduate
Pursuing my MSc in Robotics was an absolute eye-opener – the programme was accessible despite my non-robotics background, yet rich in both detail and opportunity. I was able to work with and learn from many talented and passionate people, both staff and students. I feel that overall, I graduated as a much more fulfilled and employable engineer than when I enrolled. After my masters the contacts and skills I gained directly helped me secure my first job – working at the University itself! I am extremely thankful to Plymouth for this, as it has proved to be a great start to my career.
Top tip: Whether it’s studying a new subject, making a career change, or picking up a new hobby, you’ll always be able to succeed eventually – just be sure to give yourself plenty of time, and don’t be embarrassed to revisit the basics or ask silly-sounding questions. This is how everyone learns, and it’s never inappropriate to learn.
Melissa Creative Writing graduate
One day, during my first year, I wrote a random LinkedIn post saying, “I’ve got this idea for a magazine – it’s for any woman who has a story to tell…” and within a couple of hours I’d had hundreds of emails from people wanting to be a part of it. I felt so underqualified to be leading a team of women who just wanted to tell great stories! But we built up a team of 40, wrote the content for our new magazine, Disgraceful, and within three months we started publishing. Going forward, we are hoping to work with more universities and colleges,
helping young women gain this experience in the journalism industry, while giving people a voice when they might not otherwise have one. I’m really grateful to Plymouth lecturers for their teaching on the journalism and creative writing modules. They instilled in me the belief that I could write well, and really helped to shape my direction of travel.
Top tip: To be successful, I think you have to be a little bit innovative. You have to take a chance and experiment a bit. You have to show that you’re a bit entrepreneurial, apply for opportunities, go for everything!
Joanna Marine Science graduate
When it came to choosing a university, the University of Plymouth seemed like the ideal option, as it is worldrenowned for its marine science facilities and researchers. With the support of the University and the Manta Trust, I conducted the research for my honours project. I continued as a researcher for my MRes and PhD and became the Project Lead for their Chagos Manta Ray Project. I’m proud to say that my work has helped to advance our understanding of reef manta ray migrations, habitat use and feeding ecology, which have been used to develop effective protection strategies.
Top tip: Seize every opportunity to hone your skills and advance your knowledge in the field you want to enter. Being proactive to fill gaps in your own knowledge – and in research in general – is the key to succeeding as a scientist.
Melissa Zoo Conservation Biology graduate I worked during and after my undergraduate studies where I developed many skill sets, both professionally and academically. I was regularly looking for more opportunities to learn as much as possible. Although I was also able to take advantage of many unique opportunities to further explore the industry, including virtual internships in Costa Rica and South Africa, the zoo industry is intricate and complex, and
I still wanted to learn more. This led me to search for a postgraduate programme that could allow me to gain more in-depth experience in the many aspects of the zoo and aquarium industry.
Top tip: It can be difficult to manage limited finances while also trying to get the full experience with new friends and unique opportunities, but I find that saving money on shortterm items is better spent on experiences that create lifelong memories!
GRADUATION IS JUST THE BEGINNING!
There’s a whole host of amazing benefits open to you as a graduate of the University of Plymouth. Make sure you’ve updated your details and enjoy benefits such as invites to networking events, ongoing career and start-up support, and up to 20% off your postgraduate fees.
Plymouth offers a wide range of private sector accommodation for postgraduate students to choose from.
Here are our tips for finding the home that’s right for you.
Think about the type of home you want. Do you want an en-suite room, or are you happy to share a bathroom with housemates? How close do you want to be to campus? How long do you need your contract to be – and what dates does it need to cover?
Once you have a list of criteria, you can explore what the city has to offer. There are lots of lettings agencies in Plymouth that specialise in finding accommodation for single students in shared houses. On our website, we also have a list of ANUK-accredited private halls of residence, which are part of our ‘good practice’ network.
You should also check reviews to see what other people have said about properties and landlords. It’s important to be realistic about the costs of accommodation, so be sure to look at several options to get a feel for the average costs and what you can expect.
TIP
Whether you want an en-suite room in a privately-owned hall of residence or a room in a shared house in the city, there’s something to suit all types of budgets and needs.
While some private sector properties have rents that include the cost of your gas, electricity, water and Wi-Fi, you’ll still need to plan for other expenses like phone contracts, food, and money for socialising.
Make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered by the cost of your rent. You should also check whether a deposit is required, how the rent is paid, and whether there will be any additional costs. Check the small print and be aware of things like usage caps. The University has a range of services and facilities to help students manage their money, so if you have any worries about your finances, you can contact Student Services at studentservices@ plymouth.ac.uk
TIP #3: CHECK WHETHER YOU’LL NEED A GUARANTOR
When you live in the private sector, it’s likely that you’ll be asked to provide a guarantor as a condition of your housing contract. A guarantor is a person or company who guarantees to pay the landlord any rent which the resident fails to pay and cover the cost of any damage that person might be responsible for.
Landlords generally insist that a guarantor is UK based, but there’s
also the option to use a guarantor scheme. The landlord or agency will normally have a preferred partner and can give you the information you need to arrange this service, but be prepared to pay a fee. If you don’t have a guarantor, you may be required to pay some or all of the total rent for your contract upfront, so keep this in mind when you’re looking for your new home.
TIP #4: CHECK YOUR PAPERWORK BEFORE YOU SIGN
In order to move into a private property, you’ll need to complete a legal contract, arrange any guarantor checks (which can take some days), and pay any advance rent and deposits required by the landlord.
Our Students’ Union (UPSU) can provide checklists of what to look for when you’re viewing properties and the legal requirements that landlords are expected to meet. They also provide a free tenancy checking service, so if there’s something in your paperwork that you’re not sure about, they can help explain things before you sign it.
STUDENTS WITH FAMILIES
Family accommodation is in high demand in Plymouth, so it’s essential for students who are
coming with theirfamilies, or as a couple, to start their research early and secure their accommodation before they arrive in the city.
Generally, rooms in private halls of residence and in student houses are single occupancy only. Family accommodation options can be found via general lettings and estate agents. We usually recommend that students travel alone in the first instance and consider using short-term accommodation options while they look for suitable family accommodation.
Family accommodation is not always close to the University and student areas, so think about how you’ll travel to campus. You’ll also need time to look at options such as school places and make sure that everything is in place before your family travels to Plymouth.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL MEDICAL CONDITIONS
If you have specific requirements, please email the University’s Accommodation Services so we can discuss your needs with you. You should also contact Disability
Inclusion Services so we can work together to meet your needs.
If you need specific accommodation adjustments, early contact is advised.
STILL NEED HELP?
Our team are always happy to discuss any issues around accommodation or signpost other sources of support. You can get in touch via uniaccommodation@plymouth. ac.uk
plymouth.ac.uk/accommodation
@plymuniaccomm
@plymuniaccomm
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