Plymouth University is ranked among the top modern universities in the UK. According to the 2023 Times Higher Education Young University Rankings, it places within the 201-250 range globally for institutions under 50 years old. In the QS World University Rankings, it typically falls within the 601-650 bracket.
The university excels in areas like marine science, engineering, and sustainability research. National rankings, such as The Guardian and Complete University Guide, often place Plymouth within the top 50 UK universities, reflecting its strong teaching quality and student satisfaction.