► Welcome to your union

The University of Plymouth Students’ Union (UPSU) is the representative body of the students at the University of Plymouth with a membership of around 30,000 students. It is one of the largest students’ unions in the UK – it is committed to representing the views of students to the university and improving the student experience.

Students’ union can be traced back to the late 19th Century and UPSU’s roots go back to the early 20th century when it was part of Plymouth & Devonport Technical College. Since these early days the students’ union alongside the University has seen massive growth and development to its current prominence as one of the leading students’ unions in the country*.

UPSU is a democratic body, with members electing 5 full time (“sabbatical”) officers and part-time officers (Parliamentarians). Every student studying a University of Plymouth course is automatically a member, including those who study at partner FE colleges within the University of Plymouth Colleges faculty. Sabbatical Officers represent students in academic appeals, complaints and at a disciplinary, to ensure fair decisions are made.

They are a charitable organisation whose primary purpose is to campaign on student rights, and work with the University to ensure they deliver the best possible teaching & learning experience for all the students.

UPSU fund essential free services such as the Advice Centre, Volunteering, Sports, Societies and Course representative. They run over 100 clubs & societies from the traditional football & rugby to Octopush (underwater hockey) & Jelly Frog Events Society.

UPSU fund its charitable aims through a number of Social Enterprise initiatives. These include two shops which offer a full range of convenience items and University merchandise and clothing. It is also one of the largest evening entertainment venues in Plymouth, operating four bars and a nightclub. They also offer coffee and hot snacks during the daytime & evening.
*Ranked 21st in Times Higher Student Experience Survey