The University of Portsmouth is located in the centre of the UK’s only island city. It’s a higher education institution known for its commitment to offering each one of its students a transformative educational experience.
Outstanding teaching and wide-ranging support make for a lively community, where students develop skills and confidence for a rewarding life.
Portsmouth’s commitment to students’ future careers is impressive. The latest statistics show more than nine in ten of the university’s graduates are in work or further study.
Students at Portsmouth will be able to access a broad range of degrees, across subjects including business, creative and cultural industries, humanities, law, sciences, social sciences, and technology. Each course at the university reflects its commitments to students’ future career success. Students at the university are able to access a wider range of professional development opportunities during their studies, including work experience, placement and volunteering options. With a dedicated careers and employability service, on hand with expert advice, students are well placed for success.
The university also places a high priority on student support. At Portsmouth, students are not only able to develop the knowledge and skills they need for their degree, but can also get support and guidance on everything from finances to accommodation, physical health and mental wellness.
The University of Portsmouth’s campus is a compact site that is interwoven with the city centre landscape, just steps away from the beautiful seafront. Students will find shops, essential services and buzzing nightlife on their doorsteps, along with plenty of relaxing beaches, parks and walking trails to enjoy during their downtime.
University of Portsmouth students on Whatuni say:
“Portsmouth is great for students, the uni is high quality and it is easily accessible. Have received a lot of support on all my modules and the online support has also been immense.”
“There are so many support systems that are really useful and even if they can’t help you, they show you where you can get help. Even the staff are clearly passionate about what they do and are always happy to help you where they can. It’s a uni that emphasises the importance of work placement, work and life balance and dedication to what you’re here to do while also having a ton of societies and good night life”
“Although Portsmouth is not a campus uni it almost feel like it is..all university buildings are very close, the main student accommodations are not far from those as well as big supermarkets within walking distance, it’s all very convenient.”
The University of Portsmouth has received a full five stars from the QS World University Rankings for its teaching and internationalisation.
Lecturers are the university are experts in their field, with years of experience to offer students across both teaching and industry. Active researchers and practitioners, they allow students to access the latest thinking and theories, as well as benefit from personal, face-to-face interactions and discussions.
Feedback from current students suggests Portsmouth's lecturers enjoy helping them make the best of their academic work. Teaching is informed by the latest world-leading research and best practices from industry. Students will have a personal tutor to boost their learning, as well as opportunities to gain support with their studies.
The university makes sure work-related learning experiences are part of every course. To supplement their degree, students can also take additional language classes free of charge, and take advantage of opportunities on campus to add transferable skills to their CV.
The majority of research outputs from Portsmouth are rated as ‘internationally excellent’ or ‘world leading’ according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
University of Portsmouth students on Whatuni say:
“The support from lecturers and other help around the uni is phenomenal, my personal tutor is a massive help and will always find time for me to discuss anything going on with university whether it be general life, struggles and everything else that comes with loving by yourself for the first time to university work and how to manage time, how to improve writing etc.”
“The classes are varied and I feel lecturers are open to discussions about how to improve lessons and how to make the most of our time when we are there. There are a lot of extra activities related to our studies if we wish to access them but are never pressured. As a mature student, they have been very flexible when I have had to juggle family and study which is incredibly important to me.”
“We can contact any lecturers and they will help us immediately without any issues. The course timing is good, we are able to revise, recite and learn within a week.”
Interested? Order a prospectus to find out more about the uni and the courses on offer.
GET PROSPECTUSAdmission on to an undergraduate course at the University of Portsmouth is subject to meeting the entry requirements set out for that study programme.
Academic and other criteria for courses can differ from department to department, and from course to course. As a result, students should ensure they check the specific requirements for their chosen programme before applying.
The university works to ensure that students from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences can access life-changing education at Portsmouth. As well as exam results, admissions staff look at professional and voluntary experiences, as well as personal statements.
In general, students will need to have exam or admissions test results that satisfy the minimum requirements for their course, as well as complete an interview or audition in many cases. Submission of a portfolio may also be required in some cases.
Students who don’t speak English as their first language will need to provide evidence that they meet the minimum proficiency requirements for English language ability.
Students can find specific admissions criteria in the key facts section of each course page on the university’s website.
UCAS TARIFF CALCULATORSend a message directly to the uni to learn more about their entry requirements.
ASK A QUESTIONThe University of Portsmouth can guarantee a room in halls to all new, full-time undergraduates who make them their firm, first choice and meet deadlines for accommodation. Current sites include:
Students can choose between staying in catered or self-catering halls with a shared kitchen, or a studio flat with their own kitchenette. Prices start at £104 per week.
University of Portsmouth students on Whatuni say:
“Most if not all halls in Portsmouth are good value for money and good quality for student living. I have friends in many different halls and I can’t say I have seen a bad one yet”
“I like Greetham Street as it is very central in the town and i am close to my lectures as well as the social areas like clubs and shops. It makes it easy for me to get to classes as my accommodation is very near to all my lecture buildings. The hall is nice, as are the staff.”
“I could not have more good words to say about Catherine House..i miss my days of living there. The environment was very homely and with the community areas there were such easy ways to make friend for example joining in with a game of pool or table tennis, or just sitting in the sofa areas and having a chat with some other residents.”
The University of Portsmouth has a strong range of facilities available for students to use.
Sports facilities have seen lots of investment. The new £57 million Ravelin Sports Centre offers:
It is one of the most sustainable sports buildings in the UK.
The library offers access to almost 395,000 books, 874,000 eBooks, 110,000 eJournals, and online newspapers. When students need to study, there are over 1,400 spaces available with a choice of silent, group or social study areas. Across campus there are over 4,500 laptops, PCs and Macs for students to use, with wireless access throughout.
2022 saw the launch of the Centre for Creative and Immersive XR, for exploring virtual, augmented and extended reality. Other facilities include an industry-standard Bloomberg finance suite, motion capture studios, a replica courtroom, simulated pharmacy, hospital and GP environments – and the Future Technology Centre, offering advanced project work with industry partners.
University of Portsmouth students on Whatuni say:
“The campus facilities at the University of Portsmouth are great, with more improvements and additions well on the way. The newest addition is a very modern gym! The location is fantastic, situated near huge parks, great for outdoor study.”
“University of Portsmouth has a modern library, of which makes studying easier because I can easily access texts. This library is open 24 hours 7 days a week of which means I can use it whenever I want”
“The opening of the new sports complex gives added value. The library is extensive and the library and IT support staff are very helpful and patient! The catering facilities are good”
Find out more about the accommodations and facilities in person at the uni.
BOOK OPEN DAYWhat's it like to study at this institution? Current students and alumni share their opinion...
VIEW 2124 REVIEWS WRITE A REVIEWJ Joe Reviewed 25 Oct 23 History BA (Hons) Great Lecturer support. good Library. Distance between venues can cause problems for disabled students. No Bar at Union and no collective events for all other than freshers... READ FULL REVIEW
N Natalia Reviewed 23 Oct 23 Fashion Design BA (Hons) Technicians are very helpful and supportive however teachers strikes affected my studies and didnt get enough help from the... READ FULL REVIEW
The University of Portsmouth offers a range of services to help students with everything, from study support to finance and wellbeing. On the whole, student reviews reflect the high availability and open-door policy of the ample support staff.
Support services include:
The University of Portsmouth is dedicated to nurturing an academic and human community that reflects, accepts and celebrates students of all kinds. That’s why it has dedicated resources and services dedicated to race and LGBTQ+ equality. As a member of the Race Equality Charter since 2018 and a Stonewall Diversity Champion, students can feel safe in the knowledge that they’ll always be supported and heard.
University of Portsmouth students on Whatuni say:
“I think the best aspects are the level and amount of support that the uni gives to the students with literally everything, from housing to just general well-being. They make such a genuine and strong effort to look after us as students and make sure we are on track and getting the most out of our degrees.”
“The support I have received from the uni has been great. I have been given academic support and shown where to get even more support if I felt it was needed. The university staff are all helpful and informative and I always feel as if I can approach any of them with questions or concerns.”
“Portsmouth university is very inclusive, there is a lot of support for all students and all staff are very accommodating and supportive.”
Find out more about the student support offered on the university’s website.
VISIT WEBSITEThe University of Portsmouth is a leading UK higher education institution. It recently placed 35th nationally according to the 2023 Whatuni Student Choice Awards, and is particularly known for the outstanding quality of its teaching and the dedication of staff across all departments.
Its curriculum is progressive, constantly evolving to reflect the needs of employers and the new insights borne out of its cutting-edge research. With a student-focused approach to course design and academic support, students at Portsmouth can be confident in their academic success.
The university particularly excels in a number of areas, including:
The University of Portsmouth Students’ Union is led and guided by students. Their main goal is to make sure students have the best university experience possible.
Their role is to:
University of Portsmouth students on Whatuni say:
“The night life here is incredible and it is so simple to make friends with other students as all of the halls are so close together”
“It is right in the city centre making travel incredibly convenient for me, being a first year. The student union hosts many events, both helpful and fun.”
“Portsmouth university offers some of the most amazing views and places to visit, being a costal/island city you could take a stroll on the beach in your lunch break and go to the pier to watch the sunset and play in the arcade after lectures are done for the day.”
University of Portsmouth students make the most of a wide range of clubs and societies offered by the university’s Student Union, from anime to yoga.
Students can also get involved in over 35 sports clubs, from football to sailing. Many of these teams take part in matches against other universities.
The University of Portsmouth is one of the few UK universities that has the luxury of offering a coastal lifestyle with a buzzing city vibe.
There’s a lot of history to explore, particularly maritime-based attractions, as well as modern high streets with lots of independent choices for shopping and socialising.
The university campus is next to the resort area of Southsea, where lots of students live. It’s a friendly area with a huge open common and, of course, the beach.
By night, there are plenty of gigs, bars, restaurants and clubs to take advantage of, with many student-focused nights going on throughout the week.
A flat, compact city, Portsmouth is ideal for those who’d like to get around on foot or by bike.
See the campus and city for yourself in person by booking an open day place.
BOOK OPEN DAYNine out of ten Portsmouth graduates are in work or further study (HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21) which makes Portsmouth a great choice for progression to a career or postgraduate degree.
A large number of courses at the University of Portsmouth are validated by leading professional institutes and organisations, allowing students to fast-track to valuable industry accreditations. The university provides a range of flexible study pathways such as distance learning and part-time study modes, as well as top-up programmes.
Work experience is a core part of studying for Portsmouth students, who are encouraged to take on the best opportunities available. It’s a great way to get ready for professional success and adapt to the working world. Students are able to get involved in:
Many Portsmouth students have praised the university’s in-house recruitment agency, the Careers and Employability Service, for sourcing graduate jobs, part-time work, placements and volunteering opportunities with great success.
The University of Portsmouth offers a range of scholarships and bursaries.
The £5,000 Best Begins Scholarship is designed for students who are academically excellent but have faced challenges that other students have not.
In addition, full time undergraduates with a household income below £25,000 can receive a £750 bursary.
Other financial support includes £1,700 a year to qualifying care leavers, £1,000 a year for those estranged from their parents, £500 a year for eligible students who are caring for a family member, and a variety of opportunities relating to specific subject areas.
The university’s website offers more on these opportunities, as well as other bursaries and scholarships.
UK students - £9,250 per year
EU students - pay the same as UK students thanks to the university’s Transition Scholarship
International students - fees will vary depending on the course and how long it runs. Students can find more information on the university website.
Send a message directly to the uni to learn more about their scholarships and bursaries.
ASK A QUESTION
Many courses at University of Portsmouth offer an opportunity to do a work placement or sandwich year. These opportunities will help you develop your employability skills, and the careers department is also on hand to offer personal support.
As well as a wide range of courses on offer, University of Portsmouth also has loads of clubs and societies you can join during your studies. Joining societies is just one of the many ways you can tailor your experience at University of Portsmouth to suit you.
With a degree in a subject you love, you'll find more doors opening to jobs you'll love. Studies have also shown that graduates earn more on average compared to non-graduates.
If you want to continue to pursue education, you'll be able to progress to postgraduate study once you've got your undergraduate degree. You could opt to study a master's, or even get a PhD.
Living in uni halls means you'll have access to communal areas including kitchen and dining facilities. These facilities offer you plenty of opportunity to socialise with the students you're living with.
You'll also find all bills are included in your rent, and yes, that includes WiFi. Rent also covers security and maintenance. There are accessible rooms available in halls that have been adapted for disabled students.
