Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
4.04.04.1
Based in the heart of a friendly city by the sea, the University of Portsmouth is committed to giving every student a life-changing experience. Outstanding teaching and wide-ranging support make for a lively community where students develop skills and confidence for a rewarding life.
Portsmouth is the only university to offer Connected Degrees: a three-year course with a flexible fourth year placement. Most courses can be Connected Degrees.
Portsmouth's commitment to students' future careers is impressive. The latest statistics show 93% of graduates in work or further study.
Portsmouth offers a wide range of degrees across areas of business and law, creative and cultural industries, humanities and social sciences, science and technology. All courses reflect the university's commitment to students' future careers. There are lots of opportunities for work experience, placements and volunteering, plus an expert careers and employability service – which continues to offer career support for five years after students graduate.
Strong student support is a major feature of Portsmouth. That goes beyond helping students to develop the skills you'll need for degree-level study. It's easy to find advice and guidance on housing, finances, and both mental and physical wellness.
The compact campus is woven into the city centre, which is just a short walk from the seafront. So not only are shops and nightlife on the doorstep - students are also never too far from a relaxing park or the beach.
LONDON CAMPUS
The University opened our London campus in 2024. Students interested in business, accounting, computing or marketing can study degrees designed for career success at a globally connected campus in Walthamstow.
Just 20 minutes from central London, our campus is in the buzzing heart of an artistic local community. In London, Portsmouth champions block teaching: by studying one module at a time, it's easier for students to plan your life around your studies.
University of Portsmouth students on Whatuni say:
"I love how it is a short walk away from both the University and City libraries, near many shops and locations for students to live, and is not surrounded by any hills or steep walkways so is more easily accessible to those who may struggle in that terrain."
''Best years of my life, uni is full of opportunity. Studying here has given me a greater idea of where I want to take my subject, it has helped me discover more about myself as a person.''
"The Career Service was exceptional at helping me find placements for my course and once I graduated, helped with finding job prospects. They supported my search for part time jobs and internships during my time at university, this has allowed me to excel in my career."
4.4The University of Portsmouth has a strong range of facilities available for students to use.
Sports facilities have seen lots of investment. For example, the £57 million Ravelin Sports Centre, one of the most sustainable sports buildings in the UK, offers:
Meanwhile 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 the Future Technology Centre, where students work with industry on advanced projects, plus a Bloomberg Suite, Motion Capture Studio, Professional Interpreter Training Suite, Replica Courtroom, and simulated GP, pharmacy and hospital environments.
University of Portsmouth students on Whatuni say:
''Facilities are great with links to the local theatre for drama courses, so many lecture theatres, classrooms, and even a television studio with equipment used in the industry''.
''The simulation facilities are absolutely amazing! Real hospital settings and the technology is truly remarkable.''
''The library is very useful. It has 24hr access and I have never struggled to find a seat.''
What is Portsmouth like?
The University of Portsmouth is one of the few UK universities that has the luxury of being in a coastal location with a 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, which is 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.
University of Portsmouth students on Whatuni say:
''Everything is easily accessible within walking distance due to it being a small city, and the beach is so close!''
''The beach is literally on your doorstep which is an added bonus, alongside the range of independent shops and cafes alongside the seafront and further into the heart of the city.''
''There are shops and food places everywhere, even close to all of the residential areas.''
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 surfing.
Students can also get involved in over 35 sports clubs, from American Football to volleyball. Many of these teams take part in matches against other universities.
University of Portsmouth students on Whatuni say:
''Very inclusive and fun.''
''The range of societies is amazing, and there truly is something for everyone.''
''I've made amazing friends and being a committee member of several societies has been incredible.''
3.393% of Portsmouth graduates are in work or further study (HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2022/23), which makes Portsmouth a great choice for progression to a career or postgraduate degree.
Many of the University of Portsmouth's courses are accredited or validated by professional organisations. It also offers flexible degrees including top-up courses and distance learning, as well as degree apprenticeships.
Work experience is highly encouraged as a key part of every student's studies, helping them get work-ready and used to professional surroundings. This experience includes:
Connected Degrees
Portsmouth is the only university to offer Connected Degrees: a three-year course with a flexible fourth year placement. Most courses can be Connected Degrees.
This gives students more time to explore career choices and find the perfect placement. It also means they can stay connected to the same friends throughout their studies and glide into professional life, with full support from the university throughout their placement.
As well as paid placements with employers, UK students can choose a self-employed placement, getting a start-up or freelance career off the ground with expert support. And if a student prefers a placement year at the traditional time, they can opt to do it after year two.
University of Portsmouth students on Whatuni say:
''Loads of volunteering opportunities, units specific for graduate jobs.''
''Very helpful, good placement opportunities.''
''Lots of help within the course with CVs, job interviews etc.''
4.0The 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 its own kitchenette. Prices start at £115.00 per week.
University of Portsmouth students on Whatuni say:
''I made some great friends in halls in my first year and I now live with them in my second year too.''
''Student halls are a perfect distance to the university and everything else because it's all in one place, food, drink, library, cafe, university buildings, and the beach is only a 15 minute walk away!''
''Lovely atmosphere with lots of friendly people.''
The University of Portsmouth offers a range of scholarships and bursaries. Full time undergraduates with a household income below £25,000 can receive a £500 bursary. This bursary does not require application. The university will check for eligibility after each student applies to Student Finance England.
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 or programmes.
For more on this and other bursaries and scholarships, head to the university's website.
Admission 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. In many cases applicants may be asked to attend an interview or audition, and for certain courses, submission of a portfolio may also be required.
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.
UK students - £9,535 per year
EU students - A Transition Scholarship is designed to help reduce EU student tuition fees.
International students - Fees will vary depending on the course and how long it runs. Students can find more information on the university website.
The University of Portsmouth has been awarded a full five-star rating for its excellence in teaching and internationalisation.
Lecturers at 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, and opportunities to gain support with their studies.
The university makes sure work-related learning experiences are part of every course. To supplement a degree, students can also take additional language classes free of charge, taking advantage of opportunities on campus to add transferable skills to their CV.
All of these factors contributed to Portsmouth's success in achieving the highest possible Gold rating in the UK's 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
University of Portsmouth students on Whatuni say:
''Best teacher/lecturer I've ever had.''
''Amazing course, lecturers are helpful as are the staff.''
''The support services at the university are so inclusive and we have really helpful lecturers who are all really approachable.''
The University of Portsmouth is a leading UK higher education institution. The university 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 from 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. They benefit from personalised support and an education which evolves to meet their own needs and the needs of the industries they intend to work in. The university has been awarded an overall rating of Gold in the most recent Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023), which reviews the teaching quality across higher education providers in England.
The university particularly excels in a number of areas, including:
University of Portsmouth students on Whatuni say:
''The lecturers provide useful support for the assessments and have helped me understand how the work is to be completed when I was struggling.''
''Great lecture halls and computer labs, lecturers always available to contact, all teaching done in person.''
''The university is really good with the academics and the facilities provided.''
3.8The 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:
''Lots of societies, I joined Volleyball as a beginner and loved it. I then joined the scuba diving society! Very social and very friendly people.''
''The range of societies is amazing, and there truly is something for everyone. When I first moved to Portsmouth I was terrified and severely homesick. However, the amount of support on offer at this university such as the well-being service and resident life really and truly added to me getting over my homesickness.''
''There are so many societies, there's something for everyone and there's a society for nearly everything you can think of.''
4.2The University of Portsmouth offers a range of support 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, who are available in person or remotely.
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:
''Anything and everything is supported if I need it, all I need to do is ask.''
''The support services at the university are so inclusive and we have really helpful lecturers who are all really approachable.''
''I've always felt like the uni cares about my well-being :)''
4.2
