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. The university also achieved a top 10 ranking for career prospects in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2022.
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:
“It’s a lovely community feel, it’s great that it’s a little spread apart over the city rather than just being all on the campus as you get too see more of the city, there is a great nightlife and student facilities, the city as a whole has lovely old streets and the beautiful beaches, while also being so close together, it also has a great selection of shops and great transport links too.”
“The good study environment and diversity play a big role in why it's a great place to study.”
“I’m personally a studying at the University of Portsmouth as an exchange student and so far, the best aspect of my uni experience is how diverse the environment is. I’m constantly amazed at how inclusive the university is and how strong their support towards the students.”
The University of Portsmouth has received a full five stars from the QS World University Rankings for its 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, 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, as well as 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:
“I like this course because you learn while practising it, the lectures and in-class and if you have any doubt the teachers will have no problem in helping you.”
“The teachers in my course at the University of Portsmouth are exceptional. Their expertise and evident dedication create a supportive learning environment.”
“My course has a lot of support materials to help guide you and lecturers are very welcoming.”
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.
University of Portsmouth students on Whatuni say:
“Their services and securities are effective and efficient.”
“The rooms are great for me, with plenty of space the kitchen is pretty good too.”
“Best student halls by far, the rooms varied in size a lot for the same price.“
The University of Portsmouth has a strong range of facilities available for students to use.
The new £57 million Ravelin Sports Centre offers:
The library offers access to almost 395,000 books, 874,000 eBooks, 110,000 e -Journals, and online newspapers.
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:
“I like the fact all the facilities are all within walking distance and the library is available for 24 hours.”
“Library and sports facilities are one of the best.”
“Best aspect is the amount of facilities and things available to do.”
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 2555 REVIEWS WRITE A REVIEWI Ishrat Reviewed 09 Mar 25 Applied Sport and Exercise Performance MSc It is a very calm and interesting environment that we get here at portsmouth.... READ FULL REVIEW
U Uzma Reviewed 09 Mar 25 Applied Sport and Exercise Performance MSc Hi, I’m new here so right now everything is great.... 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.
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:
“The university offers lots of support and opportunities for improvement or experiences through a weekly newsletter, and events are established through various social media.”
“Support services are always advertised and signposted by faculty, so we can always know where to go if we need help with something.”
“The wellbeing and ASDAC team are amazing and always super helpful when getting things sorted.”
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 as they enjoy personalised support and an education which changes to meet their own needs, and the needs of the industries they intend to work in.
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.
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.
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.
