University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth, United Kingdom
University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Founded
1869
Institution Type
Public University
Total Students
31,000+
TEF Rating
Gold
Discover the University of Portsmouth
Discover the University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth is a public university located on the south coast of England, with institutional origins dating back to 1869 when the Portsmouth and Gosport School of Science and Art was established. The institution evolved through several transformations, becoming Portsmouth Polytechnic in 1969 before gaining full university status in 1992 under the Further and Higher Education Act.
Today the university comprises five faculties and offers over 200 undergraduate degrees and 150 postgraduate programmes across a wide range of disciplines. With approximately 31,000 students including 5,700 international students from around 150 countries, it is one of the largest and most diverse universities in the South East of England.
Portsmouth holds a prestigious Gold rating in the UK Government's Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, making it one of only five universities in the South East to achieve this distinction. The university is also ranked third among all post-1992 universities in the UK for research power, with 77 per cent of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in REF 2021.
Key Milestones
- 1869: Founded as the Portsmouth and Gosport School of Science and Art to train engineers and dock workers
- 1908: The Park Building opened as Portsmouth Municipal College, focusing on chemistry and engineering
- 1969: Renamed Portsmouth Polytechnic and granted the power to award degrees
- 1992: Granted university status and formally inaugurated as the University of Portsmouth
Academic Structure and Faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
The University of Portsmouth is organised into five faculties encompassing 24 schools and departments. Each faculty delivers a broad portfolio of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes designed with strong industry connections and practical learning at their core.
Faculty of Business and Law
Home to teaching and research in all major areas of law, business, and management, including accounting, economics, logistics, and human resource management. The faculty offers professionally accredited programmes with strong links to industry.
- Accounting and Finance
- Business and Management
- Law (LLB / LLM)
Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries
Covers creative disciplines such as fashion, design, illustration, creative writing, media studies, architecture, animation, film, and computer games technology. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities including a cinema-quality screening room and creative studios.
- Architecture
- Film and Media Studies
- Animation and Games Technology
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Delivers courses and conducts research in criminology, sociology, linguistics, history, politics and international relations, and education. Research within the faculty informs teaching and explores themes of social justice and global challenges.
- Criminology and Criminal Justice
- International Relations and Politics
- Education and Sociology
Faculty of Science and Health
The university's largest faculty, offering courses in environmental, health, and life sciences. It works in strategic partnership with Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust and features a simulated hospital environment for clinical training.
- Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Sport and Exercise Science
Faculty of Technology
Home to courses and research in engineering, cosmology and astrophysics, computing, mathematics, and physics. Facilities include the Future Technology Centre, Digital Forensics Lab, and the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation.
- Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
- Computer Science and Cybersecurity
- Cosmology and Astrophysics
International College Portsmouth (ICP)
An associate college of the university offering foundation and pathway programmes for international students who wish to progress to undergraduate or postgraduate study at the University of Portsmouth. Courses are delivered on the main campus.
- Foundation in Business and Law
- Foundation in Science and Engineering
- Pre-Master's Programme
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admissions
- QualificationsA-Levels, IB Diploma, or equivalent international qualifications
- IELTS ScoreOverall 6.0–6.5, with no component below 5.5 (varies by course)
- Application RouteApply via UCAS for most undergraduate courses
- Personal StatementRequired, demonstrating motivation and suitability for the chosen course
- ReferencesOne academic reference required as part of UCAS application
Postgraduate Admissions
- Degree RequirementBachelor's degree (2:1 or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
- IELTS ScoreOverall 6.5–7.0, with no component below 6.0 (varies by course)
- Work ExperienceSome programmes require relevant professional experience (e.g. MBA)
- Supporting DocumentsTranscripts, personal statement, CV, and academic references
- Additional TestsGMAT or GRE may be required for specific business or research programmes
Submit your UCAS application by this date to receive equal consideration for most undergraduate courses.
Postgraduate applications are accepted on a rolling basis; early application is recommended for popular programmes.
The primary intake for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at the University of Portsmouth.
Selected postgraduate and some undergraduate programmes offer January and May start dates for added flexibility.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
The University of Portsmouth offers competitive tuition fees, especially compared to many other UK institutions. For international students, tuition fees are fixed for the duration of the course, subject to a maximum inflationary rise of 5% per annum. Portsmouth is also one of the UK's most affordable cities for student living.
| Fee Category | UK (Home) Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (per year) | GBP 9,250 – 9,790 | GBP 16,200 – 19,200 |
| Postgraduate Taught (per year) | GBP 8,500 – 11,500 | GBP 16,200 – 19,200 |
| Accommodation (per year) | GBP 4,066 – 6,720 | GBP 4,066 – 6,720 |
| Living Expenses (estimated per year) | GBP 7,500 – 12,000 | GBP 7,500 – 12,000 |
| Total | GBP 29,316 – 40,010 | GBP 33,766 – 45,120 |
Chancellor's Global Academic Merit Scholarship
A merit-based scholarship for new international students, offering a GBP 5,000 fee reduction applied to the first year of study. Applicants must have applied and accepted their academic offer by the given deadline.
- Award Value: GBP 5,000 tuition fee reduction
- Eligibility: Self-funded international students with strong academic records
- Application Deadline: June 1 for September entry (check university website for updates)
Vice Chancellor's Global Development Scholarship
An automatic fee reduction for eligible international students from selected countries, applied to the first year of study upon registration and nationality confirmation.
- Award Value: GBP 2,500 tuition fee reduction
- Eligibility: International fee-paying students from eligible countries
- How to Apply: Automatically applied upon registration; no separate application needed
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
The University of Portsmouth campus is spread across Portsmouth city centre, blending historic and modern architecture. Key areas include the Guildhall Campus for most teaching and student services, and the Northern Quarter for engineering, science, and business. A London campus in Waltham Forest was launched in 2023.
The university's original and iconic 1908 building, combining Flemish and Renaissance architectural styles, now housing humanities and social science departments.
One of the UK's most sustainable sports centres, featuring an eight-lane swimming pool, climbing wall, fitness suites, and multi-use sports halls.
A central hub for study and research, expanded with an GBP 11 million investment, offering collaborative meeting pods, digital resources, and expert research support.
Housing and Dining
Student Accommodation
The university guarantees a room in halls of residence for first-year international students, with options across the city centre and at the Langstone student village.
- Trafalgar Halls – city centre en-suite rooms
- Langstone Student Village – waterfront campus living
- Rees and Burrell Halls – Southsea seafront location
Dining and Campus Life
The campus features a range of cafes, restaurants, and food outlets, alongside shops and green spaces within walking distance of all university buildings.
- The Hub Cafe at Dennis Sciama Building
- The Terrace Cafe at the Students' Union
- Multiple cafes and shops across Guildhall campus
Student Life at Portsmouth
Student Life at Portsmouth
Student life at the University of Portsmouth is vibrant and inclusive, supported by an active Students' Union and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. Portsmouth has been named one of the UK's most affordable cities for students, and the compact island city means everything is within easy reach.
Portsmouth: A Vibrant Coastal City
Portsmouth: A Vibrant Coastal City
Life in Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a vibrant port city on the south coast of England, located approximately 120 kilometres southwest of London. As the UK's only island city, it offers a unique coastal lifestyle with beaches, parks, and a rich maritime heritage, all while being one of the most affordable cities for students in the country.
Maritime Heritage
Home to the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard featuring HMS Victory, the Mary Rose Museum, and HMS Warrior, offering a fascinating window into Britain's naval history.
Excellent Transport Links
Direct trains to London in under 90 minutes, ferry services to France and Spain, and easy access to Southampton Airport, Heathrow, and Gatwick airports.
Waterfront and Culture
Gunwharf Quays shopping outlet, the iconic Spinnaker Tower, Southsea seafront, and annual events like the Victorious Festival make Portsmouth a lively place to live.
Affordable Student Living
Ranked among the most affordable cities for students in the UK by the NatWest Student Living Index, with lower living costs compared to London and other major cities.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Where Our Graduates Work
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
A dedicated team of International Student Advisers provides guidance on student visa applications, immigration compliance, and CAS documentation throughout your studies.
Free English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classes are offered during term time, covering essay writing, presentations, grammar, and critical thinking skills.
Access career guidance, placement opportunities, and employability workshops for up to five years after graduation. The university's Connected Degrees offer flexible paid placement options.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Worldwide University Rankings
Worldwide University Rankings
The University of Portsmouth is consistently ranked among the top modern universities in the UK and maintains a strong global presence. It holds a Gold TEF rating for teaching excellence and is recognised for research power, employability, and student satisfaction across multiple ranking bodies.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Physics and Astronomy | QS Subject Rankings | #301–350 |
| Accounting and Finance | QS Subject Rankings | #251–300 |
| Criminology | Complete University Guide (UK) | Top 20 in UK |
| Nursing and Health Professions | Complete University Guide (UK) | Top 10 in UK |
Features
The University of Portsmouth offers modern facilities, strong industry links, and a focus on employability. It features advanced labs, a cutting-edge library, and innovative centers like the Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality (CCIXR). Students benefit from work placements, global exchange programs, and expert teaching across five faculties. Located in a vibrant coastal city, the campus blends modern buildings with historic surroundings. Support services, scholarships, and career guidance ensure a well-rounded student experience. The university is known for its inclusive community, impactful research, and commitment to sustainability.
Accommodation
Accommodation services are available for University of Portsmouth students.
Work While Studying
Students at the University of Portsmouth can work while studying, subject to UK immigration rules applicable to Student Visa holders.
Co-op/Internship Participation
The University of Portsmouth offers dedicated internship and placement services to support students at every stage of their career journey.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
October - August
Location
Winston Churchill Ave, Southsea, Portsmouth PO1 2UP, United Kingdom
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
