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Famous For
Why the University of Portsmouth Is Famous
Strong Focus on Employability
The University of Portsmouth is widely known for its career-focused education. Many courses include placements, internships, and industry projects, helping graduates gain real-world experience. The university consistently performs well for graduate employment outcomes, particularly in business, engineering, computing, and health-related fields.
Maritime, Engineering & STEM Excellence
Portsmouth has an international reputation for maritime studies, engineering, logistics, and technology. Its close links with the UK's naval and maritime industries, ports, and engineering firms make it a leader in applied STEM education and research.
Strong Industry Links
The university works closely with employers such as:
- IBM
- Airbus
- BAE Systems
- NHS
- Local councils and tech companies
These partnerships ensure courses are aligned with current industry needs and professional standards.
Teaching Quality & Student Satisfaction
The University of Portsmouth has received Gold ratings in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), highlighting its high-quality teaching, learning environment, and student support services.
Diverse International Community
With students from 150+ countries, Portsmouth is known for its inclusive and multicultural campus environment, offering strong academic and welfare support for international students.
Prime Coastal Location
Located on England's south coast, Portsmouth offers:
- A vibrant seaside lifestyle
- Affordable living compared to London
- Excellent transport links (London in ~90 minutes)
The city combines a relaxed coastal atmosphere with modern urban facilities.
Applied & Impact-Driven Research
The university is recognized for applied research that addresses real-world challenges, particularly in:
- Environmental science & sustainability
- Digital technologies & cybersecurity
- Health sciences
- Business and innovation
Creative Arts & Media Strength
Portsmouth is also well known for creative and digital disciplines, including:
- Animation
- Film & media production
- Graphic design
- Architecture
Its graduates are highly regarded in the creative industries.
Overview
The University of Portsmouth, founded in 1908 and granted university status in 1992, is a modern, career-focused public university located on the south coast of England. Situated in the vibrant seaside city of Portsmouth, the University is known for its strong emphasis on applied learning, employability, and industry engagement. Its coastal location, combined with excellent transport links to London, offers students a high quality of life alongside strong academic opportunities.
The University is home to over 28,000 students from more than 150 countries, making it a highly international institution. Teaching and research are delivered across a compact city campus, where academic buildings, libraries, laboratories, and student accommodation are integrated within the city centre. This creates a lively student experience with easy access to educational facilities, social spaces, and local amenities.
Undergraduate programmes at Portsmouth typically follow the three-year UK degree structure, with many courses offering an optional sandwich year or paid placement. The University provides a broad range of programmes across business, engineering, computer science, law, the health sciences, the creative arts, the humanities, and the social sciences. Courses are designed in collaboration with industry partners to ensure relevance to current professional and employer needs.
The University of Portsmouth places a strong emphasis on employability and practical experience. It has close links with employers across sectors, including technology, engineering, healthcare, creative industries, maritime industries, and public services. Students benefit from internships, placements, live consultancy projects, and dedicated career support services that prepare them for the global job market.
At the postgraduate level, Portsmouth offers a broad portfolio of taught master's degrees and research programmes, supported by strong research centres in areas such as cosmology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, sustainability, health sciences, and maritime studies. The University is recognized for its applied research impact and collaboration with industry, government, and international partners.
In recent years, the University of Portsmouth has received strong recognition for teaching quality, student satisfaction, and graduate outcomes. It has been awarded Gold for Student Outcomes in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and consistently ranks highly for employability. With generous scholarships, modern facilities, and a strong international outlook, the University of Portsmouth attracts ambitious students seeking a practical, career-oriented UK education.
Rankings
- 21st in the Guardian University Guide 2026
- 65th+ in the Complete University Guide 2026
- Ranked 501–600th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026
- Ranked 631–640th in the QS World University Rankings
- Gold rating for Student Outcomes – Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
The University of Portsmouth has established a strong position in both national and international rankings, particularly for teaching quality and student outcomes. Its high performance in the Guardian University Guide reflects strengths in student satisfaction, teaching, and value added. Globally, Portsmouth's growing research profile contributes to its rising international reputation.
Subject-level rankings highlight strengths in law, engineering, computer science, criminology, business, and creative technologies, with several programmes ranked among the UK’s best.
Admission Criteria
Entry Requirements
University of Portsmouth – Entry Requirements
1. Undergraduate (Bachelor's) Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications
• Entry requirements vary by course - the University publishes specific requirements on each course page.
• A typical offer is based on UK qualifications such as:
A Levels
- UCAS points range
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- International Baccalaureate (IB) 30–31 points
International / Country Equivalents
• If you're applying from Bangladesh, India, Africa, etc., the University assesses equivalent secondary school qualifications. For example, Bangladesh applicants with Year 12 and strong grades, and a relevant subject background, may be considered; a foundation year may be recommended if qualification levels fall below the standard requirement.
• Advanced entry into Year 2/3 may be possible with relevant diplomas (HND) or prior university study.
Additional Requirements (Varies by Course)
Some programmes may require one or more of the following
- Portfolio
- Interview or audition
- Admissions test or exam
- Health check
- Criminal record check
- Relevant work experience
2. Postgraduate (Master's & Postgraduate Research) Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications
• Most taught master's programmes require a bachelor's degree (honours) or equivalent from a recognized institution.
• Some courses may specify a minimum class/grade and/or relevant subject background.
• If you don't meet the direct academic entry requirement, a pre-master's (pre-MSc) programme may be offered to prepare you for master's study.
Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD)
• A strong master's degree and a research proposal are generally required for PhD/MPhil programmes.
3. English Language Requirements
The University of Portsmouth requires all applicants to demonstrate sufficient English proficiency for teaching, learning, and assessment.
Typical English Test Requirements
Undergraduate
• IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 standard for most bachelor's degrees.
Postgraduate
• IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5–7.0 overall, with no component below 6.0, depending on course.
Foundation / Pathway Programmes
• IELTS Academic: Usually around 5.5 with no band below 5.5.
4. Test Alternatives & Exemptions
Other Accepted English Tests
• TOEFL iBT (e.g., ~79 for UG, ~91 for PG)
• PTE Academic
• Cambridge English Qualifications (CAE/C1 Advanced)
• Trinity College ISE
• Other approved UKVI SELTs accepted for visa purposes.
Exemptions
• If you have qualifications taught in English from certain countries, you may be exempt from English testing. Check the exemption list.
5. Application Documents (Standard)
When applying to Portsmouth, you'll generally need to submit:
- Completed online application form
- Official academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Personal statement explaining your motivations and suitability
- References (academic and/or professional)
- Additional evidence if required (portfolio, interview, test scores)
University of Portsmouth Entry Requirements
Important Notes
Specific entry requirements differ by course and discipline; always check the exact entry criteria on the University of Portsmouth course page.
Health, education, and regulated professions may require additional checks. A pre-sessional English programme is available if your language score is slightly below the requirement.
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Cost of Studying
University of Portsmouth Tuition Fees – 2026/27
1. UK (Home) Students
Undergraduate (Full-time)
- £9,790 per year for full-time UK undergraduate programmes.
- This fee applies to most bachelor's degrees studied on campus for UK students.
2. EU Students (with EU Scholarship
Following UK exit from the EU, EU/EEA/Swiss nationals are no longer automatically classed as Home students, but an EU Scholarship applies:
Undergraduate (Full-time)
£10,300 per year (with EU Scholarship for eligible EU/EEA/Swiss nationals resident in the EU for 3+ years
3. International Students (Non-Home & Non-EU)
Typical International Tuition Fees (2026/27)
For most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, the estimated range is £17,900 – £20,000 per year for international students. Fees vary depending on course type
Placement Year Fees:
If your course includes a placement year, the additional placement fee is usually between £2,990 and £20,000, depending on the programme structure.
Key Points to Note
Fees Fixed for Duration
For new intakes from September 2025 onwards, international tuition fees are fixed for the duration of your course, subject to specific conditions.
Course Variations
- Exact fees depend on the specific course.
- Always check the individual course page for precise figures; some subjects charge more than the typical range.
EU Students
EU fee status with the discount continues to be offered under specific residency conditions details are provided on the University's fee webpages.
Summary Table (2026/27)
Student Type Tuition Fee UK (Home) Undergraduate £9,790 / year EU (with Scholarship) Undergraduate £10,300 / year International Undergraduate & Postgraduate £17,900 – £20,000 / year Placement Year Fees £2,990 – £20,000
Extra Costs
- Accommodation and living expenses
- Study materials and equipment
- Visa & immigration health surcharge
- Travel and personal costs
These should be budgeted separately when planning to study in Portsmouth.
Accommodation
The University of Portsmouth guarantees an offer of university-managed accommodation to all first-year undergraduate students who apply by the accommodation deadline. The University provides thousands of student rooms across a range of residences located within walking distance of teaching buildings, libraries, and city-centre facilities. Most accommodation is self-catered, offering flexibility and independence.
Students can choose from standard rooms, en-suite rooms, shared flats, and studio apartments, suitable for different budgets and preferences. Accommodation includes 24/7 security, high-speed internet, laundry facilities, and communal social spaces, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for both UK and international students.
Popular residences include Margaret Rule Hall, Harry Law Hall, Catherine House, and Rees Hall, all well known for their modern facilities and central locations. With a strong focus on student wellbeing and convenience, Portsmouth's accommodation helps students transition smoothly into university life within a diverse and vibrant city.
Success Rate
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Your study abroad steps
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