University of Portsmouth

Want to study in the UK? The University of Portsmouth has built a solid reputation for academics and student support. Portsmouth ranks second in the UK for quality of life, blending seaside charm with easy access to London and the rest of Europe. 

About University of Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a coastal city in southern England, and its university has built a solid reputation for both academics and student support. If you’re considering studying here, you have options: spend a semester or two abroad, or commit to a full degree program.  

One thing that sets Portsmouth apart is the Purple Door project. It’s essentially a bridge between students and local businesses, making it easier to land part-time work while you study. The student body includes about 5,000 international students from more than 80 countries, which means you’re likely to find your people here, whether you’re joining a sports club or just navigating campus life.  

Portsmouth itself is surprisingly livable. The city is ranked second in the UK for quality of life, and London is only 90 minutes away by train. There’s also a decent waterfront scene with cafes and bars along Gunwharf Quays, plus miles of coastline if you need a break from studying. Literature fans might appreciate that Portsmouth is Charles Dickens’ birthplace, and you can even visit the house where he grew up. 

The Channel crossing to France is nearby too, which makes Portsmouth a convenient base for weekend trips across Europe. Since 2023, the university has also run a campus in Walthamstow, in east London, for students who’d rather be in the capital from the start. 

Study fields:

Arts: Acting, Creative Computing, Creative Music Technology, Fashion Design, Film Production, Film Studies, Graphic Design, Illustration, Music Technology, Musical Theatre, Photography, Post-Production for Film and TV, Product Design, Theatre

Economics & Business: Accounting, Business, Business and Human Resources, Business and Management, Economics, Fashion Marketing, Finance, Financial Technology, Global Sports Management, International Business, Marketing, Project Management

Education: Early Childhood Studies, Early Years Care and Education, Education, Primary Education, Secondary Education

Engineering: Architecture, Building Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction, Construction Management, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Electrical Power Engineering, Electronic Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, Interior Architecture and Design, Mechanical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, Space Systems Engineering

Health Sciences: Applied Biomedical Science, Biomedical Science, Dental Hygiene, Dental Nursing, Nursing, Paramedic Science, Pharmacy

Humanities: Creative Writing, English, Global Communication and Media, Journalism, Language Studies, Media Studies, Screenwriting

Science & Math: Applied Computing, Biochemistry, Biology, Computer Networks and Security, Computer Science, Computing, Cybersecurity, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Maritime Studies, Mathematics, Physics

Social Sciences: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Criminology, Geography, History, International Development, International Relations, Law, Politics, Psychology, Sociology

Arts: Film and TV Production, Music Technology, User Experience Design

Economics & Business: Accounting, Business and Computer Studies, Business Communication for Leaders, Business Management, Digital Economy, Digital Marketing, Economics and Banking, Finance, Human Resource Management, Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship, International Business, International Hospitality and Tourism, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Sports Management, Project Management

Education: Education Studies, Further Education, Primary Education, TESOL

Engineering: Advanced Manufacturing, Architecture, Biomedical Engineering, Building and Heritage Conservation, Civil Engineering, Construction Project Management, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Engineering, Engineering Geology, Engineering Management, Interior Architecture and Design, Landscape and Urban Design, Mechanical Engineering, Spatial Design Practices, Systems Engineering, Water and Environmental Engineering

Health Sciences: Adult Nursing, Advanced Digital Dentistry, Applied Sport and Exercise Performance, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Mental Health Nursing, Occupational Health, Physiotherapy, Strength and Conditioning

Humanities: Applied Linguistics, Creative Writing, Journalism, Media and Communication, Translation Studies

Science & Mathematics: Applied Aquatic Biology, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Biotechnology, Computer Network Administration, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Cybercrime, Data Analytics, Geographical Information Systems, Information Systems, Maritime Studies

Social Sciences: Applied Sport Psychology, Criminal Psychology, Forensic Investigation, Health Psychology, International Development, International Relations, Law, Psychology and Learning Disabilities, Social Work, Sociology, Sport and Exercise Psychology

Accomodation:

The University of Portsmouth offers a variety of student housing options. You can live in a student hall, share a house with friends, or rent your own apartment. All accommodation is centrally located and within walking distance of the campus. 

New students are usually guaranteed a place in student halls. Weekly prices range from around £104 to £182, depending on the type of room you choose. 

FAQ about University of Portsmouth

Questions about studying at University of Portsmouth? We know it is an exciting but big step! Here are some of our most frequently asked questions.

Yes, if you are an international student, you will need a Student visa (previously Tier 4) to study in the UK. You will need an offer letter and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to apply. 

Want to learn more about visas for studying abroad? Check out our FAQ for more info on student visa. 

To apply to University of Portsmouth, you will need: 

  • Completed application form 
  • A Personal Statement 
  • Officially certified and translated copies of grades 
  • Secondary school diploma  
  • Proof of English level 
  • Academic reference 
The required documents to apply to University of Portsmouth may vary depending on your nationality and study program. Reach out to us for clear guidance on what documents you need!

If you are studying in the UK for more than 6 months, you will need to pay for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application. This gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). 

Learn more about study abroad insurance in our FAQ. 

The University of Portsmouth offers an EU Scholarship that allows eligible students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland to pay reduced tuition fees until the 2028/29 academic year. In addition, students in the Faculty of Science & Health may qualify for a £2,000 postgraduate scholarship.  

The university also supports talented athletes through its Sports Scholarship Programme, which includes financial aid and professional training support. 

Learn more about study abroad scholarships and get our best tips on how to write a scholarship application. 

The University of Portsmouth is ranked among the top 35 universities in the UK according to the Guardian University Guide 2024 and is placed in the 401–500 band worldwide by Times Higher Education 

It’s also highly rated for teaching quality and student satisfaction, making it a great choice for international students looking for a modern, career-focused university in England. 

Next semester dates:

Fall 2026

Semester dates: TBA
Deadline: TBA

SPRING 2027

Semester dates: TBA
Deadline: TBA

Want to study at University of Portsmouth ?

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University of Portsmouth


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