University of Portsmouth
Coastal UK university delivering real-world, research-informed learning
About
The University of Portsmouth is a modern, ambitious UK university with roots dating back to the Portsmouth Municipal College in 1908. Achieving full university status in 1992, Portsmouth has grown into a global institution recognised for industry collaboration, applied research, and student satisfaction.
Situated in a vibrant waterfront city, the university operates an integrated campus with specialist facilities for creative arts, engineering, computing, maritime sciences, environmental technology, healthcare, and business. Students benefit from a TEF Gold-rated learning experience, entrepreneurial support, and global connections with employers, research centres, and partner universities.
College Highlights
College Highlights
Key Accreditations & Recognitions
Key Accreditations & Recognitions
UK Degree-Awarding Powers
Portsmouth confers globally recognised degrees backed by the UK government and respected by employers worldwide.
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold 2023
Awarded TEF Gold for outstanding teaching quality, student experience, and graduate results.
Professional & Industry Accreditations
Courses approved by AACSB (business), RIBA (architecture), RICS (surveying), NMC & HCPC (health), BCS (computing), and IMechE/IET (engineering) ensuring career-ready skills.
Specialties
Specialties
Academic Programs
Future-Focused Undergraduate & Postgraduate Courses
Career-Focused Degrees
Duration: 3–4 years (Undergraduate), 1–2 years (Postgraduate taught), 3–4 years (Research)
Medium: English
Eligibility: A-Levels, IB, or equivalent for undergraduate entry with course-specific subject requirements; recognised bachelor’s degree for postgraduate study. International applicants usually require IELTS 6.0–6.5 (or equivalent) with minimum component scores.
Recognition: Accredited programmes developed with employers, offering placements, live industry briefs, and entrepreneurial support through the Innovation Connect network.
Program Highlights
- Faculties covering Business & Law, Creative & Cultural Industries, Humanities & Social Sciences, Technology, Science & Health, and the Portsmouth School of Environment, Geography & Geosciences.
- Professional experience through sandwich years, placements, clinical practice, legal advice clinics, and start-up accelerators.
- Advanced facilities including the Centre for Creative & Immersive XR, Forensic Innovation Centre, Cyber Security labs, Motion Capture studios, and Marine Simulation Centre.
- Global opportunities with study abroad partners in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and the Americas, plus virtual mobility options.
- Supportive careers and employability services offering CV clinics, mock interviews, networking events, and graduate job fairs.
- Comprehensive international student support, including visa advice, language development, and community-building programmes.
Fee Structure
Undergraduate & Postgraduate Programs
| Fee Component | International Students |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition Fee | £17,200 - £19,400 per year |
| Postgraduate Taught Fee | £17,600 - £20,900 per year |
| Accommodation (on-campus) | £6,200 - £9,500 per year |
| Living Expenses (Portsmouth) | £9,500 - £12,500 per year |
Note: Fees vary by faculty, laboratory use, and course duration. Specialist programmes (e.g., MBA, Architecture) may carry premium rates. Explore scholarships, early payment discounts, and regional bursaries offered by the University of Portsmouth.
Campus Photos
People
Why Choose University of Portsmouth
City & Coast Advantage
Learn in a dynamic waterfront city with direct links to maritime, defence, technology, and creative industries across the UK’s south coast.
Applied Innovation
Access cutting-edge labs for XR, cyber security, robotics, forensics, and marine simulation, with staff engaged in solving real-world challenges.
Supportive Community
Benefit from personalised academic guidance, wellbeing services, peer mentoring, and cultural societies representing 150+ countries.
Student Reviews & Ratings
MSc Cyber Security Student
April 2025“Teaching is practical and up-to-date, with access to specialised labs and real case studies. Careers advisors helped me connect with employers for a work placement.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
What are the entry requirements for international students?
Entry requirements vary by course. Undergraduate students typically need A-Levels, IB, or recognised national qualifications plus IELTS 6.0 overall (no component below 5.5). Postgraduate applicants usually require a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK second-class honours and IELTS 6.0–6.5 depending on programme.
Do Portsmouth degrees have global recognition?
Yes. As a UK public university, degrees are internationally recognised. Professional accreditations and industry collaborations further enhance graduate prospects.
What support is provided for visa applications?
The International Student Advice Team assists with CAS statements, Student Route visa applications, pre-departure webinars, and post-arrival immigration advice. Orientation and ongoing compliance workshops are available throughout the year.
Program Details
Which subject areas is Portsmouth known for?
Portsmouth’s strengths include marine engineering, naval architecture, creative technologies, cyber security, criminology, environmental science, business, law, pharmacy, and sport & exercise science. Emerging areas include space mission analysis and sustainable cities.
Are scholarships available for international students?
Yes. The university offers Vice-Chancellor’s Global Development Scholarships, Chancellor’s Global Academic Merit Awards, alumni discounts, and country-specific bursaries. Application deadlines and eligibility criteria differ by intake.