University of Portsmouth logo

University of Portsmouth

Portsmouth, UK · Ranking #42

The University of Portsmouth is a vibrant public research institution located on the south coast of England, combining a strong emphasis on employability, research impact and student satisfaction. With a diverse student body of around 31,000, including more than 5,700 international students from 150+ countries, Portsmouth delivers more than 200 undergraduate and 150 postgraduate programmes across faculties such as Business and Law, Creative and Cultural Industries, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Health, and Technology. The university’s academic excellence is recognised with a Gold rating in the UK Teaching Excellence Framework, reflecting high‑quality teaching and student support. Its research portfolio is also highly regarded: in the most recent Research Excellence Framework, a significant proportion of research was rated world‑leading or internationally excellent, particularly in areas like design, allied health professions and general engineering. The campus is set in an urban seaside environment offering a balance of academic rigour, practical application and cultural life, with extensive career services, industry partnerships and work placement opportunities embedded into many courses to support graduate outcomes.

University of Portsmouth logo

University of Portsmouth

About the university

The University of Portsmouth is a vibrant public research institution located on the south coast of England, combining a strong emphasis on employability, research impact and student satisfaction. With a diverse student body of around 31,000, including more than 5,700 international students from 150+ countries, Portsmouth delivers more than 200 undergraduate and 150 postgraduate programmes across faculties such as Business and Law, Creative and Cultural Industries, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Health, and Technology. The university’s academic excellence is recognised with a Gold rating in the UK Teaching Excellence Framework, reflecting high‑quality teaching and student support. Its research portfolio is also highly regarded: in the most recent Research Excellence Framework, a significant proportion of research was rated world‑leading or internationally excellent, particularly in areas like design, allied health professions and general engineering. The campus is set in an urban seaside environment offering a balance of academic rigour, practical application and cultural life, with extensive career services, industry partnerships and work placement opportunities embedded into many courses to support graduate outcomes.

Key information

  • Location: Portsmouth, UK
  • Ranking #42
  • QS #601
  • THE #401
  • National ranking #55
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Business & Law
  • Creative and Cultural Industries
  • Science and Health
  • Technology
  • Humanities and Social Sciences

Programs (29)

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • International Relations
  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Environmental Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Education
  • Fine Arts
  • Music

Student body

  • Total students: 31,000
  • Undergraduate: 24,000
  • Graduate: 7,000
  • International students: 18%

Campus life

Campus life at the University of Portsmouth blends academic engagement with seaside living in a welcoming urban setting. With more than 150 clubs and societies spanning academic, cultural and sporting interests, students have multiple avenues for community involvement, leadership and social interaction. The Guild of Students organises events, festivals, charity projects and networking opportunities throughout the year. Portsmouth’s location on the coast offers easy access to beaches, promenades and coastal parks, providing a unique balance of study and leisure. Career fairs, professional workshops and practical placement opportunities further enrich the student experience, helping learners build confidence, professional connections and employability skills while enjoying the vibrant local culture.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: £750 - £1,050 / per month

Housing options

  • On‑campus halls
  • Shared flats
  • Private student housing

Student clubs and organizations

  • Academic societies
  • Sports clubs
  • Creative & Culture societies
  • Volunteering groups

Sports

  • Football
  • Rugby
  • Basketball
  • Athletics

Career & internships

Employment rate: 93%

Partner companies

  • Deloitte
  • PwC
  • NHS
  • Rolls‑Royce
  • BAE Systems
  • IBM
  • Google

Internships: The University of Portsmouth emphasises employability by integrating practical placements, internships and career support into many programmes. The Careers and Employability Service offers personalised guidance, networking events, workshops and recruitment fairs to connect students with employers locally and internationally. Many degrees include placement year options, allowing students to gain hands‑on experience with industry partners, build professional networks and enhance their CVs before graduation. University partnerships with businesses across sectors — from maritime and technology to health and creative industries — expand opportunities for meaningful work experience and future employment success.

Admission requirements

Required documents

  • High School Diploma
  • Academic Transcripts
  • English Proficiency Test (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • Personal Statement
  • Reference Letters

Minimum GPA: 3

Tuition costs

  • £18,000 - £21,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 79.00%
  • Scholarships available: The University of Portsmouth offers a range of scholarships and awards aimed at supporting international students, including global development awards, Vice‑Chancellor’s scholarships for academic merit and subject‑specific funding. These scholarships can provide reductions in tuition costs and, in some cases, targeted support depending on achievements and programme of study. Detailed criteria, amounts and application procedures are published annually on the official university funding pages.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1870
  • Teaching languages: English, english
  • Study formats: offline

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