University of Portsmouth

Overview

Choosing to study in the UK is a major choice and the University of Portsmouth is one of the universities that has continued to draw international students due to their good academic programs and great student life.

Located on the south coast of England, the university blends modern teaching, career-focused learning, and a welcoming multicultural environment, everything a student needs when planning to study in the UK.

Founded as the Portsmouth and Gosport School of Science in 1869, it has transformed into a leading modern university offering high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the UK.

Highlights

Acceptance Rate: 79%

Total International Students: 5,700+ (from 150+ countries)

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1

Placement Percentage: 90%

University of Portsmouth Rankings

University of Portsmouth has consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK, in terms of teaching quality, student satisfaction and graduate performance.

Its rising academic reputation makes it a strong choice for students seeking both undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the UK.

Here are the updated University of Portsmouth rankings across various agencies:

Ranking Agency Rank
U.S. News & World Report
  • 558 in Best Global Universities
  • 207 in Best Global Universities in Europe
  • 43 in Best Global Universities in United Kingdom
QS World University
=635 in Top Global Universities
Times Higher Education (THE) World University
  • 401 – 500 in World University Ranking
  • 301 – 400 for Education Studies
  • 151 – 175 for Law
  • 401 – 500 for Medical & Health

University of Portsmouth Intakes

The first step in planning your academic journey is knowing the key University of Portsmouth intakes particularly undergraduate programs or moving to postgraduate programs at the University of Portsmouth.

Most undergraduate programs at the University of Portsmouth start in September, while postgraduate degrees often have both September and January options, making it easier for students to align their application, funding, and visa timelines.

  • Autumn Intake: The Autumn intake at University of Portsmouth is the primary and most popular intake for international students. It also comes with the highest availability of scholarships, events, and on-campus accommodations. Because demand is high, early submissions are strongly advised.
  • Spring Intake: The Spring intake at University of Portsmouth is ideal for students who need extra time for visa documents, financial planning, or academic preparation. Many postgraduate courses open during this intake, along with selected undergraduate pathways.
  • Summer Intake: The Summer Intake at University of Portsmouth is available for a smaller group of programs such as foundation pathways, pre-sessional English courses, and selected postgraduate options.

University of Portsmouth Courses

The University of Portsmouth provides career-driven courses across business, computing, engineering, law, science, creative industries, and health disciplines, making it a strong choice for both academic depth and employability.

Choosing the right degree, whether a Bachelor’s or a Master’s in UK, is easier when you understand the programs, structure, and tuition fees.

Some of the top courses at University of Portsmouth are as follows:

Program Duration Total Tuition Fees
MSc Accounting and Data Analytics
1 Year (30 Months Part-time)
£18,600
MSc Computer Network Administration and Management
1 Year
£19,200
MSc Civil Engineering
1 Year (2 Years Part-time)
£19,200
LLM Corporate Governance and Law
1 Year (30 Months Part-time)
£18,600
MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology
1 Year (2 Years Part-time)
£17,200
MA Creative Technologies
1 Year (2 Years Part-time)
£18,600
MSc Health Psychology
1 Year (2 Years Part-time)
£19,300

Cost of Studying at University of Portsmouth

Understanding the overall expenses is an important part of planning your studies, especially when comparing the cost of education in the UK across different cities and universities.

Portsmouth is known for being more affordable than major cities like London, making it a practical choice for international students looking to manage their budget without compromising on quality.

Below is a simple breakdown of estimated annual and monthly expenses to help you plan your financial structure before arriving in the UK.

Expense Type Estimated Cost
UG Tuition Fees
£18,000 – £20,200/year
PG Tuition Fees
£18,300 – £23,400/year
Accommodation
£5,400 – £10,800/year
Food
£150 – £250/month
Travel
£40 – £60/month
General Expenses
£100 – £200/month

University of Portsmouth Scholarships

Exploring scholarships at the University of Portsmouth for international students is an important step for anyone planning their academic journey in the UK.

Many students benefit from financial aid at the University of Portsmouth, which may include tuition discounts, regional scholarships, or faculty-specific support.

You’ll also find several University of Portsmouth merit-based scholarships that reward high-performing students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Some of the top scholarships at University of Portsmouth are as follows:

Scholarship Value Details
Chancellor’s Global Academic Merit Scholarship
£5,000
Awarded to international students pursuing degree at university
Vice Chancellor’s Global Development Scholarship
£2,500
Awarded to international students pursuing degree at university
Chevening Scholarship
Fully funded
UK government-funded PG scholarships

University of Portsmouth Admission

Understanding the admission requirements is an important step when planning your application, whether you’re aiming for a Bachelor’s in the UK or progressing to a Master’s.

For international students, the main focus is meeting the eligibility to study at the University of Portsmouth.

Since the university welcomes students from over 150 countries, English proficiency for the University of Portsmouth is a key requirement. Applicants must submit valid language test scores unless they qualify for an exemption based on previous education.

The admission requirements for University of Portsmouth are as follows:

Masters

Admission Requirements:

To get admission to Masters program, students must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent to a UK 2:1 or 2:2 honours degree.

English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:

  • TOEFL iBT – 91
  • IELTS – 6.5 – 7.0
  • PTE – 65
  • Cambridge C1 – 176

Additional Requirements:

You will also be needed to provide academic transcripts, reference, personal statement, CV, and English language proficiency scores.

 

Bachelors

Admission Requirements:

For admission to Bachelor’s program, students are required to have a high school diploma with a minimum of 75% or equivalent.

English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:

  • TOEFL iBT – 79
  • IELTS – 6.0
  • PTE – 62
  • Cambridge C1 – 169

Additional Requirements:

You will also be needed to provide academic transcripts, reference, personal statement, CV, and English language proficiency scores.

Accommodation at the University of Portsmouth

Finding the right place to live is an important part of shaping your overall experience, and housing at the University of Portsmouth is designed to support both comfort and convenience for international students.

A major advantage of studying here is the welcoming community environment. Student life at the University of Portsmouth is vibrant, diverse, and friendly, and your accommodation plays an important role in that.

  • On-Campus: The University of Portsmouth offers several dedicated halls of residence such as Bateson Hall, Harry Law Hall, Margaret Rule Hall, Greetham Street Studios, and Trafalgar Halls, all located within walking distance of the main Guildhall campus.
  • Off-Campus: Many students choose to live off-campus in areas closely linked to the university community, with Southsea being the most popular neighborhood. Southsea offers a vibrant student atmosphere with cafés, budget-friendly restaurants, local shops, and seafront activities.

University of Portsmouth Placements

Building a strong career foundation is a major priority for many international students, and the University of Portsmouth placement rate reflects its commitment to helping graduates secure meaningful roles across industries.

The career support at the University of Portsmouth is integrated into every stage of your academic journey. From one-to-one career coaching and CV development workshops to employer networking events and part-time work opportunities, students receive ongoing guidance tailored to their career goals.

A strong alumni network at the University of Portsmouth further enhances career prospects. Graduates working in global companies often return to mentor students, share industry insights, and open pathways to internships and full-time roles.

Some of the top recruiters at University of Portsmouth are:

  • IBM
  • BAE Systems
  • Deloitte
  • Amazon
  • NHS
  • Airbus
  • Portsmouth City Council
  • Barclays
  • QinetiQ
  • KPMG

Student Essential Services

The university life should be a smooth, enjoyable, and well-supported experience that goes beyond academics, and the variety of services provided at Portsmouth shows such an intent.

The university cares about the wellbeing of students, their academic development, and community inclusion, which means that all learners feel supported since they enter the UK.

A major highlight is the international student support at the University of Portsmouth, which offers guidance on UK student visa, documents, settling into the city, and adjusting to UK academic life.

  • Wellbeing & Mental Health Services: Professional counseling, mental health workshops, peer support groups, and wellbeing activities.
  • IT & Digital Services: Access to 24/7 computer suites, high-speed Wi-Fi across campus, software support, and digital learning platforms.
  • Students’ Union (UPSU): Clubs, societies, events, volunteering and leading programs that make campus life interesting.
  • Health & Safety Services: On site medical advice, emergency and protective services.

Location of University of Portsmouth

Frequently Asked Questions Section

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it typically take to receive an offer letter from the University of Portsmouth?

Students are given a decision within 2-4 weeks of presenting all the necessary documents. During peak times processing could be slower, but the university usually aims at quick assessments to enable international applicants to cope with visa schedules in a comfortable way.

Does the University of Portsmouth support students during their UK visa application process?

Yes, the International Student Advice team provides step-by-step guidance on the Student Visa process, including CAS issuance, funding requirements, document checks, and pre-departure help. They also offer online workshops to ensure students avoid common visa mistakes.

Are there good part-time job opportunities in Portsmouth for students?

Portsmouth offers a wide range of part-time opportunities in retail, hospitality, cafés, supermarkets, tutoring, and university roles. Many students work 10-20 hours per week during term time. Being a tourist-friendly city also increases the availability of flexible jobs.

How does the University of Portsmouth help new international students settle in?

The new students are assisted by airport pickup services (on certain dates), orientation program, campus tours, accommodation advice and special international welcome programs. Such programs simplify the process of entering the UK academic and social life.

Do students need to pay a deposit before receiving a CAS from University of Portsmouth?

Yes, international students are typically required to pay a tuition fee deposit before the university can issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). This deposit helps secure your admission and assists with your visa process.

How diverse is the student community at the University of Portsmouth?

The university has a multicultural atmosphere with students representing more than 150 countries. This international blend leads to cultural exchange, foreign societies, language groups and inclusive campuses.

Does the university offer support for students struggling academically at University of Portsmouth?

There is one-on-one academic coaching available to students, writing support, study skills workshops, the guidance of the librarian, math support at the Maths Café, and specialist support of students with disabilities or learning differences.

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