The University of Portsmouth

Portsmouth University is spread out across the University Quarter' in the centre of the city with a smaller, secondary campus located to the east of the city in Milton. The city itself is on Portsea Island on the south coast of England near the Isle of Wight.

 

Background and History

Portsmouth began life as the Portsmouth and Gosport School of Science and the Arts in 1869 and was concerned primarily with the education of engineers to work in the local shipbuilding and freight trades. As times moved on and the local economy diversified so did the institution, becoming Portsmouth Polytechnic in the 1960s and achieving the right to award its own degrees in 1992.

Location and Accessibility

By Rail: The main campus is located a short walk from Portsmouth and Southsea Rail, which offers connections throughout the country.

By Road: Access to the city centre is easiest either via the M27 or the A3(M), although parking is quite limited.

Most facilities are wheelchair friendly and accommodation is available designed for usage by people with disabilities.

What's on Offer

BA, MA, BSc, MSc, MBA, Graduate Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, MRes, MPhil, PhD.

Entry Requirements

Course entry requirements vary with a number of qualifications accepted including Access Courses and Foundation years.  

University Accommodation

The University halls are mainly focused around the city centre with a few further out at the Langstone campus. There are catered and self-catering options available and the accommodation offers very good value considering the central location.

Private Accommodation

The university runs a database of private rented accommodation in Portsmouth and the Southsea area which should help you find somewhere to move in your second year. Rents in the area are variable but generally good value; expect to pay more if you want to be on the seafront.

Academic Departments

The University of Portsmouth is divided into five different faculties and schools: the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Science and Portsmouth Business School.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

Sports Science teaching has an excellent reputation and is considered one of the best in the country and has large research facilities for students wanting to carry on their work beyond undergraduate level. There is also a strong teaching focus on allied medical professions such as paramedics, radiography, pharmacy and biomedical science. In terms of research the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise found the Applied Mathematics, Allied Health Professions and the European Studies departments to be world class.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary depending on the course of study and whether you wish to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. Fees for international students are also likely to be considerably higher than those for UK/EU students. For further information on fees it is advisable to contact the university directly or visit their website.

Financial Support

Portsmouth is a member of the National Scholarship Scheme and has its own bursaries available, both of which are means tested. If you previously attended a local college then small annual bursaries of £300 are available and are not means tested. Sports Scholarships are also available but are highly competitive.

Academic Facilities

There have been a number of refurbishments and new building projects including art studios, a performance theatre and a mock courtroom. This is complemented by new teaching and research facilities for the Dental Academy, the School of Law and the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation. The sports science facilities are also excellent with laboratories, swimming flumes and climatic chambers.

Other on-site Amenities

Sport is big at Portsmouth and the facilities reflect that with plenty of outdoor pitches; many of them floodlit for evening matches. The University has agreements with the Navy Sailing Centre and the Southsea Rowing Club for students who want to get out on the water and there are also nearby golf courses and tennis courts which student groups make use of. The campus has the usual variety of cafes and eateries along with a lively Union bar.

 

Medical and Social Care

There is a medical centre on the campus which offers complete health services to students and has a number of extended opening hours so you can fit appointments in around you lectures. There has been a refurbishment of the campus nursery facilities, increasing flexibility for staff and students with children. The university also has a chaplaincy, counselling service and an active Islamic society.

What's on in the Area?

Bored at the weekend? Catch the ferry to France! There are not many universities that can say that. Okay, Plymouth can but we're really talking about a minority of establishments here. Local attractions include the Isle of Wight, home of Bestival, and the equally good Southsea Festival is a short walk from the campus. The student nightlife in Portsmouth is good and London is not too far away should you want a weekend in the big city. For those looking for the quiet life when they're taking a break from their studies there are plenty of opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, golf or just plain old walking by the beach.

Moving On

Employability after leaving Portsmouth is variable as some courses have fantastic reputations whereas others are just establishing themselves in their field; the School of Law and the Dental Academy are both new additions. A significant amount of courses are accredited by professional bodies and there are a number of opportunities to undertake placements to enhance your chances of getting a job after leaving.

The university enters a team into the Cowes Week Regatta on the Isle of Wight. Notable alumni include Simon Armitage and Ben Fogle and Turner prize winner Grayson Perry. There is no love lost between Pompey' and local football rivals Southampton - when a pre-season friendly was suggested between the clubs by Harry Redknapp the FA vetoed the idea due to concerns about fan violence.

Is Portsmouth right for you?

It is very strong in subjects allied to medicine, sports science and marine research. For an urban campus in the south of England rents are very cheap and the cost of living is relatively low. Why not also consider Loughborough if you are interested in Sports Science, and either Plymouth or Liverpool if you want to research the marine environment?