University of Portsmouth | International

We want you to get a great degree and get the most out of your time while doing it. We have an excellent reputation for quality teaching and sustained, high levels of student satisfaction. Our commitment to preparing you for your future career is evident in every course, dedicated careers and recruitment services and a strong graduate employment track record. More than this, you have access to fantastic facilities in a vibrant city campus on the beautiful South Coast - only 90 minutes from central London.

We aim to make all our new students feel at home at the University of Portsmouth. In the weeks leading up to your arrival, we’ll send you the information you need for a smooth start including an induction pack and online support.

The first two weeks of term are for new undergraduate students to find their way around the city and campus and meet others during Freshers’ Week before continuing students return.

You’ll be able to explore over 150 student-led societies and clubs, try out for a sports team, join the uni gym and discover our personal and academic support services. You’ll also have the chance to sign up for free language or music classes.

International Orientation Week

A few days before Freshers’ Week begins, our International Office welcomes overseas students during Orientation Week – an opportunity to go on guided tours of the University and the city, get help with registration, meet other students, and discover the support services we offer.

The Students' Union

The Students’ Union is an independent charity that exists to advance your education at the University of Portsmouth through a range of services and activities. The Union promotes your rights and looks after your well-being throughout your university years. It’s run for students by students.

The Union has held the Green Impact Student Union’s Gold standard award since 2012 and is one of the top five performing ‘Small Commercial Unions’ in the UK.

At the Students’ Union you can:

Take advantage of opportunities to get involved in clubs and societies or as a Sabbatical Officer
Receive advice on academic issues and welfare
Meet other students at events and societies
Access great discounts and tickets to events in the city
Have your say on your student experience

The Campus

As a city campus, all our teaching and most of our residences are in the centre of Portsmouth, so the University and city’s facilities are right on your doorstep. The campus is made up of over 50 buildings, interspersed with green spaces and communal areas such as cafés and coffee shops.

The University has invested in excess of £100 million into buildings and resources over the last 10 years, both to give students the facilities they’ll need to prepare for the working world, and to assist researchers in pursuing groundbreaking studies in their field.

The Library

Open 24/7 during term time, the library is able to offer you:

over 380,000 books, 600,000 e-books and 41,000 journals, with extensive off-campus access to e-resources
access to various DVDs, maps, online newspapers and microfilms
a wealth of PCs, laptops and Apple Macs available for student use, with free wifi throughout
an online catalogue
a service that lets you borrow books from other libraries
bookable group study rooms
courses to help you with your study and research skills
a café for when you need to take a break

On every floor, you'll find friendly, supportive and experienced staff to handle any questions you may have. They can help you both in person and by email.

Our specialist Faculty Librarians work closely with lecturers to make sure you have the resources you need for your coursework.

The City

Everything’s close by in Portsmouth. One minute you could be standing on the deck of an historic ship, the next you could be walking down a bustling shopping street, browsing in a gallery or sitting on the beach. The city’s flat – perfect for cycling - and everything’s close by so it’s easy to get around. By night, Portsmouth comes alive with gigs, bars, restaurants, clubs and shows.

The main part of the city is built on the natural island of Portsea. The resort area of Southsea occupies its southern part and, although it’s part of Portsmouth, is recognised as distinct from the rest of the city. Many of our students live in Southsea and contribute to its friendly, cosmopolitan and quirky character.

Facts & Figures

We are one of only four universities in the south east to receive the highest 'Gold' rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a Government scheme that recognises excellent teaching in UK universities.
We are the 37th best University in the UK, according to the Guardian University Guide 2018.
Outranking the sector average for the 11th year in a row, we achieved an 88% satisfaction rate in the National Student Survey 2017. 19 of our courses achieved 100% satisfaction.
We are one of the world's top 100 new universities in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2017.
Our performance indicators show that 96.5% of our graduates are working or in further study within six months of graduation.
The percentage of our graduates in professional/managerial level roles has increased by 3% to 75%, which means Portsmouth is above the sector average in the UK.
Portsmouth graduates earn more than the sector average. Six months after completing an undergraduate course, a Portsmouth graduate’s average salary is £23,500.
We have a population of more than 25,000 students and 2,500 full-time equivalent staff.
We have more than 5,000 international and EU students from almost 150 different countries.
45% of our students are female and 55% are male.
We provide £5.9 million a year in bursaries and hardship funds for our students.
89% of our research in Physics and 90% of our research in Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in REF2014.
We have invested around£150 million in our buildings and resources over the last 10 years.