See what our students say
Creating a culture that puts students first
Engaging every student in a life-changing experience is at the heart of our University strategy.
At Portsmouth, we actively listen to our students. Our Student Voice policy shows our commitment to honouring the student voice and responding to the feedback we receive around factors such as the quality of teaching, assessment and feedback, academic support, organisation and management, learning resources and personal development.
We collect student feedback through various channels, such as student experience surveys, course and module evaluation surveys, our Student Experience Committee and increasing student representation in collaboration with the Students' Union.
Our students rate us highly
A range of independent student surveys show Portsmouth is a uni where students feel satisfied with their experience. Whether they’re arriving from the UK or the wider world, or venturing out into the world of employment, our students consistently rate us highly – as these recent rankings show.
Taking steps to maintain an excellent student experience
Below are just some of the ways we've developed the student experience for the better, based on feedback from current students and graduates.
Introducing student committees and forums
We introduced the Student Experience Committee, Student Voice Committees and Faculty Forums to improve our ability to listen and respond to the student voice, in response to feedback for a greater student voice in the way we operate.
Developing a network of student information hubs
We developed a network of eight MyPort Information Hubs across the University, where students can get guidance on any aspect of student life and be signposted to further support, in response to feedback to simplify student access to information and support.
Joining the Kale Yeah! Kitchens scheme
The Kale Yeah! Kitchens scheme encourages our caterers and cafes to make more sustainable menus by serving less but higher welfare meat, dairy and fish and offering more plant-based options, in response to a demand for more vegan food from students and staff.
Creating consolidation weeks
We created consolidation weeks that now take place mid-way through each teaching block, in response to student feedback for additional study time for fieldwork, work-based learning or to catch up on coursework. They also allow extra time for staff to schedule academic support workshops.
Creating more seating in the Library
We added 90 extra seats in the Library – 40 in the silent study area and 50 in the first floor study space – following feedback that the popular area for individual silent study can be quite busy. We also refurbished the Postgraduate Study Suite, adding more computers and new furniture.
What our students say
Why our graduates love the University of Portsmouth
Our graduates – including our Chancellor Karen Blackett and Paralympian Lauren Steadman – talk about why they're proud to be part of our community
Karen Blackett: I am incredibly proud to always be part of Portsmouth.
Ollie Marsh: I studied journalism at the University of Portsmouth and I now work at Portsmouth Football Club in the media team.
Lauren Steadman: I love Portsmouth – it's got so much character and I think you'd agree that it's cool.
Karen Blackett: It's part of my soul, it's part of who I am today, it's made me who I am today. To be able to go back and keep giving back is great.
Opeyemi Otunuga describes her experience at Portsmouth.
BSc (Econ) (Hons) Economics student Opeyemi Otunuga talking about the University's Bloomberg suite, placement opportunities and student support.
I chose Portsmouth because I was very impressed with the facilities that they had, including the Bloomberg Suite. It was one of the things that fascinated me to study Economics here.
Last year I got to do a work placement and that was through the help of the placement office at Portsmouth. I really enjoyed my placement year and I would like to go back and pursue a career as a civil servant in the Government’s economic service.
Portsmouth is an incredibly friendly and welcoming environment, and we’ve got a lot of supportive lectures and everybody’s always willing to help you. So I would definitely encourage coming to Portsmouth for a good degree.
"You are never alone with services like Wellbeing, the Student Finance Centre, and Careers and Employability... everyone is really friendly, helpful and impartial and have a vested interest in your wellbeing.
I owe a lot to the Wellbeing Service who helped me to become more resilient and ready to tackle the academic year."
My experience at the University of Portsmouth has truly been invaluable. The best thing I have encountered whilst studying BSc Physical Geography has definitely been the relationships I have developed with my lecturers. The quality of teaching has been incredible and genuinely enjoyable!
"I gained an impressive level of satisfaction from doing my MSc at Portsmouth and chose to stay for my PhD thanks to the academic and professional departments that were always there to help support me when I needed them during my MSc and the PhD admission period. My current supervisors were my MSc lecturers and role models that I continue to look up to."
My course provided a range of modules that allowed me to tailor my degree to the things I was passionate about for a potential career. All of the staff are incredibly passionate about their field which is so encouraging.
"Throughout my time at the University of Portsmouth, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my studies. I’ve met some great friends and the University staff have helped me achieve everything I wanted to in my final collection."
Keep exploring
Student stories
Studying with us is a great decision, but don't just take our word for it – read stories from our graduates about why they chose Portsmouth and how studying with us changed their lives.
Our rankings
QS World University Rankings give us 5 stars for teaching, employability, internationalisation, facilities, arts and culture, and inclusiveness. See what else we've achieved.
Courses
Find an undergraduate or postgraduate degree course that suits you at Portsmouth.
