Making waves for over a century
Since we first opened our doors, almost everything has changed, with one exception – we're still as ambitious as ever.
Find out more about our major achievements, the positive impacts we're making at home and around the world, and the facts and figures behind who we are.
Outstanding teaching
Our teaching gives you everything you need to succeed on your course and thrive in your career, wherever it takes you.
Research Excellence Framework results 2021
We are ranked third of all modern post-92 universities in the UK for research power in REF 2021. Take a closer look at our work in sixteen Research Excellence Framework Units of Assessment.
Our impact
As well as teaching the next generation of graduates, we use our facilities and expertise to make a positive impact in our local community and around the world.
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.
At a glance facts and figures
Explore the facts and figures highlighting who we are and what we've achieved as an institution.
Landmark moments in our history
1908
The Park building opened as a Municipal college and public library. We focused on chemistry and engineering.
1911
Our Student Union got up and running. The opening was featured in the earliest edition of our Student Union newspaper, The Galleon.
1945
After World War II, we started teaching arts and humanities subjects to respond to a growing demand from students.
1969
We became Portsmouth Polytechnic.
1977
Three years of building work began on Frewen Library – on the site of what is now our University library.
1992
After a decade as one of the largest and best performing polytechnics in the UK, we out-grew our old name and received university status. The University of Portsmouth was born.
2005 to today
Across the last decade and a half, we've been investing in all areas of the University, improving our campus and our services along the way – check out a few of our highlights below.
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.