Portsmouth is alive with possibility
There’s nowhere quite like the UK’s only island city
Portsmouth is the university that sees you as you are: one-of-a-kind. When you join our friendly community, you won’t be expected to fit into a mould. Instead, we’re here to help you become even more you.
Our degrees are designed to give you the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to make your life anything you want it to be. Wherever you’re coming from, we’ll help you get to where you want to be.
City Guide
Why Portsmouth?
Portsmouth has fantastic local, independent businesses from art galleries, to bars, restaurants and delicatessens. Hear why local people and students chose and love Portsmouth. Explore more of what Portsmouth has to offer for your life outside study.
Cerys: When I first came to the open day for Portsmouth, I instantly fell in love with it.
Imogen: It's got such a really friendly atmosphere, even though it's a city it's quite a small city, so it feels really welcoming and homely.
Andy: I think Portsmouth is very forward-thinking.
Joanne: It's got a real independent spirit about it.
Antony: With the waterfront, the historic dockyard, a really good mix of nationalities.
Lee-Anne: Half my friends are from Nigeria, other half are from places like Czech Republic, and it's very interesting to meet new people.
Steve: There's lots of cultural events, there's art galleries, there's music venues.
Ben: There's a great restaurant scene and a great nightlife scene as well.
Claire: There's always new things popping up, new restaurants, new art shops, new things.
Gareth: Entertainment activities in terms of lots of bars and restaurants and loads of cool places to eat.
Anthony: And then there's so many shows you've got kite festivals.
Rikki: Food festivals.
Anthony: Big one that really helps the town is Victorious Festival and I think they're on their tenth year next year.
Connie: It is such a really lovely community.
Simon: And I think after you've been here a while, you feel part of the community.
Erin: The mood is just unrivalled. You've got the beach. There's also a nice sense of community.
Megan: The community feel just makes you feel like you're at home, away from home.
Rikki: I think it's got a really good mix of independent businesses.
Luke: There's so many local independent businesses.
Daniel: You can walk everywhere.
Samantha: When the sun is shining, there is nowhere better than Portsmouth.
Holly: You're only ever five/ten minute walk away from the seafront.
Antony: It's a very cosmopolitan city. It's got so much to offer.
Nehanda: Commercial Road, you have the city centre and the hub where it's all lively.
Nathan: Student nightlife is really, really good. Lots of nightclubs. Lots stuff to do.
Nehanda: But then as soon as you come to Southsea it's more like a lazy seaside town like you get to go to the beach.
Samantha: You just have to go down to the beach or the common on a sunny day and everyone's having picnics. It's just beautiful.
Holly: Or you can enjoy the pubs and the clubs or the theatre in the main city centre.
Gareth: I love that kind of vibrancy of the city.
Lee-Anne: The weather is milder than other parts of England, so if you're someone who doesn't really want it to be cold, always, it's perfect here. It will rain, but it's still perfect.
Antony: I think that it's the perfect place to come and study a degree.
Gareth: I love it. I would highly recommend it for anyone.
Eliska: It's a big enough city to not be afraid to express yourself, but it's also small enough to be heard.
6 reasons to choose Portsmouth
1. A great place to live
Portsmouth is a welcoming island city community with something for everyone – from sea views, beaches and Victorian piers, to lively nightlife and discount boutiques.
Within a 10 minute walk from campus you’ll find miles of beaches with 2 original Victorian piers, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, major music, theatre and comedy venues.
And Gunwharf Quays, where you’ll find designer outlets, cars, restaurants, a cinema and bowling alley. No wonder YouGov surveys in 2022 found Portsmouth to be one of the UK’s top 10 most popular cities.
2. Amazing student experience
From watersports to festivals, the UK’s only island city is an inspiring place to live and study. Social and learning events put on by the Union help students feel part of a community at the University. The Residence Life team runs a varied social events programme for all new students.
And when you want to take a break from it all, you can find safe, supportive spaces like the campus Chaplaincy (for people of all faiths and none) or simply stop and watch the waves as the sun sets on the Solent.
3. Getting around couldn’t be easier
There are 3 stations close to our campus and popular residential areas. We’re well connected to London and other major cities by train and coach.
Portsmouth is a bike friendly city – compact and mostly flat, so it’s easy and safe to cycle or simply walk around.
We have a free, dedicated University bus service for students and staff during term time. This loops around our bustling campus and popular areas where students live.
4. Excellent teaching
With lecturers who are active researchers or have industry experience, you’ll be inspired by people who are real experts. We aim to help you grow, so as a graduate you can achieve your goals and make a positive contribution to society. So we’ve created a modern, inclusive, personalised and highly supportive learning environment, with extensive digital resources and access to modern simulation facilities.
You’ll learn from lecturers who are experts in their field, with track records in industry or research. And your course curriculum will bring you close to the latest research and development in professional practice.
Why Portsmouth?
5. Gain practical experience
From facilities that simulate workplaces, to live projects with industry and opportunities for professional placements, you’ll learn practical skills that employers value. We aim to give you opportunities to practise skills in simulated professional environments. We have a Centre for Creative and Immersive XR, for exploring virtual, augmented and extended reality.
The Future Technology Centre, where students work with industry on advanced projects. Plus a Bloomberg Suite, Motion Capture Studio, Professional Interpreter Training Suite, Replica Courtroom, and simulated GP, pharmacy and hospital environments. We’re also home to Ravelin, one of the most sustainable sports centres in the UK.
6. We’re here for you
If you’re ever struggling with anything, be it your mental health or your studies, we are here to hear you and help you. You tell us what’s up - and we act. Our experts can offer you personally tailored help with everything from your health, through to money, housing or finding a part-time job.
At Portsmouth, you’ll develop valuable life skills – and it all starts from day 1, with help to transition to uni life.
