People watching a film in a cinema all wearing 3D glasses

Film Studies BA (Hons)

Explore film and its vast influences on societies, culture, and time on our Film Studies degree course. Refine your critical eye and cultivate all-round media and academic skills for any career.

University of Portsmouth Connected Degree - 3 year course with 4th year placement

Key information

UCAS code:

PP32

Typical offer:

112-120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent

See full entry requirements
Study mode and duration
Start date

Showing content for section Overview

Overview

Take your interest in film and turn it into a promising career or pathway to further study with our Film Studies degree course. 

You'll examine film and its related institutions from a contemporary perspective, focusing on the theories and concepts that define them. Guided by an internationally recognised team of researchers and academics, you’ll explore film's interrelationships with society, culture, identity, history, and the future, in areas ranging from fandom and popular culture to gender and global cinema. Our range of optional modules, industry talks and experiences, and local community and outreach connections in the curriculum will offer you a tailored degree experience to enhance your learning and enjoyment.

You’ll graduate from our course with a critical and global understanding of film. You'll also develop adaptable media skills in research, industry knowledge and communication, which will help you fashion your career in film or whatever field you choose.

Course highlights

  • Take part in the annual Portsmouth Comic Con for the latest developments in film, popular culture, fan communities, and technology – course lecturers and students are panellists and run film screenings
  • Screen your final-year film project at Portsmouth's established independent No. 6 Cinema and gain industry contacts
  • Gain real world experience in film curatorship and film programming, and organise your own screenings with local cinemas and film festivals
  • Learn from widely published media experts and active researchers to add depth to your studies
  • Be part of our extensive media culture at Portsmouth: you can write for student publications, collaborate with students on our Film Production and Television Production courses, and participate in our student-led TV channel CCI TV
  • Become an Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) to enhance your technical and production skills

Top 30

for student satisfaction

(Times Higher Education, 2024)

Contact information

Admissions

+44 (0) 23 9284 5566

Contact Admissions

Clearing is open

This course is available through Clearing.

How to apply for accommodation

We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.

Find out more

Clearing FAQs

To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.

The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.

You can apply through Clearing if:

  • You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
  • Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university 
  • You don't hold any offers
  • You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
  • You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024 

Find out more on UCAS

After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio. 

If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice. 

If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk

Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk

See our accommodation page for more information. 

No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.

If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.

Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide

If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.

See more on visa advice.

If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.

Entry requirements

BA (Hons) Film Studies

Typical offers

  • A levels - BBB-BBC
  • UCAS points - 112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent. (calculate your UCAS points)
  • T-levels - Merit
  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
  • International Baccalaureate - 25

You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications.

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

We look at more than just your grades

While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.

Explore more about how we make your offer

Facilities

B Roll Day 3

Video Editing Suite

Our suite includes non-linear editing software Avid Media Composer and DaVinci Resolve, and specialist hardware for efficient film editing.

17/05/2021.B-Roll - day 3 ..All Rights Reserved - Helen Yates- T: +44 (0)7790805960.Local copyright law applies to all print & online usage. Fees charged will comply with standard space rates and usage for that country, region or state.

Faculty Loan Store

Borrow any photo or video equipment you need for your next creative project via the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries' Loan Store.

Careers and opportunities

Along with theoretical and practical knowledge of film, you'll also graduate with a more nuanced understanding of the world. You'll develop methods for deconstructing its sociocultural ethics, means of representation, and constructs, and scrutinise environments more deeply. These analytical skills are crucial in many sectors within and outside media and film.

Many of our graduates begin their careers in communication, such as public relations and advertising. Some continue to postgraduate studies and research in multimedia, while others take teacher training to begin careers in higher and further education. 

With such a flexible degree as our Film Studies course, you'll be able to explore many other possibilities.

Graduate roles

Roles our graduates have gone onto include:

  • Content Creator
  • Marketing Manager
  • Theatrical Marketing Department Executive
  • Lecturer
  • Writer and researcher
  • Videographer

Graduate destinations

Our graduates have worked at places such as:

  • Pathé
  • CIC Film Crew 4u
  • Arrow Films
  • Studio Canal
  • Chichester College
two chefs preparing a dish

Graduate success

James Cummings

Alumnus James co-wrote 'Boiling Point': an award-nominated indie film that's since been released nationwide. Learn how it was made, as well as how James feels about his growing recognition.

Read our article

Ongoing careers support

Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.

Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.

Placement year (optional)

After your second or third year, you can complete an optional work placement to gain professional experience and enhance your skills. It's also a great incentive for employers once you graduate.

You can work for a company, organisation or agency, or you can go self-employed and start your own business with fellow students or by yourself.

Whatever you decide – or even if you just want some employability advice – our exclusive Creative Careers team can support you every step of the way.

Creative Careers

Our in-faculty Creative Careers team has extensive recruitment experience and knows the creative sector well, making it easier for students to find placements within the creative industries.

They can guide you through every step of the application process, including:

  • Searching for the ideal job through their database of vacancies
  • Giving tips on how to write an interesting CV that will catch employers' attention, no matter the role
  • Organising mock interviews, so you can hone your technique and familiarise yourself with the recruitment environment
  • Writing your startup business proposal – if you're going down the self-employment route

The team will continue to give you support throughout your placement year.

film clapperboard

What you can do on a placement year

If you're thinking of doing a placement but not sure what role to take or where to go, we can steer you in a direction that fits your aspirations.

Check out our Creative Careers team's blog to find out where fellow film, media and communication students have interned during their studies.

Read our blog post

 

Placement experiences

Our students have worked in a variety of capacities, areas, and countries for their placement years, developing their soft skills and film and media knowledge in professional environments. These include:

  • Events organiser and coordinator for film festivals in France
  • Working with independent filmmakers in Czechia
  • Working in a social media and market research team at Mercedes Benz
  • Working in a communications team at Vivid Homes
  • Working in a production team at Global Fire Creative

Modules

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.

What you'll study

In the first year, we introduce key analytical strategies to understanding film and introduce the core areas of film theory. We’ll introduce you to a wide range of films and cinematic culture, and offer you a grounding in film production skills and the academic study skills needed for your degree. You’ll be supported by an assigned personal tutor, in a small tutor group.

Core modules

Examine concepts such as transnationalism, globalisation and resistance in meida. You'll discuss the changes of national identity and national media industries throughout the 20th and 21st centuries with a focus on key social, political and cultural events.

This module is designed to sharpen your analytical skills, enabling you to effectively interpret and critique various elements of narrative screen media such as mise-en-scène, editing, performance, and sound/music.

You will engage in seminars and screening workshops that introduce you to a broad spectrum of conceptual frameworks, shaping the academic analysis of screen media. The topics you explore will be diverse, ranging from authorship, genre, adaptation, to realism and representation. The module also brings interdisciplinary perspectives from literary theory, psychoanalysis, cognitive psychology, and philosophy to enrich your understanding of film and media analysis.

By the end of this module, you'll not only be proficient in analysing screen media but also in articulating your insights and arguments in line with contemporary academic discourse.

You’ll become skilled in finding information, writing academically, referencing, and presenting, all focused on the movie industry. Through group work and real-life examples, you'll use advanced research methods to analyse film production, filmmakers, studios, audiences, and historical influences.

This module will upskill you in finding, understanding, and sharing ideas from different sources.

This experience lays a solid groundwork in research techniques and gives you skills you can use in any study related to film and TV.

In this module, you’ll study the history of American cinema leading up to WWII. You’ll analyse how studios, censorship, and marketing influenced the creation of the Hollywood style. Comparing classic and modern examples, you’ll see how today’s blockbusters continue narrative and exhibition traditions born decades ago. 

Through lectures, readings, and screenings, you’ll develop skills analysing films in context, identifying formal conventions and reflecting critically on the artistic legacy of spectacular Hollywood.

You will learn the fundamental concepts and skills required for using a camera, editing, sound, and storytelling.

Collaborating with others on creative projects will help you develop teamwork skills. You will learn to create compelling scenes and stories while considering how to put them together.

Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to reflect on what you have learned and how it can be applied to your future work. Additionally, you will learn how to work safely and effectively on a film set.

By the end of the module, you will have gained valuable knowledge about the filmmaking process and acquired skills that can be useful for future studies or a career in the industry.

The course will cover traditional storytelling techniques through different writing projects. As you progress, you will learn how to create proposals and scripts that meet the industry standards. This will enable you to become a better storyteller.

Additionally, you will learn how to deliver your ideas in an impressive and captivating manner. This will help you manage your time more effectively. By exploring the creative methods used in major films and TV shows, you will gain a profound understanding of the storytelling process.

Upon completing this module, you will be well-equipped to begin your career as a writer in the film and TV industry.

In your second year, you’ll start focusing on your own interests and specialisms through an optional production strand and a variety of modules on film and media culture. You’ll be offered many experiences — including industry talks — to help support your career development and prepare for an optional year-long placement after your second or third year.

Core modules

Discussing film festivals' cultural contribution, you'll develop your critical eye. Learning the practices of curating film events will empower you to plan screenings and programmes.

You'll reflect on questions of power, ethics and representation in your own curatorial process, and gain professional growth.

Analyse the artistic, political, and economic aspects of films in postcolonialism and global cinema. Critically examine different themes and the methods filmmakers use. Understanding the evolution of film production, you’ll learn about the impact of technology on movies both locally and internationally. By looking at how films are distributed and marketed, you’ll learn about the impact of global politics on how films are received.

You’ll come to understand international films deeply, developing cultural knowledge.

This understanding will enhance your analytical abilities, which are useful for jobs in film programming, curating, and reviewing.

Optional modules

Through a study exchange overseas, you will manage tasks and projects relevant to your course, working independently or collaboratively as part of a team.

The experience enables you to showcase your talents on a global stage while reflecting on your personal growth. With enhanced employability prospects, you return home with a new perspective to inform your practice.

This module covers important themes, film studios, producers, and laws that have shaped the film culture in the UK.

By examining how movies depict race, gender, and class, you'll gain valuable insights into how the film industry operates, including the process of movie-making and the way films are received.

Using primary sources, you'll gain a solid understanding of the history of the British film industry and engage in discussions about the concept of British identity.

This module is an excellent opportunity to appreciate a crucial aspect of British culture.

You'll grasp the history of broadcasting and the current institutional landscape in the UK and globally.

Analysing pressing issues for production, you'll develop your critical thinking. And understanding the legal, ethical and regulatory environment shaping production and broadcasting will inform your own practice.

Using a rich skillset, you'll produce an actual radio or podcast project.

You will have access to advanced cameras and editing software to create your own projects, collaborate with your peers and review each other's work.

Furthermore, you will learn about industry safety procedures, the relationship between ideas and techniques, and explore your creativity by participating in this filmmaking experience.

Through a study exchange overseas, you will manage tasks and projects relevant to your course, working independently or collaboratively as part of a team.

The experience enables you to showcase your talents on a global stage while reflecting on your personal growth. With enhanced employability prospects, you return home with a new perspective to inform your practice.

Engage with theories and research suited to the subject. Analyse seminal comic book texts, considering the interplay of production elements and audience reception.

This module provides an opportunity to put media theory into practice as you develop and shoot your own narrative project.

You will learn how to manage your time effectively, progress from concept to final edit, and analyse your creative decisions and cinematic storytelling.

This experience is invaluable for anyone looking to plan and produce a film from start to finish.

You’ll look at how some media stories use more than one platform, like books, films, games, and more. Discover how transmedia has changed over time and how to make your own stories more immersive and interactive. You’ll work with others to create and present your own transmedia project.

This module will help you become a skilled transmedia storyteller, ready for the industry. You’ll also improve your teamwork and research skills by collaborating with others. Most of all, your creativity will bloom as you immerse yourself in the future of interactive storytelling.

Join a team of creative students and do a project together. Try new things and see how they can help you.

You’ll also grasp how to use your skills with others. Sometimes you’ll be a leader, sometimes a helper. Talk about your ideas and learn from them. You’ll make something to show what you learned and share it with others.

This module helps you gain new skills and understand other fields. You’ll be a smart and creative person, ready to solve real-world problems.

In this module, you’ll study how film has evolved and look at today’s challenges. These will help you think about creativity from a justice-focused perspective.

This broad approach will give you a clearer view of the ethical guidelines that professionals follow in different fields.

With greater critical understanding and ethical duties, you’ll be equipped to make wise career choices, leading with empathy.

You’ll choose learning tasks that add up to 60 hours, like internships, volunteering, research, or remote study that match your career plans. Workshops will help you make meaningful goals and think about what you’ve accomplished. Through this, you’ll grow the knowledge, skills, and qualities you need to thrive in the workplace.

By looking at your growth through active participation and reading, you’ll become a perceptive, eager job-seeker who stands out.

As a team, you will embark on a journey of entrepreneurship, starting with ideation and ending with the launch of your product or service. You will analyse complex factors influencing a successful launch, conduct thorough research to assess feasibility and gain valuable insights into marketing, manufacturing, and sales strategies.

Working together on pitch presentations, you will discover your strengths as an entrepreneur or team member. This module provides transferable skills essential to thrive in creative industries, whether you plan to launch your own company or seek employment with top organisations. You will develop the mindset and abilities to spot opportunities and act on them, which will benefit your career.

In your final year your interests will guide your final year project (written or video production) and optional modules, informed by your lecturers' research specialisms.

Optional modules

With guidance from specialists, you’ll deeply explore your chosen topic. You’ll show how carefully and ethically you can analyse information, using your sources to come up with fresh insights. This module lets you really get into a topic you love, honing your abilities to manage research, write academically, and learn on your own.

Above all, it gives you the chance to create a significant piece of work that showcases your commitment and talent.

Work in groups to plan and use resources well while refining your technical skills. You’ll take on specific roles, such as directing, cinematography, or editing. Use your production knowledge to operate equipment safely to industry standards. The project you finish will show how well you can apply theory to practice. 

This real-world experience will be a standout addition to your portfolio and prepare you for a successful career in film and media. You’ll be better prepared for jobs in commercial production.

You’ll look at acclaimed films and TV shows from different angles related to identity, politics, and culture. Explore questions like why the male gaze, LGBTQ+ representation, feminism, and diversity matter in the industry. You’ll get help from expert lecturers to improve your skills in thinking critically, making good arguments, and linking what you watch to the bigger picture.

By the end, you’ll be able to talk about representation in media with examples and ideas you’ve learnt. This module will help you become a more aware and engaged viewer of film and TV.

You'll explore the promotional tactics behind Hollywood blockbusters, foreign cinema and indie releases.

Learning about distribution deals and licensing, you'll see how posters, trailers and social media hook viewers.

Analysing box office data, you'll understand movie programming and performance, and with research skills, you'll evaluate real marketing campaigns.

This module reveals the commercial power of the movie industry.

You'll identify transferable skills for roles from production to post-production.

Learning from professionals, you'll analyse practices, build networks, and understand different pathways into the industry.

Creating materials to showcase your abilities, you'll address development needs.

Staying up-to-date with emerging tech, you'll be ready to bring fresh ideas to studios.

This module helps you focus your talents and experiences toward your dream job.

You’ll study different animation styles and visual codes and learn how to analyse them. You’ll understand the animation industry, its authors, and national traditions. These will help you see how to use solid facts to support your opinions in academic writing. By looking closely at the art form and its broader themes, you’ll create an in-depth portfolio that shows your critical views.

Finish this module with the skills you need to analyse animations on your own.

Using a range of case studies from media formats such as literature, film, TV, visual culture, comics, and videogames, you'll research your own media case studies and contextualise them.

Explore popular texts that have sparked dedicated fan bases. You’ll learn theories to grasp why audiences get so engaged. Study the roots of subcultures united by favourite movies, TV shows, and merchandise. Look at research on how fans interact, create communities, and set themselves apart. You’ll also get hands-on experience by joining fan groups online to study and support ideas about our strong connections with media.

With a mix of critical analysis, real-world examples, and practical research, you’ll uncover the social dynamics of fandom.

This module will deepen your understanding of why people become fans and how these communities operate, enriching your knowledge through both study and direct experience.

Use theory and history to see how literature, film, TV, new media, and journalism present technology, scientists, and science’s place in our world. You’ll learn to tell real science from fiction by evaluating their cultural settings. This will help you see how media shapes our understanding of science.

By looking at many examples and carefully thinking about them, you’ll discover how important it is to communicate science creatively.

You'll create professional materials like a CV, cover letters, and online portfolio to showcase your skills to employers. With 40 hours of work in the film and TV industry, you’ll get important experience and meet people who can help you in your career.

This module is a great chance to create your own personal brand. You’ll analyse what film studios and production companies are looking for, so you can customise your skills and stand out from the crowd.

By the end, you’ll have a collection of work and materials that fit your goals in the film and screen world. Use your creativity to take control of where your career is headed.

You'll examine how comedy interacts with culture, society and industry, comparing scholarly perspectives and blending primary and secondary research, to articulate your ideas in writing.

Preparing you to apply insights to your own work, this module offers invaluable tools to think deeply about the art of comedy.

After your second or third year, you can do a paid or self-employed work placement, or, between your second and third years you can study abroad. You'll get a taste of another culture or apply your knowledge and skills to professional practice — both of which will enrich your overall studying experience and CV.

During this module, you'll spend 6 months working on your own business venture, then 3 months gaining industry experience. This opportunity allows you to apply what you've learned in a practical setting while exploring different career options. You'll also have the chance to develop professional relationships and expand your network.

Assess your personal strengths and weaknesses to set goals for the future. Throughout the module, you'll demonstrate increasing independence while still valuing the support of others. Gain a broader understanding of the world through real-world experiences and insights. Additionally, you'll earn valuable credits for your CV and enhance your skill set.

By the end of this module, you'll graduate with the practical experience that employers are seeking.

This experience lets you learn firsthand how to set up and run a small business. You’ll absorb professional practices and business situations that matter to your entrepreneurial goals. Make important connections while working independently within set rules. Think deeply about your strengths, weaknesses, criteria for success, and future plans.

This opportunity is useful for your career. It lets you use what you’ve learnt in your degree in the real world and helps you understand your capabilities.

After finishing this placement and the related assessments, you’ll get more credits for your sandwich degree. This practical experience is a valuable step in developing an entrepreneurial way of thinking.

You’ll spend 24–48 weeks at a chosen company, learning from professionals and helping out with actual projects. Gain confidence, knowledge, and skills by taking on more responsibility with gradually less help. As you progress, you’ll make professional connections and think about how you’re doing. Take in what you learn about how industries and businesses work.

This placement is an ideal chance to grow in your career. By using what you’ve learnt in a workplace, you’ll understand more about your own strengths, what you need to work on, and your plans after you graduate.

After this placement and the related assessments, you’ll get extra credits for your sandwich degree. This practical experience is a valuable part of your education.

Undertake specialised assignments to demonstrate your abilities. Reflect on how global creative culture has expanded your perspective. Identify new transferable skills to empower your continued educational and professional journey.

Examining international contexts, you'll critically assess activities relevant to your field, gaining fresh insights into communication theory and practice worldwide.

In an overseas environment, you'll complete assignments independently, sharpening skills transferable to future studies and careers. Upon returning, thoughtful reflection will reveal your personal growth, as you process new worldviews and cross-cultural competencies.

Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

How you’re assessed

You’ll be assessed through:

  • essays
  • presentations
  • video productions
  • film scripts
  • reports
  • a research portfolio
  • dissertation or video project

You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

Teaching

Teaching methods on this course include:

  • workshops
  • seminars
  • lectures
  • one-to-one tutorials
  • filming/editing workshops
  • film screenings

How you'll spend your time

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies.  As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.

Term dates

The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See term dates

Supporting you

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Types of support

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.

You'll have regular contact with your personal tutor in learning activities or scheduled meetings. You can also make an appointment with them if you need extra support.

In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you’ll also have access to a Faculty student support advisor. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing and refer you to specialist support services.

You'll have help from a team of faculty academic skills tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.

They can help with:

  • improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
  • delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
  • understanding and using assignment feedback
  • managing your time and workload
  • revision and exam techniques

If you need support with software and equipment or you want to learn additional skills (including skills not covered on your course), our creative skills tutors provide free workshops, activities and one-on-one tutorials. Skills you can learn include life drawing, film camera operation and video production.

Computing support staff are always available to give technical support in the Faculty's computer suites during normal working hours. There's also some support available from 5.00pm to midnight at busy times of the year.

During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.

Support is available for skills including:

  • University study
  • Getting into the right study mindset
  • Note-taking and note-making skills
  • Referencing
  • Presentation skills
  • Time management, planning, and goal setting
  • Critical thinking
  • Avoiding plagiarism

If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.

Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.

You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.

If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.

They'll help you to

  • discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
  • liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
  • access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
  • liaise with external services

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.

If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.

Course costs and funding

Tuition fees

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £9,535 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £17,200 a year (subject to annual increase)

You won't pay any extra tuition fees to another university for taking part in a study/work abroad activity if you choose to do it for the whole academic year. During a year abroad you'll only have to pay a reduced fee to the University of Portsmouth.

Funding your studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Additional course costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

Costs breakdown

Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.

You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.

You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.

We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.

 

If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.

During your placement year or study abroad year, you’ll be eligible for a discounted rate on your tuition fees. Currently, tuition fees for that year are:

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,385 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £1,385 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £2,875  a year (subject to annual increase)

The costs associated with your specific destination will be discussed during your second year, as well as possible sources of additional funding.

You may need to buy items such as DVDs and MiniDV tapes to use on practical units, which cost approximately £20–£30.

You’ll need to cover the material costs for individual project work, which usually costs £50–£100.

Apply

Ready to apply?

To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

  • the UCAS course code – PP32
  • our institution code – P80

 Apply now through UCAS

 

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

  • Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
  • Speak with lecturers and chat with our students 
  • Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

Applying from outside the UK

As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things. 

You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.

Find out what additional information you need in our international students section

If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.