Economics BSc (Econ) (Hons)
Explore how economics affects everything in society, from people’s behaviour to government policy. Learn how to understand and present data and gain the skills to be an economist.
Key information
UCAS code:
L100
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
120-128 UCAS points from 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include Mathematics
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Economics is about more than maths. When you study economics you get a set of tools that allows you to understand how the world works. And when you understand how something works, you can change it.
Using real topical data from organisations such as HSBC, Barclays, the Bank of England and the UK Government's annual budget, you’ll learn how to analyse and interpret numerical data to understand social issues. These are skills that will help you not only as an economist, but in a variety of roles where data analysis drives decision making.
You'll learn all the core economic theory you need to be an economist using real, topical data from organisations such as HSBC, Barclays, the Bank of England and the UK Government's annual budget. You'll also learn a set of skills that you can use in roles beyond finance.
You'll learn:
- how to use data to communicate a variety of challenging financial, ethical and social issues
- how to present an argument
- how economics influences decision making in a wide range of scenarios, from people's behaviour, to environmental sustainability, to investments and government policy making
After your second or third year you can apply this knowledge on an optional paid placement. Previous students have worked at places like the Office for National Statistics, Amazon, or the Department for Energy and Climate Change.
Course highlights
- Benefit from expert teaching that's informed by our academics' close relationships with organisations such as the Bank of England and the Office for National Statistics
- Gain a Bloomberg Certificate (a trading platform that's used by 250,000 financial service professionals) in our dedicated Bloomberg Suite
- Be employment-ready by using the same software (EViews and STATA) and the same financial databases (Eikon and S&P Global IQ) as professional economists
- Understand how economics affects society through our specialist research expertise in behavioural economics and environmental resource economics
- See economics from a different angle by spending a year abroad at a partner university in the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe or the Far East
- Get support to set up your own business from our Entrepreneurs in Residence Programme
- Learn a foreign language as part of your degree
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
The University of Portsmouth has earned business accreditation from the AACSB in recognition of the outstanding quality of its business and management education. Less than six percent of the world's schools offering business degree programs hold AACSB business accreditation.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
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Entry requirements
BSc (Econ) (Hons) Economics degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels - ABB-BBB
- UCAS points - 120-128 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include Mathematics (calculate your UCAS points)
- International Baccalaureate - 29-30
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.
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.
Ideal skills and qualities for this course
We're looking for good literacy and numeracy skills. As well as teaching you how to use theories and tools to understand economic data, this course has a strong focus on evaluating, interpreting and communicating that data in ways people can understand.
Students who've got the most from this course are those who have an interest in analysing current economic, social, and financial issues and how they affect society.
Careers and opportunities
You can pursue a range of jobs with an economics degree including careers in management, consultancy, or economic analysis.
Recent events such as the Covid pandemic and the cost of living crisis have highlighted how important the skills of economists are in shaping the societies we live in. On this degree you’ll gain the understanding of behavioural economics and the economics of inequality, development and resourcing that you need to help both businesses and society recover.
Graduates of this course have gone on to jobs as:
- control analyst
- account manager
- investment manager
- business analyst
- banking consultant
- compliance analyst
- research specialist
Graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as:
- Ernst and Young
- Healthcare of America (HCA)
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise
- Halifax
- IBM
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Alexander McQueen
- Southern Coop
- Omnicom Group
Graduates of this course also go on to postgraduate study.
On average, both men and women with an economics degree earn more over their lifetime than people with any other degree except medicine.
UK Institute for Fiscal Studies
The impact of undergraduate degrees on lifetime earnings (2020)
University of Portsmouth gave me the skills and confidence to work in a fast-paced high-pressure project consulting environment, which has allowed me to be successful in what I do.
Opeyemi Otunuga - BSc (Econ) (Hons) Economics graduate
University of Portsmouth alumna Opeyemi Otunuga graduated from her economics degree in 2019. She is now an Economist at Ofgem and a mentor in our Women in Economics programme. Opeyemi reflects back on key things she learned at the Faculty of Business and Law and how it steered her towards a career in the government sector.
My name is Opeyemi Otunuga and I'm currently an economist at Ofgem.
When I was three years old, my mum and dad started me off on this Maths and English programme called Kumon.Kumon is essentially a programme that is enabled to develop your academic ability. Because of Kumon and doing maths and English every single day, this made me very advanced in school, and when I was 13 years old, I got the opportunity to sit my maths GCSE early and I got an A grade the first time around. In school, the head teacher calls me the queen of maths and when I go down there now he still refers to me as that so it's quite nice.
My love of economics started very early on, so I'd always enjoyed maths and I knew that growing up I'd always wanted to do something very analytical and very numerical, and also my older brother went on to do economics as well so I'm a bit of a copycat because he also did it, and he's doing great at the moment, and I saw him as a role model and I thought that, yeah, this is something that I could definitely pursue as well.
So when I first went to the University of Portsmouth, I wanted to go into finance. However, after listening in to a GS placement talk and then being successful as an economist in the government sector, I very quickly realised that a career in the government sector was for me, and that was an area that I wanted to go into, and that was purely based on the type of work I was doing, the impact I was having on the people around me and the impact on society as a whole as well.
The placement team at Portsmouth are just amazing. I mean, words can't describe how supportive and how helpful they are in terms of securing the role that you want.
They did more interview sessions. You could always just knock on their door and just receive any help or support to get placements.
For me, it was a real game changer in terms of where I am today. The experience that I gained from doing my placement year at the DWP really set the scene for my future career, and I wouldn't be where I am today without the University of Portsmouth.
What jobs can you get with an economics degree?
Explore some of the careers and industries you could enter with a degree in economics.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
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.
Hannah's story
Hannah graduated in 2011 with a degree in BSc (Econ) (Hons) Economics and is now an Advisor Manager at Verizon. Hannah shares her story and discusses how her degree opened up doors, helped her stand out from the crowd, and how she's applying the skills she learned during her time at Portsmouth.
Hannah: Studying economics doesn't necessarily mean that you'll end up in banking and finance.
Economics also gives you an opportunity to go into many other job functions.
So I've done sales roles, I've done technology roles, and there's also many other roles that you could get into after doing economics.
Today I am an advisor manager at Verizon. I really enjoyed my economics degree. I think it’s been really valuable in my career and actually having that analytical ability has really kind of set me apart from others.
It was a great foundation for the career that I've built and enabled me to get to where I am today.
The thing I love most about my job is the people I get to work with, both internally and externally. I get to work with people from across the world, people who have got lots of different experiences, a lot of people who are very good at what they do, and it's a great opportunity for me to learn from others and work with other businesses around the world.
Without my economics degree at the University of Portsmouth I think I'd be on a very different trajectory. I don't think I would be in the career that I'm in.
The reason I chose the University of Portsmouth was around the facilities that it provided and the courses and the options that I had. It's a great place to study, it's a great city, it's by the sea. There's lots of great people there and lots of great teachers and lecturers.
A standout moment for me from University was the friendships that I made. I graduated 11 years ago and I'm still very close to many people on the course.
Study abroad year
Between your second and third year you can choose to study abroad at one of our partner universities. This allows you to experience a different culture, enhance your CV to stand out in the job market, grow your confidence, and open up personal and professional opportunities.
We have partnerships with universities in Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. All classes are delivered in English.
You don't pay any fees to the overseas university, but you will continue to pay a reduced tuition fee to Portsmouth during your year abroad. You'll still be able to get both your tuition fee and maintenance loans. You may also qualify for a government travel grant.
Work placement year
You can boost your employability by taking an optional paid placement year between years 2 and 3 of your degree, or after year 3.
Economics placements
Economics students Mani, Jason and Ting-yi tell of their experiences doing work placements at Microsoft, ONS and HM Treasury.
Adam: I think it's really important for students to be really immersed and engaged in the real business environment. One of the most exciting opportunities is taking an industrial placement.
Mani: I relied on the placement office massively. They were so helpful, such as reviewing my CV before I was applying, they ran mock assessment centres and interviews and I went to them, which I found so beneficial.
Jason: The responsibility was pretty big right from the beginning.
Mani: At Microsoft, they encourage you to join extracurricular stuff going on. I joined the Social Impact team, where I had the opportunity to lead and create events.
Jason: One the first things I did was coordinating big bank meetings for the Business Department.
Ting-yi: I wrote a report which is called Changes in the Economy since the 1970s. It got published on the website.
Jason: At the end of the placement, I managed to oversee the entire thing, working with the Chancellor’s office. You get a lot to do.
Adam: That year long experience really does something to a student. They are a true economist.
Mani: We are really encouraged to do placements, which I had a great time doing so I definitely recommend it.
The average salary for a 12-month paid placement is £19,800 for students in the Faculty of Business and Law. It could be more or less than this amount depending on your placement. You'll only pay a very small percentage of your tuition fee for this year.
You could also use your placement year to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.
Previous students have had placements in organisations such as:
- Government Economic Service
- Bank of England
- Microsoft
- Office for National Statistics (ONS)
- Department of Energy and Climate Change
- IBM
- Amazon
- BMW
- DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
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 Economics Service.
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, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules
Develop core skills in areas such as financial reporting and monetary policymaking, and learn to interpret statements, assess performance and communicate financial advice here and now.
You'll explore frameworks, models and real-world operations as you prepare for advanced topics later in your degree.
This module is twinned with Issues in Finance and Banking and the two should be maintained and updated together.
You'll interpret the key functions and equations used by economists, learning to select and apply procedures to solve problems.
You'll develop your core maths skills to prepare for more advanced economic and financial theory modules.
This module will address the following Hallmarks of a University of Portsmouth graduate through learning and assessment:
- Think independently, analytically and creatively, and engage imaginatively with new areas of investigation within and across discipline boundaries.
- Be able to synthesise new and existing knowledge to generate ideas and develop creative solutions of benefit to the economy and society.
- Be informed citizens, with a sense of responsibility allied to a commitment to ethical practice and social justice issues, such as equality, respect and sustainability.
- Have an enterprising spirit, bringing innovation and productivity to the groups and communities to which they belong.
Core modules
You'll be introduced to the key statistical techniques and testing procedures used with economic data, and gain hands-on experience with EViews and Stata software as you build your confidence applying econometrics.
You'll interpret your results in different contexts, gaining a deeper appreciation of this field and learn how to respond appropriately to potential problems. You'll graduate with the technical capabilities to conduct economic analysis, and the insight to translate real-world issues into analytical models.
This module will address the following Hallmarks of a University of Portsmouth graduate through learning and assessment:
- Think independently, analytically and creatively, and engage imaginatively with new areas of investigation within and across discipline boundaries.
- Be able to synthesise new and existing knowledge to generate ideas and develop creative solutions of benefit to the economy and society.
- Be informed citizens, with a sense of responsibility allied to a commitment to ethical practice and social justice issues, such as equality, respect and sustainability.
- Have an enterprising spirit, bringing innovation and productivity to the groups and communities to which they belong.
This module addresses the following Hallmarks of a University of Portsmouth graduate through learning and assessment: Have a critical and reflective knowledge and understanding of their subject, with both the ability and readiness to question its principles, practices and boundaries; Be able to synthesise new and existing knowledge to generate ideas and develop creative solutions of benefit to the economy and society; Be able to locate, access and critically engage with information, using current and emerging digital technologies; Be able to communicate clearly and effectively, in a range of forms and to different audiences.
You'll explore key variables in the UK and global economies, enhancing your insight into policy challenges. By reviewing and evaluating analytical techniques, you'll build your toolkit for studying macroeconomic issues.
You'll learn to translate between real-world problems and analytical models, and to apply appropriate techniques. With varied assessments, you'll explain and assess monetary policies and learn to communicate your findings clearly and ethically.
Optional modules
The module provides opportunities for students during practical sessions to develop their own views and reasoned arguments for overcoming developmental problems.
Specifically, the module aims to:
- Develop an understanding of current issues in global development
- Develop an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of traditional approaches to economic development and critically assess the alternatives by assessing the role of traditional development paths e.g. agriculture vs. non-traditional interventions e.g. fisheries in the global development
- Understand how factors including education, health, inequality, access to finance, trade, climate change impact economic development
- Assess the role of institutions and development regimes in economic development by exploring, for example, the role of government, NGOs and markets on economic growth
- Use economic tools to understand and analyse development problems in low income developing countries
Discover corporate financial management as you analyse real-life financial issues to refine your career skills.
By blending authentic case studies with workshop activities focused on real companies, you’ll evaluate data, identify issues and improve decision quality. With regular feedback, you’ll bridge the gap between theory and practice.
You'll explore how digital transformation and new technologies are changing finance in business, so that you graduate ready to excel as an agile financial manager
In more applicative detail, the module will also explore altruism as a force for good in its manifestation as not-for-profit and charitable organisations.
Students will also learn basic experimental techniques commonly applied in behavioural economics. The lectures will cover behavioural topics as well as the basics of experimental research. In the seminars we will further discuss topics from the lecture and demonstrate research techniques with immersive experiments. Students will develop a research project, and present their design in class.
This module will address the following Hallmarks of a University of Portsmouth graduate through learning and assessment:
- Have a critical and reflective knowledge and understanding of their subject, with both the ability and readiness to question its principles, practices and boundaries
This module will address the following Hallmarks of a University of Portsmouth graduate through learning and assessment:
- Have a critical and reflective knowledge and understanding of their subject, with both the ability and readiness to question its principles, practices and boundaries.
This module mirrors Financial Management delivered at the University of Portsmouth but is contextualised for Singapore law and GAAP.
You'll develop a robust understanding of the key principles and theories in managerial economics, including the tools you need to make decisions under uncertainty.
You'll explore public policy around private organizations, helping you grasp real-world applications. By reviewing academic literature, you'll make your own policy recommendations and compare theories managers use when making choices. And through assessment and discussion, you'll interpret the effectiveness of these theories in an international business setting.
You'll learn trending tools such as network analysis tools and finish this module well-trained in highly-relevant policy tools.
Core modules
This module will address the following Hallmarks of a University of Portsmouth graduate through learning and assessment:
- Be able to synthesise new and existing knowledge to generate ideas and develop creative solutions of benefit to the economy and society.
- Be able to locate, access and critically engage with information, using current and emerging digital technologies.
- Be able to work in a range of environments, responding positively to new situations by being aware, flexible, adaptable and realistic in their expectations.
This module will address the following Hallmarks of a University of Portsmouth graduate through learning and assessment:
- Be able to synthesise new and existing knowledge to generate ideas and develop creative solutions of benefit to the economy and society.
- Be informed citizens, with a sense of responsibility allied to a commitment to ethical practice and social justice issues, such as equality, respect and sustainability.
- Have an enterprising spirit, bringing innovation and productivity to the groups and communities to which they belong.
Optional modules
As well as developing graduate skills in critical analysis and research design, students will also develop practical skills as the techniques employed to complete the project are used by economic consultants and the Government Economics Service.
This module will address the following Hallmarks of a University of Portsmouth graduate through learning and assessment:
- Have a critical and reflective knowledge and understanding of their subject, with both the ability and readiness to question its principles, practices and boundaries.
- Think independently, analytically and creatively, and engage imaginatively with new areas of investigation within and across discipline boundaries.
- Be informed citizens, with a sense of responsibility allied to a commitment to ethical practice and social justice issues, such as equality, respect and sustainability.
- Be able to work in a range of environments, responding positively to new situations by being aware, flexible, adaptable and realistic in their expectations.
The research undertaken as part of the dissertation unit must comply with the university¿s ethical guidelines. Any project without a completed and signed ethics form on the day of the submission deadline for the final report will be marked as a fail
The topics covered in the workshops range from basic investment concepts and financial analysis to application of different investment strategies.
The workshops will be held in both computer labs and classrooms. These sessions will help the students understand the financial environment through practical use of financial databases whereas the classroom based workshops will be given tasks and presented information on analysing companies financial performance and positions.
Guided by experts, you'll outline aims, critically appraising literature to position your contribution. Then, through rigourous analysis, you'll draw meaningful conclusions and make recommendations for the future.
Developing your skills as an agile, solutions-focused professional, you'll refine project management, research and communications capabilities essential in any career.
Ultimately, you'll produce a compelling showcase piece - evidencing your ability to drive progress through independent enquiry.
The assessment includes a presentation, an individual report and 90 minute exam.
Crime is approached as a social phenomenon and studied through economics methodologies and concepts. Security is approached as a phenomenon in international relations, leading to conflict and war, and including terrorism, geopolitical issues, arms, defence spending. Security issues are examined via economics methodologies and theories.
By completing this module, students will learn to outline the difficulties and opportunities of financial risk management and banking on an international scale, as well as investigating comparative institutional and policy approaches to the regulation of international banking and financial markets.
Selected topics will focus on core foundations and to topical phenomenon of current times and issues.
In doing so, students will develop analytical skills in the application of theory and empirical research to financial management.
This module will address the following Hallmarks of a University of Portsmouth graduate, through learning and assessment:
- Have a critical and reflective knowledge and understanding of their subject, with both the ability and readiness to question its principles, practices and boundaries.
- Think independently, analytically and creatively, and engage imaginatively with new areas of investigation within and across discipline boundaries.
- Be able to locate, access and critically engage with information, using current and emerging digital technologies.
- Have an enterprising spirit, bringing innovation and productivity to the groups and communities to which they belong.
The module takes an applied approach, focussing on contemporary issues within the sports industry through the lens of economics, finance and governance. Topics covered include: Competitive balance in sporting contests, demand for live events, cross subsidisation between leagues, match outcome forecasting, financial sustainability, return on investment, streams of income, corruption, and governance.
It will examine energy-environment interactions and highlight the role energy plays in ensuring sustainable development. The module introduces key economic concepts used to analyse energy-environment interactions, analyses policy challenges and alternative measures that have been used ti address these issues.
Students will develop an understanding of public policy towards private firms and organisations as well as a critical awareness of the main economics instruments used for competition policy.
You'll spend your working industry, with support from our Placement Office.
You'll complete a placement portfolio for the duration of the placement, which will outline your key learning activities, and attend a Placement Student Day at the University to discuss your placement experience with the Placement Officer or your course leader.
When you successfully complete your placement it will be recognised in your degree transcript of achievement, and your degree certificate will state `in the sandwich mode'.
You may also choose to receive a Certificate of Professional Practice from the Faculty of Business and Law.
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.
Alternative economics courses
If you're not sure whether to focus on economics or business management, take a look at our Economics and Management degree, which combines elements of both.
If you'd like to know more about the banking sector or want to bring more money-savvy knowledge to your business career, take a look at our Economics, Finance and Banking degree.
This course shares most of the same first year modules as our BSc Economics, Finance and Banking course. This means you can choose to swap between these courses at the end of your first year.
Your facilities
Bloomberg suite
Access data from the world's global financial markets and gain experience using industry standard software.
Women in economics
Explore our female mentoring programme in finance and meet successful and experienced female economists to mentor you during your studies.
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.
Teaching
Around 20% of your timetabled teaching will be online.
The majority of your learning will be face-to-face and will include:
- seminars
- tutorials
- workshops
- practical sessions
In this course there's an emphasis on using the latest software and tech to support your learning and develop your practical knowledge.
We pride ourselves on the academic support we offer our students. You'll have a personal tutor, student engagement officers and study support staff to help you throughout your studies.
Assessment
Your assessment will depend on which modules you take. The majority of assessment is through coursework, but assessment methods are likely to include:
- analysis of topical case studies
- exams
- written reports
- essays
- presentations
- self-led independent study project
Teaching staff profiles
These are some of the expert staff who’ll teach you on this degree course.
“The best part of my course are lecturers who are genuinely interested in the subject, case studies and applying theory to real life situations. I am also happy to have received a Bloomberg certification as a part of my second year studies. This is a very well respected qualification worldwide
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.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for this degree.
Your total study time will depend on the modules that you take, but in your first year this is what your week may look like:
- timetabled teaching activities (lectures, seminars, tutorials, classes and workshops) = about 13 hours a week
- independent study (research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group) = about 22 hours a week
You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
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 postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your course.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you'll also have access to our student engagement officers. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing, and refer you to specialist support services if you need extra help or support.
The Maths Cafe offers free advice and help with maths skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop, or use our online resources.
You'll have help from a team of study support tutors. Based within the Faculty of Business and Law, these tutors are familiar with the specific requirements your assignments and work closely with faculty academics. This means they can give you focused support with the specific study skills you need to be successful on your course. They're available face-to-face, by phone, email, and by video call.
They can help with:
- academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations, projects and literature reviews)
- reflective writing skills
- critical thinking skills
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
If you're a mature student, specialist support to help you return to learning is available.
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.
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.
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
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.
Portsmouth is an incredibly friendly and welcoming environment… we’ve got a lot of supportive lecturers and everybody’s willing to help you.
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.
Additional costs
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.
You’ll need to cover additional costs, such as travel costs, if you take an optional placement or placement abroad.
These costs will vary depending on the location and duration of the placement, and can range from £50–£1000.
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 – £1,430 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £1,430 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.
Apply
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – L100
- our institution code – P80
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.