Weeli Wolli Creek, a billabong in Western Australia

Environmental Science and Management (Dual Degree) BSc (Hons)

Study in Portsmouth and at Edith Cowan University, Australia and earn two degrees in three-and-a-half years. Learn the latest environmental theory and get lab and field experience.

Key information

UCAS code:

F910

Typical offer:

112-120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, with 40 UCAS points from a specific Science subject

See full entry requirements
Study mode and duration
Start date

Showing content for section Overview

Overview

Environmental issues – such as habitat loss, water pollution and climate change – pose a serious threat to the long-term existence of life on Earth.

If you want to help lead the charge against climate change, learn a skill set that's in demand globally, and secure a rewarding career, this BSc (Hons) Environmental Science and Management dual degree is the perfect next step.

You'll study in Portsmouth and spend a year at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia, getting a global perspective in how the environment is changing and the steps we need to take to reverse this change.

Course highlights

  • Use industry-standard lab tech in our environmental analytical laboratories, including GIS software and plasma spectrometry
  • Explore the natural environment of the Australian outback through field work and visit Aboriginal tribes to understand how they manage their land
  • Take field trips from Portsmouth to apply what you learn in many different cultures, habitats and climates – from Somerset to Malta
  • Learn scientific and technical diving certified by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)
  • Work alongside active research staff in the UK and Australia, and study alongside BA and BSc Geography students, gaining valuable experience and perspective from another scientific discipline

Top 30

for student satisfaction

(Times Higher Education, 2024)

Earth systems and environmental sciences at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 4th of all post-1992 universities for research quality (Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021)

Read more about our amazing earth systems and environmental sciences research 

Why do a dual degree?

This course is a dual degree (also known as a double degree).

When you complete the course successfully, you'll have 2 degrees – one from the University of Portsmouth and one from Edith Cowan University.

Dual degrees allow you to achieve 2 degrees in 3.5 or 4 years rather than 6 years.

You'll benefit from a global education experience and the high-calibre teaching expertise, latest research and modern facilities at two universities. You'll also develop a more comprehensive knowledge of communication and media than on a single degree and gain an understanding of different cultures, which will help you work more effectively with people from different backgrounds.

All of this will help you stand out in a competitive job market after you graduate.

You'll be based in Portsmouth in years one and two, and for six months or a year at the end of the course. You'll spend year three in Perth, Western Australia at Edith Cowan University.

You'll get support with travel arrangements, visas, finding accommodation and accessing loans and other funding that can help pay for your study and living costs when you're in Australia.

Edith Cowan University is one of the top 100 young universities in the world one of the top 100 universities in the Asia-Pacific regions (Times Higher Education 2019 and 2020). The Good Universities Guide 2021 gives the University 5 out of 5 stars for its learner resources, student support, teaching quality and overall experience.

Like Portsmouth, Perth offers a mix of city and outdoor living. It's a great base for exploring Western Australia and beyond.

What is a dual degree?

Learn about our dual degree programmes with Edith Cowan University in Australia.

Chris Chang: We have a strategic partnership with Edith Cowan University in Australia, particularly for students who have not travelled abroad or lived abroad, that gives them the opportunity to experience a dual degree. The design of our programmes means that we have developed the programme from the ground up, which doesn't require you to study that much more time for a degree programme.

Heather Massey: There's lots of reasons why people might want to come and study this dual award course at the University of Portsmouth. Learning in a different environment from different tutors and the facilities that they have at Edith Cowan are absolutely first-class.

Chris Chang: Students have the opportunity to travel for a year and the question that some students will have is "how will I be able to afford this?" Now the UK Government has launched the Turing programme and what this programme does is fund them to do study abroad, internships, placements. It makes it accessible to all students from different groups, whether they are international students or students from the UK.

Dr Sarah Reynolds: Experiencing life in a different country. You would mature and develop your confidence during that time and definitely walk out of the degree, I think standing up a bit taller than if you hadn't.

Chris Chang: Now the benefits of this is that you can actually show to employers that you have two degrees from two different universities in two different countries. Jobs these days have changed quite substantially. Your future job may not be in the UK and employers are looking for the kind of employees that are able to work in different contexts, different cultures be able to work in multidisciplinary and multinational teams.

One of the other benefits of this programme is that you can actually travel around, not just, Australia but around the ASEAN region because from Perth it's a very short flight to Hong Kong; to Singapore; to Malaysia.

Heather Massey: It's an amazing opportunity to learn both from experts in their field, but also learn about how different people in a different culture operate.

Chris Chang: There are inter-semester breaks of two-three months and you should use that opportunity to see the world. The other thing that you have is having studied a year abroad, you will make friends who could in the future be your supporters, be your allies, and be your collaborators of the future.

Dr Leah Fox: Even though they're geographically away. They'll still be able to get access to that same level of support as they were getting in Portsmouth. They'll have access to wellbeing, they'll have access to financial services, they'll have access to personal tutoring.

Chris Chang: These courses that we have delivered so far: Global Sport Management, Cybersecurity, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism, Environmental Science and Management are all in very specialist and niche areas. Means that wherever you end up working or living, you're prepared for it. The demand for these courses are high, so we want highly motivated students who will benefit from this programme and benefit from a year abroad.

Dr Leah Fox: We're looking for an applicant who wants to make a change, who is open minded and prepared to be confronted with a number of challenges. But overall, someone who is curious and wants to learn.

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​

Entry requirements

Typical offers

  • A levels - BBB-BBC
  • UCAS points - 112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, with 40 points from a Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics). (calculate your UCAS points)
  • T-levels - Merit. Acceptable T Level Subjects:
    T Level in Health, T Level in Healthcare Science, T Level in Science 
  • 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 and specialist equipment

GIS and Remote Sensing Laboratory

Discover more about the planet's physical structures and scientific processes, such as glaciers and coastal flooding, using drone data, aerial and satellite remote sensing and geographic information systems.

Explore the lab

Mass Spectrometry and Laser Ablation Laboratory

Investigate the geological and planetary processes that influence environment change and natural resource formation in this lab, using our industry standard spectrometers and laser ablation system.

Burnaby June 2019
Explore the lab

Environmental Chemistry Analysis Laboratory

Use the equipment in this lab to identify and analyse chemicals and biochemicals in surface water, groundwater and soil, so you can develop strategies to minimise and remove their harmful environmental effects.

Only to be used in relation to Environmental Technology, Civil Engineering and Surveying. Staff submission so please check quality before use.
Explore the lab

Geochemistry Laboratory

Trace Earth and environmental processes in this lab, using techniques including palynology processing – the study of strewn particles – for acid dissolutions of rock matrices, sample sieving and heavy liquid separation.

A river delta
Explore the lab

Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis Unit

Gain expertise in high-magnification imaging and analysis of the chemical and physical structure of natural and manufactured materials.

Mass spectrometer
Explore unit

Careers and opportunities

The necessity of tackling environmental problems, and the importance of sustainability, are gradually being recognised by governments. This means that employment opportunities in the area of environmental science are on the rise – by 91% in the UK alone

The global nature of the climate crisis we face means that international experience on a professional and cultural level is also sought after by employers in this sector. The experience you get on field trips abroad, and during your year at Edith Cowan University in Australia, will be invaluable to your employment prospects.

Gain a global perspective on environmental science

By completing modules on topics such as energy resources, environmental impact and assessment, pollution, and aboriginal perspectives on the environment, you'll get a detailed global overview of the problems facing our environment, and the means to start solving them.

When you graduate you'll have a suite of environmental science skills, and a wealth of practical experience in applying them, making you an ideal candidate for many roles in the environmental sector. Your experience of international study and other cultures will make you a particularly attractive employment prospect.

Completing this degree is also the ideal next step to further, postgraduate study. You could further refine your expertise in more specific, connected fields, for example, by doing an Environmental Geology and Land Contamination MSc or a research degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences.

What areas can you work in with an environmental science and management dual degree?

When you graduate, you could work in areas such as:

  • conservation
  • pollution monitoring and control
  • waste management
  • sustainability
  • environmental audit and assessment
  • climate change study and activism
  • environmental energy

Potential roles

Roles you could take on include:

  • environmental manager
  • environmental chemist
  • environmental consultant
  • geographic information scientist
  • conservation officer
  • waste management manager
  • environmental policy officer
  • hydrologist
  • climate change modeller
Female student at computer

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.

Modules

Each module on this course is worth 15, 20 or 40 credits.

In years 1, 2 and 3 you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.

In your final year, you'll complete your dissertation worth 40 credits.

What you'll study (indicative)

Core modules

All modules in this year are core.

You’ll think about Earth science in terms of a global, integrated, system. You’ll become familiar with basic physics, chemistry, and mathematics and IT skills, including a basic introduction to programming, data analysis and visualisation.

On this course you'll:

  • Describe the basic principles of ecology through examples in terrestrial environments
  • Describe global patterns of the major biomes and understand abiotic drivers of these patterns.
  • Understand the central role of plants in the Earth system, and describe and explain the flows of energy and matter within ecosystems.
  • Explain the cause and effects of selected human impacts on the natural world and explore possible solutions for key environmental issues.
  • Be able to formulate ecological questions and to collect appropriate data in the field to answer these questions.
  • To be able to collate, analyse and present ecological data and ideas in a rigorous and engaging manner

You’ll cover the basic concepts of systems analysis as applied to physical environmental systems, including concepts of equilibrium, thresholds and change. You’ll examine physical systems on a global scale, exploring the key components that drive environmental systems and natural hazards and how they are inter-related. You’ll then look at physical systems on a smaller scale to learn about the operation of physical environmental systems at the scale of human intervention.

Through case studies, in-depth lectures and workshops, you’ll think about the nature and extent of human impact on the environment, and learn about the complexities of managing environmental, population and resource change at local and global levels.

Why do continents drift? What forces build majestic mountain ranges? Explore these questions and more on this module. You’ll explore theories on the origin of the Solar System and the Earth while looking into the origin and nature of the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and their circulation systems. Learn to describe methods of measuring geological tim and investigate the main processes that characterise the major periods of the Earth's history. You’ll get to grips with the basic building blocks of the Earth's crust and get an introduction to the rocks and minerals that make up common igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. You’ll also learn how to read and interpret geological maps, and discover the techniques used for observation and recording geological data.

You’ll examine the physical and chemical processes that control the distribution and composition of seawater, as well as marine-life habitats, populations, and interactions among organisms and their surrounding environment. You’ll bring all of this together to produce a review on a particular oceanographic topic.

Core modules

You’ll learn about the chemical principles behind the Earth's biogeochemical cycles, atmosphere, water resources and soils. Discover monitoring techniques and the analysis of the natural environment. Through group activities and hands-on-practical work, you’ll gain an understanding of varying methods used in analytical environmental chemistry.

You'll be introduced to and engage in a number of quantitative data collection exercises. This will help develop your ability to work in a team and to collect, collate and record environmental data. It will also introduce the potential career pathways for Environmental Scientists and provide you with the skills required to apply for jobs.

On this course you'll:

  • Plan the experimental approach for a scientific investigation, including ethics and risk assessment.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in research skills.
  • Analyse and interpret scientific data.
  • Demonstrate comprehension in molecular biology methods.

Optional modules

You'll undertake a minimum of 80 hours of placement work, voluntary work or relevant professional experience. You'll develop your work experience and enhance your CV ready for either a year-long placement or to apply for jobs. You'll gain organisation and communication skills, and experience relevant to your future career as you critically reflect on your learning experience and engagement with the Careers and Employability Service and the science Faculty Placements Office. Your engagement will also be further overseen by your tutor and module coordinator. 

You'll also have access to supporting workshops that are supplemented by work based learning hours.

Your 80 hours of work experience should take place between between the June period at the end of level 4 and before the end of the first teaching block at level 5, enabling you to complete assessments. You'll also need to secure relevant employment, volunteering or placement opportunity by the start of teaching block 1 during your second year.

You’ll explore the fundamental principles of low carbon energy - nuclear, solar, wind and hydro power. You’ll also think about the health effects of environmental radiation, and the fundamental principles of heat transfer and household energy saving technologies.

You’ll learn about the discipline of environmental change and palaeoecology, focusing on practical techniques used in the study of the Earth's environment at a variety of temporal and spatial scales. You’ll also gain skills in a range of palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction techniques, including sediment coring, microfossil analysis and geochronology.

You’ll learn core theory underpinning GIS and RS, before applying the theory through the use of industry standard software. You’ll explore the capture, interpretation and analysis of geographical and environmental data from a variety of sources to explore 'real world' problems and challenges.

You’ll explore the physical and chemical properties of water – aquifers, groundwater recharge, storage, and interactions with surface hydrology. You’ll look at the transport of water and contaminants through the groundwater system. You’ll cover concepts of fluid mechanics and Darcy’s law to help you understand flow through porous media. You’ll also cover applications of hydrogeology in engineering and environmental management.

You’ll get familiar with the big issues and contemporary debates in education studies as well as the role and expectations of a teacher.

You’ll develops fundamental knowledge and skills that teachers require, as well as your capability to structure and critique a lesson plan.

You’ll do a combined RYA Powerboat Level 2 course and complete an RYA Marine Radio Short Range Course through an RYA accredited provider. Among other skills, you’ll become familiar with common nautical terminology, and safely launch and recover a boat from a trailer and safely handle a powerboat in the right conditions, being aware of own limitations and those of the craft.

You’ll get an introduction to fluvial geomorphology and a foundation in the discipline for developing a career in the environmental management sector. You’ll examine fluvial forms and processes, including flow dynamics and the mechanics of sediment erosion, transport and deposition. Take part in lab classes to demonstrate fundamental processes of open channel flow and sediment transport in alluvial rivers. You’ll also complete a project to show what you’ve learned about river channel processes in the context of an environmental management issue.

You’ll build your skills gained from your basic diving qualification, you'll learn the theory and practice of working diving and appreciate the issues faced during underwater scientific operations. Through classroom based workshops, you'll demonstrate understanding of HSE legislation, risk assessment, project reports and the conduct of a diving project, within relevant Approved Codes of Practice. You’ll then apply your knowledge by planning a dive and undertaking practical diving in the field.

Through interactive lectures with academics, speakers and professionals, you'll discuss, debate and complete practical exercises exploring wildlife crime alongside your classmates.

You'll spend time examining wildlife crimes and the factors behind them, as well as environmental justice and sustainability.

The following modules are taught at the partner institution Edith Cowan University.

  • Aboriginal Perspectives on the Environment – 15 credits 
  • Australian Biota – 15 credits 
  • Ecological Restoration – 15 credits 
  • Environmental Management and Sustainability – 15 credits 
  • Geographical Information Systems – 15 credits 
  • Marine and Freshwater Processes – 15 credits 
  • Soil and Land Processes – 15 credits 
  • Sustainable Water – 15 credits 

Core modules

On this module you'll:

  • Comprehensively develop and execute an effective and realistic research design for their chosen field of study.
  • Select and manage information, competently undertake research tasks with minimum guidance.
  • Comprehensively assess health and safety and ethical considerations in pursuing independent research.
  • Critically evaluate their findings in the context of the available academic literature relevant to the selected theme of study.
  • Be able to discuss and communicate the key findings from the programme of research
  • Compose a small thesis in accordance with academic conventions

Optional modules

You’ll learn essential data analysis skills you’ll need for your future career, including how to produce a carbon audit to current Defra standards and how to present data to a range of stakeholders. You’ll also produce a consultancy-style report evaluating environmental impacts and potential savings, and explore the role of environmental impact assessment in the planning system.

You’ll become familiar with the main environmental pollutants, how they’re transferred within and between various media and how they interact with biota to create an environmental risk. You’ll explore the waste management hierarchy and the scientific and technical processes involved with waste management operations.

You’ll consider these hazards from a number of angles, including how these are expressed upon landscapes, the nature of natural hazards through a range of spatial and temporal scales, and the effect these have on past and present human populations and civilisations. You’ll look at geophysical hazards like earthquakes, biological hazards such as pandemics, hydrological hazards like droughts, climatological hazards such as wildfires, and anthropological hazards like nuclear war.

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, course content is revised and regularly reviewed.  This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.

How you're assessed

You'll be assessed through:

  • field work
  • lab notebook recordings
  • scientific reports
  • site surveys
  • computer-based exercises
  • oral presentations (individual and group)
  • essays (coursework and under exam conditions)
  • posters
  • exams
  • computer labs

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:

  • lectures
  • tutorials
  • laboratory work
  • field work
  • workshops
  • guest speakers
  • online learning

You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.

Teaching staff profiles

These are some of the expert staff who’ll teach you on this degree course.

Gary Roland Fones Portrait

Professor Gary Fones

Professor of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry

Gary.Fones@port.ac.uk

School of the Environment and Life Sciences

Faculty of Science and Health

PhD Supervisor

Read more
Michelle Sarah Hale Portrait

Dr Michelle Hale

Head of School

Michelle.Hale@port.ac.uk

School of the Environment and Life Sciences

Faculty of Science and Health

PhD Supervisor

Read more
Mohammad Abdul Hoque Portrait

Dr Mo Hoque

Senior Lecturer

mohammad.hoque@port.ac.uk

School of the Environment and Life Sciences

Faculty of Science and Health

PhD Supervisor

Read more

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.

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 your Environmental Science and Management degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as tutorials, lectures, practical classes and workshops and external visits for about 12-15 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more lab and fieldwork in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.

Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends.

Term times

University of Portsmouth (years 1, 2 and 4)

The academic year at University of Portsmouth runs from September to early June with breaks at Christmas and Easter. It's divided into 2 teaching blocks and 2 assessment periods:

  • September to December – teaching block 1
  • January – assessment period 1
  • January to May – teaching block 2 (includes Easter break)
  • May to June – assessment period 2

You'll finish your final year in December.

Edith Cowan University (year 3)

The academic year at Edith Cowan University runs from February to November with breaks at Easter and in June. It's divided into 2 semesters and 2 exam periods:

  • February to May – semester 1 (includes Easter break)
  • June – exam period 1
  • July to October – semester 2
  • November – exam period 2

You'll start year 3 at ECU in semester 2 in July, finishing in semester 1 in May.

Where you'll study (year 3)

You'll study at Edith Cowan University's Joondalup Campus during your third year and student accommodation is available on the Mount Lawley Campus. Both campuses offer a library, computer labs, cafes, bars, a fitness centre, student support and counselling services.

Edith Cowan University building
Students at Edith Cowan University
Students at Edith Cowan University

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:

You'll also have full access to all of these Portsmouth University support services while you're in Australia.

Types of support

You'll have a personal tutor from the University of Portsmouth and a country link tutor from Edith Cowan University when you're studying in Perth in year 3.

Your personal tutors help you make the transition to independent study and give you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.

You’ll have regular contact with them in learning activities or scheduled meetings. You can also make an appointment with them if you need extra support. They'll be available virtually in year 3 when you're in Australia.

You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support 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

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

Fees may be subject to annual increase

UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students

  • Years 1 and 2 – £9,535 a year
  • Year 3 – £1,385
  • Year 4 – £4,767

EU students

  • Years 1 and 2 – £9,535 a year
  • Year 3 – £1,385
  • Year 4 – £4,767

Includes Transition Scholarship.

International students

  • Year 1 and 2 – £19,200 a year
  • Year 3 – £2,875
  • Year 4 – £9,600

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 shows your accommodation options and highlights 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 pay for meals and other living costs in the range of £50–£200 while completing compulsory fieldwork, depending on location and duration. Travel and accommodation costs for compulsory fieldwork are covered by your course fee.

You'll need to contribute towards the cost of optional fieldwork programmes, which usually cost £50–£2,000.

You'll need to cover your living costs and pay additional costs of £3,000–£4,000 to cover travel to and from Australia in year 3. You can cover these costs using a UK Government student loan.

We can advise you on travel arrangements, finding accommodation and accessing a student loan that can help pay for your study and living costs when you're in Australia. You'll be in charge of handling these tasks and keeping track of them, but we’ll be here to support you throughout the process.

Information about your study abroad year

To study in Australia on your study abroad year, you'll need the correct visa. You'll need to make sure you satisfy the Australian Government Immigration requirements when you apply - which is typically in the 2nd year of your course. 

Requirements can vary from year to year, so it's important to check your eligibility in advance to prepare for your visa application.

If you're unsure or have questions, get in touch.

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.

Apply

Ready to apply?

To start this course in September 2025, apply through UCAS, you'll need:

  • the UCAS course code – F910
  • our institution code – P80

Apply now through UCAS

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

Don't worry if you change your mind about studying abroad after you start the course. It's easy to transfer to a similar course once you're at Portsmouth or study this course as a single degree if you decide not to attend Edith Cowan University in year 3.

Come to an Open Day

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.