Quantity Surveying BSc (Hons)
Be a leading figure in the next generation of innovative construction projects by learning to think like an entrepreneur and developing sought after quantity surveying skills.
Key information
UCAS code:
K240
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
112-120 UCAS points from 2 or 3 A levels
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Be a leading figure in the next generation of innovative construction projects.
Designed and delivered by a team of experienced professionals, this BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying degree will prepare you for a successful career managing cost and value relating to the built environment. You'll learn to think like an entrepreneur, develop professional business acumen and learn sought after quantity surveying skills.
Become a financial and contractual expert in cost and value management, contract law and risk assessment. When you graduate, you'll be prepared to address the social, economic and technical aspects of construction projects of all sizes, anywhere in the world.
BSc Quantity Surveying - Course Overview | University of Portsmouth
Meet senior lecturers Richard Wise and Mark Danso-Amoako, who'll talk you through what you'll learn on this quantity surveying course, the equipment and software you'll use, and how we encourage you in seeking an industry placement to complement your study.
The course itself is called Quantity Surveying.
It's all about cost management of building work or construction work and it includes some law and some other stuff as well.
What students will get is an understanding of the built environment as a whole in years, maybe one and two.
Then moving on to two and three, more detail about what they will actually do very specifically.
We designed it to try and be as reflective of what the industry wants.
We're giving them the, if you like, nuts and bolts of everything they need to enable them to do that job.
As part of the course, we encourage every student to take a placement year.
I see students go out for one year and come back as totally different people with high ethics and professionalism and they come out as very good academic students.
If you go on placement, it's almost like having a year long interview, most of them secure jobs before they come back to us, so I would highly encourage every student to go on a placement year.
We do have some great surveying equipment.
We have things called total stations, which will pinpoint in three dimensions where your building is going to be and how we measure that.
At the University of Portsmouth, we place a lot of emphasis on building information modeling and it requires a lot of memory intensive software, so the school normally offers high specification computers, which the students can use for their work.
BIM is the future of the construction industry.
It's very important that our students learn BIM because by the time they get out of here, BIM is going to be the norm out in industry.
Our research really underpins the teaching here.
As part of my research in building information modeling and construction visualisation, I've developed a number of apps to help my students understand construction processes and in construction, almost everything is done in So with the help of visualisation headsets: augmented reality, virtual reality, and then mixed reality, the students can grasp concepts that they will have found otherwise very difficult.
Quantity surveying itself is a career.
It gives a basis for quite a few career areas in surveying or construction, generally speaking.
In the built environment we make a difference to the world.
I feel really happy to have trained people who had absolutely no knowledge in the construction industry to people now with a Master's degree and ready to work in the industry.
Course highlights
- Learn commercial and business methods to shape and develop construction projects
- Discover the latest industry developments, with teaching informed by the University's Construction Management and Surveying (CMS) Research Group
- Get industry insights and contribute to current debates in lectures led by visiting guest speakers
- See theory in action and get a taste of your future workplace on field trips to construction projects in the UK and Europe
- Develop innovative and sustainable solutions within the built environment sector – a previous student supported the development of our University Estate Masterplan before rising to a senior position in a major surveying and project management consultancy
From the first day I started I have enjoyed the course, the lectures and also the field trips as they have all helped gain my knowledge in this course.
94%
of graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course
(HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22)
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing 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.
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
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.
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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
BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- UCAS points - 112-120 points from 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent. (calculate your UCAS points)
- A levels - BBB-BBC
- T-levels - Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 29
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.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to join this course after you successfully complete a foundation year.
Facilities and specialist software
Surveying Store
Get practical experience with all the equipment you'll need to develop your skills, including automatic levels, theodolites for measuring angles between designated points, computer-aided design and drafting software as well as a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers for surveying and marking land.
Port-Eco House
Our Port-Eco House is a 3-bedroom property equipped with various monitoring systems, which measure everything from the efficiency of heating and insulation to dampness and exterior weather conditions.
Design Studio and Modelling Workshop
The studio and workshop host integrated AV projection systems, a dedicate model-making workshop, a refitted modelling room and space for model building and large format poster design.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) software
Use our suite of Building Information Modelling (BIM) software, including our computer-aided design tools that use digital images to show physical and functional characteristics.
Careers and opportunities
Due to the high costs and risks associated with construction projects, your skills as a quantity surveyor will always be in high demand.
95% of our graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation and 100% are working in highly skilled roles in all sectors of construction – from housing to major infrastructure projects (such as HS2) throughout the UK and internationally.
Newly trained chartered surveyors, according to Prospects, can earn up to £35,000 - and once you've gained more experience in industry, salaries can go up as high as £55,000, or £80,000 if you're aiming for a management role.
Graduate destinations
Our graduates have worked for national and global companies such as:
- Sir Robert McAlpine
- Skanska
- Aecom
- Faithful and Gould
- Morgan Sindall
What jobs can you do with a mechanical engineering degree?
Roles you could go onto include:
- quantity surveyor
- commercial specialist
- project manager
- dispute resolution specialist
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.
Placement year opportunities
Taking an optional placement year gives you the experience you need to increase your chances of landing your perfect role after graduation. You could work in a paid role in a professional organisation (our students earn an average salary of £19,000 during their placements) or set up your own business, giving you the chance to grow your professional network and enhance your CV.
We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.
You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.
Potential roles
Previous students have been successful in roles such as:
- assistant quantity surveyor
- assistant cost manager
- construction trainee
- intern and commercial assistant
- industrial placement student
Potential destinations
They've worked at exciting companies, including:
- Keltbray
- Beard Construction
- Osborne
- Alinea Consultants LLP
- Kier Group
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
You'll learn basic drawing tools using CAD, and how to use them to communicate your designs. You'll produce full building models to visualise buildings and structures, learn key concepts of building design and construction through drawing and 3D visualition, and use emerging digital technologies to access and engage with new information.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Use CAD to produce basic drawings, professionally presented to an appropriate scale
- Use CAD to effectively communicate a simple building design
- Describe the use of 3D modelling and visualisation in the construction industry
- Create 3D BIM models of simple buildings
- Recognise data extraction and communication techniques using BIM models in a multi-disciplinary team
- Explain building construction techniques, materials and processes through 3D visualisation in BIM
You'll learn to understand basic building design, construction principles and environmental issues often related to sustainable building design. You'll do all this in the context of residential and commercial property design.What you’ll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Describe and illustrate the principles of building construction and explain the principles of appropriate material use in building construction
- Examine and explain the impact of the Building Regulations, emerging legislation, innovative materials, and current practice on the built form
- Identify and discuss different strategies of sustainable design and development, focusing on property
- Reflect and elaborate on the significance of sustainability in property design, development and management
- Select and employ a range of design strategies appropriate for application in a specific case
On this module you'll learn techniques and approaches for the measurement of construction works and operations.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Interpret a set of construction drawings including specification details
- Outline and apply basic industry-standard measurement techniques and conventions
- Express and translate drawn information into recorded dimensions using industry recognised conventions
- Outline and apply industry-standard techniques to work up quantities of building elements in a trade or work section
You'll analyse legal sources, answer legal problem questions, and practice delivering advice to clients.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Identify and apply relevant sources of English law to practical scenarios and reach reasoned conclusions
- Explain the key principles of tort law
- Explain the key principles of contract law
You'll get a practical basis for developing your understanding of the project team and how construction schemes are progressed, with reference to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) plan of work as a skeleton framework. You'll incorporate what you've learned from other modules and get an introduction to the careers in the property profession.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Distinguish between professional roles in the real estate sector
- Discuss the types of work done by Chartered Surveyors in the real estate sector
- Apply the skills of a surveying student and University of Portsmouth undergraduate to complete academic and professional tasks
- Demonstrate collaboration when working on academic and professional tasks
You'll get an understanding of the principal economic dynamics of different property types and show how their operations are recorded and analysed financially.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Identify the key demand and supply factors affecting the construction and real estate sectors
- Distinguish between different types of economic systems and their role in resource allocation
- Identify the role and rationale for government intervention in the real estate sector
- Summarise the characteristics of investment in real estate as compared with other assets
- Interpret financial summary accounts
Core modules
You'll examine the use of BIM for existing conditions, animations and renderings, scheduling, sequencing and simulation of construction processes, measurement, estimating and costing, conceptual and detailed energy analysis, and facility management.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Critically evaluate the extent of fragmentation in the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industry and its impact on the successful outcome of a project
- Critically evaluate when and what information is required and what tools will facilitate this data exchange
- Appraise the different dimensions of BIM, what information is required, by whom and for what
- Collaboratively work in multi-disciplinary teams to complete a construction project
You'll develop a fundamental understanding of project management processes. You'll also learn to apply basic principles and processes of project management.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Describe the principles of project management
- Apply project management principles, including programming
- Prepare a clear and well-presented project management report
This module will begin with an overview of the importance of the construction industry to the UK economy, and its relationship with other industries. You'll be encouraged to critically appraise the industry, discussing inherent problems and potential solutions. Topics will include the activities and appointments required at project inception, initial design and development of a scheme, construction budget, cost planning and management, the procurement process, and standard forms of contract. Through the module, you'll develop skills in estimating, cost planning and procurement, and recognising the potential for risk and uncertainty in the tendering process.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Define the stages which relate to development of a scheme design with reference to the RIBA Plan of work, the issues and activities to be undertaken at each stage, and the key stakeholders and team members involved in a construction project
- Identify, differentiate and advise on alternative approaches to estimating, appreciating the different methods utilised throughout the lifetime of a project and how design development impacts on project risk
- Explain elementary economic theory and apply that theory in order to identify the unique features of the construction industry and real property market and its relationship with the wider UK economy
- Recognise and evaluate the risks and opportunities presented by varying procurement methodologies
- Assess various procurement options, assess the implications of selecting a particular procurement route or standard form of contract and construct reasoned advice based on these issues
- Show an appreciation of how Risk and Value Management are operated and applied within the pre-contract stages of a project
You'll get a practical basis for developing your understanding of the project team and how construction schemes are progressed, with reference to the stages in the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) plan of work. You'll incorporate what you've learned from other modules to consider social, economic and environmental, as well as design and technical aspects, of construction.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Develop the 'application of knowledge' (level 2) aspects of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) competencies and apply your knowledge to the creative solution of proposed projects
- Appreciate the team approach to scheme development, understand the roles of the team and be aware of the process of design development and how a construction project evolves
- Examine the data required for a construction project and appreciate the interaction between different elements of a proposed project at various stages of scheme development
- Apply the development process to a brief, explaining the design and development of a scheme using professional communication techniques such as graphics, report writing and model making with appropriate formats and citations
- Recognise what you want from your future career and what you have to offer, identify the options open to you and understand how to research the skills, experience and knowledge required in the local, national and global market
- Reflect on your skills, knowledge and experience and put plans into action by using a range of professional communication methods to present yourself
You'll examine the processes involved in the production of documentation that underpins the costing and tendering process. This module follows on from the Introduction to Building Measurement module.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Apply and interpret a standardised method of measurement
- Apply traditional measurement techniques and conventions
- Demonstrate your ability to interpret drawn information and transfer this into recorded dimensions
- Prepare draft tender documentation
- Interpret documentation and prepare appropriate written responses
Optional modules
You'll experience work-related learning in Portsmouth Dockyard and Portsea to enhance your communication and partnership skills. You'll also evaluate best practice by comparing historic industrial structures and residential buildings with examples of refurbishment and re-use.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Compare and contrast cultural and environmental factors that enhance the value and influence the retention of heritage property by individuals and society
- Evaluate the complex relationship between residential, commercial and museum needs when developing strategies and policies for heritage property management and development
- Distinguish between various heritage conservation and planning strategies, such as World Heritage sites, listings and conservation areas, used by national and local governments
- Analyse the key factors and evaluation techniques that must be included in a development plan for a heritage site, assessing their relevance and significance
- Critically discuss literature on the cultural and environmental development of heritage interpretation and property management
- Work as a member of a group to enable the researching, preparation and delivery of an oral presentation on the Portsea Heritage Project
The focus will enable you to make comparisons with markets in the UK. You'll also look at alternative models of construction and delivery, including the role that new funding and phasing methods may play.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Combine and apply international knowledge on property development
- Analyse construction, property market behaviour and/or the built environment in the subject country
- Compare, contrast and reflect on the roles and responsibilities of different international perspectives
- Engage actively and effectively in teamwork activities
The learning objectives of this module are to be confirmed.
Core modules
You'll explore how computer software and new technologies can be used to quantify and prepare tender documentation.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Evaluate the importance of using computers to accelerate tasks in measurement and tender documentation
- Evaluate specialist software packages and select suitable ones for a specific measurement and tender documentation job
- Apply specialist, digital on-screen takeoff (construction material) tools to takeoff and prepare a bill of quantities
- Apply specialist spreadsheet-like computer software to takeoff and prepare a bill of quantities
You'll look at day-to-day operations, provisions for issues that might impact progress and how these issues are addressed.
You'll also look at statutory provisions in contracts or voluntary arrangements for dispute resolution and avoidance.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Examine the nature of contracts, particularly standard forms of construction contract, and appreciate the need to include specific conditions to get desired outcomes
- Analyse issues affecting the progress and completion of a project and evaluate possible outcomes and solutions
- Differentiate between various methods of dispute resolution and their connection to the contract the dispute might have come from
- Judge the relevance of any dispute resolution method in the circumstances and make an informed choice to resolve a contractual dispute or difference
- Apply contract principles and specific provisions to establish appropriate solutions to delays, disruption and disputes
- Assess typical issues that may impact on a project's progress and identify potential contractual or managerial approaches to manage them
You'll identify and analyse a problem, along with its parameters and issues and use relevant literature and past experience to identify solutions to the problem.
You'll investigate your project using methods such as lab or field based activities, case studies, surveys, documentary or database research and critical analysis.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Propose a solution to a significant surveying problem and critically assess its validity and limitations
- Critically analyse and compare relevant literature, data and experience
- Develop and plan a programme of work for an in-depth investigation
- Apply sound surveying principles to solve technical problems
You'll internalise the skills and experience you've gained, understanding how to justify your business practices and critically defend the professional ethics of your actions.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Assess the roles and practices of professionals in the property sector in the context of the services and conduct expected of them
- Justify the selection of real-estate surveying techniques to achieve a specific purpose
- Evaluate personal skill-sets and motivations to inform career opportunities and choices
- Propose and justify a business plan for commercial surveying organisation
You'll incorporate theory and practice with practical information technology (IT) based aspects such as interim and final accounts, variations and claims.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Formulate appropriate cost advice in an applied situation and under a time constraint
- Relate post-contract functions to specific contractual obligations
- Identify the contractual and financial obligations between main and sub-contractors
- Recognise risk distribution between client, main and sub-contractor relationships by analysing the typical risks associated with construction
- Prepare valuations, variations and final accounts using standard pro-forma under recognised convention
- Operate appropriate mechanisms for the pricing and negotiation of variations
Optional modules
You'll get the opportunity to put your learning from the first two years of the degree into practice, improving your chances of securing a professional level role upon graduation, through industrial and commercial experience.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Evaluate your learning, personal development and future career opportunities
- Describe tasks undertaken and responsibilities held in the course of (self) employment
- Identify what makes your employability as a graduate different as a result of the placement experience
After your second or third year, you can do an optional study abroad or work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
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.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- group work
This course is structured to provide you with practical experience.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- written exams
- web assessments
- essays and reports
- project presentations
- a dissertation
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.
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 your BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars, practical classes, supervised workshop time and field work for about 14 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 independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. Optional field trips may involve evening and weekend teaching or events. There’s usually no teaching on Wednesday afternoons.
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 independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
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.
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 in one-on-one and group sessions.
They can help you:
- master the mathematics skills you need to excel on your course
- understand engineering principles and how to apply them in any engineering discipline
- solve computing problems relevant to your course
- develop your knowledge of computer programming concepts and methods relevant to your course
- understand and use assignment feedback
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
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.
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
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.
Costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,535 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £19,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
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.
We will provide you with hard hats and Hi-Vis vests. You will need to buy your own safety boots costing approximately £35.
If you go on the optional international field trip in year 2 you’ll need to contribute approximately £500 to the cost.
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 – K240
- 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.