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University of Portsmouth

Portsmouth

  • Location: Seaside, City

Student life

From watersports to festivals, Portsmouth is an inspiring place to live and study. There’s a wealth of lively music, comedy and theatre venues, great independent and designer shopping options for all budgets, fantastic food from around the world – including traditional seaside fish’n’chips – and amazing options for active living. 

Social and learning events put on by the Students’ Union help students feel part of a community at the University. The Residence Life team runs a varied social events programme for all new students. 

And when you want to take a break from it all, you can find safe, supportive spaces like the campus Chaplaincy (for people of all faiths and none) or simply stop and watch the waves as the sun sets on the Solent.

Student reviews reflect the high availability and open-door policy of support services, which include:

  • Academic support
  • Personal support - including support for students with disabilities
  • Dedicated facilities for various religions
  • Counselling and mental health support
  • Health and medical care
  • Student finance
  • Housing support 

What's it like to live in South East?
Check out our region guide

South East England is made up of nine counties, with popular student cities in Brighton & Hove, Oxford, Portsmouth, Reading, and Southampton.

The area sees plenty of sunshine and Brighton – the LGBTQ+ capital of the UK – is a student favourite, with tons of quirky shops, cafes, arts, nightlife and watersports.

Moving east into Kent, you'll find the charming towns of Whitstable, Broadstairs, and Margate – all bursting with literary history – plus the iconic landmarks of Dover’s white cliffs and Canterbury Cathedral.

London is an hour or two away for gigs, theatre trips and capital city adventures, while the country’s two largest airports – Heathrow and Gatwick – mean international journeys are easy to get started.

Learn more

What's it like to live in Portsmouth?
Check out our city guide

Considering Portsmouth for your studies? Enjoy a coastal city packed with naval heritage, vibrant student life, and easy access to beaches and culture.

Learn more

Campus and facilities

Our campus is woven into the heart of Portsmouth. Your learning spaces, library, sports facilities and halls of residence rub shoulders with shops, bars, restaurants, cafés and venues, including the beautiful Victorian New Theatre Royal and Grade II listed Portsmouth Guildhall. It’s always buzzing. Yet the beach, miles of green spaces and stunning sea views are only a short walk away. 

At Portsmouth, you’ll find a campus evolving in all kinds of exciting ways – from advanced facilities like our Future Technology Centre and Motion Capture Studios, to our sustainable Sports Centre, set in a community orchard. Our £250 million masterplan means the campus will keep developing during your studies, creating amazing experiences and new possibilities for your learning. 

Transport links are excellent, too. You can get to central London by rail in 90 minutes, travel by sea to France and Spain, and for places further away, Gatwick, Heathrow and Southampton airports are all in reach. 

 

Course locations

Main Site

Portsmouth, PO1 2UP

Main Site

Portsmouth, PO1 2EG

Waltham Forest College

London, E17 4JB

South Hampshire College Group - Southampton College Campus

Southampton, SO14 1AR

Main Site

PO1 2EG

Isle of Wight College - CECAMM Centre

East Cowes, PO32 6FY

South Hampshire College Group - Fareham CEMAST

Lee-on-the-Solent, PO13 9FU

University of Portsmouth London

London, E17 9PH

South Hampshire College Group - Eastleigh College

Eastleigh, SO50 5FS

Isle of Wight College

Newport, PO30 5TA

Havant and South Downs College - South Downs Campus

Waterlooville, PO7 8AA

Peter Symonds College

Winchester, SO22 6RX

Barton Peveril College

Eastleigh, SO50 5ZA

Chichester College

Chichester, PO19 1SB

Chat to students

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  • Victor

    University of Portsmouth
    Cyber Security and Forensic Information Technology MSc
    Hey! I’m Victor, 22, studying cybersecurity at the University of Portsmouth. My journey started with a background in computer science, but over time, I’ve developed a passion for PR, media, and social media branding. I love how digital platforms can be used to tell stories and build strong connections. Now, I’m diving into cybersecurity to help make the tech world safer. Outside of school, I’m all about balancing work and play, I enjoy nights out but also love spending time at home to recharge. If you’re curious about tech, media, or life at Portsmouth, I’m always happy to chat and share my experiences!

  • Will

    University of Portsmouth
    Business and Management
    Hi! I’m will, a second year sport management student studying at the university of portsmouth. I love taking pictures with my vintage cameras, skateboarding with friends and cooking delicious food.

  • Helena

    University of Portsmouth
    Film and Media
    Hi! I'm Helena and I am studying BA Film and Television. I previously trained as an actor, but I decided to learn the other side of the camera in order to be doubly employable! I am particularly passionate about broadcast and unscripted television, and want to work in that field when I graduate.

  • Dan

    University of Portsmouth
    Marketing
    Hey i'm Dan! Im a second year student studying Digital marketing at the university of Portsmouth. My biggest career goal is to work for a high end film company within their creative marketing department. I love watching films and editing videos, and I'm here to help you guys with any questions you may have about the course, or about life at the university.

  • Lucille

    University of Portsmouth
    Psychology
    Hi there! I'm Lucille and I study Psychology at UOP! I really enjoy my course and living in this city - if you want to know what I enjoy most about it, message me and find out! 😊

  • Willow

    University of Portsmouth
    Graphics, Design & Art
    Hi!! I’m Willow, and I’m in my first year studying BA (Hons) Illustration at the University of Portsmouth. I’ve lived in Portsmouth my entire life and know the city like the back of my hand!! After University, I plan to study a PGCE in teaching to become a qualified art teacher. I am super passionate about anything creative whether that be drawing, fashion, makeup or anything else. 😊🎨✍️👩‍🎨

  • Jack

    University of Portsmouth
    Film and Media
    My name is Jack, and I am currently a third year studying Post Production for Film and Television. Having previously studied media, and my interest in performing and dance, I want to use this to combine my passions and be an editor for film, television and social media in the future. I also have experience with living with a physical disability as well as on the Autism Spectrum Disorder. I will happily answer any questions you may have, so please don't hesitate to talk with me!

  • Imran

    University of Portsmouth
    Film and Media
    Hey there! I'm Imran and I am currently studying Television Production with an aim of working in sports broadcast industry. I am really passionate about filming, editing, and creating content. I have experience in camera operating, vision mixing, directing, rigging and de-rigging kit, and fixing connection issues. I love playing sports, and play badminton professionally. I have played in several badminton tournaments both nationally and internationally. I am currently in London on a placement year working at Disney as a Broadcast Technology and Operations Intern.

  • Elisabeth

    University of Portsmouth
    Sport and Exercise Psychology (BPS accredited) MSc
    My name is Elisabeth, I am currently studying Sport and Exercise Psychology BSc with the aim of moving into Clinical Psychology MSc and PhD. I am very passionate about psychology as well as sport, I’ve been doing gymnastics since I was 9 years old but I also enjoy lots of other sport such as tennis, golf and weight lifting. I currently live at Greetham street halls. My favourite thing to do outside uni is bowling with my friends in Gunwharf Quays.

  • Joy

    University of Portsmouth
    Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences
    After graduating with a masters in pharmacy (MPharm) from the University of Portsmouth and qualifying as a pharmacist in the UK, I decided that I wanted to pursue a PhD in molecular microbiology. I am currently in my thesis-writing stage of my PhD. I welcome questions around my student experience as a postgraduate PhD candidate research student.

  • Jess

    University of Portsmouth
    Film and Media
    My future career plans are to hopefully work somewhere in the film industry, particularly post production! I hope to work with big names and niche projects.