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University of Portsmouth

Portsmouth, United Kingdom

  • Cost of Living£ 17,184
  • Tuition Fee From£ 5,970
  • Country Rank#42
  • Batch Strength21,688
  • Global Diversity27%
  • Gender Ratio54:46

Overview

About

Located in the city of Portsmouth, the University of Portsmouth (UOP) is a public university known for its excellent higher education. The university was established in 1870 as Portsmouth and Gosport School of Science and Art. Due to its history, it is very popular among international students. Portsmouth offers 65 research degree programmes, 150 postgraduate degrees, and more than 200 undergraduate degrees. The university belongs to the Channel Islands Universities Consortium and the University Alliance. Numerous academic specialities are available at the university, including pharmacy, criminology, criminal justice, criminology, and international relations. The university is divided into five faculties -

 

  • Faculty of Business and Law
  • Faculty of Technology
  • Faculty of Science and Health
  • Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries

 

UOP’s Students’ Union sponsors more than 150 student-run organisations that give students extracurricular options, such as sports clubs, societies, media organisations and volunteer opportunities. It organises a variety of service programmes, including HEFCE's Volunteering Team of the Year. The Union received a £15,000 grant in 2010 to engage with the city's senior people. Numerous sports clubs operated by the Athletic Union are available at UOP through the Students' Union. The sports include octopush (underwater hockey), lacrosse, polo, and pole dancing in addition to more classic team sports like athletics, football, cricket, rugby union, netball, trampolining and table tennis. There are four major media outlets at the university. The Galleon is the student newspaper, Pugwash is the student magazine, Victory Studios is the student television station, and Pure FM is the student radio station, which collaborates with local radio stations such as Express FM. This gives students the opportunity to enhance their creative input.

Ranking

Recognised for its outstanding academic standards and diverse campus environment, the University of Portsmouth consistently earns esteemed placements in global university rankings. Offering a vast range of courses spanning various disciplines, it remains a standout institution renowned for its exceptional quality of education. In 2025, the University of Portsmouth continued its upward trajectory, securing the 631st position globally in the QS World University Rankings and achieving a notable 49th place among UK universities according to The Complete University Guide. The previous year, 2024, saw significant improvements across multiple rankings. The university climbed to 501st in the QS World University Rankings, maintained its position in the 401-500 range in the Times Higher Education (THE) Ranking, and was ranked 577th globally by US News & World Report. Most impressively, Portsmouth made a substantial leap in The Guardian's rankings, reaching 33rd place. Looking back to 2023, the university held the 701st position in the QS rankings and ranked 67th in The Guardian's list, demonstrating consistent improvement over the years.

 

University of Portsmouth - QS Ranking 2025

In the QS World University Rankings, the University of Portsmouth made significant progress from 701st place in 2023 to 501st in 2024 and further improved to 631st in 2025. It also maintained a strong position in Europe, ranking 191st in 2024.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Europe

-

191

-

World University

701

501

631

 

University of Portsmouth - US News & World Report Ranking

In 2024, the University of Portsmouth was ranked 577th among global universities by US News & World Report, showing a slight decrease from its position of 558th in 2023. In 2022, it was ranked 594th globally.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Global Universities

594

558

577

 

University of Portsmouth - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking

In 2024, the University of Portsmouth remained within the 401-500 range in THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking. It saw a slight advancement from the 501-600 range in 2022 to the 401-500 range in 2023.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

501-600

401-500

401-500

 

Learn More About: University of Portsmouth’s Admission

 

University of Portsmouth - The Guardian Ranking 2024

The University of Portsmouth has demonstrated remarkable progress in The Guardian's annual rankings, soaring from the 75th position in 2022 to the 67th rank in 2023, and cementing its upward trajectory by securing an impressive 33rd place in the 2024 assessment, underscoring the institution's commitment to continuous enhancement and academic prowess.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

75

67

33

 

University of Portsmouth - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025

In 2025, the University of Portsmouth is ranked 49th among UK universities according to The Complete University Guide, showing a slight decrease from 47th place in 2024 but an improvement from 69th place in 2023.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

UK University

69

47

49

 

University of Portsmouth - QS Ranking 2025

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Accounting and Finance

251

301

-

Medicine

601

651

-

Physics and Astronomy

301

351

-

 

University of Portsmouth - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

Arts and Humanities

401-500

401-500

401-500

Clinical and Health

501-600

501-600

501-600

Engineering

501-600

401-500

301-400

Law

151-175

151-175

126-150

Life Sciences

401-500

401-500

301-400

PG Business and Economics

301-400

301-400

301-400

PG Computer Science

401-500

501-600

401-500

Psychology

176-200

201-250

201-250

 

University of Portsmouth - The Guardian Ranking 2024

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Accounting and Finance

44

48

47

Architecture

46

40

31

Business and Management

60

43

50

Chemical Engineering

29

27

-

Civil Engineering

40

34

30

Economics

27

28

22

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

52

49

39

Journalism

18

6

6

Law

42

68

51

Mechanical Engineering

48

27

27

Media and Film Studies

73

69

25

Physics

37

38

20

Politics

65

47

49

Sociology and Social Policy

72

64

61

 

University of Portsmouth - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Accounting and Finance

48

45

43

Architecture

38

23

28

Art and Design

48

33

31

Biological Sciences

74

42

40

Business and Management Studies UK

51

43

49

Chemical Engineering

34

33

30

Civil Engineering

45

30

35

Communication and Media Studies

90

48

54

Computer Science

67

61

52

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

56

37

41

Law

38

50

55

Mechanical Engineering

44

39

42

Nursing

42

28

30

Physics and Astronomy

42

40

35

Psychology

51

46

48

Sociology

42

50

45

 

Course Rankings 

In the University of Portsmouth subject ranking for 2023, numerous courses have achieved top global standings. QS has placed the University of Portsmouth within the 251-300 range for MIM in Accounting & Finance and within the 301-350 range for Physics and Astronomy Rankings. Notably, these rankings represent an improvement from the university's position of 301-350 in 2022. Furthermore, QS has recognised the university's excellence in various programmes, including Medicine Rankings. The University of Portsmouth's Medicine Rankings programmes are highly sought-after, securing a commendable placement within the 601-650 range in 2023.

B.A.

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

38

15

54

The Guardian - Politics

22

19

45

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

-

24

23

The Complete University Guide - Art and Design

-

36

30

 

B.Arch

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Architecture

32

16

40

The Complete University Guide - Architecture

-

37

38

 

B.E. / B.Tech

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Civil Engineering

38

37

45

The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering

31

18

46

The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering

27

23

48

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

-

37

44

The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering

-

48

44

The Complete University Guide - Chemical Engineering

-

17

18

The Complete University Guide - Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

-

23

23

The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering

-

37

43

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

-

44

49

The Guardian - Chemical Engineering

17

18

23

 

Learn More About: University of Portsmouth’s Courses

B.J.M.C.

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Media and Film Studies

35

50

48

The Guardian - Journalism

38

16

12

The Complete University Guide - Communication and Media Studies

-

35

36

 

B.Sc.

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

32

31

37

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

31

30

45

The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy

39

42

45

The Guardian - Physics

27

29

37

 

BBA

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Business and Management

28

44

48

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

18

28

36

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

 

38

37

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

 

44

44

The Guardian - Economics

9

37

40

 

BSN

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Nursing

18

12

10

 

LL.B.

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Law

33

72

69

The Complete University Guide - Law

-

38

38

 

LL.M.

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Law

76-100

51-75

51-75

THE (Times Higher Education) - Law

-

151-175

151-175

 

M.A.

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

301-400

301-400

301-400

THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities

-

401-500

401-500

 

MIM

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

301-400

401-500

301-400

 

MS

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

401-450

351-400

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

401-500

301-400

301-400

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

-

401-500

401-500

THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering

-

501-600

501-600

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

-

401-500

401-500

 

Others PG

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Medicine

-

551-600

-

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

301-400

251-300

176-200

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

401-500

501-600

501-600

 

Accounting & Commerce

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

18

28

36

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

-

38

37

 

Architecture & Planning

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Architecture

32

16

40

The Complete University Guide - Architecture

-

37

38

 

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing )

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities

401-500

401-500

401-500

The Complete University Guide - Art and Design

-

36

30

 

Business & Management Studies

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Business and Management

28

44

48

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

-

44

44

The Guardian - Economics

9

37

40

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

301-400

401-500

301-400

 

Engineering

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering

501-600

501-600

501-600

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

401-500

401-500

401-500

The Guardian - Civil Engineering

38

37

45

The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering

31

18

46

The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering

27

23

48

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

-

37

44

The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering

-

48

44

The Complete University Guide - Chemical Engineering

-

17

18

The Complete University Guide - Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

-

23

23

The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering

-

37

43

The Guardian - Chemical Engineering

17

18

23

 

Humanities & Social Sciences

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

301-400

301-400

301-400

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

-

-

31

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

-

301-400

251-300

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

-

38

15

The Guardian - Politics

-

22

19

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

-

-

24

 

Law

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Law

76-100

51-75

51-75

The Guardian - Law

-

33

72

THE (Times Higher Education) - Law

-

151-175

151-175

The Complete University Guide - Law

-

-

38

 

Mass Communication & Media

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Media and Film Studies

35

50

48

The Guardian - Journalism

38

16

12

The Complete University Guide - Communication and Media Studies

-

35

36

 

Medicine & Health Sciences

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Medicine

-

551-600

-

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

401-500

501-600

501-600

 

Nursing

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Nursing

18

12

10

 

Science

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

401-450

351-400

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

401-500

301-400

301-400

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

-

-

32

The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy

-

-

39

The Guardian - Physics

-

-

27

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

401-500

401-500

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

-

-

44

 

Aeronautical Engineering

Ranked by

2020

2021

The Complete University Guide - Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

23

23

 

Biology

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

-

32

31

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

401-500

401-500

401-500

 

Business Economics

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Economics

9

37

40

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

301-400

401-500

301-400

 

Chemical Engineering

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Complete University Guide - Chemical Engineering

-

17

18

The Guardian - Chemical Engineering

17

18

23

 

Civil Engineering

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Civil Engineering

38

37

45

The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering

-

37

43

 

Computer Science

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

44

49

70

 

Computer Science Engineering

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

401-500

401-500

401-500

 

Electrical Engineering

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

37

44

47

 

Electronics Engineering

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering

31

18

46

 

Mechanical Engineering

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering

27

23

48

The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering

-

48

44

 

Physics

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

401-450

351-400

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

401-500

301-400

301-400

The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy

-

-

39

The Guardian - Physics

-

-

27

 

Politics

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Politics

22

19

45

 

Accounting

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

18

28

36

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

-

38

37

 

Journalism

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Journalism

38

16

12

 

Political Science

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

301-400

301-400

301-400

The Guardian - Politics

-

22

19

 

Psychology

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

-

31

30

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

301-400

251-300

176-200

 

Sociology

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

38

15

54

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

-

24

23

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2024

#631 - 640

#577

2023

#701 - 750

#558

2022

#651 - 700

#558

2021

#651 - 700

#594

Facilities

Students attending the university can take advantage of a wide range of programmes and groups. Several University of Portsmouth facilities are available to students, including -

 

Libraries And Information Services: 

  • With more than 395,000 books, 874,000 e-books, 110,000 e-journals and off-campus access to e-resources, the library is open 24 hours a day.
  • Faculty librarians offer specialised advice on every subject through in-person, online and classroom instruction.
  • Over 4,500 PCs, laptops and Apple Macs are available for students to use anywhere across the university's campus as part of its IT facilities.
  • The quick Wi-Fi network is available to all students without charge all around the campus and in the residential halls. 24/7 support is offered.

 

Center For Student Finance - While students are studying, they can get information and guidance on all elements of money management. This involves submitting documentation to support applications for federal student loans as well as receiving immediate assistance from a large University Support Fund and same-day emergency loans.

 

Time To Think - Regardless of a student's point of view, multifaith chaplaincy offers a secure environment. Students can visit whenever they like for tea and discuss anything that concerns them. Any student, regardless of their level of religious belief, has access to a quiet space for introspection and calm.

 

Childcare - The university's on-campus nursery provides students with kids between the ages of six months and five with top-notch daycare. Because there are a limited number of spots available, make sure to talk to the university staff in advance.

Notable Alumni

Simon Armitage
Simon Armitage
English poet, playwright and novelist
Simon Armitage
Simon Armitage
English poet, playwright and novelist
Jonathan Bullock
Jonathan Bullock
English politician
Jonathan Bullock
Jonathan Bullock
English politician
Craig Jones
Craig Jones
Royal Navy officer
Craig Jones
Craig Jones
Royal Navy officer

Courses

Admission

 Acceptance Rate 

The acceptance rate of the Portspouth University is 69%. This competitive rate underscores the university's commitment to selecting candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic aptitude and potential. With a diverse and inclusive environment, the university boasts a vibrant international community comprising over 5,500 students hailing from more than 150 countries worldwide. This global representation enriches the campus experience, fostering cross-cultural exchange and collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds.

 

Entry Requirements

Students applying for an undergraduate degree can apply through UCAS whereas postgraduate students can apply through the online university portal. Both domestic and international students must go through the same admissions process. The essential University of Portsmouth entry requirements, academic standards, and language competency tests required for applying to the university's various programmes are as follows -

 

For Undergraduate Studies:

  • Complete the application form online.
  • Official transcripts from the previous high school (10+2 years)
  • A minimum overall of 75% in the 12th grade.
  • Minimum scores on the English Proficiency Test (any one) -
  • Exam or test for admission.
  • Audition (if required).
  • A one-on-one or group interview.
  • A health check (for health-based courses).
  • Criminal background check.
  • A portfolio (if required).
  • Professional background.

 

For Postgraduate Studies:

  • A minimum overall of 55% in undergraduate studies 
  • Official transcripts from the previous high school (10+2 years)
  • Minimum scores on the English Proficiency Test like IELTS, TOEFL or PTE -
  • Exam or test for admission (for specific courses).
  • Either a private or public interview (for specific courses).
  • A health check (for health-based courses).
  • Check for criminal records (for specific courses).
  • A portfolio (for specific courses).
  • Professional background (if relevant).

 

Basic Requirements for UG and PG:

  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR).
  • CV/Resume.
  • Proof of finances.
  • GRE/GMAT (if required).
  • Interview (if required).
  • Passport copy.
  • Student visa for the UK.

 

English Language Proficiency Requirements

The admissions process for higher education often involves meeting specific language proficiency requirements, ensuring students can effectively engage in coursework and thrive in academic environments. At the University of Portsmouth, prospective students must demonstrate proficiency in English through standardised tests, such as the IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. Refer to the table below to understand this better: 

 

Level

Test

Minimum Score

Postgraduate

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

91

PTE

61

Undergraduate

IELTS

6.0

TOEFL

79

PTE

54

 

Fees

The university provides a huge selection of graduate and undergraduate programmes. Whether a student is a domestic or international applicant, the type of course specialisation and the level of the degree affects the University of Portsmouth fees for each programme. Additionally, universities charge for the amenities and services offered on-campus. Here is an average breakdown of the costs according to each course per year  -

 

  • Medical and Pure Sciences: £15,500 - £18,300
  • Law and Legal Studies: £16,200 - £17,000
  • Psychology: £16,200 - £18,300
  • Business Management: £7,900 - £18,300
  • Accounting and Finance: £16,200 - £18,300
  • Animation and Design: £15,500 - £18,300

 

Placements

The university is ranked first in the UK for increasing graduate pay, according to The Economist. The employment rate for University of Portsmouth placements for graduate students is 94%. The typical UOP grad makes around 3,100 GBP. Students are given career and placement support by the university, including guidance on how to construct a resume and cover letter, how to prepare for interviews, how to find part-time work, workshops, chance fairs, etc.

 

Scholarship

Given below are some of the scholarships offered at the University of Portsmouth: 

 

Scholarship Name

Eligibility

Benefits

Vice Chancellor's Global Development Scholarship

Available to international students enrolling from October 2021.

Reduction of first-year tuition fee by GBP 1,600

Chancellor's Global Academic Merit Scholarship

Open to students demonstrating exceptional academic merit.

Fee reduction of GBP 5,000 for the first year of study

School of the Environment, Geography, and Geosciences (SEGG) Scholarship

Applicable to students pursuing a Master's degree in related subjects within the School of the Environment, Geography, and Geosciences.

50% reduction in tuition fees

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds in order to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the University of Portsmouth. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

 

Accommodation

There are several student accommodations in Portsmouth near University of Portsmouth that are fully equipped for your needs. Student accommodation near University Of Portsmouth offers a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from an array of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are inexpensive and fully furnished with 24/7 staff support.

Cost of Living

As a student at UOP you will come across the various cost of living in Portsmouth. While studying abroad can be expensive as an international student, students can still save money if they divide their monthly costs effectively - 

 

Particulars

Cost (Monthly)

Off-Campus Accommodation 

£ 740

On-Campus Accommodation

£ 800

Transportation

£ 66

Food Cost

£ 360

Entertainment

£ 36

Groceries

£ 160

Clothes

£ 70

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

£ 1,432

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

£ 1,492

Annual Cost of Living

£ 17,184

 

The above data is sourced from Cost of Living in Portsmouth on UniAcco.

 

FAQs