Portsmouth is a small and lively city by the sea that offers everything students need. Students can focus on their studies with as little distraction as they like. Then, when it's time to step away from the books, the seafront offers learners the perfect place to revive and time to reset.
Everything is close by in Portsmouth. In the course of a day students could tour a historic ship, browse a bustling street full of independent shops, before visiting a gallery and relaxing on the beach. The city is flat – perfect for cycling – and it's easy to get around. By night, the city comes alive with gigs, bars, restaurants, clubs and shows.
The university's compact campus is threaded through the heart of the city - rubbing shoulders with cafes and venues, yet just a stone's throw from green spaces and beaches. It's home to students from all walks of life, and from all around the world. Portsmouth is constantly investing in new facilities to help students fulfil their ambitions.
An extensive support network of both academic and non-academic staff ensures that students have the best platform for success while learning at Portsmouth. Students can further their knowledge through their qualification, but also develop other skills to give them key advantages when applying for jobs in their chosen career upon graduation.
Take a virtual tour
Portsmouth's virtual tour lets students explore the city, university and student experience from wherever they are.
London campus
The university opened its London campus in 2024. Students interested in business, accounting, computing or marketing can study master's degrees designed for career success at the globally connected campus in Walthamstow.
Just 20 minutes from central London, the campus is in the buzzing heart of an artistic local community. In London, Portsmouth champions block teaching: by studying one module at a time, it's easier for students to plan life around their studies.
Explore courses and facilities in London.
University of Portsmouth students on Postgraduate Search say:
''Abundant opportunities for personal and professional growth, both inside and outside the classroom.''
''The location is beautiful. The campus is amazing. The student support is incredible.''
''The staff are amazing! Incredibly helpful and kind. Everything is so well-organized. The atmosphere is friendly. ''
The University of Portsmouth has a thriving postgraduate student community, with the institution offering a range of courses that can boost career prospects. While the university is particularly well-regarded for its research, taught courses are also considered to be of a high standard here. Students will benefit from links with local and international businesses, and the university's own contemporary facilities.
The university has made significant investments in the resources and facilities on campus, and will continue to invest £250 million over the next 10 years as part of its Estate Masterplan.
Portsmouth's state-of-the-art main library is open 24 hours a day and contains hundreds of thousands of books, journals and digital resources. There are individual and group study rooms, social spaces and one-on-one soundproofed meeting pods. The campus is home to ten cafes serving tasty and healthy food and drinks at student-friendly prices.
Portsmouth's academic faculties include:
University of Portsmouth students on Postgraduate Search say:
''Property management team is amazing! I made a small complaint of switch not working, and the guy to fix was at my room before I reached from the reception to my room!''
''Probably the best value accommodation in Portsmouth.''
''Easy access to information and facilities.''
The University offers a range of student accommodation options, with a variety of choices in terms of location, facilities and services. Many of these are available to postgraduate students, who will most likely be sharing their halls of residence with the university's undergraduate population.
Many postgraduates choose to find off-campus accommodation from the local rental sector, which offers a huge range of locations and options to suit all budgets and requirements. Student rents are some of the most affordable in the region, coming in at 57% less than London and 37% less than Brighton (Numbeo, October 2025).
The University of Portsmouth offers a wide array of postgraduate qualifications, including both taught and research programmes, as well as continued professional development courses.
Specific requirements vary by course, but students will generally need a good honours degree in a relevant subject area or equivalent for a taught course. Professional experience and other related qualifications are also considered by the university admissions team, who are available to contact throughout the year to respond to any queries or questions.
Entry standards are slightly more stringent for research degrees – students are expected to hold a 2:1 or above for admission to a postgraduate degree course, in a field related to their proposed area of study.
Since the majority of Portsmouth's programmes are delivered in English, international applicants who don't speak English as their first language will need to demonstrate a minimum standard of English language proficiency before the start of their course.
Students, just by attending university, are investing in their future. Portsmouth wants to help them do it wisely. The university can help students understand fees and costs, and what support is available both in terms of financing studies and other aspects of student life.
Tuition fees vary by course and are available on the individual course page on the University's website. At Portsmouth, students can choose to pay their fees in instalments.
Unlike some universities, Portsmouth does not charge an application fee for their postgraduate courses.
The university's dedicated student money team is available to advise applicants and current students about options for fees and funding. For example, the team can advise on applying for bursaries from Postgraduate Solutions or the NHS Business Services Authority. They can also direct students towards bursary and grant options via a range of charities and trusts.
If a student has a disability, mental health issue or long-term illness, the university offers guidance around applying for Disabled Students' Allowance. If a student will be supporting children or a dependent adult while they study, the Student Money team can answer queries about eligibility for Universal Credit.
If a student has spent time in care or are estranged from their parents, the university offers a range of support including a £1,700 Care Leavers' Bursary, £1,000 Stand Alone Bursary, and £500 University Bursary.
Students can use Portsmouth's comprehensive guide to fees and funding for master's courses to get started.
The University of Portsmouth is dedicated to keeping its postgraduate course fees accessible to students from all backgrounds.
Course fees vary based on mode and level of study, as well as tuition fee status.
UK students can generally be expected to pay between £7,000 and £12,600 for a full-time master's degree, or between £2,000 and £4,200 per year for a part-time course.
Equivalent fees for international students are typically set between £14,300 and £19,200, and up to £6,400 per year for part time course options split over three years.
At Portsmouth, students are offered courses designed for the career they want, blending first-rate research facilities with practical application. The university tutors' research, links with industry and international connections bring relevance and purpose to learning. They'll share the insights and skills students need to achieve their ambitions.
Its careers and employability service offers expert, tailored advice to help students secure and shape the future they want. Staff have strong links with employers and can advise students on career planning and volunteering opportunities, as well as organise dedicated employer events. What's more, students can tap into their support for up to five years after graduation.
Students are not on their own when they study at Portsmouth. University support is on hand with a wide range of advice, guidance and support to help students get the absolute best from this unique time in their life. From housing to wellbeing to advanced study skills, Portsmouth has its students' backs.
University of Portsmouth students on Postgraduate Search say:
''The course material is relevant, comprehensive, and well-structured, providing a deep understanding of the subject while also encouraging critical thinking and innovation.''
''It's a great course, the lecturers and personal tutors are amazing.''
''Content and teaching materials are great and easy to access.''
Students have a wealth of possibilities when it comes to taught postgraduate degrees at Portsmouth, with a huge selection of courses spanning a diversity of subject areas.
Students can find out more about the taught degree options available on the university's website, or request a digital degree guide.
Research degrees at Portsmouth include a variety of qualifications including MD, MPhil, and MRes degrees. Students can continue with their studies at the University with a PhD or PhD by publication.
For those still undecided on an academic focus, the university allows its students to explore a range of pre-approved PhD projects across a wide variety of subject areas. Some may need to be self-funded whilst others are fully funded by the university.
The University of Portsmouth provides a large choice in distance learning degrees for students to take advantage of.
These degrees are available at postgraduate level and can be studied entirely online, with both full-time and part-time options, allowing students the flexibility to organise their studies around the rest of their life. With over 30 courses in subjects as diverse as accounting, criminology and translation studies, students are sure to find something that suits their academic and professional ambitions.
The University of Portsmouth is a haven for world-leading research. From its home in a city by the sea, the university reaches out around the globe to help solve societies' problems.
Recent research at Portsmouth includes engineering an enzyme that could make single-use plastic recyclable, decoding the language of violence against women, and helping to discover a new species of orangutan.
Many researchers are actively involved in teaching and supervision. They'll empower students to reach their breakthrough moments.
100% of its research in physics and 87.2% of its research in allied health professions was rated as either ‘World Leading' or ‘Internationally Excellent' by the most recent Research Excellence Framework in 2021, and the University continues to push the boundaries in these areas moving forward.
The university's pioneering work is undertaken through its network of research centres, which are involved in explorations into some of the most significant challenges faced by society – including research areas such as cosmology and astrophysics, cyber security, forensics and sport science.
They are a hotbed of innovation and endeavour, connecting the university to the global research community and placing it at the heart of innovation across a number of subjects.
University of Portsmouth students on Postgraduate Search say:
''Research sector is incredible''
''MSc electronic and electrical engineering is one of the best and the advanced course in the institution well equipped with all lab facilities and software's are available for free to students use and faculty are very supportive.''
Portsmouth is a lively city with plenty to keep students occupied all year round. Located on the coast, Portsmouth is ideal for outdoor activities such as relaxing on the beach, going for a swim or strolling along the pier. There are plenty of parks to explore, and students are never short on options if they need to stop to refuel either, as there are lots of cafes, restaurants and plenty of pubs to enjoy.
University of Portsmouth students on Postgraduate Search say:
''The city is great and the night life is great.''
''Portsmouth is a pretty great place for a student''
''I'm constantly amazed at how inclusive the university is and how strong their support towards the students.''
The students' union runs a variety of clubs and societies, making it easy for students to meet like-minded individuals and make friends which last a lifetime. There is a huge range of options, with something for everyone to discover.
Portsmouth's Students' Union (SU) is a student-run organisation, where youth leaders develop their skills and represent the voice of the learning community. It's the first place to go for a wide range of advice and support services, and the SU also co-ordinates an exciting yearly timetable of social events and activities.
The University of Portsmouth has developed a comprehensive range of free and confidential student services to ensure that all students have the resources and guidance needed to succeed academically and develop as individuals:
Academic and learning support - Personal tutors and the academic skills unit provide help with study methods, note-taking, revision and exam techniques.
Disability Advice - Specialised support and resources offered at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with advice on financial support, reasonable adjustments and diagnosis referrals.
Doctoral College - Offers bespoke training and workshops to develop students' research careers and professional development. The doctoral college is home to a community of more than 1,000 research degree students.
Student Wellbeing - Advisors for psychological health, as well as free counselling and an annual wellbeing festival.
Residence Life Team - Help and advice for students in halls, or first-year students renting privately.
Student Money - Open five days a week with advisors on hand to help with issues of debt, budgeting and funding opportunities.
University of Portsmouth students on Postgraduate Search say:
''This uni provides all the necessary staffs and supports for all the students.''
''They offer full support for any issue, no matter how small.''
''Secondly, the services at the university are also extremely helpful, particularly the Careers and Employability Service. They also provide with excellent feedback and extra resources after each meeting.''
Portsmouth's careers and employability service is open to all students and for graduates for up to five years, meaning students can be confident that they'll be supported on their journey from university to the job market.
Students have access to MyCareer from their very first day, where they can find hundreds of job opportunities. It's operated by a friendly and helpful team of staff, who can also help students find voluntary work experience placements for those wanting to garner some more experience ahead of finishing their degree.
Specialist staff are available to guide each individual student through their options for those who are unsure about what to do next, from finding further study or deciding on the right career to where to start a job search.
For students who already have big plans, the university offers support with job applications, CV writing and mock interviews, as well as co-ordinating a busy timetable of career fairs and networking events throughout the academic year.
University of Portsmouth students on Postgraduate Search say:
''Exceptional opportunities for work placements and internships are available, offering practical experience and exposure to real-world applications of your studies. I already found my current job in Luxembourg due to my studies at this University''
