The University of Portsmouth: an excellent choice

The University of Portsmouth

The history of the University of Portsmouth dates back to 1869. Since the award of the first degree in 1900, the University of Portsmouth has maintained its commitment to promoting and maintaining excellence in teaching and research across its five faculties. The University of Portsmouth currently has over 20,000 students, 3,000 of whom are from overseas. For the third year running, University of Portsmouth students are reported as being amongst the most satisfied in the UK. The University of Portsmouth was assessed as the Top Modern UK University for Student Satisfaction in 2008 (National Student Survey) and placed within the Top 25 per cent of mainstream English universities. The University of Portsmouth is also one of the top modern universities to feature in The Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey (2010).

Since 1992 the University of Portsmouth has grown rapidly. Over the past ten years it has spent £100 million on improving facilities, which includes new halls of residence, sports facilities, the Students’ Union and many new teaching buildings. The University of Portsmouth is committed to investing in the future of its students and to ensuring an excellent learning experience.

The attractive University Quarter sits in the heart of Portsmouth and a growing reputation for excellence means that the University of Portsmouth is becoming a preferred destination for the best students, tutors and researchers. In 2009 the Dennis Sciama Building opened to house the internationally recognised Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation and in September 2010 the new £9 million Dental Academy opened in an innovative partnership between the University of Portsmouth and Kings College London.

Research at the University of Portsmouth was rated world-class in the latest survey of research quality in UK universities (Research Assessment Exercise 2008). In Applied Mathematics, the University of Portsmouth was equal first with the Universities of Cambridge, Durham and Oxford and adjudged to have research that is internationally excellent and world-leading.

Religious Facilities

The University of Portsmouth has its own Chaplaincy which offers a space to relax, meet friends and host religious events. The Chaplaincy can also offer confidential support and information on other support services. As well as having its own sanctuary room, The Chaplaincy can also advise on local places of worship, including Islamic Prayer rooms. Portsmouth has many places of worship within easy reach of ICP including four Mosques, one of which is located less than 10 minutes’ walk.

Students’ Union

The Students’ Union offers plenty of opportunities to become involved in the social life of the University through various student societies and events. There are also a wide range of facilities and services designed to make your stay at Portsmouth enjoyable. The Student Centre is a purpose built Union that has state of the art facilities for entertainment and staff offering support and representation. The Union is centrally located and within a short walk of main University buildings, so it’s easy to find time to meet with friends for coffee. With bars, a nightclub, an alcohol free zone and an international lounge, there really is something for everyone.

Library Services

The University Library is at the centre of academic life, providing information in a variety of forms to support individual study and research. The University Library has study places for 850 readers, 4 open-access areas with over 400 PCs, printing facilities, laptop working areas and group study spaces. It also has a fast, extensive and free wireless network and all students have internet access and a personal email addresses with 5GB of ultra-fast and secure storage.

Cost of Living

Portsmouth is an affordable city in which to live and study as it is close to but outside the costs of London. You will need to ensure that you budget for a minimum of £600* per month to cover your living expenses whilst studying in the UK.

ICP Credentials

ICP works within the Academic Quality Framework of the University of Portsmouth and is accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC). It is also a member of the British Council’s Education UK Partnership and the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

*The UK Border Agency requires student visa applicants to have a minimum of £600 per month to support their living costs in the UK for the duration of their studies in the UK.