University Of Portsmouth: Student Population Insights

how many students at portsmouth university

The University of Portsmouth is a public university located in Portsmouth, a city on the south coast of England. Portsmouth is a busy cosmopolitan naval and commercial port with around 240,000 inhabitants, 24,000 of whom are students. The university has two campuses: the University Quarter, which is centred around the Portsmouth Guildhall area and houses most of the university's teaching facilities and student halls of residence, and the Langstone Campus, which is home to the university's sports grounds and two halls of residence accommodating around 250 students. The University of Portsmouth offers a wide range of degrees and is known for its commitment to students' future careers, with more than nine in ten of its graduates finding employment or progressing to further study.

Characteristics Values
Number of students 24,000
Ranking in the Good University Guide 2022 88 out of 132
Ranking in the Teaching Excellence Framework Gold
Ranking in the Natwest Student Living Index 2023 4th in the UK's most affordable cities for students
Percentage of research rated as "world-leading" or "internationally excellent" in the REF 2021 77%
Ranking in the UK for research power 3rd of all modern post-92 universities
Percentage of graduates in work or further study 90%
Ranking in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2022 Top 10 for career prospects
Number of students housed in Langstone Campus 250

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Student population: 24,000

The University of Portsmouth has a student population of 24,000. The university is located on the Solent, opposite the Isle of Wight, and is a busy cosmopolitan naval and commercial port with around 240,000 inhabitants. Portsmouth has a strong maritime heritage and is home to the Royal Navy. The University's seaside location makes it easy for students to enjoy pebbled beaches, public gardens, and sports all year round. The campus is next to the resort area of Southsea, where many students live. It's a friendly area with a huge open common and the beach.

The University of Portsmouth is split between the University Quarter, centred around the Portsmouth Guildhall area, and the Langstone Campus. The University Quarter contains most of the university's teaching facilities and nearly all of the student halls of residence. The University Library was extended in 2006 at a cost of £11 million and was opened by crime writer P.D. James. The University has also invested in the Faculty of Science, renovating the aluminium-clad main building, St Michael's.

The University of Portsmouth is committed to its students' future careers. The latest statistics show more than nine in ten of the university's graduates are in work or further study. The University achieved a top 10 ranking for career prospects in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2022. Students at Portsmouth can access a broad range of degrees across subjects including business, creative and cultural industries, humanities, law, sciences, social sciences, and technology. The University provides a range of flexible study pathways, such as distance learning and part-time study modes, as well as top-up programmes.

The University of Portsmouth is the only UK university to offer Connected Degrees, which give students a unique choice to take a placement year either after Year 2 or after the final year of study. There are also opportunities to go abroad to study or work, allowing students to gain valuable employability skills and broaden their horizons.

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Student accommodation

The University of Portsmouth offers various accommodation options for its students. The university guarantees new, full-time undergraduate students a room in halls if they make the university their firm first choice and meet the accommodation deadline. All the university halls are located in the centre of Portsmouth, close to the campus. Every room is equipped with essential furniture, including a bed, desk, drawers, and sockets, and comes with free broadband and WiFi. The majority of the rooms are en-suite, and all bills are included in the cost of the room. The university also provides accessible rooms approved by AccessAble for students with disabilities.

Students can also choose between catered and non-catered accommodation options. Staying in the halls of residence allows students to meet like-minded people and build a community of friends. The university's accommodation options are safe and comfortable, adhering to the Student Accommodation Code or National Code.

In addition to halls of residence, the university also assists students in finding private rental options. Portsmouth, as the UK's only island city, offers a unique student experience with its beaches, restaurants, independent shops, music venues, cultural hotspots, and green spaces. The university can help students find rooms in flats, houses, or lodgings that suit their preferences and budgets.

The University of Portsmouth is committed to supporting its students in finding the right accommodation to suit their needs and budgets, whether it be in the halls of residence or through private rentals.

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Student support

The University of Portsmouth offers a wide range of student support services to ensure students have a positive and successful university experience.

Academic Support

The University of Portsmouth provides extensive academic support to its students. Each student is assigned a personal tutor who offers academic and personal support throughout their time at the university. Personal tutors help students transition from school or college to university life, providing guidance on various topics such as essay writing, dealing with homesickness, accessing funding, and choosing optional modules. Students can meet with their tutors in both group and one-on-one sessions and can also reach out between sessions for urgent issues. Additionally, the university offers learning support and development tutors within each faculty, who assist students in improving their current skills or developing new ones relevant to their course.

Financial Support

The university provides financial support to its students in various forms. The Student Finance Centre helps students with loan applications, accessing university support funds, and exploring scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities. The university offered £5.8 million in bursaries and hardship funds to students for the 2019/2020 academic year. Students can also seek personalised money advice and support with managing their finances through the university's guidance and support services.

Wellbeing Support

The University of Portsmouth prioritises the mental health and wellbeing of its students. The Student Wellbeing Service offers free mental health support, including one-on-one advice sessions, counselling, resources, and workshops to promote student wellbeing. The Chaplaincy also provides a supportive and welcoming space for students, regardless of their values and beliefs. Additionally, the university offers general health and wellbeing advice, covering topics such as staying healthy during university life.

Career Support

The Careers and Employability Office at the University of Portsmouth assists students in finding jobs, planning their careers, and even starting their own businesses. This support extends beyond graduation, with services available to students for up to five years after they complete their studies. The university is committed to helping students graduate with employable skills and experience, offering unique Connected Degrees that provide students with a choice of taking a placement year after their second year or final year. These placements allow students to develop professional experience and gain valuable employability skills.

Student Union

The University of Portsmouth Students' Union (UPSU) is a registered charity that represents and supports all students at the university. UPSU offers support services, development opportunities, and representation at different levels within the university and the wider community. Students automatically become members of UPSU upon registering for their courses.

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Student satisfaction

The University of Portsmouth is committed to listening to its students and responding to their feedback. The university's Student Voice policy demonstrates its commitment to honouring the student voice and making changes based on student feedback. For example, in response to student feedback requesting additional study time and academic support, the university implemented consolidation weeks midway through each teaching block. They also added 90 extra seats in the library, including 40 in the silent study area, to address feedback about the busy individual silent study space.

Portsmouth's graduates express pride in their alma mater, and many students speak highly of their time at the university. Students praise the university's supportive lecturers, high-quality teaching, and engaging and relevant course content. The university's commitment to student satisfaction is reflected in its ranking as 39th of all universities in England for full-time student satisfaction in the NSS. In 2022, 78% of final-year undergraduates reported being satisfied with their overall university experience, with improvements in specific areas such as teaching, academic support, learning resources, and listening to students.

The University of Portsmouth is the only UK university offering Connected Degrees, which provide students with the unique opportunity to take a placement year after their second year or final year of study. This flexibility allows students to develop professional experience when they feel ready and enhances their employability skills and experience. The university also offers flexible sandwich placements for undergraduates, providing a paid placement year that can be taken before or after their final year. These opportunities empower students to customise their educational journey according to their interests and goals.

The university's Student Union, a registered charity, actively supports and represents students at various levels. It provides support services and development opportunities, ensuring that student voices are heard within the university community and beyond. The university's recent partnership with the Military Technological College of Oman further underscores its commitment to academic excellence and accessibility.

With a total enrolment of 26,160 students, including 19,340 from the UK, the University of Portsmouth fosters a friendly and welcoming environment. Students appreciate the campus atmosphere, which makes it easy to meet people with similar interests. The university's diverse range of clubs and societies, along with its beachside location, contribute to a well-rounded student experience.

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Student life

Accommodation and Campus Life

The University of Portsmouth offers a wide range of accommodation options, with over 5,000 choices available. All new, full-time students who select Portsmouth as their firm and first choice are guaranteed accommodation in the university halls of residence. The University Quarter, centred around the Portsmouth Guildhall, houses most of the university's teaching facilities and student halls, while the Langstone Campus, located on the eastern edge of Portsea Island, is home to the university's sports grounds and offers accommodation to approximately 250 students.

Student Support and Development

The University of Portsmouth is dedicated to supporting its students in various aspects of their lives. Students can access guidance and advice related to finance, academics, and well-being. Additional support is provided through disability services, nursery facilities, chaplaincy, and prayer facilities. The university also prioritises student health, providing medical services such as the University Dental Academy and Eye Clinic.

Extracurricular Activities

Students at the University of Portsmouth can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities to complement their academic pursuits. The university offers a range of clubs and societies to join, catering to different interests. For sports enthusiasts, the university's Sport site provides gym facilities, sports teams, and classes. The University's Students' Union (UPSU) also plays a vital role in student life, offering support services, development opportunities, and representation for all UoP students, who become automatic members upon registration.

Academic Opportunities

The University of Portsmouth provides unique academic opportunities to its students, such as the Connected Degrees, which offer a paid placement year that students can choose to take before or after their final year. This programme allows students to gain valuable employability skills and broaden their horizons. The university also has a high ranking in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and top-notch teaching methods.

City Life

Portsmouth offers a rich student experience beyond the university campus. The city boasts great food, green spaces, art, culture, and shopping. With its coastal location, Portsmouth has a long maritime history, providing a unique backdrop to student life.

Frequently asked questions

The University of Portsmouth has around 24,000 students enrolled, making up a large portion of the city's 240,000 inhabitants.

The University of Portsmouth offers accommodation to all international students for their first year, provided they meet certain requirements. The University Quarter in the city centre contains most of the student halls of residence, except for the Langstone student village and two other halls located on Southsea Terrace.

The University of Portsmouth has a strong focus on student career prospects, with more than nine out of ten graduates employed or pursuing further studies. The university provides a range of professional development opportunities, including work experience, placements, and volunteering options. Additionally, the university has a vibrant student culture with various clubs, societies, and student-focused events and nights.

The University of Portsmouth has a dedicated team of International Student Advisers who support international students with pastoral care, visa advice, social events, and the transition to university life.

The University of Portsmouth was ranked 88 out of 132 in the 2022 Good University Guide. However, it achieved a top 10 ranking for career prospects in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2022 and was rated 4th in the UK's most affordable cities for students in the Natwest Student Living Index 2023.

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