January 2020

Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)

Prepare for a career as a biomedical scientist with this IBMS and RSB accredited degree. Work for a year at an IBMS-approved laboratory, allowing you to register as a Biomedical Scientist with the HCPC when you graduate.

University of Portsmouth Connected Degree - 3 year course with 4th year placement

Key information

UCAS code:

B940

Accreditation:

This course is Accredited

Typical offer:

112-120 from 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include 80 points in specific subjects

See full entry requirements
Study mode and duration
Start date

Showing content for section Overview

Overview

Biomedical scientists help identify rare diseases, diagnose disease, research disease processes and monitor patients’ treatment. On this accredited BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree, you’ll develop the expertise you need to start making your own contribution to the medical advances of the future. 

This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) – a mandatory requirement if you want to work in the NHS after graduation. It's also accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

Course highlights

  • Put your knowledge to the test in our labs and simulation facilities, which are kitted out with industry-leading microscopes, spectroscopy and chromatography equipment
  • Get involved with internationally recognised biomedical research into fields like neuro-oncology (the study of brain and spinal cord cancers) at our Institute of Life Sciences and Healthcare
  • Take an optional work placement year at an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved clinical training laboratory, and you'll be eligible to apply for registration as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) when you graduate
  • Have a chance to take an international placement within a recognised biomedical research organisation as part of the Turing Scheme

95%

of graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course

(HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/2019)

Royal Society of Biology (RSB) 
Accredited Degree

5th

for Anatomy and Physiology in the UK

(Guardian University Guide, 2024)

Accredited by:

This programme has been accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology, following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.

Studying Biomedical Science at the University of Portsmouth

Students and staff at the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences talk about our Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) course at the University of Portsmouth.

Dr Gavin Knight: I think Biomedical Science is a really up and coming area and we are always at the forefront of Biomedical Science delivery and education.

We cover all the main pathological disciplines: haematology, microbiology, biochemistry, histology and blood transfusion So people get a really good overview of what Biomedical Science in a clinical practice is all about using a case study based approach, and all the background science that accompanies it to make that understandable as well.

As part of the Biomedical Science course and our 3 year or 4 year route we have opportunities for placement. We’ve got great partnerships with our NHS providers, they provide us with a lot of opportunities for students to go out and learn to be biomedical scientists as part of the course.

Donna: The facilities here at the University of Portsmouth are really cutting edge. We have a lot of technology and lots of hands on equipment that get you ready for when you go out into the working world.

To other students thinking of applying to this course I would say go for it! You get so much support from your lecturers and personal tutor and it’s pushed me out of my comfort zone but it’s made me grow quite a lot and challenge me to do things that I didn’t think I could do before.

Dr Gavin Knight: Portsmouth is absolutely the place to be to learn how to become a biomedical scientist.

Contact information

Admissions

+44 (0) 23 9284 5566

Contact Admissions

Entry requirements

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science entry requirements

Typical offers

  • A levels - BBB-BBC
  • UCAS points - 112-120 from 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include 40 points from Biology and 40 points from a second Science subject or Mathematics. For A levels which include a separate science practical component, a pass is desirable and may strengthen an application. (calculate your UCAS points)
  • T-levels - Merit. Acceptable T Level Subjects:
    T Level in Health, T Level in Healthcare Science, T Level in Science (Acceptable Occupational Specialisms: Laboratory sciences)
  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
  • International Baccalaureate - 29

You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications.

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

We look at more than just your grades

While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.

Explore more about how we make your offer

If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to join this course after you successfully complete a foundation year.

Your facilities

Pharmacy and Biomedical Science Teaching Centre

Practise the skills needed to diagnose and help people manage diseases, including collaborative microscopy - examining 3D microscopic images on a big screen with academics and other students. 

A collective microscopy session in our Pharmacy and Biomedical Science Teaching Centre
Explore Centre

Pharmaceutics Laboratories

Develop a better understanding of the causes and consequences of diseases in these labs, as well as the skills and expertise needed to develop and test new drugs.

Pharmacology students experimenting with syringe in lab
Explore labs

Institute of Life Sciences and Healthcare

We're exploring disciplinary boundaries to discover, understand and develop knowledge for the benefit of the environment and humankind.

Close up of a gloved hand and some petri dishes
Read more

Biophysical laboratories

Use professional-standard equipment to explore how the structures and functions of molecules change under different conditions.

Female student  on computer in biology lab
Explore labs

Careers and opportunities

Whether it's processing tests for diseases such as coronavirus or providing diagnosis services to GPs, accident and emergency departments and other health services, registered Biomedical Scientists play a key role in public health.

They analyse fluid and tissue samples from patients in order to identify diseases or evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments. In fact, more than 70% of NHS diagnoses are based on lab findings by biomedical scientists, so it's a profession that's always in high demand.

On this BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree, you’ll learn to diagnose, monitor and manage health conditions. You’ll learn from our outstanding team of biomedical scientists and researchers whose work is shaping the understanding of conditions, such as brain tumours.

HCPC registration

After you've graduated and completed 12 months of work-based learning within an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved clinical training laboratory, you'll be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and work as a Biomedical Scientist in the NHS and private settings.

Royal Society of Biology membership

You can also apply for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Biology, which gives you access to professional networks and exclusive grants and awards.

The lecturers support you and encourage you to get involved with the endless opportunities available, so you can make the most of your student experience, while also gaining key transferable skills.

Laura Porcza, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

What areas can you work in with a biomedical science degree?

You can use your biomedical science knowledge in related fields such as:

  • scientific research
  • teaching (with further training)
  • scientific writing
  • medical sales
  • medicine and dentistry (with further training at medical or dental school)
  • becoming a Physician Associate (with further training)
  • postgraduate study or research

Graduate roles and destinations

Roles recent graduates have gone on to do include:

  • biomedical scientist
  • clinical trial coordinator
  • medical lab assistant
  • science teacher
  • dental nurse
  • medical affairs executive

They've gone on to work for companies such as:

  • Pall Europe
  • Pfizer
  • Roche
  • Viapath
  • Imperial College London
  • Bristol Royal Infirmary
Article Link: https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/blogs/alumni/improving-patient-care-in-the-nhsAlumni profiles need to be requested via the Alumni Team. We're delighted you'd like to use this profile but it's essential we maintain good working relationships with our alumni and therefore we need to make contact with them prior to giving you access.Please click the request button and provide information on your project / campaign / communication.

"Choosing to study biomedical science at Portsmouth meant I was able to enter my current career directly from university."

Simon Munro, Senior Biomedical Scientist

Read about Simon's post-grad career in the NHS

Potential salary

As a biomedical scientist in the NHS in 2021, you could expect a starting salary of £25,655 moving up to £31,534 (Band 5).

With more experience, you could earn from £32,306 to £39,027 (Band 6) and with a role as a senior biomedical scientist, you could make between £40,057 (Band 7) and £53,219 (Band 8a), or more as a consultant biomedical scientist.

Placement year

After your second or third year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. Placements give you the opportunity to apply what you've learnt so far in a real workplace, boosting your employability and making you attractive to employers after graduation.

If you do your placement in an IBMS-approved NHS pathology laboratory, you can complete the IBMS registration portfolio. This means you'll be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist when you graduate.

Our students have completed clinical placements at the following hospitals:

  • University Hospital Southampton
  • Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth
  • Royal Bournemouth Hospital
  • Poole Hospital
  • Salisbury District Hospital

Whichever route you choose, you'll receive support and guidance. Our specialist team of Science and Health Careers advisors can help you with finding a work placement and improving your employability skills. They'll provide you with a database of placement vacancies, support with your job search – including help with applications and interviews – and support throughout your placement year.

Summer research placement

You'll also have the opportunity to apply to a study exchange scheme, which involves a summer research placement through the Turing Scheme.

Ongoing careers support

After you graduate, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability Service as you advance in your career.

Modules

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.

What you'll study

Core modules

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

  • Source theme-specific scientific information independently and utilise this in an appropriate manner to address key scientific problems.

  • Demonstrate an in-depth and independent knowledge of the underpinning scientific and clinical material associated with three thematic clinical case studies.

  • To work effectively as a member of a group and co-author scientific reports of a suitable standard on themes one, two and three material to demonstrate collaboration, subject knowledge and problem-solving skills in this area.

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

  • Describe the structure and function of biologically important molecules and the main metabolic pathways in animal cells.

  • Describe the principles of enzyme kinetics and factors effecting enzymatic reactions.

  • Describe the structure and organisation of genetic material, the mechanisms of inheritance and concepts of biodiversity and natural selection.

  • Describe the basic anatomy and physiology of the human body using appropriate anatomical terminology.

  • Identify cells, tissues and organs according to their microscopic histological appearance.

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

  • Perform effective research of published information sources and prepare a well-written submission at a suitable level of academic and scientific writing, using appropriate learning resources and information technology.

  • Solve key mathematical problems relating to biomedical science and demonstrate appropriate use of statistics in the analysis of laboratory data.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental chemistry/biochemistry underpinning biomedical science.

  • Demonstrate engagement, learning and practice in basic laboratory techniques according to set protocols and in accordance with current good laboratory practice.

  • Demonstrate key proficiency skills.

  • Demonstrate engagement with the Level 4 Personal Development Planning programme.

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

  • Outline the contribution of the main pathology disciplines (Blood sciences, infection sciences or cellular sciences) to healthcare.

  • Describe the structure and appearance of cells and tissues related to reproductive, endocrine and haemopoietic systems.

  • Describe a range of investigations used in Biomedical science and explain how these reflect health and disease.

  • Describe the structure, function and growth of pathogenic organisms and the methods used to classify them.

  • Describe the structure and role of red cell membrane bound proteins and antigens.

  • Explain the roles and components of the innate and adaptive immune responses.

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

  • Describe the basic physiology and anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems using appropriate anatomical terminology, and describe the physiological process of nerve conduction and how drugs affect such transmission.

  • Describe how different chemical classes of neurotransmitters and their pharmacological analogues can affect the functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

  • Relate anatomical structure with function of the central and peripheral nervous systems in human behaviour, and associated nervous system disorders.

  • Describe basic concepts in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics (ADME) and how ADME is influenced by the drug formulation and how this informs therapeutic drug monitoring in patients.

  • Apply basic concepts in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics (ADME), such as drug-receptor interactions, in the analysis of primary data including how ADME is influenced by the drug formulation and how this informs therapeutic drug monitoring in patients.

  • Describe the role of animals in biomedical research and drug discovery, including the relevant legislation.

Core modules

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

  • Explain physiological processes relating to named organs and systems.

  • Carry out experimental procedures to illustrate specific physiological functions.

  • Discuss the causes, underlying symptoms, diagnosis and pathophysiology of a range of human disorders.

  • Analyse and discuss experimental results in physiology.

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

  • Discuss the key processes involved in the formation and functioning of the immune system and the consequences of its activity, inactivity and dysfunction.

  • Examine the immune processes associated with hypersensitivities I-IV as normal and abnormal functions of immunity. By applying knowledge, differentiate these processes through clinical scenarios.

  • Explain and evaluate, the concept of barriers to infection and explain how the disruption and resolution of those barriers affects and is affected by, both immune function and dysfunction.

  • Explain and evaluate the correct clinical tests to provide a diagnosis in a specific clinical scenario

  • Discuss how antibodies are utilised to determine safe blood banking practices and how manipulating the properties of these antibodies and their environment can be used in the provision of healthcare.

When you complete this module successfully, you’ll be able to:

  • Explain the theoretical principles and discuss the applications of a range of analytical and preparative methodologies used in the Biomedical and Pharmacological Sciences.

  • Demonstrate proficiency in selected laboratory and data analysis techniques in accordance with current health and safety guidelines.

  • Demonstrate proficiency in the use of selected computational approaches to analyse complex biomedical data (bioinformatics) and formulate appropriate conclusions.

  • Be effective team members, able to provide support to the success of others.

  • Demonstrate employability and personal development planning skills.

  • Be able to communicate clearly and effectively, in a range of forms and to different audiences.

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

  • Discuss the characteristics of the major groups of organisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa) with emphasis on their virulence factors and the mechanisms employed to evade the host immune system.

  • Discuss the causes and consequences of defects in haemopoiesis, haemoglobin structure-function relationships, and red cell metabolism, and explain how biological measurements can inform a definitive diagnosis

  • Discuss the form and function of the haemostatic system, the consequences of its dysfunction and a range of approaches used to manage disorders of bleeding and thrombosis.

  • Discuss the laboratory approaches employed to investigate the function of the haemostatic system and interpret data derived from these investigations.

  • Discuss the causes, pathophysiology, histological and biochemical investigation of a range of disorders including those of the gastric and hepatic system, head and neck and disorders of intestinal function.

  • Research, plan and produce a thread of clear, concise and scientifically accurate microblogs to engage a third-party audience with contemporary advances in the pathological sciences.

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

  • Describe key aspects of research design, including hypothesis testing, execution, and financial management.

  • Differentiate between different types of research studies and publications and describe the contribution these make to evidence-based medicine.

  • Explain the principles of clinical trials and their value in modern day biomedical research.

  • Develop the ability to apply statistical methods for the interpretation of scientific data.

  • Demonstrate effective and concise communication skills.

  • Explain the ethical and regulatory considerations that apply to animal and human research.

Optional modules

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

  • Demonstrate the ability to generate and integrate a variety of business information in an oral presentation.
  • Demonstrate the ability to generate and integrate a variety of business information in written form.
  • Interpret business information in the preparation of a convincing argument for the success of a small business venture.
  • Demonstrate successful cooperative working using enhanced communication, problem solving and team working skills.
  • CoReflect on your own and others' performance to constructively make "Smart Actions" for the future.

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

  • Describe the phases of vertebrate/human development from fertilisation to organogenesis and explain differences between vertebrates.
  • Discuss key concepts in the mechanisms of embryonic development.
  • Describe experimental strategies in developmental biology and discuss the use of model organisms.
  • Independently study a current problem in developmental biology.
  • Design a team presentation on experimental approaches and suitable models.
  • Apply basic laboratory skills in tissue preparation, observation and description.
  • Discuss the application of developmental biology in understanding birth defects and in regenerative medicine.

The learning objectives of this module are to be confirmed.

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

  • Discuss the integration of macro- and micro-nutrients in various metabolic pathways and their implications on health.

  • Discuss changes in nutrient requirements during different stages of the life cycle and the long-term health implications of maternal and infant diets.

  • Discuss the relationship between diet, physical activity and the development of disease.

  • Discuss the concepts of food-borne illnesses.

  • Evaluate an individual's diet with reference to the current recommendations made by the Department of Health and explain the range of techniques used for the assessment of diet.

  • Discuss the key concepts, principles, and applications, underpinning public health.

Core modules

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

  • To demonstrate an understanding of the pathophysiology of selected diseases arising from genetic defects.

  • Research and critically evaluate the current literature relating to the treatment of selected genetic diseases.

  • Compose and present written reports on topics in the field of genetic disease.

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

  • Critically discuss the mechanisms of disease initiation and development at the molecular, cellular and systems levels.

  • Critically discuss the approaches and strategies employed for the prevention and management of infectious diseases.

  • Critically discuss approaches to the diagnosis and monitoring of selected disease states.

  • Critically discuss current clinical and laboratory practices for stem cell and solid organ transplantation.

  • Critically discuss the aetiology, pathology, diagnosis and management of selected complex and multi-system diseases.

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

  • Critically discuss, using a range of examples, the cytogenetic and molecular basis of a range of solid tumours and haematological malignancies and how these influence classification, treatment and monitoring.

  • Discuss the causes, pathophysiology and diagnosis of selected disorders of the renal system including fluid, acid-base and electrolyte metabolism.

  • Recognise and critically discuss the pathogens most likely to cause disease in the major organs of the body and the chemotherapeutic agents employed for their treatment.

  • Recognise the tissue characteristics of inflammatory conditions and malignant transformation associated with named cell and tissue types including renal tumours.

  • Evaluate the genetics and inheritance of the ABO and Rh blood group systems and demonstrate an understanding of the production of blood components and pre-transfusion compatibility testing to minimise the risk of adverse transfusion reactions.

  • Research, plan and produce an interactive communication tool designed to engage a third-party audience with contemporary advances in the pathological sciences.

Optional modules

The learning outcomes of this module are to be confirmed.

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

  • Source case-specific scientific information and utilise this in an appropriate manner to address key clinical problems.

  • Demonstrate an in-depth, independent and critical knowledge of the underpinning clinical and pathological material associated with selected clinical case studies.

  • To work effectively as a member of a group and co-author an evaluative clinical portfolio to a suitable standard which will include clinical case material demonstrating subject knowledge, effective collaboration and problem solving skills.

  • To experience multi-professional team working and to understand the contribution each professional group makes to patient diagnosis and management.

The learning outcomes of this module are to be confirmed.

The learning outcomes of this module are to be confirmed.

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

  • Plan, organise and negotiate a programme of work based learning and selection of learning outcomes appropriate to your programme of work and award.

  • Discuss the theory, practice and application of a specified range of work-related procedures/techniques.

  • Use critical reflection to evaluate their learning, strengths, weaknesses and performance and identify their individual learning needs.

  • Relate work-based knowledge and skills to their named award and career opportunities.

  • Set personal objectives, and manage time and tasks.

Optional modules

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

  • Identify and demonstrate skills developed through overseas study (e.g. personal autonomy and accountability, language and/or interpersonal communication, time management, planning, assessment and analytical skills – while evaluating the impact of your actions).

  • Manage and complete tasks in an overseas study environment relevant to your course, with an appropriate level of skill, initiative, independence and performance.

  • Identify and reflect on your learning experience and the relevance of this learning to future employability and personal development, identifying areas for improvement or further training.

  • Evaluate how study placement activities relate to knowledge and practice covered on your course, and/or broader global or international perspectives.

  • Present and discuss a critical evaluation of the professional development process.

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

  • Evaluate the current and future issues and developments that affect the day-to-day activities of the hosting placement organisation.

  • Evaluate, through a high quality report, the academic and practical work, that has been performed during the placement.

  • Reflect on the skills, competencies, and professional and transferable skills that have been developed by the workplace experience.

  • Reflect on workplace training and employability skills attained.

  • Evaluate the positive and negative aspects of the placement and include any actions implemented to overcome difficulties to improve personal and professional performance.

Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

How you're assessed

  • essays
  • laboratory reports
  • workshops
  • presentations
  • group work
  • practical assessment classes

You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

Teaching

Teaching methods on this course include:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • practical lab work
  • guided reading
  • collaborative and peer-assisted learning
  • simulation

Academic staff have expertise in clinical practice and research. Our HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists work closely with the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) advisory panels to ensure what you learn reflects new development and technology in the field.

You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.

For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.

How you'll spend your time

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies.  As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.

A typical week

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as tutorials, lectures, seminars and practical classes and workshops for about 14 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.

Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends.

Term dates

The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See term dates

Supporting you

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Types of support

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.

As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.

You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.

They can help with:

  • improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
  • understanding and using assignment feedback
  • managing your time and workload
  • revision and exam techniques

As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).

ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:

  • academic writing
  • note taking
  • time management
  • critical thinking
  • presentation skills
  • referencing
  • working in groups
  • revision, memory and exam techniques

Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.

You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.

If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.

They'll help you to

  • discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
  • liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
  • access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
  • liaise with external services

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.

If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.

​Course costs and funding

Tuition fees

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £9,250 (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
  • International (non-EU) students – £19,200 per year (subject to annual increase)

Funding your studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Additional course costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

Additional costs

Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.

You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.

You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.

We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.

If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.

You’ll get free safety equipment at the start of the course. However, you may have to pay a small amount to replace lost or damaged equipment.

If you take optional work-based learning units, you’ll need to pay for travel to and from placements, which normally costs around £50.

If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,385 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £1,385 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £2,875  a year (subject to annual increase)

Apply

How to apply

To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

  • the UCAS course code – B940
  • our institution code – P80

 Apply now through UCAS

 

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

  • Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
  • Speak with lecturers and chat with our students 
  • Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

Applying from outside the UK

As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things. 

You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.

Find out what additional information you need in our international students section

If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.