Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Frequently Asked Questions
Booking
1. Do I have to book?
You must book onto the Departmental Open Day in order to receive all the information for the day. They are extremely popular and book up quickly, so we advise reserving your place as soon as you can.
2. How can I book?
You can reserve your place online using the booking form, or by calling the Humanities Admissions Centre on Tel.+44 (0)23 9284 2992.
3. What do I do if I have applied for more than one course?
The Open Days are scheduled so that each day is devoted to one particular school/subject area. If you have applied for two or more courses that are on different dates, we either recommend attending both days (by filling in a new booking form for each date) or attending the Faculty Open Day.
If your courses are covered on the same day, please fill in one form only and choose one course. You can get further information on your other course choice on the day. Places are limited so please ensure you complete your booking form asap.
4. Can I bring anyone with me?
You are welcome to bring a friend or parent to accompany you. However, if your guest is interested in booking on to an Open Day as a prospective student, s/he will need to book separately.
Getting to the Open Day
5. Where does the Open Day take place?
The Open Days take place on the University campus; details vary from day to day, and will be provided in a programme available once you have booked your place.
6. How do I get there?
Our maps and directions pages give information on travelling to and within Portsmouth.
7. Which bus/train station is best for visiting the University?
If you are coming by coach, then you will arrive at the Hard Portsmouth Harbour (a 10 minute walk from the venue)
If you are coming by train, then you can get off at 'Portsmouth & Southsea' station, just a two minute walk from the venue. Don't worry if you miss the stop! The train will terminate at Portsmouth Harbour, still only 10 minutes away.
8. Is parking easily available?
Parking is available in the city centre near the Guildhall, at paying meters in the vicinity of the registration venue, or at Gunwharf Quays (a 10 minute walk away). If you have booked onto an Open Day, a coupon for discounted parking at Gunwharf Quays will be made available to you before the event (not available on Saturdays or in holiday periods).
Programme of the Open Day
9. What is the programme of the day?
As a rough guide, the programme will run from approximately 9am to 4.30pm and include:
- Coach and/or walking tours of the City
- Opportunity to visit Halls of Residence
- Housing and Finance talks and information
- Self-guided Library tours
- Welcome and introduction from Head of School / Associate Dean / Dean
- Meet the course team and current students studying your chosen subject at Portsmouth
- Opportunity to ask individual questions with course team members and enjoy some refreshments before returning home
(draft programme, subject to change)
10. Are refreshments provided?
Yes. Refreshments are provided at the end of the day. There are also several sandwich shops and bars/café/pub chains in Guildhall Walk, close to the Open Day venues.
11. Will we be able to see student accommodation?
Yes, you will be offered the opportunity to look at a typical room in three of our halls of residence and ask current students about their experiences of living in student accommodation.
12. Will it be possible to discuss my chosen course with an academic?
Yes. You can discuss your chosen course when you attend your course talk. There will also be other academics available to talk to in the coffee session after the main talks.
13. Will I be able to get advice on finance, housing or facilities for disabled students?
Yes. There will be talks covering accommodation, finance and student advice and support.
14. What if I don't want to attend the morning part of the Open Day and just attend the course talk?
If you only wish to attend the course talk in the afternoon, you are more than welcome to. Please ensure you arrive in plenty of time.
Other issues
15. Can International/EU students book onto a Departmental Open Day?
EU students are welcome to attend the Departmental Open Days though some areas of the day - e.g. finance - won't be relevant. If you are planning on staying overnight, there is information on finding accommodation on Portsmouth City Council's website http://www.visitportsmouth.co.uk/
If you have applied from outside the EU, please contact our International Office who organise separate events for International students.
16. I can't make any of the Open Day dates. Can I still visit the University?
You are welcome to make personal visits to the Faculty if the organised dates are impossible for you, although we cannot guarantee you the same level of detail that you would receive during a Departmental Open Day. It is vital to arrange the visit with the Admissions team well in advance, so they can try to arrange a meeting with a relevant academic (subject to availability). For full details, visit our Individual Visit pages.
17. I have booked a place but can't attend any more. Who should I tell?
If you have booked onto a day and are not able to make it, please let the Admissions team know (on +44 (0)23 9284 2992 or humanities.admissions@port.ac.uk). Open Days do get fully booked and applicants on the waiting list may miss out on the opportunity if we are not made aware.