Find the course you love
At the place that makes you tick
It takes time and some careful thought to figure out what to study and where.
We'd obviously love you to choose Portsmouth. But we also want to make sure you choose the right course and university for you. Feel more confident in your options with these simple tips.
How to choose a course and university
Make the right decisions for your future
It's important to spend some time looking at your options and be honest with yourself about what you like about a subject before choosing your degree. You can choose up to five undergraduate courses at up to 5 universities, so you need to do lots of research on courses and universities before you apply.
Here, we'll help you work out what matters to you.
Choose the course first, then the university
Decide on your university of choice after you’ve researched which courses match your interests.
Choose a subject that you really enjoy – you’ll be studying it for 3-4 years. Think about what you are already studying, or what subject areas interest you, and then narrow it down from there. Look at job options for the future to check if you need a specific subject.
Figure out what you want to do
Consider something that you enjoy and try to pinpoint what exactly draws you to it. For example, if you have a passion for literature, are you particularly interested in the themes explored in novels, or are you fascinated by the craft of storytelling? Alternatively, if you're considering a degree in psychology, are you more interested in the science behind human behavior, or in the practical applications of psychological principles?
If you're still in school or college, have a chat with your teachers or career advisers to discuss the different paths you can take. They'll guide you through the options out there.
Also, don't forget that your family, parents, or friends who work in that field can help too. You can also ask your them if they'd like to grab a coffee and talk about your decisions.
Really pay attention to the course content
Universities often have similar degree titles to each other but the content of each course rarely looks the same. Research the different modules per year of study and see how they differ between universities. Check entry requirements before you apply. A lot of universities organise their courses by subject so you can choose an area of study before you decide on a specific course.
Decide what’s important to you
Maybe you fancy a year abroad, going on a placement year or a dual-degree. Or perhaps student support services tip the scales. Put your happiness be first by deciding what’s most and least important to you to help you choose between universities.
Choose how you want to learn
Decide whether you want to study full time, part time, or as a distance learner. Think about what assessments suit you best. Do you want an exam based course, or more coursework? Or do you learn best through work-based learning? Choosing how you want to learn will help you to pick the course and university that works for you.
Think about where you want to live
A big city might be the perfect place for you, or you might prefer being in a town or closer to the countryside. Do you want to be in a student bubble on a campus, or do you enjoy the buzz of a city uni? Think about what’s important for you to have nearby - you’ll be spending a lot of time there.
You won't just live in Portsmouth. You'll come alive here. Stunning beaches and vivid street art. A wealth of lively music, comedy and theatre, designer shopping and fantastic food from around the world.
Go to an Open Day
Whether it's virtually or in person, it's important to get a feel for a university and speak to academic staff. At our undergraduate Open Days, you’ll tour our campus and halls of residence, chat to students and see how you’ll spend some of the best days of your life.
Use league tables with a critical eye
There are numerous league tables, each with different assessment criteria. You'll find that a university’s ranking will change depending on which league table you’re looking at. And remember that each university has specialist disciplines. Some will be highly ranked for specific subjects only, even if they're positioned well in the main league table.
Researching universities
After you've decided on your subject or course, take some time to research the universities that offer it. Look into the quality of teaching provided, the available facilities, and try to find reviews from past students if possible. If you're planning on moving away from home, make sure to also explore your accommodation options and think about whether you would enjoy living in a new city.
If you're thinking about choosing Portsmouth, take a look at some of the reasons why we might be the right choice for you.
Journey to University | University of Portsmouth
Our students share stories about their journey to university, answering questions like: What did they want to be they were small? What was their favourite subject at school? Where are they now and what do they hope to do in the future?
