Clearing at the University

Portsmouth students are among the most satisfied in England with their university experience, according to the annual National Student Survey. Portsmouth now ranks in the top 20 for both learning resources and for the academic support we provide for our students. 

Students have been receiving BTEC, A level and T level results today. At Portsmouth more than half of our students apply with results other than A levels. Where places are still available, we consider a number of factors to assess a student’s potential, including achieved grades, GCSE performance, personal statements, portfolios of work, and interviews for some courses.

On the Confirmation and Clearing lines we are talking to applicants about their motivation for the course they wish to study and how their experience matches what we offer - blended and connected learning which allows them to engage with resources online and in their own time, before interactive, sense-making teaching sessions with staff and their peers. This teaching approach delivers a set of graduate attributes that we call the Hallmarks of the Portsmouth Graduate that sets them for success in their future careers. 

Studying at Portsmouth opens up new and exciting opportunities across a range of subjects, with employment skills embedded in every course. We explain to potential students that our focus is on work-related learning and we have outstanding links with employers and professional bodies. 

We place huge importance on getting our graduates relevant workplace experience while they're studying with us, an experience that will serve them well in the world of work. Our graduate employment rates are among the UK's best, with 94% of our recent graduates in work or further study.

This cohort were the most profoundly impacted by covid, and we recognise their need for additional support as they enter University. Our Being, Belonging, Becoming approach supports students to connect with each other, create a safe community regardless of who they are and where they have come from, and be free to focus on having a great learning experience at university.

On the phones and at Open Days we are highlighting that our students are encouraged and supported to engage with a range of appropriate sources of help and support. For example, the University’s Student Wellbeing Service provides a single point of contact for students and is staffed with mental health advisers, counsellors, and well-being advisers from a range of professional backgrounds. 

The success of these sources of support was recognised in this year’s NSS, with 78% of students reporting that they know how to access this support. Well above the sector average.