Why should your child choose the University of Portsmouth?

As a parent or supporter, helping your child or young person choose the right uni for them is a big deal.

There are lots of things to consider when choosing a university — from academic support and career prospects to the city they'll call home and how they'll make friends.

We believe Portsmouth is a great choice, so we've highlighted some of the reasons why below.

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Why choose a specific university

Whether your young person already knows what subject they want to study or they're still exploring their options, there is more to consider when choosing a university than just their course.

Some universities have growing research in the field your child is looking at, or strong professional connections in their region. As a naval city, we have Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and many other partners on our doorstep who support our courses.

Some young people choose their university before settling on a precise course. Picking a uni that feels like home is important, so getting to know what different universities offer is a vital step in the application process.

Why choose this university

As well as our outstanding teaching and industry facilities, Portsmouth is a beautiful city with plenty to offer.

Portsmouth is truly a student city, with students making up about 12% of the city's population. Students volunteer and work in the local community, building skills for their future careers and making their time here more memorable.

And there's plenty for your young person to do outside of studying and working, too — whether they want to join a student society, explore the local area, or get into sports.

10 great reasons to study in Portsmouth

1. Connected degrees

By choosing a degree with a placement, your child can graduate with a year of experience in industry as well as the knowledge they learn on their degree.

Portsmouth are the only university to offer placements before or after their final year of study, to give your child the flexibility to start their career their way.

Our students have completed placements at companies including IBM, the Walt Disney Company, and the BBC, to name a few.

2. Student community

University is about more than choosing a degree that suits you — it's about building a life and space that suits you too.

Our Students' Union is home to over 140 student groups, led by fellow students, and hosts regular events to support your child throughout uni.

3. Career development

As well as gaining knowledge as they study, your child will build their professional skills throughout their time with us. Many of our courses have opportunities for students to apply their learning through practical scenarios, live projects with clients, and real world experiences — putting them ahead in the job market when they graduate.

And at Portsmouth, the Careers and Employability Service will support your young person for up to 5 years after they graduate, as well as being on-hand for guidance and support throughout their studies.

4. Outstanding teaching

We've been awarded an overall rating of Gold, the highest ranking available, in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023).

TEF is an independent review of teaching quality across higher education providers in England, undertaken by the Office for Students.

Many of our lectures are active researchers and professionals, who use their experience and connections in their industry throughout their teaching.

5. Support that suits them

Your child or young person will experience a lot of change as they attend university, so we have services available throughout the year to help.

As well as academic services to support your child with their practical learning and essay skills, our Wellbeing Service and Additional Support and Disability Service are available throughout their time with us.

Every student is assigned a personal tutor when they join us, who can work with your child or young person to identify what services are available and put them in contact with the right people across the university.

6. A room to call home

For many, university is a home away from home, so making the right accommodation choice is vital.

You child has a range of living options while they're at uni — and if they secure their place with us before 20 June, they'll get a guaranteed room in halls.

When they move in, your child will get free 24/7 confidential welfare support and advice from the Residence Life Team. The team manage the welfare and concerns of students in our halls of residence, and support all first-year students living in private accommodation or Unite halls.

7. Facilities

As well as our teaching and learning spaces, your child will benefit from practical labs and spaces to suit their degree — whether they're practicing in our mock law court, performing in our motion capture studio, or training in the Dental Academy.

8. Global experiences

With over 5,000 international students from around 150 countries, we're a part of a global community.

As well as making friends from across the globe, your young person can boost their international and cultural understanding by studying a second language for free — and can even spend their second year studying abroad.

Our annual Festival of Cultures is a great chance to experience the cultures of students from across the world, too.

9. A vibrant city

With beaches and green spaces just a casual walk or cycle away from students housing and university buildings, our island city is the perfect place to call home.

Many students love living by the sea, and with local attractions like Spinnaker Tower and Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth is a great place to be.

10. A university for everyone

We're proud to support our diverse student community. We offer a range of specific support to meet the need of our students, so you can be confident that your child or young person is empowered to make the most out of their time with us.

Explore our specific support for care leavers, autistic students, and students with care responsibilities.