Portsmouth ranked 4th in global research student satisfaction survey

Portsmouth has been ranked 4th in overall satisfaction for research degrees according to the latest Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES), marking a record high for the University.

The survey, run by AdvanceHE for the sector, has been operating for over 10 years and provides important and useful information about the health, wellbeing and support for the PGR community. The survey results also allows universities to compare how they rank in important areas in comparison to others.

The overall results for the PRES 2026 survey, which took place between April and May this year, have just been published. Of the 48 universities taking part, the University of Portsmouth has been ranked 4th in the sector for overall satisfaction with their experience of their research degree programme. Over a third (36 per cent) of Portsmouth PGR students responded to the survey.

In addition to ratings of their overall experience, the survey also asks PGR students about their experience of their supervision, their training, how they are progressing, their understanding of their responsibilities, their research skills, the research culture and community they operate within, and the resources they are provided with. Of the 10 question categories in the survey, the University of Portsmouth was ranked in the top 25 per cent of universities for 7 of these.

Dr Darren Van Laar, Director of the University’s Doctoral College, said: “I am so pleased yet again to hear that our students are some of the happiest in how we organise and deliver their PhD and other Doctoral education. We were immensely proud last year to hear we were ranked fifth in the country, and to hear we have gone one better this year is extremely satisfying to myself, my doctoral college colleagues and all of the brilliant supervisors who work so closely with the students.” 

In addition to a top 4 place in overall satisfaction, the University was also rated as overall 1st in the sector by female doctoral students, 2nd overall by overseas students and 2nd for those who are studying at a distance.

Clare Simkin, final year PhD in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, said: “I am a part-time doctoral researcher studying at a distance and they have been great, inclusive and supportive, especially as I am balancing my doctorate alongside work and family commitments. From the Doctoral College to other sources of support like the library, IT services and beyond, and my supervisors, they are all superb, so helpful and friendly.” 

Iman Elkhatim, third year Global Professional Doctorate in Business Administration, added: “It has been a great experience for me so far at the University of Portsmouth. I have been truly grateful for how responsive all the staff have been, whenever I have an issue or had questions, feedback was quick, constructive, and encouraging. One of the best parts of my journey so far is this vibrant research community. Having regular opportunities to present my ideas with other doctoral colleagues has made the process feel truly collaborative.”  

Other highlights from the University PRES 2026 results were that access to library facilities and resources was rated at 100 per cent, and Portsmouth was ranked third in the sector by disabled students, and third in the sector for STEM subject areas. 

Professor Vikas Kumar, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation at the University of Portsmouth, said: “This is yet another outstanding achievement for the University and a testament to the dedication and commitment of our academic and professional services colleagues who work so hard to support our postgraduate researchers. A doctorate is the highest academic qualification a university can award and one of the most challenging educational journeys an individual can undertake.

"To be ranked in the top quartile nationally across seven of the ten categories assessed, and above the sector average in all others, demonstrates the strength of our research environment and community. And achieving a ranking of 4th out of 48 UK universities for overall postgraduate researcher satisfaction is therefore a remarkable endorsement of the quality of the supervision, training, research culture and support we provide. Most importantly, it shows that our doctoral students feel valued, supported and enabled to succeed, which is something we can all be immensely proud of.”

The results further emphasise the University’s world-class research which is validated by the impressive Research Excellence Framework (REF) outcomes where Portsmouth was ranked third of all modern UK universities for research power in the Times Higher Education REF rankings. 

You can learn more about our doctoral college, areas of research, and how to apply here.

For students still considering their university options, the University of Portsmouth has a number of excellent courses on offer through Clearing and Adjustment. Call the Clearing Hotline on 023 9284 8090 to speak to an advisor or visit www.port.ac.uk/clearing