Person in white long sleeve shirt using a laptop with a notebook and cup of coffee

Journalism with Creative Writing BA (Hons)

Take your writing and researching to a professional level with this combined honours course. Improve your prose and learn how to succeed in your writing career.

University of Portsmouth Connected Degree - 3 year course with 4th year placement

Key information

UCAS code:

P5W8

Typical offer:

112-120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent

See full entry requirements
Study mode and duration
Start date

Showing content for section Overview

Overview

If you love writing and reporting, our Journalism with Creative Writing degree course can help you turn your abilities with the written word into a fulfilling career.

You'll study, experience, and combine the complementary disciplines of factual journalism and creative writing. One day you might write a news report about a local charity or review a concert, and the next author a short story, a poem, or a play script.

You'll also develop research skills and learn about the structure and mechanisms of the industries you could end up working in – from getting a script approved to legal issues surrounding publishing news stories.

You’ll graduate ready to dive into a career in professional writing, with the skills and knowledge you need to get started in whichever writing field you choose.

Course highlights

  • Get further professional journalistic qualifications by taking National Council for Training Journalists (NCTJ) exams
  • Refine your practice by learning from published authors of novels, poetry and screenplays, and journalists with written and broadcast experience in local, regional, national and international journalism
  • Grasp of the role of journalists in democratic society by learning about media law and industry code
  • Enhance your discipline and teamworking skills by collaborating with other students on other courses within the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries
  • Gain valuable industry knowledge and experience by taking an optional placement
  • Capture information at 100 words-per-minute writing speed by taking shorthand training

6th

for journalism in the UK

(Guardian University Guide, 2024)

Work towards your NCTJ Diploma

On this course, you can choose to take the examinations that lead to the industry-recognised NCTJ Diploma in Journalism.

If you want to do the full NCTJ diploma alongside your degree, apply for our BA (Hons) Journalism course instead.

Skills and qualities you need for this Journalism with Creative Writing degree course

As well as meeting the entry requirements, you'll need:

  • excellent writing skills and a passion for writing
  • a sense of curiosity and creativity
  • a willingness to learn and develop yourself
  • good communication skills

Starting a blog can demonstrate and enhance your writing skills before you apply. Experience in journalism is also a plus, such as working on a school or college paper.

Contact information

Admissions

+44 (0) 23 9284 5566

Contact Admissions

Entry requirements

BA (Hons) Journalism with Creative Writing

Typical offers

  • A levels - BBB-BBC
  • UCAS points - 112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent. (calculate your UCAS points)
  • T-levels - Merit
  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
  • International Baccalaureate - 25

You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

We look at more than just your grades

While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.

Explore more about how we make your offer

Take a literary history tour of Portsmouth with us

From Charles Dickens and Sherlock Holmes to Neil Gaiman, Portsmouth is steeped in lively literature. Join two of our students for a tour around our literary city.

Chibuzor and Holly: Welcome to Portsmouth.

Chibuzor: Our island city has a really rich history of literature and culture.

Holly: Come and join us for a tour.

Chibuzor: One of our most famous literary residents is Charles Dickens, who was born here on Old Commercial Road. It is now home to the Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum.

Holly: Portsmouth is also the birthplace of another famous figure. Arthur Conan Doyle wrote his first Sherlock Holmes story while practising as a doctor here in Southsea. Now you can walk in his footsteps while doing a spot of shopping on Elm Grove.

Chibuzor: Thinking of shopping, our popular Gunwharf Quays features in Graham Hurley's DI Faraday crime novel, The Take. Graham Hurley is a friend of the English Literature programme. If you study with us here at the University of Portsmouth, you may get a chance to work with him in class.

Holly: There is literally an ocean at the end of this lane. It was renamed in honour of the famous novel by Neil Gaiman, who lived just outside of Portsmouth and spent many holidays here with relatives in the city.

Chibuzor: As an island city, Portsmouth has had a huge influence on authors both from home and abroad. Jane Austen often visited here to see her brothers, who were stationed here with the Royal Navy. She was inspired to include Portsmouth in her novel, Mansfield Park.

Holly: Stephanie Norgate's poem, Ferries at Southsea, was inspired by the view of ferries here on Clarence Parade Pier. Her poem is strongly rooted in the local area, but also tackles global issues of immigration.

Chibuzor: Portsmouth’s naval history means we can't shy away from the topics of race and slavery. The first slave narrator, Ukawsawa Gronniosaw, visited our city, while John Jea, another former slave, was a prominent preacher near the docks. Their memoirs movingly reveal the city's black history.

Holly: As we move into modern day, we have authors and poets tackling issues both big and small. Poet laureate Simon Armitage studied at the University of Portsmouth. Local poet Denise Bennett has written on Portsmouth Jewish history, and Fatima Bhutto featured Portsmouth in her contemporary novel on Islamic culture. As well as its fabulous literary history, Portsmouth also has a really vibrant, creative writing community, and you can be a part of it if you decide to study here.

Chibuzor: Our final stop is Milldam building. Originally a mill pond, it was featured in a long forgotten novel by Walter Besant, who was a contemporary of Charles Dickens. The Navy drained the pond and built officer quarters here. Then it changed hands and became home to the English Literature team at the University of Portsmouth.

Holly: Which means Portsmouth is home to the next generation of writers, thinkers and world shapers.

Chibuzor: We hope you join us.

Facilities

For web use only

Newsroom

Engage in hands-on learning and practical workshops in our newsroom, using the same hardware and software as news professionals. It features 25 Apple iMac computers with suites of image-editing, design and audiovisual tools as well as large monitors and TVs with Google Chromecast and 4K Apple TV capability.

More about the newsroom

Careers and opportunities

As traditional communication and literature move towards web and digital, the demand for journalists and writers is growing. Print newspapers and magazines may be declining, but digital versions are replacing them. In addition, social media, blogging, TV and film production, and other platforms contribute to the demand for journalists and writers. Graduates with strong transferable skills are also sought in related industries such as public relations or communications.

As a graduate, you'll have diverse writing skills that will help you in most sectors.

You can also freelance or pursue postgraduate studies.

Graduate areas

Areas our graduates have gone onto include:

  • broadcast, print and online journalism
  • creative writing
  • marketing
  • public relations
  • communications
  • teaching
  • advertising
  • arts management
     

Graduate roles

Our graduates have worked in a variety of roles, including:

  • trainee reporter
  • social media editor
  • digital marketing executive
  • copywriter
  • theatre manager
  • editorial assistant

Ongoing careers support

Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience. You can also venture into freelancing, or set up and run your own business with help from the University Startup Team.

Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.

Placements (optional)

Our Journalism courses offer two placement opportunities during your studies: a placement year, and a 10-day work placement. Both placements are optional on our combined Journalism courses.

  • The placement year takes place after your second or third year, and you can work in any area you choose. You can work for an agency, company or organisation, or join forces with fellow students to set up and run your own business.
  • The 10-day work placement happens during your final year, and is strictly journalism-based. You'll work with a company or agency.

Both placements will give you longer-term industry skills, knowledge and experience, as well as boost your CV and employability after graduation.

To make sure you get the most out of your time in the workplace, you'll get support from specialist staff before and throughout your placement – including our Creative Careers team.

Creative Careers

Our in-faculty Creative Careers team has extensive recruitment experience and knows the creative sector well, making it easier for students to find placements within the creative industries.

They can guide you through every step of the application process, including:

  • Searching for the ideal job through their database of vacancies
  • Giving tips on how to write an interesting CV that will catch employers' attention, no matter the role
  • Organising mock interviews, so you can hone your technique and familiarise yourself with the recruitment environment
  • Writing your startup business proposal – if you're going down the self-employment route

The team will continue to give you support throughout your placement year.

Garageband being used on MacBook

Should I go on a placement year?

It is not only about making tea and coffee in an office: a placement can transform your career, personal, and study development. Our students who've been on placements say they were the best experiences of their lives.

Find out more about the benefits of doing a placement on our Creative Careers blog.

Read our blog post

Placement destinations

We have links with many well-known media organisations. Previous students have done placements at locations such as:

  • The Daily Telegraph
  • The Daily Mirror
  • The Sun
  • The Daily Mail
  • Cosmopolitan
  • Vogue
  • Heat
  • Reveal
  • BBC
  • Sky Sports

Modules

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

In each year (apart from your optional placement year), you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.

What you’ll study

Core modules

All modules in the year are core.

You’ll learn how to write effectively for academic purposes and find efficient study techniques to help you succeed.

By reflecting critically on your transferable skills, you’ll identify ways to enhance your employability.

You’ll also work on improving shorthand and research abilities. This will prepare you for the challenges of your degree and future career opportunities.

You’ll look into big topics, from regulation to digital disruption, and think critically about journalism. Analysing the relationships between journalists, audiences, and power, you’ll appreciate influences on reporting.

Gain the essential background to thrive as a journalist with this module, which covers ethics, laws, theories, and practical skills.

By getting into current issues and discussions, you’ll be ready to make work that really matters and keeps the public informed.

You’ll look at reporting limits and defenses in different sectors, gaining an understanding of how to ethically report while considering the public interest.

Study important legal decisions and self-regulation in the media to learn how to give advice on the best conduct in complex legal scenarios.

This course will equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate your professional life in an ever-evolving industry.

You’ll improve your ability to spot news and write creatively by working on assignments with real deadlines. Discover how to uncover engaging stories, find the best angles, and make facts interesting with your writing. Master methods for creating attention-grabbing headlines and catchy social media posts.

In our simulated newsroom, you'll learn to discover stories and adapt your reports for different audiences and markets. Understand the legal and ethical rules that journalists follow. Put together a strong portfolio of your published work, showing off all your reporting skills.

By the end of this module, you’ll have the expertise and professional work to succeed as a journalist today. Let your dedication to truth guide you as you uncover and share the stories that count.

You’ll explore ancient storytelling methods still used today, from epic poetry to folk ballads. Next, you’ll put classic plots and archetypes to modern use, twisting tales or upending tropes in original poems and short fiction. By annotating drafts and thinking deeply about your work, you’ll find your unique style and connect to the roots of human creativity.

Become part of a global community reinventing the classics.

You’ll tap into your memories and senses to explore identity across poetry, prose, and hybrid forms. Study memoirs, both factual and fictional, and create your own while keeping a journal of your progress.

Through in-class peer reviews, you’ll give and receive feedback to develop insight and technique. By semester’s end, you’ll submit portfolios showcasing your best autobiographical writing.

This module will guide you in skilfully incorporating personal stories into your writing, teaching you to express authenticity with creative finesse. By the end, you’ll understand deeply how to transform personal experiences into fascinating literature and have original work that shows your ability to capture and convey truth through creative expression.

Core modules

You’ll write sharp reviews and features, and make editorial decisions for different audiences across various media.

By looking at writing styles and revenue metrics, you’ll learn how to create content that really connects with people.

You’ll also explore research methods, helping you to put together a persuasive media research proposal.

This experience will boost your creativity and analytical skills. By the end, you’ll be ready for jobs where you can use storytelling to unlock new opportunities.

Optional modules

This philosophy-driven module invites you to examine key texts, collaborating with experts to dissect celebrated literature. Equipped with fresh analytical methods and understanding, you’ll apply what you learn directly in practical workshops. Through a mix of lectures, detailed reading, timed essays, and presentations, you’ll integrate philosophical concepts, using age-old wisdom to improve your writing craft.

Immerse yourself in the intellectual heritage of literature and become a more profound and reflective writer.

Join a team of creative students and do a project together. Try new things and see how they can help you.

You’ll also grasp how to use your skills with others. Sometimes you’ll be a leader, sometimes a helper. Talk about your ideas and learn from them. You’ll make something to show what you learned and share it with others.

This module helps you gain new skills and understand other fields. You’ll be a smart and creative person, ready to solve real-world problems.

You'll be taken through the steps that are followed by the TV industry to transform an idea into a finished 'taster tape', which is a short sample of a TV show idea.

Working in a team, you'll create high-quality content, which will improve your research and storytelling abilities. You'll also attend workshops and lectures conducted by professionals who work in the media. Here, you'll learn how to generate ideas, select the right people to appear on screen, and get TV executives interested in your show.

By analyzing actual TV shows, you'll gain insight into what makes good factual media. You'll also use your technical skills to create your own film, showcasing your editorial talent.

This module is an excellent opportunity to enter the exciting field of creating TV programs based on real-life events and stories.

Through a study exchange overseas, you will manage tasks and projects relevant to your course, working independently or collaboratively as part of a team.

The experience enables you to showcase your talents on a global stage while reflecting on your personal growth. With enhanced employability prospects, you return home with a new perspective to inform your practice.

You will get the opportunity to study classic and modern stories from different genres, including crime and flash fiction, which will help you learn about literary styles. Moreover, you will practice writing for different age groups, such as adults, young adults, and children, and adapt your writing style accordingly.

Throughout the module, you will turn your ideas into complete stories and develop a portfolio of your work. You will also get the chance to improve your creative process through discussions and self-assessment. In addition, you will experience the publishing world by pitching a story to a magazine.

By the end of the module, you will have discovered your unique storytelling voice and created captivating short fiction.

You will learn literary techniques used in excellent nonfiction through studying examples. Additionally, you will gain valuable insights from the industry to create engaging articles for modern readers.

You'll build a portfolio by completing assignments that take you from pitching ideas to publication. This will help you showcase your abilities to potential employers. You will also learn research methods and editing skills to produce high-quality work.

Ethics and representation are important when it comes to quality writing. Therefore, we'll engage in discussions about these topics to help you understand their impact.

This module equips you with the tools and experience to excel as a nonfiction writer.

Tailor language, form, and technique to immerse readers in imagined worlds, compelling characters, and thrilling plots. Reflect critically on bringing ideas from conception to completion. Analyse themes and trends shaking up the field, like genre-blends and subversion. Hone skills in constructive feedback to elevate your own work and that of peers.

You'll leverage data sources and freedom of information powers to uncover injustices. You'll examine legal and ethical constraints in journalism, building tenacious journalistic skills as you learn to seek truths in the public interest despite obstacles.

You'll evaluate story angles and plan how to maximise their impact, and gain digital-first abilities to hold the powerful to account.

You’ll learn to shoot and edit stories ready for mobile platforms, enhancing your ability to work in the field.

Reflecting on content creation aligned to platform strengths, you’ll be able to use data-led strategies to better engage with audiences.

You’ll finish this module with the essential skills you need to succeed in contemporary journalism.

You’ll look at the history, roles, and ethics of PR, and see how it differs from marketing and journalism. Through workshops and practical tasks, you'll gain real-world experience creating press releases, campaigns, and promotional materials for actual clients. Whether working alone or in groups, you’ll develop valuable skills in talking to people, managing projects, and making different media content.

This module will give you all the tools you need to succeed in the busy world of PR.

You’ll choose learning tasks that add up to 60 hours, like internships, volunteering, research, or remote study that match your career plans. Workshops will help you make meaningful goals and think about what you’ve accomplished. Through this, you’ll grow the knowledge, skills, and qualities you need to thrive in the workplace.

By looking at your growth through active participation and reading, you’ll become a perceptive, eager job-seeker who stands out.

You’ll study evolving reporting methods and audience interactions and suggest strategies suitable for new digital trends.

By looking at research on online communities, public discussion, and how people consume news on the internet, you’ll assess what these shifts mean for professional journalism—a field increasingly shaped by openness and audience involvement.

You will learn how to source stories and write to industry standards for print, digital and broadcast in a newsroom setting.

Throughout the module, you will become familiar with the culture and issues of your chosen field, and will produce interviews, reviews, and features to strict deadlines. You will also build a portfolio, grow your contacts, and pitch your work to real outlets.

This specialist experience will be invaluable to your future career prospects, and will give you a competitive edge in the industry.

As a team, you will embark on a journey of entrepreneurship, starting with ideation and ending with the launch of your product or service. You will analyse complex factors influencing a successful launch, conduct thorough research to assess feasibility and gain valuable insights into marketing, manufacturing, and sales strategies.

Working together on pitch presentations, you will discover your strengths as an entrepreneur or team member. This module provides transferable skills essential to thrive in creative industries, whether you plan to launch your own company or seek employment with top organisations. You will develop the mindset and abilities to spot opportunities and act on them, which will benefit your career.

Core modules

Immerse yourself in in-depth research of a real person from the past, then weave fact with fiction as you plot their untold tales.

Or reinvent fictional narratives from books, TV and film by becoming an imaginative fan fiction author.

Share your original re-tellings at our lively Character Conference.

By the end of the module, you'll have produced compelling stories in historical and fan fiction genres, and developed key skills in experimenting with language, structure and canon.

Use what you’ve learnt from various genres during your studies to refine an original manuscript — be it fiction, poetry, drama, or nonfiction. Combine literary influences, analytical insights, and writing techniques to refine your work for professional publication.

You’ll also document your creative journey from the initial idea to the finished product, reflecting critically on the impact of your literary choices. Receive guidance on the business side of writing as you prepare for your career launch after graduation.

With this module, you’ll be prepared to share your unique voice with the world.

Optional modules

You’ll look at how new technologies are changing political communication and giving more people a voice. Discuss the good and bad points: is social media bringing people together or dividing them?

Look into social movements and how people are using the internet to push for change. Study real-life examples of how political parties and leaders use (or don’t use) online tools. Get a solid understanding to judge what people say about the digital era. Learn to use critical theories to figure out technology’s role in running a country. Improve your ability to explain what digital media means for democracy to many people.

By the end of this module, you’ll be ready to join in on the conversation about how the internet is changing democracy.

You’ll ask sharp questions and look for answers, combining your analytical skills with a strong sense of ethics.

By referring to expert sources, you’ll deepen your understanding of a specific topic and improve your academic writing.

With careful project management, you’ll dive deep and turn your initial idea into a meaningful final study.

You’ll consider how the news presents important events such as wars, disasters, and emergencies, and reflect on the impact of reporting. Dig into how news is made and think deeply about the forces that shape reporting on human rights. By studying real examples and doing your own research, you’ll learn to apply complex ideas to your analyses.

You’ll come to see the important role journalism has in society and learn how to cover world issues responsibly. Be a part of important talks on how the media deals with human rights — discussions that could lead to real change.

In this module, you’ll research, plan, and create engaging stories with attention-grabbing multimedia. Get help from our expert tutors to set clear goals and take charge of your own learning. Chat with people, gather data, and make sure everything you do is ethical. Your final work will show your skills in innovating, thinking critically, and communicating clearly for professional awards or publications.

You’ll finish this module with a piece of work to be proud of, showing your talent for journalism and a topic you care about. Let this module be your platform to uncover and share stories that make a difference.

You’ll create a unique magazine for a specific niche and study the media environment. This will help you gain a competitive edge in everything—from branding to circulation.

Working as part of an editorial team, you’ll take on real industry roles, crafting engaging issues that perfectly blend concept, content, and visual excellence.

This practical experience is a solid base for coming up with ideas and producing magazines that truly stand out in the market.

You’ll explore global finance and grasp how it sways political decisions through a virtual portfolio exercise. By studying the establishment, you’ll uncover where the power truly lies, from global factors to the media. You’ll critically assess if the media challenges those in power or simply echoes their views. The module combines theory and real-world examples to explain the connections between money, government, and the media.

With this knowledge, you'll enhance your critical thinking skills, ideal for careers in journalism, public relations, or policymaking. Above all, you’ll take part in discussions on current events as an informed and ethically aware person.

Use what you’ve learned in a real job setting, which helps you become more employable and grow your professional contacts. By working in areas like journalism, PR, or broadcasting, you’ll get a real feel for how the media world works. This module helps you make the move from being a student to starting your career.

With the right preparation, you can make the most of this placement to show that you’re ready to work in the industry.

Optional modules

During this module, you'll spend 6 months working on your own business venture, then 3 months gaining industry experience. This opportunity allows you to apply what you've learned in a practical setting while exploring different career options. You'll also have the chance to develop professional relationships and expand your network.

Assess your personal strengths and weaknesses to set goals for the future. Throughout the module, you'll demonstrate increasing independence while still valuing the support of others. Gain a broader understanding of the world through real-world experiences and insights. Additionally, you'll earn valuable credits for your CV and enhance your skill set.

By the end of this module, you'll graduate with the practical experience that employers are seeking.

This experience lets you learn firsthand how to set up and run a small business. You’ll absorb professional practices and business situations that matter to your entrepreneurial goals. Make important connections while working independently within set rules. Think deeply about your strengths, weaknesses, criteria for success, and future plans.

This opportunity is useful for your career. It lets you use what you’ve learnt in your degree in the real world and helps you understand your capabilities.

After finishing this placement and the related assessments, you’ll get more credits for your sandwich degree. This practical experience is a valuable step in developing an entrepreneurial way of thinking.

You’ll spend 24–48 weeks at a chosen company, learning from professionals and helping out with actual projects. Gain confidence, knowledge, and skills by taking on more responsibility with gradually less help. As you progress, you’ll make professional connections and think about how you’re doing. Take in what you learn about how industries and businesses work.

This placement is an ideal chance to grow in your career. By using what you’ve learnt in a workplace, you’ll understand more about your own strengths, what you need to work on, and your plans after you graduate.

After this placement and the related assessments, you’ll get extra credits for your sandwich degree. This practical experience is a valuable part of your education.

Undertake specialised assignments to demonstrate your abilities. Reflect on how global creative culture has expanded your perspective. Identify new transferable skills to empower your continued educational and professional journey.

Examining international contexts, you'll critically assess activities relevant to your field, gaining fresh insights into communication theory and practice worldwide.

In an overseas environment, you'll complete assignments independently, sharpening skills transferable to future studies and careers. Upon returning, thoughtful reflection will reveal your personal growth, as you process new worldviews and cross-cultural competencies.

Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, course content is revised and regularly reviewed.  This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.

How you're assessed

You'll be assessed through:

  • essays
  • presentations
  • in-class tests
  • media artefacts (e.g. producing a video or magazine)
  • practical and written exams
  • short stories
  • screenplays
  • a collection of poems
  • a public relations campaign
  • final-year dissertation

You'll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

Teaching

Teaching methods on this course include:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • practical workshops in the newsroom
  • group-based activities, such as magazine and web-page production
  • one-to-one tutorials

You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.

How you'll spend your time

One of the key differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We're planning for most of your learning to be supported by timetabled face-to-face teaching with some elements of online provision. 

A typical week

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Journalism with Creative Writing degree.

In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical classes, workshops for about 12 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework, and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course.

You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.

Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends. There’s usually no teaching on Wednesday afternoons.

Term dates

The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See term dates

Supporting you

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Types of support

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.

You'll have regular contact with your personal tutor in learning activities or scheduled meetings. You can also make an appointment with them if you need extra support.

In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you’ll also have access to a Faculty student support advisor. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing and refer you to specialist support services.

If you need support with software and equipment or you want to learn additional skills (including skills not covered on your course), our creative skills tutors provide free workshops, activities and one-on-one tutorials. Skills you can learn include life drawing, film camera operation and video production.

You'll have help from a team of faculty academic skills tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.

They can help with:

  • improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
  • delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
  • understanding and using assignment feedback
  • managing your time and workload
  • revision and exam techniques

Computing support staff are always available to give technical support in the Faculty's computer suites during normal working hours. There's also some support available from 5.00pm to midnight at busy times of the year.

As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).

ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:

  • academic writing
  • note taking
  • time management
  • critical thinking
  • presentation skills
  • referencing
  • working in groups
  • revision, memory and exam techniques

If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.

They'll help you to

  • discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
  • liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
  • access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
  • liaise with external services

Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.

You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.

If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.

Course costs and funding

Tuition fees

  • UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £17,200 per year (subject to annual increase)

Funding your studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Tuition fees terms and conditions

Additional course costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

Cost breakdown

Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.

You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.

You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.

We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.

 

If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.

You’ll need to contribute towards the cost of any exams you repeat to get professional accreditation during the course. These costs range from £13–£55.

If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,385 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £1,385 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £2,875  a year (subject to annual increase)

Apply

How to apply

To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

  • the UCAS course code – P5W8
  • our institution code – P80

 Apply now through UCAS

 

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

  • Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
  • Speak with lecturers and chat with our students 
  • Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

Applying from outside the UK

As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things. 

You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.

Find out what additional information you need in our international students section

If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.