Student reviewing forecast graphs

Mathematics for Finance and Management BSc (Hons)

Prepare for the dynamic world of financial mathematics, developing advanced modelling techniques and data-driven problem solving.

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

Key information

For:

starting September 2026

UCAS code:

G161

Accreditation:

This course is Accredited

Typical offer:

112-120 UCAS points from 2 or 3 A levels

See full entry requirements
Study mode and duration
Start date

Showing content for section Overview

Overview

On this BSc (Hons) Mathematics for Finance and Management degree course, you'll specialise in mathematical analysis and modelling used by finance professionals to track investments and forecast revenue, ensuring companies can make informed decisions to grow their profits.

You'll develop the applied maths skills used by senior management to set financial plans and budgets that keep businesses competitive in their market and get a solid foundation in corporate financial management and derivative pricing, setting yourself up for a senior role managing business finances and accounts.

Mathematics at Portsmouth is ranked top among modern UK universities for overall performance and research environment, with 95% of our research considered world-leading.

Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

Read more about our excellent maths research

Course highlights

  • Develop your knowledge of fundamental topics such as algebra, financial management, calculus and quantitative supply chain management.
  • Choose specialist modules that match your interests and career ambitions, such as statistical methods in health research, advanced corporate financial management, astrophysics and decision modelling.
  • Learn to use industry-standard mathematical, statistical and operational research software including scikit-learn, PyTorch and TensorFlow
  • Apply your skills on optional work placements in the community, such as assisting math teachers in local schools.
  • Investigate theories alongside the University's mathematicians — 95% of our research in Mathematics was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent and we're ranked top among modern UK universities for overall performance and research environment.
  • Brush up your skills with our drop-in Maths Cafe and personal tutorial system

Top 30

for student satisfaction

(Times Higher Education, 2024)

98%

of students were positive about the teaching on this course

(NSS, 2025)

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institution of Mathematics and Its Applications (IMA).

Which Mathematics course should I study?

We have a range of Mathematics courses on offer for you at the University of Portsmouth, but whichever Maths degree you choose you can still do any Maths module - the difference between one course and another is that some modules will be compulsory whereas the others are optional. 

  • Mathematics is ideal if you're interested in the fundamentals of calculus, complex numbers, algebra and many other topics to personalize your learning.
  • Mathematics for Finance and Management will see you integrate core numerical skills into the financial sector. 
  • Want to put your passion for mathematics into a data and analytical context? Our Mathematics with Statistics is for you.
  • With the rise in the use of Artificial Intelligence, the modules and skills taught on Mathematics with Machine Learning can see you understanding the algorithms used in neural networks and deep learning.
Rosie Sloane

"The modules on the course were a fantastic mix of pure and applied mathematics in a brilliant range of topics - I could apply the maths to real world problems, modelling disease spread and solving encrypted codes were some particular favourites. I started university not knowing what I could do with a maths degree and finished with a plethora of potential avenues. It's a fantastic place to foster curiosity and expand horizons."

Rosie Sloane, Technical Specialist at Defence Science and Technology Laboratory

 

Contact information

Admissions

+44 (0) 23 9284 5566

Contact Admissions

Clearing is open

This course is available through Clearing.

Clearing 2025 is now closed

Clearing FAQs

To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.

The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.

Even if you don't receive the grades you need, we recommend still calling us on 023 9284 8090 as we still may be able to consider you for a course

You can apply through Clearing if:

  • You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
  • Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university 
  • You don't hold any offers
  • You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
  • You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2025 

Find out more on UCAS

After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or other information. 

If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice. 

If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk

Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk

See our accommodation page for more information. 

No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.

If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.

Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide

If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.

See more on visa advice.

If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office.

Entry requirements

BSc (Hons) Mathematics for Finance and Management degree entry requirements

Typical offers

  • UCAS points - 112-120 points from 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including 40 points from Mathematics. (calculate your UCAS points)
  • A levels - BBB-BBC
  • International Baccalaureate - 27

You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs – see 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

If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to join this course after you successfully complete a foundation year.

Facilities and specialist software

University of Portsmouth students sat in the Maths Cafe

Maths Café

No problem is too small or too tough for our Maths Café tutors, who are on hand every day during term-time to help you if you get stuck or need something explained.

Learn more about the Maths Café

Technology Facilities; 31st May 2019

Future Technology Centre, Technology Enhanced Active Learning Space

Develop teamwork and communication skills to prepare you for your graduate job and make yourself more employable, while getting to know your classmates in an informal and friendly environment.

CCI Facilities; June 2019

Computer labs and specialist mathematics software

Learn several specialist programming, symbolic and data handling languages such as Python, Mathematica and R – and work with industry standard tools for building machine learning models, such as scikit-learn, pytorch and tensorflow.

Careers and opportunities

A degree in mathematics for finance and management will equip you with analytical problem-solving skills that are highly valued across areas of business, technology and finance. Employers consistently recognise the intellectual maturity and versatility that mathematics graduates bring to the workplace.

Our Mathematics graduates show strong employment prospects after the graduate with over 85% in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. You'll join a degree with a starting salary of over £31,000 - leading to over £60,000 for those in higher management positions. 

Your mathematical degree will see you graduate with the skills and understanding to work in many related areas, including:

  • statistics and finance
  • mathematical modelling
  • government research
  • marketing

Graduate and placement destinations

Our graduates and placement students have worked for companies such as:

  • Peters & May Logistics
  • Royal Air Force
  • QinetiQ
  • Global Freight Solutions
  • CBRE Group
  • Wates Group
  • Heathrow Airport Limited

What jobs can you do with a mathematics for finance and management degree?

Our graduates now work in roles including:

  • trainee chartered accountant
  • revenue development analyst
  • finance management trainee
  • commercial finance analyst

Other graduates have continued their studies at postgraduate level or set up successful businesses with help and support from the University.

Alumni profile: Tessa Wildsmith, Mathematics teacher

Tessa Wildsmith graduated from Portsmouth with a mathematics degree, a Master's in maths, and a PGCE teaching qualification. She now teaches maths in a high school.

Find out more about Tessa's early love for algebra and how she's showing teenagers how beautiful maths can be. 

Interested in teaching? Third year students can do a placement in a local school or college, acting as a role-model for Primary to A Level students interested in pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.

My name is Tessa Wildsmith and I'm a teacher for both key stage four and key stage five for mathematics.

My dad did mathematics and he showed a love of it throughout my childhood. He introduced me to algebra when I was way too young. That has gone on throughout my life and him inspiring me to be better and to go on to see how beautiful maths can be. So his enthusiasm and love for it just inspired me, really.

When applying to university, I did have a look at some of the local universities. You're looking at somewhere that not only are you going to fit in but also is going to stretch you academically. Portsmouth did both.

The other thing, obviously, is the location. Being right by the sea means that if you have free time, it's lovely just to be able to go and sit by the sea front, collect your thoughts, have a think about your day or how you're going to go about your next assignment. It calms you so much to have that environment.

At the University of Portsmouth, I studied an undergraduate in mathematics and then went on to study a masters of research, which also looked into mathematics. The lecturers there were really welcoming, obviously knowledgeable as well, but they had a real love and passion of each of their individual subjects. To see the things that seem very abstract actually have a very real life application was incredible.

Following my masters, I went on to do the PGCE also at the University of Portsmouth. I just wanted to go into teaching because I've seen a bit of research, I've done a bit of research with my masters and then after that, I realised that I always thought about teaching. During university as well, I was often tutoring other fellow students and helping them with it and that satisfaction you get from seeing lightbulb moments with people, especially with maths, because it seems something that for some people is very unattainable.

To unlock a passion in students, you just need to show them why you love it. You know some of the things you teach them, even if they don't apply in real world concepts later on, they will still remember. They actually will remember as a satisfying thing or something that brought them some joy. But the thing that motivates me most is the students, because when you go into a room and they're excited for your lesson or they're excited to see you or they're excited to learn, that's going to drive you constantly because that isn't something that dissipates.

My time at university definitely did change me. It did build my confidence a lot. It created the enthusiasm that I have now because of seeing people who inspired me more so. If someone is thinking of going to university, I would definitely say if your passionate about something, go. I don't think there's any drawbacks to opening up your mind to new concepts, ever. 

Placement support

Taking an optional placement year gives you the experience you need to increase your chances of landing your perfect role after graduation. You could work in a paid role in a professional organisation (our students earn an average salary of £24,500 during their placements) or set up your own business, giving you the chance to grow your professional network and enhance your CV. 

Female student at computer

Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate

Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.

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

Modules

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

In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.

What you'll study

Core modules

Analyzing function behavior through limits, derivatives and integrals, you'll use differential calculus, integral calculus for area computations, determine series convergence, and apply infinite series to differentiation/integration.

This module will see you solve real-world mathematics and physics problems using techniques including coding languages, data visualisation and iterative methods.

You'll solve problems and prove theorems using matrices, vectors, linear transformations, vector spaces and detailed eigen theory.

You'll develop proof techniques through examples, discussing when different proof types are useful. As you hone your ability to speak in logic, the 'language' used to prove mathematical statements, you'll also work with mathematical concepts like sets, functions, ciphers and complex numbers.

You'll learn to formulate problems algebraically, create graphical solutions to linear problems, and interpret ordinary differential equations (ODEs). You'll also demonstrate that some problems are too complicated for these methods, and create approximate solutions using numeric techniques.

You'll apply statistical theory and data analysis techniques used in business, testing hypotheses and performing regression modelling with Minitab software.

Core modules

You'll model an issue drawn from live, open-ended problems, identify and implement practical methods to analyse and solve your chosen problem, then produce reports to communicate your analysis professionally. You'll also work with careers guidance to relate your skills and interests to opportunities, and recognise how to best present yourself in effective applications and interviews.

Determining vector calculus gradients, divergences and curls, you will evaluate line, surface and volume integrals, apply integral theorems, find Fourier series, solve differential equations analytically and interpret solutions.

You'll apply creative mathematical and programming methods to model and analyse financial problems. Through simulations of finance scenarios, you'll examine and address practical questions in advanced market dynamics.

Discover corporate financial management as you analyse real-life financial issues to refine your career skills. By blending authentic case studies with workshop activities focused on real companies, you’ll evaluate data, identify issues and improve decision quality. With regular feedback, you’ll bridge the gap between theory and practice. You'll explore how digital transformation and new technologies are changing finance in business, so that you graduate ready to excel as an agile financial manager

Optional modules

You'll construct group theory proofs and show counterexamples. explore modular arithmetic and Euclidean division, and build your toolkit for your final year studies in modern algebra.

From the properties of stars to stellar evolution and the features of our Galaxy, this module will see you utilise interactive computer software to solve astronomical problems.

This module includes a 6 hour compulsory visit to Clanfield Observatory and the South Downs Planetarium to pass this module.

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

  • Apply your understanding of modern astronomical systems to calculations involving photometric and spectroscopic data
  • Demonstrate your ability to handle modern astronomical data and compare with astrophysical models
  • Apply physical principles of observational probes of cosmology, and solve problems in constraining cosmological parameters

In this module, you'll study the methods used to build supervised and unsupervised machine learning models. Combining traditional pen-and-paper mathematics with powerful computational methods, you'll train machine learning models to fit parameters, learn patterns, and make predictions.

First, you'll master analytical mechanics using Lagrangian and Hamiltonian techniques, reducing complex systems into simpler, symmetric forms. Then you'll analyse chaotic dynamics with differential and difference equations. When you complete the module, you'll have developed lasting intuition and problem-solving agility, with a versatile toolkit of theory and techniques essential for any physics career.

You'll formulate and solve linear and non-linear programming models, applying your skills to operational research problems, and prepare for advanced modelling studies in simulation, forecasting and other forms of planning.

You'll look at sequences and series, construct proofs and counter-examples, and look at the differentiation and integration of real and complex functions. You'll emerge from this module able to define and apply theorems, illustrate complex mappings, understand properties of standard complex functions, and use techniques like evaluating derivatives/integrals to solve problems.

In this module, you'll learn to formulate and communicate problems in statistical terms, study estimation and sampling, and interpret the results of advanced models and experiments.

Core modules

You'll study multiple types of options to understand their payoffs, and how to construct portfolios with different investment strategies. You'll also derive the famous Black-Scholes equation for pricing options in different contexts, explore exotic options, and calculate risk exposure in a hedging process.

Optional modules

Adapting to the school environment, you'll explore STEM themes with classes from Key Stage 3 to Sixth Form, before reflecting critically on teaching practices. Through this mentorship of mathematics and physics teachers, you'll get direct experience of STEM education, break down stereotypes of mathematics, and prove your ability to communicate difficult concepts.

In this module, you'll analyse 4-dimensional spacetime from Special Relativity, gaining skills in tensor algebra and calculus. You'll derive and apply Einstein's equations yourself, modeling black holes or gravitational waves, as you develop your skills in independent thinking, curiosity, and clear communication.

The assessment includes a presentation, an individual report and 90 minute exam.

As you work through key concepts, such as nuclear processes, relativity and cosmology, you'll evaluate observational issues like the quest for dark matter. On completion, you'll have the critical thinking and intellectual curiosity to solve real problems modelling cosmic structures.

In this module, you'll use perturbation theory and relevant software, such as MATLAB, to examine equilibria, bifurcation and integrability. You'll build on your understanding from previous modules, such as calculus and computational management, and learn to apply them to problems that exceed the limits of linear systems theory.

You'll study heat, wave and Laplace equations, with applications in science.

Gaining solid knowledge for a career in supply chain management or further study, you'll synthesize new and existing ideas to generate creative solutions to supply chain problems.

Learning about strengths and weaknesses of population sampling and study designs, you will be introduced to appropriate statistical analysis tools including multivariate techniques and modeling data in SPSS. You'll formulate common epidemiological statistics, construct life tables, design clinical trials, and employ multivariate methods, all using tools designed for applied statisticians in health research.

You'll plan your project, gather and synthesize literature, and write a dissertation to present your independent discoveries. You'll then evaluate your own work, and learn to present and discuss your conclusions in writing and through oral presentations.

Through industry case studies, you'll formulate and implement linear, integer programming models for planning and risk analysis. Using industry-standard software, you'll evaluate solutions and communicate data-driven insights tailored for stakeholders. When you complete the module, you'll be able to demonstrate versatile skills in synthesising information, assessing trade-offs and driving impact through evidence-based advice.

Using freely available modern datasets, you'll learn to select and apply appropriate statistical techniques, using methods such as principal components and clustering. You'll also demonstrate your ability to apply statistical learning techniques in programming languages like R or Python.

You'll learn to model uncertainty in a systematic, mathematical way, ready to apply your subject knowledge across the complexities of social, technological and natural domains.

After your second or third year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.

Students have previously completed placements at organisations such as Lockheed Martin and IBM.

We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.

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, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

Teaching

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

A typical week

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your degree.

You'll be taught in timetabled activities including lectures, seminars, practical classes and workshops - the rest of the time will be up to you to develop independent study skills. This includes research, coursework and project work - both alone and in course groups.

In years 2 and 3, depending on your modules, you'll probably do more independent study. 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

How you're assessed

You’ll be assessed through

  • examinations
  • written coursework
  • multiple-choice tests
  • presentations
  • projects

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

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

Teaching staff

You'll have a range of teaching staff on your course with specialist knowledge in particular research and modules.

Teaching profiles

RIS headshots; Jamie Foster; PLEASE CHECK WITH JAMIE BEFORE USE

Dr Jamie Foster, Reader in Applied and Industrial Mathematics

Jamie specialises in developing mathematical models of real world problems, especially where mathematics meets practical problems in industry, for example, electric batteries and solar cells. He has even developed a mathematical model for the perfect coffee, his interview on the topic is on the BBC website.

You will see Jamie in the first year Mathematical Models module, where he will introduce you to describing the real world with mathematics.

Dr Maria Pickett

Dr Maria Pickett, Senior Lecturer in Mathematics

Maria has been lecturing mathematics at the University of Portsmouth for over 10 years, and her research is in a special class of differential equation known as "singularly perturbed". 

You will see Maria in the first year Linear Algebra module, which develops the theory of vectors and matrices and gives us a new and powerful way to think about systems of simultaneous equations. Linear Algebra has very many applications, for example in Data Science and Machine Learning.

Thomas Waters

Dr. Thomas Waters, Associate Head of Mathematics

Thomas's research uses methods from a branch of mathematics known as Dynamical Systems to design novel space missions for solar sails, a type of spacecraft that uses sunlight to push it around the solar system. The orbits of solar sails can be very different to conventional spacecraft, and this opens new possibilities in space science and communication.

You will see Thomas in the first year Calculus module among others.

James Burridge

Prof. James Burridge, Professor of Probability and Statistical Physics

James's research models how languages evolve by using machine learning techniques on huge data sets; this research helps us understand how languages develop and how they will change into the future.

James teaches several modules on the Maths degrees, such as Mathematical Methods for Machine Learning.

100% of students found teaching staff are good at explaining things and easy to contact

National Student Survey (NSS) 2025 

How you'll spend your time

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

We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies.  As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.

A typical week

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Mathematics degree. You’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, practical classes and workshops for about 19 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. Optional field trips may involve evening and weekend teaching or events. 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

How you're assessed

You’ll be assessed through:

  • examinations
  • written coursework
  • multiple-choice tests
  • presentations
  • mini projects
  • a major piece of supervised independent work

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

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

Supporting you

At Portsmouth, we've got a host of Student Services to support you during your studies - from one-to-one study support to accommodation queries and wellbeing concerns. 

We have highly experienced teams to support you with your studies - and navigating university life.

Your guide to student support services

If you need a helping hand at uni, we've got it covered. At Portsmouth there’s a whole raft of student support services run by highly experienced teams. Whether you need one-to-one study support, personalised money advice, holistic health and wellbeing info or emergency contact numbers.

Do you ever need a helping hand at uni? We've got you covered. Academic support, personal wellbeing and careers advice – we’re here for you! I'm Daniel, and I'm Alexis, and today we'll be talking you through all the support available here at the University of Portsmouth.

The first thing to remember is that the MyPort team is your one-stop shop to help you get access to the help you need. They'll listen to any problems and questions that you have, and direct you to where you need to be, including helping you access multiple support services for complex issues.

They may refer you to an advisor in our Student Life team who can help support you through this process. Let's make sure that you're set for success on your course first. When you arrive at university, you're assigned a personal tutor – a member of your department who is there to help with any kind of academic concerns you may face, or any questions or worries along the way.

They're there to ensure that you perform to your best, so anything that you are worried about, please do not hesitate to go and speak to them. Each faculty also has student engagement officers who are there to help you with less course-specific issues, such as stress and motivation, personal problems and extenuating circumstances forms.

Additional Support and Disability Advice, known as ASDAC, is a service used to support students who share that they have a disability or need additional support for their studies. With them, you can access confidential advice, discuss reasonable adjustments, or access funding, as well as so much more.

Over in the Lion Gate Building, the Math Café has tutors available every day to give advice and help with math skills, regardless of your course. And if English isn't your first language, we offer pre-sessional and in-sessional courses. The Global Café runs every Wednesday for cultural and language exchange activities.

The university isn't just here to support your studies – your personal wellbeing is just as important. The Student Wellbeing Service can provide support through workshops, events, courses and one-to-one mental health support and counselling. They also run a Wellbeing Café every Wednesday where you can enjoy various relaxing activities such as origami and crochet, and share common concerns with fellow students.

The Residence Life Team, or ResLife, are here to support all students living in university halls. Their services include 24/7 welfare support, so no matter the time of day, they're only a call away. The University’s Chaplaincy offers a safe, inclusive space for all students of any faith and none. They offer pastoral support, places of quiet reflection and prayer, a dedicated Islamic prayer room and somewhere to pop in for a free cup of tea or coffee and a chat. We're also here to help with all the day-to-day practical stuff.

The Student Finance Centre helps you apply for and manage your loans from Student Finance England. They can help you apply and access the uni support funds, as well as discovering scholarships, bursaries and so much more. The Student Housing team are also there if you ever need help finding flatmates or housing, dealing with contracts, landlords or neighbours. For those studying on Student Route visas, the International Student Advice Team is here to help and guide you through the visa process.

And finally, as you're thinking about your next steps, the Careers and Employability Office here in the Rosalind Franklin Building is here for you if you ever need a job, help planning a career, or even starting your own business. They're here for you as well up to five years after you graduate.

Whatever you need help with, the University of Portsmouth is here for you. And don't worry about needing to remember everything – the MyPort team is always your first port of call, so you don't need to go to different contacts or repeat yourself on multiple services. They're available every weekday, either in person, via email, on the phone, or webchat. Thanks for joining us.

We want you to have the best university experience and to set you up for success, so never be afraid to reach out.

Types of support

Personal Tutor

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

As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.

Learning Support Tutors

You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support 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

Student Success Advisors

These are the team that are your first point of call to help with any pastoral concerns and to link you in with all areas of university life; from help with your mental wellbeing to improving your attendance. 

Lab Support

All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.

Maths Cafe

The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.

Support with English

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.

Wellbeing and mental health support

You can get personal and emotional support from student wellbeing to help with your university experience; from resources, workshops and courses to 1-2-1 advice sessions, we have multiple ways to help you with your mental health.

Disability advice and additional support

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

Res Life team

As a support service for students living in University of Portsmouth Halls, they are here to empower you in your new community.

They'll help with

 

  • health concerns
  • homesickness
  • relationship problems (e.g. with housemates)
  • noisy neighbours

Library support

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.

Accommodation support

From Halls of Residence to living in the private sector, our dedicated housing team will help you decide where to live and manage your time while living in Portsmouth.

Financial support

For help managing your money effectively, our Student Money team can give you information, advice and support to keep your finances on track.

Careers support

Our Careers and Employability Service supports you to help find part-time jobs, career planning, work experience and volunteering, graduate jobs, further study or starting up a business.

They offer

  • CV reviewing, application and interview support
  • LinkedIn essentials
  • Help to find your ideal career
  • Student Startup support to help those looking to freelance or start a new business

IT support

 

You can get help with all your computer issues face-to-face at the IT help centre in the Library, and by phone, email and online chat.

As a student you'll get access to

  • Free Wi-Fi across all University buildings
  • Laptops on short-term loan
  • Free Microsoft Office 365 download on your own devices and access to other essential software and apps such as Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Open access areas, printing facilities and group working areas

Costs and funding

Tuition fees

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £10,300 a year (including EU Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £17,900 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.

Additional costs

Accommodation

Our dedicated student housing team have a range information to help you secure your ideal place to stay while you're studying.

With options including Halls of Residence or private rented accommodation, you'll need to budget for your rent.

Bills 

While Halls of Residence include the majority of your bills, living in the private sector may mean paying for your own gas, electricity, water and internet so remember to include this when you're budgeting.

Other costs

Remember to take note of subscriptions when looking at your living costs, including TV licence, contents insurance and your phone bill.

Other costs might also include food, housekeeping, travel and social costs.

Recommended reading

When you start your studies you may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module. Most of these can be borrowed from the University Library. If you would like to buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.

Final year project

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.

General costs

In this you may want to consider your budget for photocopying, specialist printing and USB sticks as part of your studies.

Graduation

In your final year, you will be invited to graduate from your course. You will need to pay for gown hire as part of this which costs from £39.60 per day.

Field trips

If your course has field trip elements, you may be asked to make a contribution towards this. Advanced notice would be given on courses where this is relevant.

Study Abroad Costs

Our global mobility team can help you secure opportunities to work or study abroad. Students have found opportunities in Malaysia, South Korea and Vietnam.

When looking to study abroad consider additional costs including

  • Health cover and insurance
  • Travel and transportation costs
  • Hotel and accommodation costs
  • Any prescription medications

Placement year

Placements give you a chance to apply the skills you're learning on your course to the workplace, helping to increase your employability when you graduate.

If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for 2025/26 are as follows:

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,430 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £1,430 a year (including EU Scholarship - may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £2,875  a year (subject to annual increase)

Dual degrees

Dual degrees allow you to gain 2 Bachelor's degrees or 2 Master's degrees in less time than it takes to study them separately. We work in partnership with Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Australia, Brock University in Canada and Münster University of Applied Sciences in Germany.

Fees for these depend on the course – details are on each course page.

You'll need to cover your living costs and pay additional costs to cover your studies, costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence. These costs will vary but they can range from £6,000 - £8,000.

For help managing your money effectively, our Student Money team can give you information, advice and support to keep your finances on track.

They can support you with

  • Scholarships and bursaries
  • Managing your money
  • Student loan advice
  • University support fund
  • Universal credit advice

Apply

September 2026 start

To start this course in 2026, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

  • the UCAS course code – G161
  • 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.

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.