Psychology BSc (Hons)
Start your path towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist on this British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited degree. Use specialist psychology facilities such as motion capture, thermal camera and eye tracking technology.
Key information
For:
starting September 2026
UCAS code:
C800
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
112-120 UCAS points from 3 A levels, or equivalent
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Psychology can change lives for the better.
On this BSc (Hons) Psychology degree, which is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), you’ll study the mind and behaviour, examine how people think, act and feel – and take your first steps towards a career that really matters.
Psychology at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 5th of the modern universities for research quality
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
Course highlights
- Access specialist psychology equipment and facilities including an observation suite, toddler and infant laboratory, psychophysiology laboratory, and digital analysis and video editing suite
- Have the chance to study abroad or take part in a year-long work placement, boosting your employability prospects after the course
- Create your own bespoke final year by choosing the subjects and specialisms that most interest you from a fully optional module list
- Be inspired by regular one-on-one tutorials with experienced psychology practitioners involved in trailblazing research, including the Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology and the Dog Cognition Centre
- Become eligible to apply for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society (with a 2:2 or higher)
BSc Psychology | University of Portsmouth
Hear from some of our students and academics about studying BSc Psychology at the University of Portsmouth.
Collins
I've always been chasing finding like, what's my talent? And I've always thought like a talent has to be something that is established, like singing, sports or something. But it can be something small, like listening to people. So I chose the course that reflected my inner person, I guess.
Dr Emine Gurbuz
The BSc Psychology course is a three year course.
Dr Iris Nomikou
Students come with an interest to understand the mind, understand behaviour, understand how people function and why people do the things they do.
Rebecca
I chose to study Psychology at the University of Portsmouth definitely because it was a BPS accredited degree, which means the British Psychological Society.
Dr Iris Nomikou
Students leave this course, having the stamp of quality that the contents that they have been learning is what they need to progress in their careers.
Dr Emine Gurbuz
It's very informed by the theory, but we also do a lot of applied work.
Dr Iris Nomikou
We have laboratories, research cubicles, eye tracking lab and we have an EEG lab.
Rebecca
I love psychology because you are always learning really fascinating things that you never really thought about before.
Dr Iris Nomikou
In the first year, generally, we introduce students to the basics of psychology and going into the second year, we focus more on social and developmental psychology, biological and cognitive psychology, individual differences and then in the third year, we have all of the options.
Dr Emine Gurbuz
Many different types of subjects to choose from and they choose four together with their dissertation.
Dr Iris Nomikou
We are very proud of the placement opportunities. They can get a first hand experience of a potential job that they might be interested in. They might also find out what they do not want to do in the future, which is equally valuable.
Rebecca
I did a research based learning placement as a research assistant and it gave me so much experience in research and using neuroscience technology and doing that was so fascinating.
Dr Iris Nomikou
In terms of career opportunities -
Dr Emine Gurbuz
there is a huge range of possibilities.
Dr Iris Nomikou
Education,
Dr Emine Gurbuz
in hospitals,
Dr Iris Nomikou
clinical doctorates,
Dr Emine Gurbuz
non-governmental organisations,
Dr Iris Nomikou
postgraduate and PhD studies.
Rebecca
I think Portsmouth is the best place for a student to be because all the staff are really supportive.
Collins
They support mental health. If you need financial help, if you need social help - everyone is at your disposal.
Dr Emine Gurbuz
Our doors are always open which is really important for students to feel they belong to campus.
Collins
It feels like a second home. They really welcome you in and they make you feel like family.
You may be also interested in
93%
of graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course
(latest HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey)
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
93%
of students were positive about the learning resources and facilities provided on this course
(NSS, 2025)
Accredited by:
This degree offers eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS), if you graduate with a 2:2 or higher.
Psychology students Sara, Pamela and Zoe on their experiences of the course
Psychology BSc students Sara, Pamela and Zoe talk about their experiences on the course at the University of Portsmouth and how it has benefitted them personally and professionally.
Zoe: My favourite thing about my degree is definitely the opportunities that I've been given. I've been fortunate enough to take part in three placements in mental health within HR, some marketing experience. I've really been able to broaden my depth into gaining a deeper understanding and even if that's not what I want to do in the future, I've still been able to gain valuable skills.
Pamela: I think the most exciting thing was just me being able to take part in experiments and studies. I remember one study which I had to put my hand in some water. It was just there to measure my stress levels.
There was so much more out there than just the research and the data analysis. There was actually that opportunity for you to be able to learn more about yourself as an individual and how you are able to sort of be developed in this society, in this culture, and just making me feel as if I can contribute something, no matter how small or big it is.
Sara: The facilities here are kept very up to date. We have rooms for interviews. So people that take part in studies, students or just public, they're very isolated rooms that are soundproof as well.
Virtual reality, that was kind of interesting because that was kind of emerging a few years ago, so that was really interesting to see people studying that. We also have a technology room. So EEG, where people want to see brain activity during an interview, kind of like lie detection mainly.
Pamela: There's a lot of facilities here that are able to add to your understanding of psychology and the stuff that you want to do in the future as well.
Zoe: For someone who's thinking about studying psychology at the University of Portsmouth, I couldn't recommend it enough.
Sara: I would say go for it. It's been such an amazing experience. If I could do it all again, I would.
Pamela: Be open to all the opportunities that are given to you. Don't be afraid to come to Portsmouth - it's a lovely city.
Zoe: Going into university, it's a scary transition whether you're from A-levels college or whatever it may be, or older. The University of Portsmouth really just helps you ease into that. The amount of support you get, I think honestly, they really just put you at the forefront of trying to help you get the most out of your degree.
Contact information
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Entry requirements
Psychology degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels - BBB-BBC
- UCAS points - 112-120 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent. (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels - Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- 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 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
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.
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 equipment
These are just a few of the facilities you'll use during your psychology degree, plus you'll get priority booking during term time.
Psychophysiology laboratory
Record and analyse physical responses, such as electrical activity in the brain, neural processes, blood pressure and heart rate, to explore how the body reacts to different psychological states.
Eye tracking technology
Discover how eye movement can be tracked and analysed to measure spatial attention, and used to study areas such as face recognition and change blindness.
Thermal cameras
Learn how thermal camera technology can be used to read physiological activity in the face and reveal signs of deception.
See our psychology facilities and equipment in action
Take a tour of King Henry Building at the University of Portsmouth and the specialist psychology equipment and facilities we use in our Psychology BSc and Psychology with Forensic and Investigative Psychology BSc courses.
Video showing the specialist psychology equipment and facilities we use in our Psychology BSc and Psychology with Forensic and Investigative Psychology BSc courses at the University of Portsmouth: interview room, thermal camera, eye tracking, psycho-physiology lab, and more.
I’ve never felt so supported as I was at Portsmouth, and the opportunities I’ve had through researching and professional development are amazing.
Careers and opportunities
When you graduate, you’ll be ready to continue your training to become a Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol).
On the course, you'll be able to customise your final year to your own preferred field of study and choose modules that lay the groundwork for a professional specialism, including sport psychology, educational psychology, and clinical and health psychology.
After completing your BSc (Hons) Psychology, the next step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist would be a Masters in your chosen specialism, such as MSc Forensic Psychology, MSc Health Psychology or MSc Applied Sport Psychology.
Or, if there's another sector you'd rather go into, you'll also have what you need to take on roles in health associated professions, marketing, and education – to name just a few.
According to the British Psychological Society, more than 750,000 people in the UK work in an area that involves psychology as part of their role, so you'll have lots of options when you finish the course.
Why study psychology?
A psychology degree will set you on the path to becoming a psychologist, but there are also many other careers it can lead to. Learn more about why psychology is such a fascinating and valuable subject to study.
What can you do with a psychology degree?
As a Chartered Psychologist, areas you could specialise in include:
- clinical psychology
- sports psychology
- counselling psychology
- educational psychology
- forensic psychology
- occupational psychology
The transferable skills you'll learn are also in demand in other fields, such as:
- teaching (with additional training)
- social welfare
- police work
- research
- marketing
Graduate roles and destinations
Roles our previous graduates have gone on to work in, include:
- assistant psychologist
- lecturer in policing
- domestic abuse worker
- wellbeing lead
- occupational therapy support officer
- head of learning and professional development
- HR director
- National Crime Agency (NCA) officer
They've gone on to work in the following organisations:
- Mind
- Care UK
- Department of Health and Social Care
- Ministry of Defence
- The Home Office
- Office for National Statistics
- Metropolitan Police
- EMEA at Michael Kors
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.
Placement year
You'll be able to increase your chances of landing your ideal job after your degree by taking an optional work placement year after your second or third year. A placement year gives you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a real workplace, boosting your employability and making you stand out to employers after the course.
You can work for a company or organisation here in the UK or overseas, or you could go independent by setting up and running your own business with other students.
Whichever route you choose, you'll receive support and guidance. Our specialist team of Science and Health Careers advisors can help you with finding a work placement and improving your employability skills. They'll provide you with a database of placement vacancies, support with your job search – including help with applications and interviews – and support throughout your placement year.
I loved the option to take a sandwich year placement. I wasn’t 100% sure on the career I wanted to do but was interested in mental health and the NHS. Portsmouth offered the best opportunities for work experience in my desired field.
Potential roles
Roles previous students have taken on during their placement years include:
- assistant psychologist
- assistant occupational psychologist
- business operations assistant
- student clinical psychologist
- student psychologist
- student researcher
Potential destinations
Previous students have completed placements in the following organisations:
- Great Ormond Street Hospital
- Mind
- Solent NHS Trust
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Microsoft
- IBM
Study abroad
You’ll also have the chance to study abroad at one of our partner universities in Europe or Asia, which is a fantastic opportunity to explore a new destination and experience the world as an international student.
Many of our students describe their time spent studying overseas as truly life-changing, as well as an excellent way to stand out to future employers.
Hear from Dr Lucy Akehurst, Head of the School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences
Dr Lucy Akehurst, Head of the School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences, talks about the exciting facilities available to current and future students.
Dr Lucy Akehurst: When our first year undergraduate students arrive at the Department of Psychology, I think they feel part of the community straight away.
We pride ourselves on our tutorial system at the University of Portsmouth. Staff are working with students from the word go.
We have a number of laboratory facilities and each of them house specialist equipment. We've got a baby and infant lab. We have a suite of labs, there's observation facilities, one way mirrors and recording equipment. We also have a Psychophysiology lab which has an EEG machine and eye tracking. We also have a motion capture laboratory. We have special cameras that pick up the sensors that the students have placed on their participants just to see how the human body moves when we perform particular actions.
The nice thing about coming to Portsmouth is that undergraduate students from the word go have access to those facilities.
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 30 credits each or two modules worth 45 credits each and one module worth 30 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
On this module, you'll explore how scientists study animal behaviour, learning how behaviour develops, why it evolves, and what drives it at a biological and psychological level.
You'll examine real research and use different methods to understand and compare behaviour across species, gaining hands-on experience in evaluating evidence.
Throughout, you'll discover how studying animals helps us understand human behaviour, giving you a strong foundation in evolutionary and comparative psychology.
On this module, you'll explore different research methods and discover how psychologists design studies to answer real questions.
You'll learn how to collect, analyse, and interpret data using both qualitative and quantitative approaches whilst developing key skills in writing clear, well-structured research reports.
By the end of the module, you'll understand how to choose the right methods for different research questions, gaining essential skills for later study and careers that value evidence-based thinking, while also meeting national standards for psychology education and developing the core research skills expected of psychology graduates.
On this module, you'll learn how psychology developed as a scientific discipline, exploring the key theories, methods and historical ideas that shaped modern psychological thinking.
You'll examine major perspectives in psychology and apply them to contemporary debates, learning how different approaches explain behaviour and mental processes in unique ways.
Alongside this, you'll also be introduced to core concepts in clinical psychology, gaining an understanding of diagnostic criteria, treatments and how psychologists address mental health challenges.
You'll develop essential skills for studying psychology and for pursuing psychology-related careers, including effective communication, teamwork, and critical thinking.
You'll also have the opportunity to reflect on your personal development, such as managing workloads, adapting to new learning and social environments, and making the most of university life.
Through interactive workshops, lectures, and a careers conference, you'll explore a wide range of psychology career pathways and develop strategies for academic and professional success.
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
On this module, you'll learn how biological mechanisms and cognitive processes work together to shape perception, memory, language, learning and emotion.
You'll explore key theories and research in biological and cognitive psychology, developing a deeper understanding of how scientists study the mind and brain.
Along the way, you'll design and conduct your own quantitative research, using statistical software to analyse data and gain practical experience in ethical, evidence-based psychological investigation.
You'll explore key theories of personality, intelligence and individual differences, learning how psychologists explain why people think and behave in distinct ways.
Through psychometric testing and the use of statistical software you'll gain practical experience and develop the skills to assess reliability, validity and bias and to analyse real psychological data.
You'll also examine the ethical and cultural issues involved in measuring human traits, helping you understand how research on individual differences informs practice across education, health and the workplace.
You'll explore and prepare for future academic and professional pathways in psychology by applying your learning in practical, real-world contexts.
Through a choice of experiential options, you'll develop transferable skills, reflect on your career goals, and strengthen your ability to apply psychological knowledge in research, workplace, or community settings.
This module will build your confidence, self-awareness, and employability, supporting progression into further study, professional training, or psychology-related careers.
You'll explore how contemporary psychology helps us understand human behaviour, wellbeing, and identity in a changing worldyou'll examine current research and theory, applying insights to global and societal issues while developing critical evaluation skillsyou'll also learn to communicate complex psychological ideas clearly to non-specialist audiences, making scientific knowledge accessible and relevant to real-world contexts.
You'll examine key theories and research in developmental and social psychology, learning how human behaviour changes over time and in social contexts.
You'll take part in practical research activities, collecting and analysing qualitative data while developing skills in empirical reporting and data interpretation.
You'll also design and manage your own qualitative research project, considering ethical issues and real-world applications, preparing you for advanced study or careers requiring strong research, analytical, and communication skills in psychology-related fields.
Optional modules
All modules in this year are optional.
You'll design, carry out and present an independent research project based on a clear psychological question or hypothesis. alongside this, you'll complete a supervised work placement, gaining hands-on experience in a professional setting and applying psychology in real-world contexts.
Through workshops, tutorials and supervisor support, you'll build confidence in research, analysis, communication and professional reflection, preparing you for further study, professional practice or a wide range of psychology-related careers.
On this module you'll design your own research project, developing your skills in gathering, analysing and interpreting data.
You'll be paired with a supervisor who will support you in your research process of developing methodologies, obtaining ethical approval, and collecting and/or analysing data.
This module will set you up with the research, analytical and communcation skills needed to navigate the rest of your degree.
You'll investigate how culture influences human psychology, from perception and emotion to social behaviour and language.
By analysing research from societies around the world, you'll examine how psychologists study cultural differences and the methods used to understand diverse societies and their psychology.
You'll reflect on the two-way relationship between culture and psychology, while developing the critical skills to evaluate theory and explain how cultural context shapes human experience.
You'll deepen your understanding of statistical thinking, learning why traditional significance testing has limitations and how newer approaches offer clearer, more informative insights.
Using specialist software you'll carry out advanced multivariate analyses, gaining practical experience in interpreting data through effect sizes, confidence intervals and modern statistical tools.
You'll also learn to report your findings clearly and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of statistical conclusions, preparing you for research-focused careers and further academic study.
On this module, you'll explore major theories of language and the multimodal ways people communicate, from speech and gesture to cultural practices and various professional contexts.
You'll examine contemporary research and learn how psychologists study communication, gaining insight into how language evolved, how it develops, varies and supports everyday social life.
During this part of the course, you'll be able to practise applying different research methods to analyse communicative behaviour, developing the skills to describe, interpret, and evaluate communication across diverse contexts and communities.
In this module you'll examine the structure and function of the human nervous system, gaining a deeper understanding of how neural processes support thought, behaviour and health.
You'll explore the tools neuroscientists use to study the brain, critically evaluating the strengths and limitations of modern techniques and what they reveal about neural activity.
You'll also consider how neuroscience informs both clinical and everyday applications, helping you analyse current research and debates that shape this rapidly evolving field.
In this module you'll examine key theories and research methods in forensic psychology, learning how psychologists study memory, behaviour, social influence and development within legal contexts.
You'll explore how evidence from cognitive, social and developmental psychology shapes investigations, courtroom decisions and wider justice processes.
You'll also analyse real societal and legal issues through a psychological lens, developing the critical skills to evaluate research and understand how forensic psychology informs practice.
On this module you'll investigate how evolutionary and comparative psychology helps us understand animal minds, from communication and the use of tools to empathy, fairness and emotional experience.
Through mini field trips and interactive workshops you'll learn how psychologists observe and study animals in real-world settings, building strong observational and analytical skills.
You'll also evaluate cutting-edge research and design your own ideas for comparative studies, gaining deeper insight into what animal behaviour can teach us about human origins.
On this module, you'll examine how people learn and how teachers, classrooms and wider educational systems influence development, motivation and achievement.
You'll explore key debates, current research and real-world challenges in education, learning how psychologists evaluate teaching methods and contribute to policy and practice.
Alongside this, you'll also reflect on the role of educational psychologists across different contexts, developing the critical skills to understand and assess how psychology can support learners and improve educational outcomes.
You'll investigate how psychologists explain, assess and support mental and physical health, exploring real-world issues faced by clinical and health practitioners.
You'll compare different theories and evaluate current research, to see how evidence ishapes treatment, prevention and behaviour change.
Through practical case examples you'll apply your knowledge and develop the critical skills needed to takle contemporary challenges in both clinical and health psychology.
You'll examine psychological theories and research across a wide range of topics relevant to modern workplaces: from selecting the right people for a job or improving employee wellbeing and reducing stress at work to what makes an inspirational leader.
You'll gain insight into the advantages and disadvantages of different workplace practices, and explore how occupational psychologists can enhance the culture and effectiveness of organisations.
You'll explore how social, cultural and theoretical contexts shape our understanding of disability, learning key theories from critical disability studies and social constructionism.
You'll take part in practical research, engaging with lived experiences and media representations while developing ethical, inclusive interviewing and analysis skills.
You'll also apply theory to critically evaluate real-world experiences, reflecting on how power and knowledge influence perceptions of disability, preparing you for research, advocacy, or professional roles in psychology and related fields.
Boost your employability by taking an industry-based work placement year with a relevant organisation or immerse yourself in another culture by studying for a year at one of our partner universities worldwide.
This is an amazing opportunity to either put everything you’ve learned so far into action in a real workplace or expand your horizons and set yourself up for your future career by studying abroad and becoming a student ambassador for our university.
Depending on what you choose, we’ll help you find and secure an exciting placement opportunity within an appropriate company or organisation, or you’ll expand your global perspective and develop additional skills to boost your future career during a study abroad year.
This is a Connected Degree
We're the only university that gives you the flexibility to choose when to take a work placement. Take it after your 2nd year, before returning to finish your studies. Or after your final year, connecting you into the workplace.
If you're not sure if or when to take your placement, don't worry. You'll have plenty of time to settle into your studies and explore your options before making your choice.
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.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- written examinations
- practical reports and essays
- poster presentations
- oral presentations
- self-led research project
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
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- small focussed seminars
- one-to-one tutorials
- practical research and experiments
The teaching is based on current research and professional practice to make sure what you learn is up to date.
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
I like that the lecturers are not afraid to introduce to you controversial debates and ideas which deepen your knowledge and understanding of key ideas.
Teaching staff profiles
These are 2 of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course:
Dr Zarah Vernham, Undergraduate Psychology Programmes Lead
I'm the Undergraduate Programmes Lead for the BSc (Hons) Psychology and BSc (Hons) Psychology with Forensic and Investigative Psychology degrees. I lead a Level 6 (year 3) module called Cybercrime, Policing, and Security and teach on other modules such as the Psychology of Offending Behaviour and Research Methods and Data Analysis modules.
I'm the Deputy Director of the International Centre for Research in Forensic Psychology (ICRFP). My main research interests are in the areas of investigative interviewing, deception detection, offender behaviours and cognitions, and mental health.
Dr Roger Moore, Associate Head (Students)
I lead a Level 6 (year 3) module called Neuroscience and also teach on the Level 4 (year 1) Applying Psychological Research Methods module. My research interests are centred around experimental neuroscience. This involves investigation into the relationship between central nervous system (CNS) activity and personality and between CNS activity and movement.
I studied my first degree in Psychology here at the University of Portsmouth over 25 years ago and I consider myself very lucky to still be based in the Psychology Department at Portsmouth.
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 degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as tutorials, lectures, seminars and practical classes and workshops for about 10 hours a week. You'll have personal tutorials built into your modules, with weekly meetings in your first year and fortnightly meetings in the second year.
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.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
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.
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.
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)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, our Disability Advice team will give you help, support and advice.
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.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from Student Wellbeing, 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.
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
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.
The Maths Café offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,790 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students - £10,300 a year (including EU Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £18,600 a year (may be 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 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.
Additional costs
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 around £40 a year for photocopying, printing charges, binding and specialist printing - while we try to keep files and content electronic, there may be some paper and printing to be undertaken.
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.
If you do an optional placement unit during your study, you’ll need to pay additional costs.
These costs will vary depending on the location and length of the placement. You’ll normally pay £50–£2000 to cover travel, accommodation and living costs.
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 – £1,468 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £1,545 a year (including EU Scholarship - may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £3,000 a year (subject to annual increase)
Ready to apply?
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2026, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – C800
- our institution code – P80
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.