Economics BSc (Econ) (Hons)
Explore how economics affects everything in society, from people’s behaviour to government policy. Learn how to understand and present data and gain the skills to be an economist.
Key information
UCAS code:
L100
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
120-128 UCAS points from 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include Mathematics
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Economics is about more than maths. When you study economics you get a set of tools that allows you to understand how the world works. And when you understand how something works, you can change it.
Using real topical data from organisations such as HSBC, Barclays, the Bank of England and the UK Government's annual budget, you’ll learn how to analyse and interpret numerical data to understand social issues. These are skills that will help you not only as an economist, but in a variety of roles where data analysis drives decision making.
You'll learn all the core economic theory you need to be an economist using real, topical data from organisations such as HSBC, Barclays, the Bank of England and the UK Government's annual budget. You'll also learn a set of skills that you can use in roles beyond finance.
You'll learn:
- how to use data to communicate a variety of challenging financial, ethical and social issues
- how to present an argument
- how economics influences decision making in a wide range of scenarios, from people's behaviour, to environmental sustainability, to investments and government policy making
After your second or third year you can apply this knowledge on an optional paid placement. Previous students have worked at places like the Office for National Statistics, Amazon, or the Department for Energy and Climate Change.
Course highlights
- Benefit from expert teaching that's informed by our academics' close relationships with organisations such as the Bank of England and the Office for National Statistics
- Gain a Bloomberg Certificate (a trading platform that's used by 250,000 financial service professionals) in our dedicated Bloomberg Suite
- Be employment-ready by using the same software (EViews and STATA) and the same financial databases (Eikon and S&P Global IQ) as professional economists
- Understand how economics affects society through our specialist research expertise in behavioural economics and environmental resource economics
- See economics from a different angle by spending a year abroad at a partner university in the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe or the Far East
- Get support to set up your own business from our Entrepreneurs in Residence Programme
- Learn a foreign language as part of your degree
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
BSc (Econ) (Hons) Economics degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels - ABB-BBB
- UCAS points - 120-128 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include Mathematics (calculate your UCAS points)
- International Baccalaureate - 29-30
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
See alternative English language qualifications.
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.
Ideal skills and qualities for this course
We're looking for good literacy and numeracy skills. As well as teaching you how to use theories and tools to understand economic data, this course has a strong focus on evaluating, interpreting and communicating that data in ways people can understand.
Students who've got the most from this course are those who have an interest in analysing current economic, social, and financial issues and how they affect society.
Careers and opportunities
You can pursue a range of jobs with an economics degree including careers in management, consultancy, or economic analysis.
Recent events such as the Covid pandemic and the cost of living crisis have highlighted how important the skills of economists are in shaping the societies we live in. On this degree you’ll gain the understanding of behavioural economics and the economics of inequality, development and resourcing that you need to help both businesses and society recover.
Graduates of this course have gone on to jobs as:
- control analyst
- account manager
- investment manager
- business analyst
- banking consultant
- compliance analyst
- research specialist
Graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as:
- Ernst and Young
- Healthcare of America (HCA)
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise
- Halifax
- IBM
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Alexander McQueen
- Southern Coop
- Omnicom Group
Graduates of this course also go on to postgraduate study.
On average, both men and women with an economics degree earn more over their lifetime than people with any other degree except medicine.
UK Institute for Fiscal Studies
The impact of undergraduate degrees on lifetime earnings (2020)
University of Portsmouth gave me the skills and confidence to work in a fast-paced high-pressure project consulting environment, which has allowed me to be successful in what I do.
Opeyemi Otunuga - BSc (Econ) (Hons) Economics graduate
University of Portsmouth alumna Opeyemi Otunuga graduated from her economics degree in 2019. She is now an Economist at Ofgem and a mentor in our Women in Economics programme. Opeyemi reflects back on key things she learned at the Faculty of Business and Law and how it steered her towards a career in the government sector.
My name is Opeyemi Otunuga and I'm currently an economist at Ofgem.
When I was three years old, my mum and dad started me off on this Maths and English programme called Kumon.Kumon is essentially a programme that is enabled to develop your academic ability. Because of Kumon and doing maths and English every single day, this made me very advanced in school, and when I was 13 years old, I got the opportunity to sit my maths GCSE early and I got an A grade the first time around. In school, the head teacher calls me the queen of maths and when I go down there now he still refers to me as that so it's quite nice.
My love of economics started very early on, so I'd always enjoyed maths and I knew that growing up I'd always wanted to do something very analytical and very numerical, and also my older brother went on to do economics as well so I'm a bit of a copycat because he also did it, and he's doing great at the moment, and I saw him as a role model and I thought that, yeah, this is something that I could definitely pursue as well.
So when I first went to the University of Portsmouth, I wanted to go into finance. However, after listening in to a GS placement talk and then being successful as an economist in the government sector, I very quickly realised that a career in the government sector was for me, and that was an area that I wanted to go into, and that was purely based on the type of work I was doing, the impact I was having on the people around me and the impact on society as a whole as well.
The placement team at Portsmouth are just amazing. I mean, words can't describe how supportive and how helpful they are in terms of securing the role that you want.
They did more interview sessions. You could always just knock on their door and just receive any help or support to get placements.
For me, it was a real game changer in terms of where I am today. The experience that I gained from doing my placement year at the DWP really set the scene for my future career, and I wouldn't be where I am today without the University of Portsmouth.
What jobs can you get with an economics degree?
Explore some of the careers and industries you could enter with a degree in economics.
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 Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Hannah's story
Hannah graduated in 2011 with a degree in BSc (Econ) (Hons) Economics and is now an Advisor Manager at Verizon. Hannah shares her story and discusses how her degree opened up doors, helped her stand out from the crowd, and how she's applying the skills she learned during her time at Portsmouth.
Hannah: Studying economics doesn't necessarily mean that you'll end up in banking and finance.
Economics also gives you an opportunity to go into many other job functions.
So I've done sales roles, I've done technology roles, and there's also many other roles that you could get into after doing economics.
Today I am an advisor manager at Verizon. I really enjoyed my economics degree. I think it’s been really valuable in my career and actually having that analytical ability has really kind of set me apart from others.
It was a great foundation for the career that I've built and enabled me to get to where I am today.
The thing I love most about my job is the people I get to work with, both internally and externally. I get to work with people from across the world, people who have got lots of different experiences, a lot of people who are very good at what they do, and it's a great opportunity for me to learn from others and work with other businesses around the world.
Without my economics degree at the University of Portsmouth I think I'd be on a very different trajectory. I don't think I would be in the career that I'm in.
The reason I chose the University of Portsmouth was around the facilities that it provided and the courses and the options that I had. It's a great place to study, it's a great city, it's by the sea. There's lots of great people there and lots of great teachers and lecturers.
A standout moment for me from University was the friendships that I made. I graduated 11 years ago and I'm still very close to many people on the course.
Study abroad year
Between your second and third year you can choose to study abroad at one of our partner universities. This allows you to experience a different culture, enhance your CV to stand out in the job market, grow your confidence, and open up personal and professional opportunities.
We have partnerships with universities in Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. All classes are delivered in English.
You don't pay any fees to the overseas university, but you will continue to pay a reduced tuition fee to Portsmouth during your year abroad. You'll still be able to get both your tuition fee and maintenance loans. You may also qualify for a government travel grant.
Work placement year
You can boost your employability by taking an optional paid placement year between years 2 and 3 of your degree, or after year 3.
Economics placements
Economics students Mani, Jason and Ting-yi tell of their experiences doing work placements at Microsoft, ONS and HM Treasury.
Adam: I think it's really important for students to be really immersed and engaged in the real business environment. One of the most exciting opportunities is taking an industrial placement.
Mani: I relied on the placement office massively. They were so helpful, such as reviewing my CV before I was applying, they ran mock assessment centres and interviews and I went to them, which I found so beneficial.
Jason: The responsibility was pretty big right from the beginning.
Mani: At Microsoft, they encourage you to join extracurricular stuff going on. I joined the Social Impact team, where I had the opportunity to lead and create events.
Jason: One the first things I did was coordinating big bank meetings for the Business Department.
Ting-yi: I wrote a report which is called Changes in the Economy since the 1970s. It got published on the website.
Jason: At the end of the placement, I managed to oversee the entire thing, working with the Chancellor’s office. You get a lot to do.
Adam: That year long experience really does something to a student. They are a true economist.
Mani: We are really encouraged to do placements, which I had a great time doing so I definitely recommend it.
The average salary for a 12-month paid placement is £19,800 for students in the Faculty of Business and Law. It could be more or less than this amount depending on your placement. You'll only pay a very small percentage of your tuition fee for this year.
You could also use your placement year to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.
Previous students have had placements in organisations such as:
- Government Economic Service
- Bank of England
- Microsoft
- Office for National Statistics (ONS)
- Department of Energy and Climate Change
- IBM
- Amazon
- BMW
- DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Last year I got to do a work placement and that was through the help of the placement office at Portsmouth. I really enjoyed my placement year and I would like to go back and pursue a career as a civil servant in the Government Economics Service.
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
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Prepare and interpret the financial statements of a limited company
- Produce forecast and assess financial performances of a limited company
- Identify, describe and interpret the operations accounting practices of a retail bank
- Identify, describe and interpret the core activities of a monetary authority
- Effectively communicate and express concepts and theory in writing and oral form
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Explore the extent to which economics can explain contemporary issues within the global economy
- Communicate complex economic ideas in ways that can be understood by non-specialist audiences
- Examine the development of economic thought through a focus on key issues in economics
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Identify appropriate theories and interpret their uses in the context of the UK and global macroeconomies
- Review economic problems using logical and creative approaches involving skills of abstraction and simplification
- Understand the role played by central banks and other international regulatory bodies in establishing monetary policy
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Interpret a range of mathematical functions and equations that are typically used by economists
- Select and apply mathematical procedures to solve economic problems
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Identify appropriate economic theories and interpret their uses, particularly in relation to the sustainable and socially optimal use of scarce resources
- Review economic problems using logical and creative approaches involving skills of abstraction and simplification
- Express findings orally or in writing
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- To indicate how inferences about a population can be drawn from an analysis of sample data
- Show an appreciation of the use of specific probability distributions
- Construct a confidence interval and test a hypothesis in relation to a population parameter
- Produce statistical results with the aid of an econometric software package
Core modules
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Identify and employ appropriate methods for the analysis of economic and financial data
- Deliver an effective oral presentation
- Review a sample of scholarly research
- Develop policy recommendations in a specific area of economics
- Demonstrate a range of key employability skills through the preparation of personal development planning materials
When you complete this module successfully, you'll have:
- An appreciation of the fundamental technique of Ordinary Least Squares estimation
- An awareness of the statistical properties which are desired of estimators of population parameters
- A capability of interpreting econometric results in different contexts
- A recognition of potential econometric problems, together with suitable responses
- Competence in using established econometric software in conjunction with cross-section and time-series data
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Articulate and explain key variables in the UK and global macroeconomies, as well as their evolution over time and associated challenges for policymakers
- Articulate and explain analytical techniques for studying macroeconomic issues
- Assess the relative merits of different monetary policy approaches adopted by central banks and other international regulatory authorities
- Translate real-world macroeconomic problems into analytical models and vice versa and employ appropriate analytical techniques to graphically and mathematically study macroeoconomic issues
- Communicate descriptions, analysis, and findings in a structured, clear, factual, and ethical manner
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Articulate and explain core principles of microeconomic theory at an intermediate level, particularly in relation to the sustainable and socially optimal allocation of scarce resources
- Calculate solutions to numerical microeconomic problems using appropriate mathematical techniques
- Demonstrate abstractions of microeconomic problems through the construction of appropriate diagrams
- Solve economic problems in time-limited conditions
Optional modules
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Examine the relevance and position of game theory in economic research.
- Differentiate between types of games and their uses in strategic thinking.
- Analyse different games and use a variety of tools to find equilibria.
- Contrast the approaches and predictions of standard economic versus behavioural models.
- Understand the underlying structures driving human behaviour in economic situations.
- Appraise appropriate methods to identify and study observed behavioural phenomena.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll have a:
- Critical understanding of financial management environment and approaches to financial management decision-making in core subject topics
- Refined understanding of analytical approaches to evaluating real-life financial management issues
- Active entrepreneurial mindset to financial management understanding the changing digital and technologically-driven business environment
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Articulate and explain the structure, conduct and performance of banking and financial markets
- Articulate and explain the role of money and the principles, conduct and effects of monetary policy in the economy
- Translate real world problems into analytical models and viceversa and employ appropriate analytical techniques to graphically and mathematically study, and critically assess, money, banking and financial markets
- Review academic literature relating to money, banking and financial markets in order to make policy reccomendations and assessments
- Translate real world problems into analytical models and vice versa and employ appropriate analytical techniques to graphically and mathematically study money, banks and financial markets
- Review academic literature relating to banking and finance in order to make policy recommendations
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Review academic literature relating to international economics in order to make policy recommendations
- Assess the trading performance of the UK and other countries in the global economy
- Identify and analyse different theoretical models of international economics in light of 'real world' situations
- Examine the linkages between international trade, currency and capital markets
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
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Understand and evaluate competing approaches to portfolio management
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Understand appropriate techniques for measuring risk for different assets
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Understand competing approaches to stock selection
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Critical awareness of topical issues relating to finance
This module assumes a basic knowledge of financial assets. You'll have ideally attended one of the following modules, or any other finance-related module:
- Introduction to Finance for Accountants (Accounting with Finance BA)
- Issues in Finance and Banking (Economics, Finance and Banking BSc)
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
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Show understanding of issues relating to corporate social responsibility and how it might influence decision making within organisations
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Review academic literature relating to managerial and decision economics in order to make policy recommendations
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Compare and contrast different theories that managers use when making decisions within the firm and interpret their effectiveness in an international context
The learning objectives of this module are to be confirmed.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Understand the psychological drives of human behaviour in economics situations
- Critically evaluate the research methods employed in the economic psychology literature
- Understand the market for the provision of goods and services by not-for-profit organisations and charities in particular
- Critically evaluate the funding, accounting and operational practices of organisations with charitable status
- Demonstrate effective identification of information and communication of analysis and findings in a written form
Core modules
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of core and advanced economic theories and principles
- Deploy relevant quantitative methods in the area of economics
- Show understanding of the issues surrounding the sustainable and socially optimal use of scarce resources, or how such scarce resources can impact economic activity
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Interpret and critically assess econometric results presented in economics and finance research
- Formulate, estimate, and test the adequacy of econometric analysis
- Select and apply appropriate statistical approaches in order to undertake an analysis of economic data
- Perform an econometric analysis to professional standards and under time-constrained conditions that would be typical of employment settings
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Synthesise current research literature in a particular area of economics and propose an appropriate means by which to investigate the topic
- Abstract the essential features from a complex system to provide a usable framework for independent research and evaluation
- Deploy established techniques of analysis and enquiry within a specialist field of economics or business management
- Organise and present economic data to frame an appropriate problem and identify a solution
- Produce a clear, well-written report containing an analysis of available evidence
Optional modules
When you complete this module successfully, you'll have the:
- Competency in the application of theory and appropriate techniques to advanced corporate financial management issues including aspects of financial inclusion and responsible finance
- Critical capacity to link contemporary issues to underlying strategic financial management topics on an industry / individual company basis
- Ability to assess specific real-life strategic financial management scenario
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
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Articulate core concepts and principles of behavioural finance at final year undergraduate level
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Critically discuss and evaluate the relevant empirical research literature
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Obtain an understanding of the relationship between short-term trading, market microstructure theory and behavioural finance
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Investigate and analyse complex security related problems with the us of economic theories and concepts
- Apply economic theories to a range of criminal activities and social issues
- Structure thoughts with academic reasoning; disentangle the essential from the superfluous; identify the main mechanisms conducive to observed outcomes; make critical readings of economic articles and official sources of information; effectively communicate complex concepts in writing
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of conventional development economics models
- Develop an integrated understanding of the use of different instruments and policies with respect to economic development, ethical standards, and welfare
- Develop a critical awareness of the ethics and functioning of the current situation in developing countries
- Develop skills in working creatively, flexibly, independently and with others, and monitoring own progress
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
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Critically analyse outcomes in the professional sports industry using economic sand financial concepts
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Appraise sports leagues using financial and economic concepts, including competitive balance
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Appraise the financial sustainability of sports organisations
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Critically analyse current issues and practices in the governance of sport
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Show an understanding of the complexity of the issues and challenges of energy markets and their interaction with sustainable development and environmental concerns
- Show your understanding of the complexity of the issues and challenges behind the economics of the environment and of natural resources, including their effect on climate change
- To critically evaluate and demonstrate knowledge of the empirical research and policy literature in the area and to organise, to communicate and to present appropriate data to frame and address a problem in the area of energy and environment
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Explain the major theories of financial economics, as well as their relevance and application to practical investment decisions
- Deploy appropriate quantitative and modelling techniques that enable the understanding of central concepts in financial economics
- Apply appropriate analytical methods to explore the relationships between financial and economic variables
- Compare, contrast and critically evaluate the relevant empirical research literature
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Show understanding of the functions and complexity of international banking and financial markets by addressing a realistic problem scenario
- Organise and present appropriate data to frame a problem in the area of banking and finance and identify a solution
- Show understanding of the issues surrounding the effective regulation of financial systems
- Critically evaluate and demonstrate knowledge of the empirical research literature in the area
- Implement strategies involving financial derivatives in measurement and management of financial risk, hedging, speculation, and arbitrage
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Explain theoretical models of firm behaviour and strategic interaction to evaluate various business practices
- Use quantitative methods to analyse firm behaviour; demonstrate problem solving, critical thinking and analytical skills
- Apply economic theory and evaluate alternative models in case studies
- Recognise and explain the basic determinants of market structure and the key issues in competition policy
- Communicate complex concepts and theories in academic and professional writing style; identify and select appropriate sources of information
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Conceptualise labour market behaviour using logical and creative approaches involving skills of abstraction and simplification
- Analyse trends in labour markets and critically evaluate current policy-making, particularly in relation to equality and diversity in labour markets
- Examine a number of social issues and the government efficiency and equity in each issue
- Critically assess the extent to which government efficiency and equity objectives can be achieved through market-based versus government intervention
- Effectively communicate complex theories and concepts in an academic and professional writing style with use of appropriate sources of information to develop and express own critical thinking on selected topics
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.
Alternative economics courses
If you're not sure whether to focus on economics or business management, take a look at our Economics and Management degree, which combines elements of both.
If you'd like to know more about the banking sector or want to bring more money-savvy knowledge to your business career, take a look at our Economics, Finance and Banking degree.
This course shares most of the same first year modules as our BSc Economics, Finance and Banking course. This means you can choose to swap between these courses at the end of your first year.
Your facilities
Bloomberg suite
Access data from the world's global financial markets and gain experience using industry standard software.
Women in economics
Explore our female mentoring programme in finance and meet successful and experienced female economists to mentor you during your studies.
I chose Portsmouth because I was very impressed with the facilities that they had, including the Bloomberg Suite. It was one of the things that fascinated me to study economics here.
Teaching
Around 20% of your timetabled teaching will be online.
The majority of your learning will be face-to-face and will include:
- seminars
- tutorials
- workshops
- practical sessions
In this course there's an emphasis on using the latest software and tech to support your learning and develop your practical knowledge.
We pride ourselves on the academic support we offer our students. You'll have a personal tutor, student engagement officers and study support staff to help you throughout your studies.
Assessment
Your assessment will depend on which modules you take. The majority of assessment is through coursework, but assessment methods are likely to include:
- analysis of topical case studies
- exams
- written reports
- essays
- presentations
- self-led independent study project
Teaching staff profiles
These are some of the expert staff who’ll teach you on this degree course.
“The best part of my course are lecturers who are genuinely interested in the subject, case studies and applying theory to real life situations. I am also happy to have received a Bloomberg certification as a part of my second year studies. This is a very well respected qualification worldwide
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 this degree.
Your total study time will depend on the modules that you take, but in your first year this is what your week may look like:
- timetabled teaching activities (lectures, seminars, tutorials, classes and workshops) = about 13 hours a week
- independent study (research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group) = about 22 hours a week
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.
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 postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your Master's.
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.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you'll also have access to our student engagement officers. 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 extra help or support.
The Maths Cafe offers free advice and help with maths 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.
You'll have help from a team of study support tutors. Based within the Faculty of Business and Law, these tutors are familiar with the specific requirements your assignments and work closely with faculty academics. This means they can give you focused support with the specific study skills you need to be successful on your course. They're available face-to-face, by phone, email, and by video call.
They can help with:
- academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations, projects and literature reviews)
- reflective writing skills
- critical thinking skills
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
If you're a mature student, specialist support to help you return to learning is available.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Portsmouth is an incredibly friendly and welcoming environment… we’ve got a lot of supportive lecturers and everybody’s willing to help you.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £17,200 a year (subject to annual increase)
You won't pay any extra tuition fees to another university for taking part in a study/work abroad activity if you choose to do it for the whole academic year. During a year abroad you'll only have to pay a reduced fee to the University of Portsmouth.
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 £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 cover additional costs, such as travel costs, if you take an optional placement or placement abroad.
These costs will vary depending on the location and duration of the placement, and can range from £50–£1000.
During your placement year or study abroad year, you’ll be eligible for a discounted rate on your tuition fees. Currently, tuition fees for that year are:
- 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)
The costs associated with your specific destination will be discussed during your second year, as well as possible sources of additional funding.
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – L100
- 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.