Product Design and Innovation BSc (Hons)
Unleash your creativity and bring your ideas to life by combining the theories and methodologies of art and engineering in efficient and cost-effective ways.
Key information
UCAS code:
H771
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
112-120 UCAS points from 2 or 3 A levels
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Unleash your creativity and bring your ideas to life.
On this BSc (Hons) Product Design and Innovation degree course, you'll combine the theories and methodologies of art and engineering to create and improve the products we use in efficient and cost-effective ways.
You'll develop your understanding of engineering design, illustration and computer-aided design while also exploring how to create successful and sustainable products in a competitive market. By graduation, you'll be set up for a career creating and designing products.
Course highlights
- Use sophisticated computer software and rapid prototyping equipment to design new products and improve existing ones
- Learn the fundamentals of illustration, computer-aided illustration, computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing technology
- Learn how to use professional software to visually communicate your product ideas, including Photoshop, InDesign, AutoCad (for 2D technical drawing), Creo (for 3D CAD modeling, manufacturing simulations and virtual prototyping) and Keyshot (for photorealistic rendering and animation).
- Work on briefs run in collaboration with industry experts/partners given to you by a design professional – previous students have conceptualised a handheld yacht controller for Raymarine
Engineering Project Day 2022 - Generating sustainable energy
Jake, a BSc Product Design student, talks us through his final year project - "Using the public's everyday movements to generate sustainable energy"
I've done a project on generating energy, using people's movement.
As the population is growing, obviously we are using more energy.
By having a product like this, we reduce the amount of energy needed for these applications outsourced by fossil fuels.
We're really trying to create a more greener future.
I'm really proud. It's taken me a long time. I've really enjoyed the course and how it's led to this final sort of moment.
My favourite thing about product design has been the sort of community element of it and 3D printing.
I really love the CAD and software that we get access to.
I've really enjoyed it.
I love all the coursework we get given especially when CAD software is involved. Learning a new skill or completing a tough piece of work on CAD is so rewarding. I am most proud of how my skills are developing including; CAD skills, drawing skills, group work communication, presentation skills and so many more.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and The Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) fulfilling the requirements for membership and meeting in full the academic requirement for IEng (Incorporated Engineer).
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
BSc (Hons) Product Design and Innovation degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- UCAS points - 112-120 points from 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include a relevant subject. (calculate your UCAS points)
- A levels - BBB-BBC, to include a relevant subject.
Relevant subjects: Mathematics; Further Mathematics; Statistics; Computer Science; Software Systems Development; Electronics; Physics; Information Technology (IT); Economics. - T-levels - Merit
Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Digital: Digital Production, Design and Development, T Level in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning, T Level in Building Services Engineering, T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing Design and Development, T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control, T Level in Accounting (if mathematical components are passed), T Level in Finance (if mathematical components are passed) - BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 29
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.
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.
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
Product Design BSc (Hons) - University of Portsmouth
Learn about the facilities on offer at the University of Portsmouth on our BSc (Hons) Product Design and Innovation course.
The Product Design and Innovation course is a subtle blend of design skills and engineering skills, material science, bringing the creativity to engineering. This allows you to bring the knowledge you've got from a science and engineering background, but apply it to designing and creating new things. I think for product design, the appeal for our students is whatever you feel like your strengths are, you can kind of lean into that a little bit.
So if you prefer the CAD design and the modelling in there, you can enhance your skills in that. If you like the material science, you can look at that. If you like the creativity and the design side of things, you can focus on your conceptual design work. Particularly for our graduates as well, there's such a diverse range of jobs, whether you want to go on to be a pure product designer, maybe as a consultant you can, if you want to go on to do more engineering, if you want to go into management, innovation. There's so many options available to you and I think that's what our students really get out of our course. This is the product design studio. This is an open access space where students can come in whenever they feel like it. We've got lots of facilities for them, lots of equipment they can use to work on their projects, their designs and their module coursework. We have Octocore computers with really good processing power,
we've got graphics tablets of all kinds, we've got dedicated Wacom Cintiqs that you can draw straight onto the screen, we've got 3Dconnexion Spacemouse kits, the wireless ones, so students can do advanced CAD modelling with those. We primarily use Creo and KeyShot for our course and we've got access to all the software students could possibly need.
So between the second and third years, students can opt to do a placement year. This is something we strongly encourage because employers really favour students who have a year of industry experience. You’ll be working in a course-relevant environment or project. Placement students always come back much stronger, they've got a bunch of industry skills that they can bring back with them,
it really bolsters what they can deliver in the final year and their final year projects always come out that much stronger. I'm really proud to be part of this course and deliver to our students something that they can really get stuck into and it's so good to see what our students go on to do after they graduate. So many of them have got really interesting, exciting careers and it's just fantastic to be part of that development.
Manufacturing equipment
Use our computer aided design (CAD) and rapid prototyping suite, including various 3D printing systems for the creation of models for aesthetic, ergonomic and functional testing, including the assembly and integration of working prototypes.
3D printing workshops
Test concepts, build prototypes and bring your designs to life in our 3D printing workshop. Apply large and small scale 3D printing and finishing processes, using industry-standard equipment, with specialist technical support available throughout.
Student Workshop and Advanced Manufacturing Lab
With equipment including a laser cutter, moulding tools, drills and saws, the Student Workshop is equipped to help you complete basic fabrication tasks. Machinery in the Advanced Manufacturing Lab includes a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) lathe and CNC mill and can be used by technicians to realise your designs through techniques such as thread cutting, helical milling and wire erosion.
Product design studios
Explore our product design studios, and see how to get your hands on design equipment from clay to touch-screen computer aided design.
Metrology Laboratory
Put the science of measurement into practice with manual metrology equipment and a suite of Mitutoyo measuring machines including coordinate measuring machines, a contour and surface roughness measuring machine and 3D laser scanners.
Careers and opportunities
The skills you learn on this course will prepare you to work in any industry you're passionate about, in areas such as product design, design management, consultancy, engineering, marketing and graphic design.
Depending on the roles you go into and your experience in industry, you could earn up to £35,000 as a CAD technician, up to £45,000 as a product designer, or up to £35,000 as an exhibition designer. These average salaries all have the potential to increase in line with your experience and position in a company.
Graduate destinations
Our graduates have worked for companies such as:
- SharkNinja
- Celli UK
- ETL
- Ava Energy
- CenTrak
What jobs can you do with a product design and innovation degree?
Our graduates now work in roles including:
- project manager (transformation team)
- customer success strategizer
- design technology teacher
- account executive
- junior product designer
Other graduates have continued their studies at postgraduate level or set up successful businesses with help and support from the University.
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 after graduation, you'll get 1-to-1 support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to find your perfect role.
Glen's degree transformed his life and career after brain injury
"I set my own business up while I was at the University. I created my own design company and started to build something called a StepXCycle. It’s a 3D printed, transportable, electric step bike made from new material sciences. The Student Enterprise Team helped me with setting up the business, and I won an award from the IMechE for the project."
Placement year (optional)
Taking an optional placement year will give you the experience you need to increase your chances of landing your perfect role after graduation.
We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.
You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.
Potential roles
Previous students have taken placement roles such as:
- junior design and development engineer
- undergraduate mechatronics engineer
- CAD design Intern
- engineering placement student
- mechanical systems and design engineer
Potential destinations
They've completed placements at organisations including:
- Nissan
- Morgan Furniture
- Cummins
- Hi-Technology Group
- Prysmian Cables and Systems
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
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Analyse engineered domestic products in terms of evolution over time including social and cultural functions, style, aesthetics, ergonomics, use and sustainability.
- Describe the interfaces between design, materials, and manufacturing including different methods of manufacture required for the production of engineered domestic products, their cost, and volume relativity.
- Research, develop and present a new product solution to fit within a household line of products whilst utilising illustration techniques, 3D CAD package and a high-end rendering software.
- Demonstrate criteria for decision making about colour, typography, and develop branding for marketing purposes.
Additional content
What you'll do
You’ll develop a knowledge of health and safety implications and how health and safety applies specifically in the school's workshop. You’ll develop good communication skills, and extend this to data, as well as written and oral presentations.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Illustrate and communicate information and data in an electronic document
- Retrieve information from a variety of sources; present information effectively in a variety of formats; organise their time effectively to make best use of university resources
- Have a basic interpretation of the relevance of engineering and design activities and their interaction with business processes, appreciate competition and the need for leadership, ethics, quality and performance improvement
- Demonstrate understanding of health and safety protocols and practices
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate techniques for translation of drawn designs to 3D physical modelling
- Create detailed computer aided design (CAD) models, sketches, and renders of design concepts
- Interpret design briefs, research key elements, and communicate ideas effectively
- Record and present ideas and design developments in a professional manner
Additional content
What you'll do
You’ll explore all important graphic communication starting with hand drawings to British standards, continuing with 2D computer aided design.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Communicate technical information via manual and computer aided techniques with sketches, detail and assembly drawings
- Use design tools to produce a conceptual mode
What you'll do
You’ll look at the structure of materials and its characteristic, identification and selection of different materials and their basic manufacturing techniques.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- To analyse and carry out effective materials and manufacturing selection from knowledge of the product functions and operating environments
- Evaluate simple mechanical and physical test methods to establish the properties of metals, polymers and ceramics, have a basic appreciation of the dependence of material properties on the different levels of internal structure ranging from the atomic scale to the macro-scale, and the effect of defects at both atomic and macro level
- Demonstrate an appreciation of the development of different micro-structures and macro-structures during processing in manufacture
- Propose different methods for shape production from a variety of materials using various manufacturing processes
- Select the choice of manufacturing method depending on the total quantity required, the rate or time of delivery, the assured conformance to be specified, requirements and the total cost
- Analyse a suitable manufacturing process to meet product specifications in terms of production quantity, dimensional precision, finish and prime manufacturing cost
What you'll do
You’ll explore the practical, functional requirements of design that makes products operate safely, efficiently and effectively.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Understand a working knowledge of the fundamental and derived units used in technology
- Utilise the principles underlying mechanical, thermal, fluid and electrical energy transfers, and understand the relationships between them
- Analyse practical applications of the principles developed in the module and apply them to familiar products
Core modules
What you'll do
You’ll use this package to learn the basics of solid modelling, assemblies, surfacing techniques and finite element analysis.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Use a solid modeller to create simple parts and assemblies
- Utilise finite elements for the analysis if simple structures
- Apply solid and surface modelling in product design using 3D computer aided design (CAD) software
- Examine/Explore 3D assembly models in terms of functionality and design for manufacture and communicate design (photo realistic images and technical drawings
What you'll do
You’ll examine the analysis of needs, development of product design specification, exploration of alternative concepts and the selection of a concept that best meets goals of performance, time-scale, and feasibility.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Plan, collect, and analyse data and information to understand a customer’s problem
- Produce a Product Design Specification (PDS) and design portfolio
- Select and utilise an appropriate design methodology to solve an open-ended design problem
- Evaluate proposed design solutions against PDS criteria
- Present design solutions to an appropriate audience
What you'll do
You'll develop drawing and modelling skills while working from industry-inspired design briefs. You'll find out how designers use various materials (such as card, foam and clay) as well as modern techniques (such as 3D printing) to create models for colleagues and customers, without the expense of manufacturing.
You can only take this module alongside Computer Aided Design.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate techniques for translation of drawn designs to 3D physical modelling
- Create detailed computer-aided design (CAD) models, sketches, and renders of design concepts
- Interpret design briefs, research key elements, and communicate ideas effectively
- Record and present ideas and design developments in a professional manner
What you'll do
Part of that foundation lays in being conversant and knowledgeable about the principles of user research. In this module, you’ll initiate your own small-scale empirical study and design a product based on emerging and observed behaviours.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Initiate grounded research and collaborate in the research process for design
- Formulate and instigate user interviews and questionnaires
- Demonstrate an understanding of research strategies, methods and approaches
- Generate a creative design brief, then design and develop an informed solution
What you'll do
You’ll explore the combination of the aesthetic considerations of product design with the practical requirements to design the product to operate safely, efficiently and effectively, and to evaluate novel technological solutions relevant to product design.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Investigate the concepts of alternating current and apply those concepts to practical examples
- Identify and analyse simple thermodynamics system
- Recognise and describe different types of motors and apply knowledge to basic applications
- Explore physical principles for fluid-dynamics and heat transfer by conduction, convection and radiation and examine a number of design applications to identify and evaluate principles described in the module
- Consolidate the principles conveyed in the unit by means of problem solving
- Practice and identify physical principles via a lab experiment, collect experimental data and prepare a technical report
Optional modules
What you'll do
No previous knowledge of programming is assumed. You'll learn techniques of program design alongside the Visual Basic (VB) and embedded systems programming languages.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Design algorithms to solve problems
- Apply the principles of writing program code using appropriate data types and control structures
- Use appropriate programming techniques to build GUI interfaces to applications
- Apply simulation for the programming of embedded systems
- Apply the principles and concepts developed in the unit by means of problem solving
What you'll do
You’ll examine how to identify and evaluate the capabilities and limitations of different materials and manufacturing techniques, and select them in the context of product design and innovation.
You’ll develop an understanding of the function, value and appearance of products for the mutual benefit of both user and manufacturer.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Critically evaluate performances and attributes of different materials
- Outline the relationships of materials compositions, structure, manufacturing and properties
- Compare and contrast different manufacturing techniques for metals and polymers (shaping, joining and surface treatment processes)
- Identify and select the materials and manufacturing process in the context of product design and innovation
Additional content
What you'll learn
The learning objectives of this module are to be confirmed.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Understand and demonstrate the application of the fundamentals of robot building theory
- Understand and demonstrate the application of the fundamentals and higher level concepts of automated systems
- Demonstrate the ability to bring together different relevant technologies to practical projects
- Evaluate developed robotic and automated solutions from a number of viewpoints (functionality, societal and environmental impacts, sustainability, legislation and ethics)
Additional content
Core modules
What you'll do
This module will not only explore the ways that advanced modelling and simulation can optimise the product functionality and behaviour, but also the manufacturing and assembly process. We'll also explore how to use CAD/CAM technology to reverse engineer and modify a design.
To take this module, you must also have taken the modules 'Introduction to Design' and 'Computer Aided Design'.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Apply advanced solid and surface modelling and reverse engineering using 3D CAD/CAM software
- Analyse and modify part's design to make virtual moulding tools and simulate moulding
- Apply advanced assembly, behavioural and kinematic modelling techniques to analyse and simulate product functionality
- Apply FEA strength analysis to optimise product design
- Critically analyse the use of integrated 3D CAD/CAM software tools for efficient product development
What you'll do
Your project will come from an extensive list provided by academic staff, or suggested by yourself. You'll develop planning and self-management techniques, as well as the skills for activities that require a solution, investigation or analysis.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Organise, plan and schedule a comprehensive task demonstrating competency in conducting research, design and/or development incorporating project management skills within time and resource constraints
- Conduct a substantial problem-solving activity requiring measures of analysis, synthesis, creativity and decision-making, reflecting technical skills gained through the degree programme
- Confidently present and communicate information by written report, visual display and oral presentation demonstrating competence in critical thinking and evaluation
Additional content
What you'll do
On this module you'll critically appraise your work, create a portfolio of design work and professional present it as if for a prospective employer, preparing you for entry into the design world.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Critically evaluate your own designs and create a portfolio to a professional standard
- Evaluate and justify intellectual property protections to apply to a product
- Critically appraise relevant sales material for a chosen product showing market awareness
What you'll do
You'll also learn about the technologies and innovations that might lead to improvements in industry.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Identify, calculate and analyse the environmental improvement and economic benefits coming from the application of environmental management tools and methodologies
- Critically analyse global environmental issues, as well as national and international responses
- Apply sustainable development principles to the practice of engineering, the improvement of efficiency, and the development and implementation of innovations, to reduce the environmental impact of industrial production and processes
- Review major environmental consequences arising from human activity, and discuss the responsibilities of technologists with regard to sustainable development and business processes such as competition and the need for leadership, ethics, quality and performance improvement
- Critically evaluate materials (their selection, use and substitutes) and manufacturing processes for engineering materials, using life cycle analysis
- Critically analyse, formulate and manage constraints in manufacturing operations due to legislation, hazard and risk
Optional modules
What you'll do
In this module, you’ll develop an understanding of the properties and attributes of existing and emerging materials and their manufacturing techniques as well as their social, technological, economic, and environmental significance and implications.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Compare the performances and characteristics of advanced materials and their implications on product design and innovation
- Perform calculations to analyse properties and attributes of different advanced and modern materials
- Outline the structures, methodologies, functions and operations of computer aided materials evaluation and advanced material analysis and characterisation techniques
- Critically evaluate the materials durability, degradation and protection as well as their impact on environment
What you'll do
You'll study and apply theory, principles, data and methods to product design in order to optimise the overall product or system performance and the human wellbeing.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Identify and critically appraise the essential principles of ergonomics aspects of design
- Evaluate product design and product interfaces for safety, fitness to purpose and efficiency when controlled and operated by humans
- Apply physical and psychological factors for best product design
- Evaluate/simulate human responses with regard to the use of a product
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.
I like the way our course allows students to have their own independence.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials (personal and academic)
- laboratory work
- project work
- computer-aided design (CAD) system activity
- open access study
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- written examinations and multiple choice tests
- coursework and portfolio
- case studies
- practical tests
- presentations
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.
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 BSc (Hons) Product Design and Innovation degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, tutorials, practical classes and supervised workshop time for about 12 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. 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.
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 in one-on-one and group sessions.
They can help you:
- master the mathematics skills you need to excel on your course
- understand engineering principles and how to apply them in any engineering discipline
- solve computing problems relevant to your course
- develop your knowledge of computer programming concepts and methods relevant to your course
- understand and use assignment feedback
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.
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- Academic writing
- Note taking
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Presentation skills
- Referencing
- Working in groups
- Revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
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
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.
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.
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.
Costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship - may be subject to annual increase)
- International (non-EU) students – £20,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
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.
There may be occasional trips for which you will be asked to contribute £25 a trip.
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 – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – H771
- 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.