Explore the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Explore the worlds of education, criminology, languages, history, sociology, English and politics
The best way to experience Portsmouth is in person – but if you can't make a trip to see us for an Open Day, this Virtual Experience is here to capture some of the character of our city, and to give you a taste of what life is like as a student in our Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Ready to start exploring?
Use the links below to jump to different sections of the page.
Welcome to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Explore the Faculty
Find out more about the teaching and research activities taking place across the Faculty's four schools and institutes at the University of Portsmouth.
Video showing what you'll experience in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences - locations, facilities, subjects you'll study and outcomes you can expect. (No dialogue.)
Careers support
Helping you reach your career goals, step by step
Your degree is just one step on your career journey.
We'll help you find a work placement during your studies, and our Careers and Employability Service can give you career guidance for up to five years after you graduate.
We can even help you create your own start-up company.
What do our international students from the Faculty love about studying at the University of Portsmouth?
International students studying courses in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences describe their experiences, the support on offer to them, and what they love about studying with us.
Samantha: As an international student at the University of Portsmouth, not only are you welcomed regardless of where you're from, but even your differing ideas are very welcome.
Malou: It felt really comfortable, and I knew that I'd find my place quite easily because you just felt at home regardless of where you were from.
Aleksandra: We are given lots of support. If you are not doing well with English, there are lots of programs that can help you with that.
Samantha: My personal tutors, pointed me towards whichever uni department can also help me.
Simao: I got support from the Wellbeing Services because I wasn't feeling that confident but I actually got the help and now I'm more confident.
Johannes: I remember applying and it was all very new to me and everyone really trying to help me and I was like, "Hey, they want me here."
Malou: I could go and talk to the Careers Office where they were all super helpful. I felt very confident.
Johannes: It was really great and I felt very welcomed.
Simao: There's this activity called Global Cafe that happens every week at our university, and it's really great for international students.
Samantha: It was really, really beautiful to see, like how we're all celebrated from wherever we're from. Leaving home and leaving my country, I wanted to feel like I was in a nice community.
Johannes: I don't think I picked Portsmouth, I think Portsmouth picked me. I was really drawn by the scenery and the sea.
Malou: I chose Portsmouth because having visited all over the UK, there was just a draw from Portsmouth.
Aleksandra: The city is beautiful and a waterfront city, there are lots of things to do.
Malou: I have wholeheartedly enjoyed my experience at the University of Portsmouth. It's been amazing. I'm definitely going to look back on these years very, very fondly.
Ready to learn more about studying a Humanities and Social Sciences course as an international student?
Watch a webinar to find out more about our subject areas from Faculty academics, learn about our facilities, the skills you'll gain, and student life in Portsmouth.
Charles Dalby: My four years at university transformed me
Charles’s time at university studying BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies with Psychology helped him learn how to advocate for himself and begin a career he feels passionate about.
Ndanu Brown: The idea of analysing crime scenes was so interesting, like real life mysteries
Ndanu's BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Studies degree helped her find a passion and focus for her life through helping others.
Beth Thomas: I was determined to start this research and Portsmouth were willing to help me do it
Beth's is growing her knowledge to improve the lives of children with her MRes Childhood Studies Master's.
Eleonora Chioatto: I'm studying at the Justice Institute of British Columbia, before returning to Portsmouth
Building industry experience and knowledge was a key consideration for Eleonora when choosing her BSc (Hons) Criminology with Psychology degree.
- Counter fraud Research Associate Shakiba Moghadam talks about her appearance on SAS: Who Dares Wins
- Our Associate Dean, Dr Jane Creaton, received national recognition for excellence in teaching and learning
- Professor Mark Button warns of the risk of cybercrime and other fraud in the coronavirus-related recession
- Darkfest, our community celebration of the dark, sinister and supernatural, listed for an arts award
- Dr Christine Berberich, Reader in Literature, recommends five novels with a real sense of place, to let you explore the world from your home
- Professor Tamsin Bradley influences policy changes in developing nations, to eradicate abuse of women and support gender equality
- Dr Simon Stewart is dedicated to delivering research that will help prevent - and ultimately end - homelessness in the UK
- Dr Karen Shalev-Green is an expert in missing persons and finds new ways to stop them coming to harm
The lecturers' enthusiasm for their areas of expertise is infectious, and ensures that they create a comfortable environment where each voice and idea can be heard and recognised.
Childhood, youth studies and education courses
Want a rewarding career shaping how children and young people learn and develop? Choose one of our childhood, youth studies and education courses.
Criminology and forensic studies courses
Find out about studying a Criminology degree at one of the largest criminology departments in the country.
English and creative writing courses
Writing has the power to transport readers and listeners to an entirely different time and place. Tailor your studies to suit your goals, and graduate with the knowledge and skills find your dream career.
History, politics and international relations courses
Get the skills, knowledge and opportunities to develop a deep understanding of human behaviour, culture and society, and how they interact.
Languages courses
Develop an in-demand skill set, and get a deeper insight into the culture, history and politics of another country, with a Languages degree.
Follow us on Instagram
Take a closer look at what's happening in the Faculty – and what we've been up to before the lockdown – by following @uophumss on Instagram.
Contact us
Get in touch with us for more information or general queries.
Email: hss-enquiries@port.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)23 9284 2992