What Students Say
Likes
- Studying at the University of Portsmouth has been a largely positive experience for me.
- I really value the strong industry focus of my course, especially in Sports Management, as it feels practical and geared towards employability rather than just theory.
- The lecturers are generally approachable and supportive, and the facilities, particularly the library and sports spaces, are modern and well-equipped. I also like the fact that everything is within walking distance, which makes it easy from going to place A to B.
Dislikes
- However, there are a few downsides. As a city university, it lacks a traditional enclosed campus feel.
- The weather can be quite windy and grey, and the social scene can occasionally feel limited compared to bigger cities.
- Overall, though, the positives outweigh the negatives for me.
Course Curriculum
10
- I think the course curriculum is quite solid, up-to-date, and relevant to the sports industry. From modules on sport business, events, HR, marketing, and strategic management to research skills and operational management, the syllabus covers a wide range of topics that are valuable for careers in sports organisations and management roles. It clearly reflects current industry practices, and the university regularly updates content based on the latest research and feedback, so it doesn’t feel outdated.
- The topics we study, such as digital marketing, sponsorship, sport event planning, economics & finance, and research skills, are directly tied to industry needs and real-world challenges. The course structure is designed in consultation with sport partners and includes current case studies and tools used in the field. That makes it feel relevant rather than purely academic.
- I’ve had some practical exposure through projects and live case work. For example, the course encourages us to work with local partners (like community sport organisations or councils) on real briefs, which gives a taste of managing projects in the real world. There are also opportunities to work with industry professionals, pitch ideas, and sometimes get mentoring from guest speakers. Furthermore, if you do the sandwich/placement year option, you can also get a full work placement in the sector between Year 2 and Year 3, which is very valuable for CV development.
- Core lectures might have 50–100 students, but seminars and workshops have 15-30.
Admission Experience
- I chose the University of Portsmouth because of its strong reputation for practical, career-focused education, particularly in Sports Management. As someone who wants to build a career in the sports industry, I was drawn to the course structure, which combines theory with real-world application, industry exposure and employability support. The university’s links with industry professionals and emphasis on gaining experience alongside studying really appealed to me, as I wanted a degree that would prepare me directly for the working world rather than being purely academic. I also liked the city-campus environment, as it offered independence in a manageable and student-friendly setting.
- I did not need to do any as I applied for an undergraduate, for uk SATs/PSAT not required. It depends on your condition though you might need to do IELTS.
Faculty
10
- In a seminar its less than the main lecturer. We also have an individual mentor who has maybe 10-15 students who check on you and make sure you're on the right track.
Campus Life
8
- Life at my university is vibrant and varied, with plenty of things to take part in beyond academics. There are over 140 clubs (I believe) and societies you can join through the Students’ Union, ranging from sports teams like badminton to cultural societies such as the Hindu society.
- These societies do regular meet-ups, workshops, socials, and activities throughout the year, which makes it easier to make friends and get involved.
- The university library is a well-equipped space for study and group work with lots of seating and resources. For sports and fitness, the Ravelin Sports Centre is impressive, with a large gym, pool, climbing wall, and courts. There’s also a second sports site with pitches, tennis courts, and team sports courts.
Part Time Jobs
- Not too sure, I'm not working. I do believe, based on the visa its 20 hours during term time and unlimited over the summer. It might have changed with the updated student visa.
Placement
10
- One of the main routes is through the University Careers and Employability Service, which offers CV reviews, mock interviews, career fairs, and employer networking events.
- The university regularly hosts recruitment fairs where companies come to campus to meet students, especially in business, sport, tech, and finance-related fields. Many students secure graduate roles by first attending these events and building connections with recruiters.
Accommodation
Off Campus
10
- In my first year, I found my accommodation via the Uni portal. I now stay in a studio close to all the Uni buildings, which I found out about while being here. There are companies/brokers you can view houses with and stay with your friends.
Exams
- I didn't do any, just wrote a personal statement for UCAS.
Fees
- £17,500 per year for undergrad
