Choosing where and what to study

Choosing a degree is a big decision. You can usually only apply for up to 5 undergraduate or Bachelor's degree courses at up to 5 universities, so you need to do lots of research on courses and universities before you apply.

We'd obviously love you to choose Portsmouth. But we also want to make sure you choose the right course and university for you.

Figuring out what you want to do

You probably already know what subjects you enjoy and what you're good at. Spend some time looking at your options and be honest with yourself about what you like about a subject before choosing your degree. Can you see yourself dedicating time and energy to it in the future? Your degree will probably be 3 or 4 years and influence your future career, so you should pick something you're excited to specialise in.

Think about something you enjoy and decide what you like about it. If you love science fiction movies, do you like the science or are you fascinated by the plot, or the special effects? If you like cars, are you interested in how they work or how people react to them? 

Researching courses

Find out what you'll learn on different courses by looking at university websites, prospectuses and UCAS. A lot of universities organise their courses by subject so you can choose an area of study before you decide on a specific course. You should explore your career prospects before you apply and find out which courses offer placement years, work experience, or self-employed placements.

Once you pick a degree you’ll also need to check its entry requirements. Entry requirements tell you what qualifications, skills and experience you'll need on the course – but this isn't just about your grades. Consider volunteering, getting work experience, or taking on leadership roles to boost your CV before you start university and develop your skills to give you a stronger application. 

Browse our course pages or order a prospectus to see what courses we offer. When you see a course you like, note its UCAS code – you’ll need this to apply.

Researching universities

Once you've picked your subject or course, explore your potential university. Look at the quality of the teaching, what facilities it has and what past students say, if you can. If you're moving away from home explore your accommodation options and consider whether you’ll enjoy living in a new city.

Take a look at what different university rankings mean and compare your universities. Find out what support is available, and choose a university that supports your career, your studies, and your health.

Going to university open days

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, visit your top universities to see them up close. Nothing compares to experiencing a city and hearing from teaching staff and students first hand.

On our Open Days you get to tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence, and chat with our students. You'll also get advice on finding somewhere to live and funding your studies so you’re armed with all the info you need to apply.

Take your time

Some people know exactly what they want to do in the future and how to get there, but a lot of us don't. And we don't always know how to figure it out.

If you’re not sure what you want to do you probably won't decide overnight. Take some time to think things over, explore your options and research different opportunities before you apply. Picking a degree or a career can feel like an all-or-nothing decision, but you'll have the chance to change your mind later if you want to. Some people change universities, degrees, or even their whole career. 

Don't rush your decision, but do spend some time thinking about your choices. Many people around you – including family, friends and careers advisors – are probably more than happy to help if you reach out. If you're not sure where to start, try looking at what degrees are available to see if anything catches your eye.  

Explore your options