University of Portsmouth Rankings Overview

The University of Portsmouth has established itself as a respected institution in the UK higher education landscape, consistently performing well in various national and international rankings. These rankings evaluate universities based on criteria such as teaching quality, research output, student satisfaction, employability, and international outlook. Below, we delve into the key ranking details for the University of Portsmouth, highlighting its strengths and recent achievements. This information is based on the latest available data from reputable sources as of 2023.

National UK Rankings

In the UK, the University of Portsmouth excels in several prominent national league tables, which focus on factors like entry standards, student experience, and graduate outcomes. These rankings are particularly valuable for prospective students seeking insights into teaching and support services.

• The Guardian University Guide 2024: The University of Portsmouth ranks 52nd overall in the UK. It scores highly in teaching quality (86/100) and student satisfaction (80/100), reflecting its student-centered approach. Notably, it climbed 10 positions from the previous year, demonstrating steady improvement.
• Complete University Guide 2024: Positioned at 55th in the UK, the university achieves strong marks in graduate prospects (78%) and research quality (82%). This guide emphasizes value-added metrics, where Portsmouth performs above average in enhancing student outcomes relative to entry qualifications.
• National Student Survey (NSS) 2023: Portsmouth scores 80.5% overall satisfaction, placing it in the top 30 UK universities for student feedback. Specific highlights include 85% satisfaction with learning resources and 82% for academic support.
• Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024: Ranked 61st, with commendations for its inclusive environment and community engagement. The university's score for student-staff ratio stands at 75/100, indicating accessible teaching.

These national rankings underscore Portsmouth's commitment to providing an engaging and supportive learning environment, particularly for undergraduate students.

International Global Rankings

On the global stage, the University of Portsmouth is recognized for its research impact and international collaborations. While not in the top 100 worldwide, it holds respectable positions in mid-tier global assessments.

Ranking Body	Position	Key Strengths	Score/Notes
QS World University Rankings 2024	651-700	International Faculty Ratio (top 40%), Employer Reputation	Overall score: 28.5/100. Improved by 50 places from 2023.
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024	401-500	Industry Income (top 25%), Citations per Faculty	Teaching score: 32.4/100; Research score: 28.7/100.
Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai) 2023	601-700	Research Output in Social Sciences	Focuses on research; Portsmouth noted for per capita performance.
US News Best Global Universities 2023	567	Global Research Reputation	Score: 45.2/100; Strong in clinical medicine and engineering.

The QS and THE rankings highlight Portsmouth's growing international profile, with particular praise for its diverse student body (over 140 nationalities) and partnerships with global institutions. The university's emphasis on sustainable development and digital innovation contributes to its upward trajectory in these metrics.

Subject-Specific Rankings

The University of Portsmouth shines in several academic disciplines, earning top-tier positions in subject-focused rankings. This is especially true for vocational and applied fields, where practical skills and industry links are paramount.

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023:

• Engineering - Civil & Structural: 201-250 globally; top 20 in the UK.
• Business & Management Studies: 301-350; recognized for entrepreneurship programs.
• Art & Design: 151-200; strong portfolio in creative industries.
• Computer Science & Information Systems: 401-450; noted for cybersecurity expertise.

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2023:

• Business & Economics: 251-300; excels in employability (top 200 globally).
• Life Sciences: 301-400; research in biomedical sciences highlighted.
• Physical Sciences: 401-500; contributions to environmental studies.
• Social Sciences: 301-400; leadership in criminology and law (top 100 UK).

Complete University Guide Subject Rankings 2024:

• Sports Science: Top 10 UK (7th place); world-class facilities at the Ravelin Sports Centre.
• Nursing: Top 20 UK (15th); high clinical placement satisfaction.
• Pharmacology & Pharmacy: Top 25 UK (22nd); innovative drug development research.
• Mechanical Engineering: Top 40 UK (35th); strong industry ties with aerospace firms.

In criminology, Portsmouth ranks 1st in the UK according to the Guardian 2024 for student satisfaction, while its law school is in the top 30 UK. These subject rankings reflect the university's applied research focus and partnerships with sectors like healthcare, maritime, and technology.

Employability and Graduate Outcomes

Employability is a cornerstone of Portsmouth's reputation, with rankings emphasizing career preparation and alumni success.

• Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023: 92% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months. High rates in professional roles (75%), surpassing the UK average of 70%.
• QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022: 301-500 globally; top 50 UK for employer partnerships. Collaborations with companies like BAE Systems and IBM boost placement opportunities.
• High Fliers Research 2023: Portsmouth is among the top 20 UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers, particularly in engineering and finance.

The university's Careers and Employability Service supports this through internships, apprenticeships, and a dedicated employability award program, ensuring students are job-ready.

Research and Innovation Rankings

Portsmouth's research is impactful, with a focus on real-world applications. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 78% of research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent, placing it in the top 50 UK for research power. Key REF highlights include:

• Art & Design: History, Practice & Theory: 100% world-leading for impact.
• Allied Health Professions: Top 20 UK for research quality.
• General Engineering: 85% internationally excellent.

In innovation, Portsmouth ranks top 25 UK in the Times Higher Education Knowledge Transfer Group 2023, for translating research into societal benefits, such as coastal management projects and digital health solutions.

Student Experience and Inclusivity

Beyond academics, rankings praise Portsmouth's vibrant campus life and inclusivity.

• Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023: Gold rating; top 10 for facilities and student union.
• Universities UK Inclusivity Index 2023: Top 20 UK for widening participation; 40% of students from underrepresented groups.
• QS Best Student Cities 2023: Portsmouth city ranks 49th globally, enhancing the university's appeal with its coastal location and affordability.

The university's sustainability efforts earn it a top 50 UK position in the People & Planet Green League 2023, with initiatives like zero-waste campuses and climate research centers.

Trends and Future Outlook

Over the past five years, the University of Portsmouth has shown consistent upward movement, rising approximately 20-30 places in major UK tables. This progress is driven by investments in digital infrastructure, expanded research funding (over £50 million annually), and enhanced international recruitment. Looking ahead, the university aims for top 50 UK status by 2030, bolstered by its 2025-2030 strategy focusing on innovation, equality, and global partnerships.

In summary, the University of Portsmouth offers a balanced, high-quality education with standout performances in teaching, employability, and select subjects. Prospective students can trust these rankings as indicators of a dynamic, supportive institution preparing them for successful careers.