From a humble beginning in 1869, this academic center has grown in size and stature to be named the University of Portsmouth. Combine a stroll around the campus with your visit to the Historic Dockyard and other attractions near Old Portsmouth.
Starting as the Portsmouth and Gosport School of Science and Art, the early scholarly ventures moved several times before reaching a permanent setting in 1908 in the Park building east of Gunwharf Quays. At that time the focus was on engineering and chemistry. After World War II, the school added arts and humanities curricula.
Decades of academic excellence were recognized in 1992, when the school was named the University of Portsmouth. Look for the Park building, which remains a distinctive presence in the central part of the campus. It now serves as home for European and international studies.
Today’s university continues to reinvent itself. The focus is on education, research and innovation, with a strategy to be transformational in the world. See elements of transformation on the campus itself, with new buildings surrounding the old. The Dennis Sciama Building houses the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation. See the Future Technology Centre, completed in 2018, and reaffirming the university’s commitment to engineering.
Arrive by train at the Portsmouth and Southsea Station, which is a 5-minute walk from the Park building. Just north of the Park building is Victoria Park and east is the Portsmouth Guildhall. Because the school grew as the city itself was growing, university buildings were built side by side with Portsmouth municipal structures. Download a campus map to look for specific buildings.
University of Portsmouth is an impressive academic institution in a lovely setting with extensive maritime history. Along with your campus visit, be sure to see the Historic Dockyard, Gunwharf Quays and The Point, all within a 20-minute walk from the school.
