Portsmouth offers a wide range of adult education and training opportunities. These organisations help individuals build meaningful careers, support local employers, and drive economic growth across the city.
City of Portsmouth College
City of Portsmouth College (COPC) offers a wide range of academic and vocational options, including A Levels and T Levels, apprenticeships, vocational diplomas, and higher education qualifications. The college also invested in creating the UK’s first net zero training hub, in partnership with NetZero Training – demonstrate their commitment to green technology, workforce development, and sustainability.
It has four campuses: Highbury Campus (Cosham), Sixth Form Campus (Baffins), Arundel Campus (Portsmouth city centre), and North Harbour Campus (Paulsgrove). For more information, visit City of Portsmouth College.
Fareham College
Fareham College (part of the South Hampshire College Group) offers a broad range of specialist training for school leavers and adults.
It has three campuses:
- Bishopsfield Road Campus has courses in creative industries, business, health and social care, and more.
- Centre of Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Training (CEMAST) is a pioneering state-of-the-art facility delivering automotive, engineering and manufacturing programs.
- Civil Engineering Training Centre (CETC) has a unique apprenticeship programme to support the construction industry.
For more information, visit Fareham College.
Havant & South Downs College (HSDC)
HSDC offers A-Levels and T-levels, higher education, and apprenticeships, as well as online learning and international study opportunities. It also has part-time courses for those in employment.
HSDC has three campuses:
- Havant Campus (Havant) has A-Level courses
- South Downs Campus (Waterlooville) has vocational and technical courses
- Alton College campus (Alton)
HSDC also has Gaming & Creative Digital Studios designed to prepare students for their future careers in creative digital industries. For more information, visit HSDC website.
PETA Training & Consultancy
PETA is Portsmouth’s training provider with over 50 years’ experience supporting local businesses and learners. They offer apprenticeships, short courses, blended in-person and e-learning,, training in digital, engineering, health and safety, management and leadership, and more.
PETA works closely with over 300 member businesses to ensure their training meets current industry needs and standard. For more information, visit PETA website.
The Learning Place
Run by Portsmouth City Council, the Learning Place offers:
- apprenticeship course covering business, education, health & social care.
- training in maths, English, and IT
- accredited courses in employability skills, food hygiene, children’s mental health, and more
Many courses are free. For paid courses, discounts are available for those receiving income-related benefits. For more information, visit The Learning Place.
University of Portsmouth
A key part of the city’s economy and learning environment, the University of Portsmouth provides higher education to over 31,000 students each year, with international students from over 150 countries.
The university has:
- 5 stars rating by QS World University Rankings
- 94% of graduates are in work or further study
- strong business and research partnerships
- £400m Estates Masterplan with refurbishments and new buildings across the campus
For more information, visit University of Portsmouth.
UTC Portsmouth
UTC Portsmouth is a specialist college for students aged 14-19, providing education and training in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. It offers A Levels, GCSEs, and engineering study programmes.
For more information, visit UTC Portsmouth website.