Internships in Portsmouth 2026

Portsmouth offers internships in defence and engineering, marine and maritime industries, public services, healthcare, education, creative and digital media, and retail and logistics. Key local employers include BAE Systems, Portsmouth City Council, University of Portsmouth, Queen Alexandra Hospital, and several growing tech and creative agencies.

Many internships open for applications between October and February, particularly for structured summer placements. That said, smaller companies, charities, and public bodies often recruit later in the spring, or even year-round, depending on their needs and funding.

Absolutely. While students from University of Portsmouth may get access to some local opportunities through the university, many internships are open to students and graduates from across the UK. If you’re flexible and show genuine interest in the area, you’ll be a strong candidate.

Portsmouth is a vibrant coastal city with a strong mix of industries and a welcoming professional environment. Interns often find that they get to work on real-world projects—especially in smaller organisations—and enjoy a good quality of life outside work, with easy access to the sea and cultural attractions.

It often does. Many employers use internships to identify future talent, particularly in engineering, public sector roles, and healthcare. Even if the placement doesn’t convert into a job, the experience and local contacts can be hugely helpful when applying for full-time roles after graduation.