Southampton, Solent University, UK - Ranking, Reviews, Courses, Tuition Fees

Overview

About Southampton

Solent University was officially established in 2005, but our educational roots go much deeper. It became an independent higher education institution in 1989, and its origins trace back even further to a private School of Art founded in 1855. Solent University came into being through the merger of Southampton College of Art, the College of Technology, and the College of Nautical Studies at Warsash.

Today, Solent University is proud to be home to students and staff from more than 100 different nationalities. Its courses span a wide range of subject areas—from accounting and finance, business management, and digital technology to fashion management, film production, sports management, and much more.

Solent University wants students to truly enjoy their time on campus and feel part of a vibrant, supportive community. It offers advice and support on everything from academic challenges and personal concerns to study skills and career planning.

The campus is located right in the heart of Southampton, just a short walk from a range of shops, restaurants, parks, and cultural attractions. Students can experience cuisine from around the world, visit museums and green spaces, and enjoy easy access to nearby destinations like London, Bournemouth, the New Forest, and Winchester by train or bus.

Graduate outcomes

Southampton Solent University prepares graduates to become bold, creative, and career-ready professionals who make a difference in their industries and communities. Every course is designed with a strong emphasis on practical learning, ensuring that students graduate with the hands-on experience and specialist knowledge needed to succeed in today’s global job market.

International students benefit from a wide range of career development opportunities throughout their time at Solent. A dedicated careers service, Solent Careers, offers personalised guidance, employability workshops, and exclusive access to graduate job opportunities. From CV writing and interview preparation to networking events and career fairs, Solent supports students every step of the way.

Solent’s commitment to lifelong career support doesn’t end at graduation. Alumni enjoy career services for life, meaning students can continue to access expert advice and resources long after their studies are complete, wherever their career takes you.

Many courses include built-in work placements, giving students valuable industry experience and professional exposure. Optional work experience opportunities are also available through university-managed schemes. Programmes like the Focus Programme connect students with experienced mentors in their field, while Solent Creatives, a student-powered creative agency, and the Solent Startup programme for aspiring entrepreneurs offer real-world platforms to launch students’ ideas and build their portfolio.

Solent has fantastic graduate outcomes, with 91 per cent of Solent graduates reporting being in work or further study within 15 months after graduating from the university (HESA Graduate Outcome Survey 2024).

What’s New

Southampton Solent celebrates twenty years of university status

With some exciting events and celebrations, the university marked twenty years of university status at Solent on 26 June 2025. Alongside the Vice-Chancellor, several Solent alumni reflected on how far the university has come—growing significantly in stature, impact, and ambition since 2005. Since achieving university status, more than 70,000 students have graduated from Solent, and the university recently reaffirmed its commitment to delivering high-quality, practical education and supporting community development by unveiling the Vision 2035 strategy for the next decade.

Since 2005, the university has invested heavily in its facilities. Major additions to learning infrastructure include a £43 million maritime simulation centre and a dedicated ship handling centre. Solent has also expanded with new, state-of-the-art computer labs and the Spark building—a modern learning environment that has become a central hub for student development.

Solent graduate wins prestigious BAFTA awards

In May 2025, Solent alumni Joe Williams won a BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) award for the acclaimed four-part ITV television series Mr. Bates vs the Post Office. Joe Williams, who served as an executive producer on the series, graduated from our Department of Film, TV and Media and credited his learning experiences at Solent as preparing him for success in the highly competitive film and television industry.

Finances

How much will it cost?

Average tuition fees per year

11,42,656 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details

13,97,641 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details

Scholarships & funding

At Solent University, tuition fees for international students vary depending on the course. Check the individual course pages for detailed and up-to-date information on fees and payment options.

To help international students fund their studies, Solent offers a number of scholarships that provide discounted tuition fees and financial support.

If applicants are from an EU country, they may be eligible for the Solent EU Welcome Scholarship, which reduces undergraduate tuition fees to GBP 10,500 per year. For international postgraduate students, the university offers the Solent Postgraduate Taught International Excellence Scholarship, which gives a GBP 1,500 fee reduction for those who achieved a 2:1 or equivalent in their bachelor’s degree.

Solent also has a range of additional scholarships available to international students. To explore all the options and check eligibility, take a look at the fees and financial support section on the university’s website.

Eligibility

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for courses at Solent University vary depending on the course, so checking the individual course pages in the course directory for the most up-to-date details is always recommended. For international applicants, the university also provides tailored information on entry requirements and visas, organised by country, to help guide students through the application process.

As a general rule, for undergraduate courses Solent typically expects applicants to hold qualifications equivalent to UK A-Levels. For postgraduate study, a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification is usually required.

If English isn’t an applicant’s first language, they’ll need to demonstrate a suitable level of English language proficiency to study at either undergraduate or postgraduate level. Solent accepts a range of secure English language tests, and also offers pre-sessional English courses to help students build language skills before starting their main programme. Full details of English language requirements are available on the application information page.

Department and Faculty

Teaching quality

Southampton Solent University, takes pride in delivering high-quality teaching that prepares students for success beyond the classroom. Its lecturers are experts in their specialist fields and bring a wealth of industry experience to their teaching, providing students with the transferable knowledge and skills they need to build towards future career success.

The university’s commitment to academic excellence has been recognised nationally. In the latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023), the university was awarded three Gold ratings, highlighting its outstanding teaching, student experience and graduate outcomes. These accolades reflect our dedication to helping students achieve their full potential.

Solent was also ranked in the top 20 per cent of UK universities for teaching quality in the Times Good University Guide 2025 and named best university in Hampshire for learning opportunities, teaching, assessment and feedback, and academic support in the latest National Student Survey (NSS 2025). These achievements show the supportive, engaging and student-centred environment Solent offers - one where international students are welcomed, valued and empowered to succeed.

Department structure

Solent University offers a choice of over 130 undergraduate courses and more than 40 postgraduate options. In addition to bachelor’s and master’s degrees, it provides a wide range of higher technical qualifications, foundation years, apprenticeships, and professional qualifications. Many of its courses are available part-time or through distance learning, making it easier for students to balance their studies with other commitments.

Solent’s departments and schools are organised by subject area, giving students access to specialist learning support and unique industry opportunities in their chosen fields.

The university’s academic departments and schools include: