Solent University Pathway programmes are designed to help international students adapt to the UK university education system. If students do not meet the requirements for undergraduate courses or would like to build on their academic skills, these programmes can help them get there. They're taught on Solent University's main campus in Southampton, a city in southern England, where students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, academic support, and personal guidance.
The pathway programmes, offered in collaboration with QA Higher Education, aim to improve students’ English language and academic skills while preparing them for undergraduate studies in STEM, creative, or business programmes. They also help students to boost their employability prospects, helping them become confident, skilled, and knowledgeable individuals who can reach their full potential.
Solent University is highly respected globally, having welcomed students of over 100 different nationalities and built a network of 75,000 alumni around the world. Southampton is a lively waterfront city with plenty of entertainment and leisure options. It's located near a national park and has one of the biggest shopping centres in the country. The university campus is conveniently located close to the city centre and many amenities, both on and off-campus.
Solent University Pathway offers the opportunity for all students to achieve through innovation, inspiration, and real-world opportunities. Students have access to the latest technology, are taught using the latest theory, and have the chance to get hands-on experience. Through conversations with experts, professionals, mentors and peers, students are able to build strong academic and transferable skills that enable them to achieve in the international job market.
Determination, heart and imagination are the qualities of Solent University Pathway students. Students gain the skills, the connections, and the opportunities they need so that whatever they want from their career and life, Solent University Pathway is here to help them get it.
£13,750 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
£12,276 Living costs
£5,642 To live on campus
Solent University is dedicated to promoting fair access to education and providing opportunities through their pathways programmes, allowing students from all backgrounds to study at undergraduate level.
The university is happy to offer scholarships and bursaries to help students who have made the big decision to come and study a pathways programme. How much students receive will depend on which programme they're interested in, where they're from, and their academic qualifications.
Students can check to see if they’re eligible by getting in touch with the university team, who will be happy to help them out.
Paying tuition is easy - students can choose to pay by bank transfer, credit/debit card, or via Flywire online. Prospective students can visit the finance page for more information or to get in touch with the finance team.
12 or 13 years of schooling dependent on the education system in the student’s country
Students who are 17 years old can apply but they must turn 18 within the first 6 months of their undergraduate programme
Additional country-specific entry requirements may apply, full details are available here
Students with IELTS minimum 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component from a UKVI Approved Centre will study the 2-term programme
Accounting
Art, design and media
Business and management
Computing
Engineering
Psychology
Sports and exercise science
Placement on an undergraduate degree programme is guaranteed for students who successfully complete a Solent University Pathway programme. Prospective students can discover the full range of progression degrees here.
Solent University Pathway programmes help students who may not meet the requirements for undergraduate courses to develop their academic skills and qualifications. These programmes are specifically designed to prepare students for creative, art, engineering, business, or computing degree courses.
The International Foundation Programme lasts for two terms and includes English language tuition. It aims to improve students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, as well as equip them with academic skills. Furthermore, the programme includes modules that introduce students to the subject area of their chosen undergraduate course.
The programmes take place at Solent University's campus in Southampton, where students will have access to all the support and facilities they need. They are led in partnership with QA Higher Education and are approved by the university. Programmes are taught by QA Higher Education staff, who have experience in working with students from all over the world. They are dedicated to helping students develop the skills needed for a wide range of degree courses.
Solent University Pathway is a partnership between the university and QA Higher Education, which is dedicated to helping international students prepare for studying a degree in the UK. Students are taught by QA academic staff who are experts in teaching and supporting students from overseas.
Students are fully supported every step of the way and are provided with the specialist help needed to improve their English language and academic skills. Once students successfully pass their pathway programme, they're guaranteed a place on their chosen undergraduate degree course.
When it comes to classes, students can expect to spend around 16-20 hours per week in the classroom. They'll also have one-to-one meetings with their tutors, providing continued guidance throughout their programme. The International Foundation Programme has an average class size of 16 students and a maximum class size of 18, to make sure students get the individual support they need.
Students are also expected to do around 15-20 hours of independent study per week, which could include:
Reading for seminars
Researching for assessments
Preparing for presentations
Writing tasks
The above can vary depending on the chosen pathway subject.
Solent University offers a range of modern and well-equipped facilities on its campus. These include:
Modern learning spaces
A newly constructed sports complex
A student-run cinema
The Students' Union
Campus cafes
Fitness facilities
The institution has recently invested GBP 43 million into its maritime training facilities, which now house the largest maritime simulation centre in the UK.
Solent University’s cutting-edge campus has had over GBP 100 million invested into it over the last few years, introducing state-of-the-art facilities to enhance students’ learning. This includes the Spark Building, an award-winning new teaching and learning building. The Spark is a centrepiece of the campus and everything about it is centred around students and their learning. The new lecture theatres include charging sockets for laptops and tablets, while the latest video technology records lectures and uploaded them to the university’s virtual learning environment.
Other facility highlights include:
GBP 1m recording studios
GBP 1.3m sport science labs
A 60-metre hydrodynamic testing tank, providing professional testing facilities for watercraft design
A specialist photography studio
A bespoke nursing lab
A fully equipped broadcast vehicle, used by Solent students to broadcast live from events such as Glastonbury Festival
The university provides safe and comfortable accommodation for its students, which offers spaces for studying, socialising, and relaxing. The bedrooms are furnished and equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi access and personal contents insurance. Students can also enjoy shared lounges that offer amenities such as table tennis and pool tables.
The university has over 1,200 single study bedrooms available to undergraduate and pathway students, across five halls of residence. Students can choose from en-suite or shared bathroom options, at a range of prices to suit any budget.
The university's residence management team is available 24/7 to provide support to students. They are responsible for maintaining the accommodation, cleaning communal areas, and ensuring that rooms are accessible to disabled students.
A full list of accommodation options can be viewed online.