Solent University
Southampton, United Kingdom
Solent University
Southampton, United Kingdom
Founded
1855
Institution Type
Public University
Total Students
11,000+
International Students
100+ Countries
Discover Solent University: A Modern, Career-Focused Institution
Discover Solent University: A Modern, Career-Focused Institution
Solent University is a dynamic, modern university located in the heart of Southampton on England's south coast. With origins tracing back to a private School of Art founded in 1855, the institution has evolved through mergers of the Southampton College of Art, the College of Technology, and the College of Nautical Studies at Warsash to become the comprehensive university it is today.
The university is dedicated to practice-based, student-centred learning and is focused on giving students the connections, experience, and confidence to turn their knowledge into meaningful careers. Solent is home to around 11,000 students from over 100 countries, studying programmes ranging from HNDs to PhDs across its faculties.
Solent is recognised for its strengths in maritime studies, media, creative industries, business, and sport. The university houses the renowned Warsash Maritime School, one of the leading maritime education institutes in the world, and has invested over GBP 100 million in its facilities between 2010 and 2020.
Key Milestones
- 1855: Founded as a private School of Art in Southampton, laying the foundations for what would become Solent University.
- 1984: Southampton College of Art, College of Technology, and College of Nautical Studies merged to form Southampton Institute of Higher Education.
- 2005: Granted university status and renamed Southampton Solent University, gaining degree-awarding powers.
- 2018: Officially renamed to Solent University following approval by the Privy Council, reflecting its growing national and international identity.
Academic Structure and Faculties at Solent University
Academic Structure and Faculties at Solent University
Solent University offers a comprehensive range of programmes across its academic faculties, with a strong emphasis on practical, industry-relevant education. The university provides over 200 undergraduate courses and around 60 postgraduate programmes designed to equip students with real-world skills and professional readiness.
Faculty of Business, Law and Digital Technologies
Incorporating the Solent Business School and the Solent Law School, this faculty offers career-focused programmes with strong industry connections and live project opportunities.
- BA (Hons) Business Management
- LLB (Hons) Law
- BSc (Hons) Applied Computing
Faculty of Creative Industries, Architecture and Engineering
This faculty combines creative arts with technical disciplines, offering access to industry-standard studios, workshops, and design facilities for hands-on learning.
- BA (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology
- BSc (Hons) Engineering
- BA (Hons) Interior Design
Faculty of Sport, Health and Social Science
A leading provider of sport, health, and wellbeing programmes, this faculty is supported by FA-accredited sports facilities and research in sports science and social care.
- BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
- BSc (Hons) Psychology
- BA (Hons) Social Work
School of Art, Design and Fashion
Rooted in Solent's original heritage as an art school, this school provides creative programmes with access to dedicated art spaces, studios, and the student-run RE:SO retail outlet.
- BA (Hons) Fashion
- BA (Hons) Fine Art
- BA (Hons) Graphic Design
School of Media, Arts and Technology
Known for its media production excellence, this school features HD TV studios, a GBP 1 million music recording studio, and opportunities to work at major events like Glastonbury.
- BA (Hons) Film and Television
- BA (Hons) Music Production
- BA (Hons) Journalism
Warsash Maritime School
One of the leading maritime education centres globally, Warsash offers internationally recognised training with multimillion-pound simulators for shipping and offshore industries.
- BSc (Hons) Maritime Business
- BEng (Hons) Yacht and Powercraft Design
- MSc International Shipping and Logistics
Admission Requirements for Solent University
Admission Requirements for Solent University
Undergraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationsA-levels, BTEC, International Baccalaureate, or equivalent qualifications
- IELTS ScoreMinimum overall score of 6.0 (or equivalent)
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 80
- Application MethodApply via UCAS or through a local agent
- PortfolioRequired for art and design courses
Postgraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationsBachelor's degree equivalent to a British bachelor's degree with minimum second division
- IELTS ScoreMinimum overall score of 6.5 (or equivalent)
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 92
- Application MethodApply directly through the university's online portal
- Supporting DocumentsAcademic transcripts, references, personal statement, and CV where applicable
All undergraduate applications received by this date through UCAS are given equal consideration for October entry.
Final date to submit undergraduate applications through UCAS for the current cycle, subject to course availability.
Deadlines vary by programme. For example, MBA October intake typically closes in early September. Check individual course pages for specific dates.
Solent University offers two main intakes per year for international students. Apply well in advance to allow time for visa processing.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Solent University
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Solent University
Tuition fees at Solent University vary depending on your course, level of study, and whether you are a UK home student or international student. The university is committed to making education accessible and offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support students financially.
| Fee Category | UK Home Students (Annual) | International Students (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | GBP 9,250 | GBP 11,000 - GBP 17,750 |
| Postgraduate Taught | Contact university for details | GBP 10,400 - GBP 18,350 |
| Global MBA | Contact university for details | GBP 19,500 |
| Accommodation (approx.) | GBP 4,500 - GBP 6,500 | GBP 4,500 - GBP 6,500 |
| Total | Contact university for current totals | Contact university for current totals |
International Merit Scholarship
Available to international students who have demonstrated academic excellence in their previous studies, offering a partial tuition fee reduction based on academic achievements and potential.
- Type: Tuition fee reduction
- Eligibility: International students with strong academic records
- Application: Automatically assessed upon admission or requires separate application depending on scheme
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship
A prestigious scholarship awarded to exceptional international students who have achieved outstanding academic results, providing a significant reduction in tuition fees for the duration of the course.
- Type: Significant tuition fee reduction
- Eligibility: Outstanding academic achievement required
- Duration: Full duration of the course
Campus and Facilities at Solent University
Campus and Facilities at Solent University
Solent University's main campus is centrally located on East Park Terrace in Southampton city centre, within walking distance of the train station, shops, and waterfront. The university has invested over GBP 100 million in its facilities, creating a modern learning environment with industry-standard equipment and purpose-built spaces.
A GBP 33 million, five-storey teaching and learning centre featuring innovative classrooms designed for active, collaborative learning.
A state-of-the-art sports complex supporting excellence in sport, health, and fitness-related degree programmes with FA-accredited facilities.
A multimillion-pound maritime training simulator facility offering internationally recognised training for shipping and offshore industries.
Housing and Dining
Student Accommodation
Solent University offers over 2,300 accommodation places across six halls of residence, all within walking distance of the campus. Options include en-suite rooms and shared flats.
- Over 1,000 en-suite bedrooms available
- Flats with 7-10 students per shared kitchen
- Dedicated halls for returning students and postgraduates
Dining and Campus Amenities
The campus features a variety of catering outlets, an on-campus store, and a spacious library. Students can enjoy branded coffee shops and a range of food options throughout the day.
- Multiple catering outlets including Costa Coffee and Starbucks
- On-campus convenience store for daily essentials
- Well-equipped library with study spaces and digital resources
Student Life at Solent University
Student Life at Solent University
Student life at Solent is vibrant and inclusive, supported by an active Students' Union and a wide range of clubs, societies, and events. The university encourages students to get involved in extracurricular activities to enhance their personal development and employability alongside their studies.
Southampton: A Vibrant Coastal City
Southampton: A Vibrant Coastal City
Life in Southampton
Southampton is a vibrant and lively city on England's south coast, known throughout history as the Gateway to the World. With excellent transport links including trains to London in just 75 minutes, a local airport, and one of the UK's busiest cruise ports, the city offers easy access to the rest of the UK and Europe. The surrounding area includes the New Forest, the historic cities of Winchester and Salisbury, and the famous Stonehenge.
Rich Maritime Heritage
Southampton has deep connections to maritime history, including the Titanic's departure point. The Sea City Museum and historic medieval walls bring the city's past to life.
Arts, Culture and Nightlife
The city boasts two art galleries, two theatres, a waterfront cinema, and a thriving nightlife scene with a wide range of pubs, clubs, and restaurants from chains to independent gems.
Warm South Coast Climate
Located on the English south coast, Southampton offers one of the warmest climates in the UK, with a beautiful coastline perfect for outdoor activities and waterside living.
Excellent Transport Connections
Southampton Central train station offers direct services to London Waterloo in 75 minutes. Southampton Airport provides domestic and European flights, and the M3 motorway connects the city to the national road network.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Industries and Sectors Where Solent Graduates Thrive
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
The International Advice Team provides a free minibus service from Southampton Central train station and runs an International Welcome Week to help new students settle into university life and the city.
Pre-sessional and in-sessional English language classes are available for international students who need to improve their English proficiency before or during their studies.
The university provides comprehensive support with Student visa applications, including CAS issuance. UKVI requires a budget of at least GBP 1,023 per month for living costs in Southampton.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Solent University Rankings
Solent University Rankings
Solent University has seen significant improvements in national rankings, achieving its highest-ever positions in both the Guardian University Guide 2026 and the Times Good University Guide 2026. The university is recognised for its strengths in teaching quality, student satisfaction, and employability.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Business Management and Marketing | Times Good University Guide | Top 25% for Teaching Quality |
| Law | Times Good University Guide | Top 25% for Teaching Quality |
| Sports Science | ShanghaiRanking (GRAS) | #201 Globally |
| Communication and Media Studies | Times Good University Guide | Top 25% for Teaching Quality |
Features
A modern and vocationally‑focused university known for strengths in creative industries, maritime, sport, media, health and business.\nOffers strong infrastructure and industry links—e.g. Warsash Maritime School, creative studios (VPS Virtual Production Stage), sports labs, live briefs.\nEmployability and career readiness are integrated into programmes, supported by industry placements, live projects and partnerships with firms like BBC, Carnival UK, IBM, Southampton FC, and more .
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
East Park Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 0YN, United Kingdom
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