University of Southampton
Southampton, United Kingdom
University of Southampton
Southampton, United Kingdom
Founded
1862
Institution Type
Public Research University
Total Students
25,000+
QS World Ranking
#87 (2026)
University of Southampton: Overview & History
University of Southampton: Overview & History
The University of Southampton is a leading public research university located on the south coast of England. A founding member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities, it offers more than 300 degree programmes across a wide range of subject areas and is home to over 25,000 students from more than 130 countries.
The university traces its origins to the founding of the Hartley Institution in 1862, established through a bequest from Henry Robinson Hartley. After evolving into Hartley University College in 1902 and awarding degrees through the University of London, it was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth II on 29 April 1952, becoming the first university to receive such an honour during her reign.
Today, the university operates seven campuses including five in Southampton, one in Winchester housing the Winchester School of Art, and an international campus in Malaysia. Its pioneering research spans fibre-optic communications, cancer immunotherapy, oceanography, and web science, with Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, joining the faculty in 2004.
Key Milestones
- 1862: Hartley Institution founded in Southampton through a legacy from Henry Robinson Hartley
- 1952: Granted Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth II, gaining full university status
- 2004: Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, joins as professor of Computer Science
- 2012: International campus opens in Iskandar Puteri, Malaysia, offering engineering programmes
Academic Structure & Faculties
Academic Structure & Faculties
The University of Southampton delivers its teaching and research activities across five faculties, each hosting several subject-specific schools and departments. This structure, adopted in 2018, supports a comprehensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes spanning the sciences, humanities, engineering, medicine, and social sciences.
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Encompasses disciplines in the arts, humanities, and creative industries, including the Winchester School of Art. The faculty is known for strengths in archaeology, philosophy, modern languages, and textile conservation.
- BA History
- BA English
- BA Fine Art (Winchester School of Art)
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
One of the university's flagship faculties, housing departments in electronics, computer science, aeronautics, civil engineering, and physics. Southampton is recognised as one of the UK's foremost universities for engineering research.
- MEng Aeronautics and Astronautics
- MEng Electronic Engineering
- BSc Computer Science
Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences
Covers biological sciences, geography, ocean and earth sciences, health sciences, and psychology. The faculty is closely linked to the National Oceanography Centre, a leading global research facility based in Southampton.
- BSc Marine Biology
- BSc Psychology
- MSc Oceanography
Faculty of Medicine
Based primarily at Southampton General Hospital, the faculty delivers medical education and health research. The university's Centre for Cancer Immunology is the first purpose-built facility of its kind in the UK, advancing immunotherapy research.
- BM Medicine
- BSc Nursing
- MSc Public Health
Faculty of Social Sciences
Includes the Southampton Business School, the School of Law, and departments covering economics, education, politics, and sociology. The Business School is ranked among the top UK business schools for research quality.
- BSc Economics
- LLB Law
- MSc Business Analytics
Southampton Business School
Part of the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Business School offers programmes in accounting, finance, marketing, management, and analytics. It is ranked 55th worldwide for Business and Economics by US News and holds strong positions in MBA and finance rankings.
- BSc Accounting and Finance
- MBA Master of Business Administration
- MSc Marketing Analytics
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admissions
- QualificationsA-Levels, International Baccalaureate, or equivalent international qualifications
- Typical A-Level OfferAAA to ABB depending on the programme
- English Language (IELTS)Overall 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in each component (varies by course)
- Application MethodApply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
- Personal StatementRequired as part of UCAS application, demonstrating motivation and suitability
Postgraduate Admissions
- Academic RequirementBachelor's degree with upper second-class honours (2:1) or international equivalent
- English Language (IELTS)Overall 6.5 to 7.0 depending on the programme
- ReferencesTypically two academic references required
- DepositGBP 2,000 deposit required before CAS is issued for international students
- Application MethodApply directly through the University of Southampton online portal
Standard deadline for most undergraduate programmes through UCAS
Early deadline for BM Medicine applications through UCAS
Most postgraduate taught programmes accept applications on a rolling basis until places are filled
Research degree deadlines vary by funding body and project; check individual listings
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition fees at the University of Southampton vary depending on your programme, level of study, and fee status. International students should budget for tuition plus living expenses in Southampton. The figures below are indicative annual amounts; always check the university's official website for the most current fees.
| Fee Category | UK Students (Annual) | International Students (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Arts/Humanities) | GBP 9,535 | GBP 23,800 - GBP 26,000 |
| Undergraduate (Science/Engineering) | GBP 9,535 | GBP 28,000 - GBP 32,000 |
| Postgraduate Taught (Masters) | GBP 12,000 - GBP 15,000 | GBP 20,100 - GBP 35,200 |
| Medicine (BM) | GBP 9,535 | GBP 30,500 - GBP 39,000 |
| Total | Contact university for current totals | Contact university for current totals |
International Excellence Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships available to high-achieving international undergraduate and postgraduate students, providing tuition fee reductions for study at the University of Southampton.
- Value: Varies; partial tuition fee awards
- Eligibility: International fee-paying students with outstanding academic records
- Application: Automatically considered upon admission or via separate application
Fulbright University of Southampton Award
A prestigious award for US citizens covering the first year of a taught master's or research degree at the University of Southampton, offered in partnership with the Fulbright Commission.
- Value: Full tuition fees for the first year plus living stipend
- Eligibility: US citizens applying for postgraduate study
- Application: Apply through the US-UK Fulbright Commission
Campus & Facilities
Campus & Facilities
The University of Southampton operates across seven campuses, with the main Highfield Campus serving as the central hub for academic and student life. Each campus is equipped with dedicated library facilities, study spaces, and specialised infrastructure tailored to the disciplines taught there.
The main campus featuring the Hartley Library, Students' Union, lecture theatres, and the majority of academic departments
A leading global facility for ocean and earth science research, housing state-of-the-art laboratories and teaching spaces
Home to engineering and maritime technology programmes, featuring wind tunnels, towing tanks, and the Lloyd's Register partnership
Housing & Dining
Student Accommodation
The university offers a range of halls of residence with en suite or shared bathroom options, all with inclusive rent covering Wi-Fi, utilities, and 24-hour security.
- Self-catered and catered options available
- Guaranteed accommodation for first-year students
- Accessible and adapted bedrooms available
Dining & Campus Services
Multiple cafes, restaurants, and food outlets are located across the campuses, with the Students' Union offering additional social and dining spaces.
- Cafes and restaurants on Highfield Campus
- Students' Union bars and social venues
- On-campus shops and essential services
Student Life at Southampton
Student Life at Southampton
Student life at the University of Southampton is vibrant and diverse, supported by one of the UK's leading students' unions (SUSU). With over 300 clubs and societies, extensive sports facilities, and a lively social scene, there is something for everyone outside the lecture theatre.
Southampton: Location & City Life
Southampton: Location & City Life
Discover Southampton
Situated on the south coast of England, just over an hour from London by train, Southampton is a thriving modern city steeped in maritime history. Famous as the departure point for the Mayflower and the Titanic, the city remains one of the UK's major cruise ship ports and offers a blend of historical landmarks, cultural venues, green spaces, and a lively nightlife scene.
Maritime Heritage
Explore Southampton's rich seafaring history at the SeaCity Museum, medieval city walls, and the bustling port that remains a cruise capital of the UK
Proximity to London
Regular direct trains connect Southampton to London Waterloo in approximately 80 minutes, making the capital easily accessible for day trips or internships
New Forest & South Downs
The New Forest National Park and the South Downs are on the doorstep, offering outdoor activities including hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching
Winchester & Stonehenge
The ancient capital of Winchester is just 20 minutes away by train, and the iconic Stonehenge monument is within easy reach for weekend excursions
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Top Graduate Employers
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
The university's Student Immigration Service assists international students with Tier 4/Student visa applications, CAS issuance, and ongoing immigration compliance throughout their studies.
Pre-sessional English courses are available for students who need to improve their English language proficiency before starting their degree programme.
Dedicated international student advisors provide guidance on settling in, cultural adjustment, financial matters, and accessing health services through the NHS.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Worldwide University Rankings
Worldwide University Rankings
The University of Southampton consistently ranks among the top universities globally and within the United Kingdom. As a founding member of the Russell Group, it is recognised for research excellence, strong employer reputation, and international outlook across multiple ranking systems.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing | QS World Rankings by Subject | #13 |
| Archaeology | QS World Rankings by Subject | #36 |
| Earth and Marine Sciences | QS World Rankings by Subject | #40 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering | QS World Rankings by Subject | #83 |
Features
The University of Southampton is based on the South Coast of England, with six campuses in Southampton, one in Winchester and one in Malaysia, bringing together over 10,000 international students from more than 130 different countries. Southampton is a friendly and green city, located just over 90 minutes away from London, making it an excellent location for exploring the UK. The city is filled with parks, shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it the perfect place for socialising and making the most of your free time. The vibrant student community at Southampton offers over 350 student-led clubs and societies, helping students pursue their passions and make new friends. With student support available 24/7 via the Student Hub, Southampton is a supportive and safe environment where everyone can get daily help and advice from a dedicated student support team.
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
Swaythling, Southampton SO16 2HA, United Kingdom
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