Southampton, Solent University

Southampton Solent University is dedicated to creating life-changing opportunities for students from around the world. With a proud tradition of supporting international learners, the university offers a welcoming and inclusive environment where students can grow, connect and succeed.

Solent University's wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are designed with a strong emphasis on practical learning. This hands-on approach ensures that students gain the real-world skills and industry insights needed to succeed in today's competitive global landscape. Whether students are pursuing a career in business, technology, the arts, or sciences, Solent University equip them with the tools to make a meaningful impact.

From their first day on campus, students will be part of a diverse and dynamic community, with students from over 100 countries. The university's dedicated international support services are here to help students settle into life in the UK, offering guidance on everything from visa applications and accommodation to cultural integration and academic support. At Solent, every student is valued, and every journey is supported.

Located in the heart of Southampton, a lively, student-friendly city on England's south coast, Solent's campus is just steps away from shops, cafes, cinemas, museums, and music venues. Students will also be close to the natural beauty of the New Forest and just over an hour from central London, ideal for weekend adventures and professional networking.

Join Southampton Solent University and become part of a global network of learners and leaders. The future starts here.

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.

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:

• Department of Art and Music
• Department of Business and Law
• Solent Business School
• Solent Law School
• Department of Social Sciences and Nursing
• Department of Science and Engineering
• Department of Film and Media
• Department of Sport and Health
• Warsash Maritime School

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.

Solent University is constantly investing in its facilities to make sure students have access to cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art learning spaces.

Subject-specific facilities include a 3D modelling workshop, advanced composites and manufacturing labs, biomedical and biomechanical laboratories, engineering workshops, marine simulation suites, and professional-grade photography, film, and music studios.

The university's library offers a comprehensive collection of books, journals, and other resources in both print and digital formats. With over 800 group and individual study spaces, it's designed to support a wide range of learning styles and study needs.

Solent also offer excellent sports facilities, led by a flagship Solent Sports Complex—a GBP 23 million sport, fitness, and health centre built to professional standards.

For international students, there is a variety of university-managed accommodation options. The four main halls of residence are all within a 15-minute walk of the main campus, and the university offers a range of room types to suit different preferences and needs. Accommodation fees start from GBP 125.75 per week and include Wi-Fi, personal contents insurance, and all utility bills.

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.