University of Southampton: Majors, Tuition Fees and Requirements

1.1. Where is the University of Southampton located?

Founded in 1862 as the Hartley Institution, the University of Southampton has become one of the UK's leading research universities. The university is not only renowned for its excellent teaching quality, but also as a cradle of world-changing research in the fields of Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine and Economics.

The university is located in Southampton, a port city in the county of Hampshire in the south of England. From Southampton Central Station, it only takes you about 80 minutes to get to London by direct rapid train. Not only does this location allow you to enjoy the dynamic living environment of a coastal city, but it also makes it easy to connect with the capital to explore more cultural, academic and career opportunities.

1.2. University of Southampton campuses

Not only famous for the quality of training and research, the University of Southampton also owns a modern campus system with well-invested facilities. Each campus is specifically designed to cater to each subject group, helping students acquire knowledge effectively and optimise the learning experience.

• Highfield Campus:

  The largest campus and home to the majority of student activities. It focuses on teaching Business, Law, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Arts & Humanities, and Biomedicine. The campus features the Hartley Library, which houses more than 2.3 million books and academic materials, the Jubilee Athletic Center, and the SUSU Student Union.

• Boldrewood Innovation Campus:

  Focuses on teaching Engineering or Computer Science. The campus features a 138-metre-long Tow tank, Europe's most modern wind tunnel system and in-depth flight simulator laboratories.

• Avenue Campus:

  Located next to Southampton Common Park, this campus features quaint architecture and peaceful green spaces, creating an inspiring learning environment. It is home to teaching Humanities, Archaeology, History, Philosophy, Linguistics and Film.

• Waterfront Campus (NOCS):

  Home to the Southampton National Oceanographic Centre, one of the world's leading research facilities for oceanography and earth sciences. The campus specializes in Marine Engineering, Marine Science and Oceanography, providing a wide range of learning and practical research opportunities.

• University Hospital Southampton:

  Located within the University Hospital of Southampton, one of the largest medical centres in the South of England. It is a training institution for Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacology, Biomedicine and Epidemiology in a professional clinical environment.

• Winchester School of Art Campus (WSA):

  Located in the historic city of Winchester, about a 12-minute train ride from Southampton, WSA is an in-depth institution for Art, Fashion, Design and Visual Communication.

1.3. University of Southampton ranking and reputation

The University of Southampton is a founding member of the Russell Group (a group of 24 research-intensive universities in the UK), which is highly regarded for its research, teaching and connection to global employers.

In recent years, the university has consistently maintained its position among the top universities in the UK and the world:

• Ranked #111 in the world according to QS World University Rankings 2027.

• Ranked in the Top 100 best universities in the world according to QS World University Rankings 2026.

• Ranked #129 in the world, and 15th among UK universities according to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026.

• Ranked #52 in the world according to TIME World's Top Universities 2026.

• Ranked 15th in the UK according to the Complete University Guide 2027.

• Ranked 17th in the UK according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.

• Ranked 9th in the UK for sustainability according to QS Sustainability Rankings 2026.

In addition to its academic rankings, the University of Southampton is also highly regarded for its research. According to the Research Excellence Framework 2021:

• 92% of the university's research activities are rated world-leading or internationally excellent .

• The university is ranked in the top 10% of universities in the UK for research impact and

  4th in the Russell Group for the practical impact of its research.

• More than 97% of the research environment is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

These figures reflect Southampton's strengths not only in its overall reputation but also in the depth of research and quality of its many areas of expertise.

Choosing the right university when studying in the UK depends not only on ranking, but also on practical experience, career development opportunities and investment costs. Here are 3 core reasons why the University of Southampton is always the top destination chosen by thousands of international students each year:

2.1. Top quality of training and research

One of the strengths that make the University of Southampton famous is its outstanding research capacity, which is closely linked to teaching and practical application:

• Intensive research environment: As a member of the Russell Group, Southampton offers you the opportunity to study with leading professors and experts. Students also have access to the latest knowledge, technology and research results in a wide range of fields.

• TEF Gold Teaching Quality: The university has been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework in recognition of the outstanding quality of its training, academic resources and student support system.

• State-of-the-art facilities: Laboratories, libraries, simulation labs and intensive research centers help students combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience on industry-standard technologies and equipment.

2.2. Flexible Study Programs & Paid Internship Opportunities

Depending on the program, students can choose Placement Year (internship year), Study Abroad Year or Year in Employment (actual work year).

The Year in Employment allows students in eligible courses to take a work term after their second year of study. Internships typically last up to 12 months, with a minimum requirement of 30 weeks. Students still maintain their status at the university and currently only have to pay 20% of the regular tuition fee this year.

Not every course has five internships available. Students also often have to apply and compete for the right position, while the university provides a job search platform, advice, and application preparation guidance.

The University of Southampton focuses on training students associated with the realities of the global labour market:

• More than 300 diverse courses:

  The university offers a diverse pathway from Foundation, Undergraduate, Master's (Postgraduate Taught) to PhD, spanning a wide range of fields such as Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Medicine, and the Arts.

• Placement Year / Industrial Placement Program:

  Many courses allow students to choose Placement Year or Industrial Placement, thereby accumulating practical experience and beautifying their career profile before graduation. Students can access opportunities at large businesses and organizations such as IBM, Rolls-Royce, Microsoft, PwC, Deloitte or units in the field of Formula 1, depending on the program and vacancy.

• Comprehensive career support services:

  The career counseling team accompanies students in the process of finalizing their CVs, practicing interviews, finding internship opportunities and connecting with employers through job fairs. The university also provides orientation information on the Graduate Route (post-graduation work visa) in accordance with current regulations.

2.3. Reasonable living expenses, dynamic living environment

Choosing the University of Southampton, you will not only be able to study at a prestigious university, but you will also be able to enjoy an active life in the beautiful port city at an optimal cost.

• Convenient location, pleasant climate:

  As one of the UK's vibrant port cities, Southampton has a large and multicultural international student community. The city fully meets the needs of living with a convenient transportation system, shopping centers, Asian restaurants and many modern facilities, making it easy for Vietnamese students to integrate and enjoy the life of studying abroad.

• Affordable cost of living:

  Compared to many major cities in the UK, the cost of living in Southampton can be around 30% lower, making it easier to balance your budget and reduce financial pressure during your study abroad journey.

• Vibrant student life:

  The Southampton Students' Union (SUSU) brings together more than 300 clubs and societies in sport, arts, academics and culture. Off-campus, students can also explore the city's green parks, shopping malls, entertainment venues, and bustling seaport.

The University of Southampton offers more than 300 diverse programmes from undergraduate to postgraduate, a close combination of in-depth theory and practical practice. When choosing a major, you should comprehensively consider the program content, campus, course duration and entry requirements to internship opportunities, thereby finding the path that best suits your abilities and career orientation.

Here are the prominent disciplines at the University of Southampton:

• Engineering

• Computer Science & IT

• Business & Management (Southampton Business School)

• Health & Medical Sciences

• Ocean & Earth Sciences

• Art & Design (Winchester School of Art)

• Law & Humanities

The University of Southampton's admission requirements are set by each specific level and program. For Vietnamese applicants, the university will consider academic results, English proficiency and additional documents according to the unique requirements of each major. Therefore, you should double-check the criteria of the program you intend to apply for to prepare a complete application and increase your chances of acceptance.

4.1. Academic requirements for each level of study

Some programs may accept a UK 2:2 equivalent, while competing industries require higher scores. An MBA may require professional experience; creative programs may need a portfolio; The research discipline needs a research proposal.

4.2. English language requirements at the University of Southampton

All programs at the University of Southampton are taught in English. Therefore, international students need to demonstrate English language proficiency that meets the requirements of the course they are applying for.

• For Undergraduate: IELTS Academic score of at least 6.0, with no band below 5.5)

• For Post-Graduate: IELTS Academic score of at least 6.5, with no band below 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements, the University of Southampton offers Pre-sessional English courses lasting 6, 10 or 16 weeks before the main entry period, helping you to improve your academic English proficiency, familiarise yourself with the UK study methods and better prepare for your specialist programme.

Tuition fees are one of the most important factors when planning to study in the UK. At the University of Southampton, tuition fees for international students vary depending on the level of study and field of study. The university also noted that tuition fees may increase from academic year to academic year for students enrolled from August 2026 onwards.

5.1. Reference tuition fees in 2026-2027

(*) Note: The fees below may vary by field of study and year of enrollment. To find out the exact tuition fees for your field of interest, as well as scholarship and financial aid options, contact IDP immediately for specific advice.

5.2. Mandatory fees and expenses to be estimated

International students studying full-time at the University of Southampton usually need to pay a deposit of GBP 2,000 before the university issues a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). This amount will be deducted directly from the total tuition fee, not as an additional cost.

Depending on the industry, you'll need to be prepared for additional fees:

• UK Student Visa Application Fee: 558 GBP

• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): 776 GBP/year

• Physical Examination / TB Test: USD 100

• Curriculum and learning materials

• Learning devices such as laptops

• Practical or laboratory fees for some disciplines

• Extracurricular activities and student groups

5.3. Cost of living in Southampton

The cost of living in Southampton is quite reasonable compared to other cities, especially in terms of housing, transportation and shopping for necessities. However, each student's actual budget will vary depending on the type of accommodation, housing location, and personal spending habits.

In the 2026-2027 academic year, the university's hall of residence fees ranges from GBP 139-305 per week, depending on the housing and room type. This fee includes electricity, water, Wi-Fi, laundry area, 24/7 support and security. Students in Southampton's university-owned halls of residence are also given Unilink bus tickets, which saves significantly on travel costs. If you rent outside, you may need to pay separately for utilities, internet, and transportation.

In addition to accommodation, you can refer to some of the average expenses per week:

• Food: about 50 GBP

• Phone: about 10 GBP

• Travel outside of Unilink tickets: approx. 15 GBP

• Socializing, leisure and wellness: approx. 30 GBP

• Clothing and personal items: about 20 GBP

• Books and course fees: about 14 GBP.

The University of Southampton offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid options for international students at the Bachelor's, Master's and research levels. Depending on the program, the scholarship can be directly funded by the university or implemented with the government or educational institutions. The grant is usually used to reduce part of the tuition fee; Some programs also support study or living expenses.

To improve your competitiveness, you should prepare your application early, invest carefully in your personal essay (SOP), and build a consistent resume story, thereby highlighting your achievements, strengths, and academic goals. At the same time, regularly monitor the school's official website so as not to miss admission milestones and scholarship deadlines important.

IDP can accompany you in reviewing entry requirements, updating applicable scholarship or financial aid programs, and advising on a pathway that suits your academic ability, family budget and future career orientation.

With its research strengths, diverse subject portfolio and international learning environment, the University of Southampton is a worthy choice for those who are looking for a prestigious university in the UK. From Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence to Business, Nursing, Marine Science, and Design, the school offers a variety of pathways to suit different competencies and career orientations.

An effective study abroad plan does not only stop at choosing a school with a good ranking, but also needs to ensure that the program is suitable for long-term goals and family budgets. IDP is the official admissions partner of the University of Southampton, helping you to be more proactive when choosing your major, preparing your application and tracking the progress of your admissions.

If you're wondering which major is right for you, whether your application meets the entry requirements, or what the total cost of studying abroad at the University of Southampton will be, IDP's team of consultants can help you:

• Consulting on choosing a major and study pathway: Compare academic ability, English proficiency, budget, and career goals to determine the right study program for you. IDP always organises study abroad seminars that take place throughout the year. You can meet directly with school representatives, consider scholarships on the spot.

• Assessment and submission of admission documents: Detailed instructions for you to complete your UK study abroad application accurately and completely, helping your application to follow the requirements of the University of Southampton.

• Register for IELTS - a test co-owned by IDP: Support you to register for IELTS with a flexible test schedule and many attractive offers.

• Scholarship hunting and cost optimization support:

  Update the latest scholarship information and guide the application process to increase your chances of receiving scholarships.

• Visa support and pre-departure procedures:

  Accompany you in the process of preparing visa documents, financial plans, housing and necessary steps before coming to the UK.

Contact IDP to have a UK Study Abroad Consultant from IDP contact you to assist you in applying and hunting for scholarships completely free of charge.

Free study abroad consultation hotline: 19006955

1. University of Southampton - Rankings and reputation - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/about/rankings-reputation

2. QS World University Rankings 2027 - University of Southampton - https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/university-southampton

3. University of Southampton - Tuition fees for overseas students - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/fees/international.page

4. University of Southampton - Pay your tuition fees - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/fees/pay.page

5. University of Southampton - Coming to study from Vietnam - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/international/entry-qualification-equivalencies/vietnam

6. University of Southampton - Student accommodation fees and contracts - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/fees-contracts

7. University of Southampton - Student living costs - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/student-life/support-money/student-living-costs

8. University of Southampton - Vietnam Excellence Scholarship - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/study/fees-funding/postgraduate/scholarships/vietnam-excellence-scholarship

9. University of Southampton - Student accommodation guarantee - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/guarantee

10. GOV.UK - Student visa - https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

11. GOV.UK - Graduate visa - https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa

12. GOV.UK - Graduate visa: How much it costs - https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa/how-much-it-costs