The University of Southampton is a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, internationally renowned for its education and research. It ranks in the top 20 universities in the UK (Complete University Guide 2024), and 92% of its research is classed as world leading or internationally excellent, placing Southampton in the top 10% of UK institutions (Research Excellence Framework 2021). Students will study in a world-class learning environment, use cutting-edge facilities, and benefit from global networks and collaborations. They will be immersed in an environment driving forward innovation and discovery, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in a competitive jobs market.
At Southampton, students join academics and a diverse global student community, who are impacting lives and helping change the world for the better. From improving cancer treatments and fighting diseases, to optimising renewable energy. The university has made its mission to include sustainability in everything it does, with ambitious targets that challenge its community to think about their impact on the planet.
Outside of the classroom, the University of Southampton Students’ Union (SUSU), has one of the largest ranges of clubs and societies in the country. With over 350 clubs and societies to choose from, there’s something for everyone, with lots of opportunities to make friends and enrich university life.
The student-friendly city of Southampton has plenty to explore. There’s an abundance of parks and green spaces. There’s also a vibrant live music scene and a bustling shopping centre (Westquay), with a range of bars and restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. All connected by the university’s Unilink bus service, nearby train stations and international airports.
At Southampton, students are taught by outstanding lecturers who are specialists in their field and are actively involved in the latest research surrounding their topic. Students will also be assigned their very own personal academic tutor, dedicated to advising on course-related issues, from settling in, to module questions, or helping with job applications.
Students will learn in a variety of ways throughout their course. They might find themselves taking part in lectures, seminars and tutorials, as well as field trips, laboratory sessions, work placements and group projects. Depending on their course, students will be assessed through presentations, coursework and exams, with a final-year project or dissertation.
At Southampton, many programmes can be customised and offer interdisciplinary modules. Students can choose to learn a language alongside their degree, or even take a sustainability module to discover the sustainability considerations within their industry.
Study Abroad
Studying abroad is a fantastic way to broaden cultural horizons, take on new challenges, and make global connections. Over 320 University of Southampton students choose to study abroad every year and get to add international experience to their CV.
Students can choose from a range of exchange programmes at high-ranking partner institutions worldwide, including Perth, Berlin, Kyoto and Toronto. There are semester, year-long and summer school opportunities available depending on the degree.
Students don’t even need to know another language before they study abroad, as most of the partner universities teach in English or are based in English-speaking countries. Students will be well supported throughout their time from pre-departure guidance to financial assistance.
Interested? Order a prospectus to find out more about the uni and the courses on offer.
GET PROSPECTUSEntry requirements for study at the University of Southampton vary by course, although a broad range of qualifications are accepted when the university is considering applicants.
Many students who apply for the university will come via A levels or Scottish Highers, but a wide variety of qualifications are accepted: AS levels, Advanced Highers, Welsh Baccalaureate, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, Access to HE Diplomas, BTEC’s and many European and international qualifications. Some courses will require specific subjects to have been studied previously.
On most courses, applicants with an EPQ will be made two offers: the typical offer based on three A-levels and an alternative where in exchange for an A or A* in the EPQ, the A-level requirements will be reduced by one grade. Applicants who meet either of the two offers when they receive their results will have their place at Southampton confirmed.
If students wish to attend university as an undergraduate mature student or are under 18, they should get in touch with the university’s admissions team to discuss potential entry requirements based on relevant experience if they don’t have the necessary formal qualifications.
The university is committed to widening participation and ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study at the University of Southampton.
The relevant entry requirements can be found on the individual course pages on the university’s website.
UCAS TARIFF CALCULATORSend a message directly to the uni to learn more about their entry requirements.
ASK A QUESTIONThe university has over 6,000 student rooms across self-catered and part-catered accommodation, all with 24/7 reception security, as well as communal bathroom and ensuite options. Southampton was one of the first universities to provide 24-hour mental health support and advice, available via The Student Hub, so there’s always someone to support.
At Southampton, there are lots of different flats for students to choose from including:
All rent includes utilities, laundry, internet, contents insurance. For those in university halls in Southampton, a Unilink bus pass is included in the accommodation fees. Students can visit the website to see the latest details.
The university is investing over £600m into its campuses over the next few years. Students have over three million books and journals to choose from, across five libraries.
The university has also invested £40m into its sports facilities, opening in 2024. The incredible investment focuses on inclusion and will help new and existing students get involved in sports and fitness.
Students will get to grips with the latest technology and industry-standard equipment and facilities relevant to their field of study. These include:
Outside of studies, wellbeing and entertainment needs are covered. Facilities include:
Find out more about the accommodations and facilities in person at the uni.
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The Student Hub’ is students’ first point of contact relating to:
There’s also specialist assistance for students with disabilities, mental health conditions and specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia.
International students can access a wide range of English language study skills and other courses.
The Students’ Union, SUSU, advisers can offer guidance on a range of issues, including any course-related disputes. The Union has also launched several initiatives, such as the Food for All Programme, supported financially by the university to provide free basic food. SUSU host a range of support events throughout the year, including free puppy therapy and ‘Wellbeing Wednesdays’. To help create safe spaces to chat with fellow students and experts, on a range of topics.
Personal academic tutors can advise on course-related issues, such as settling in or module questions, to even helping with job applications.
Every year the University of Southampton reviews its initiatives to make sure it is supporting students in the best way that it can.
Find out more about the student support offered on the university’s website.
VISIT WEBSITEComplete University Guide 2024
In the Complete University Guide 2024, the University of Southampton is a top 20 UK university, with 16 subject areas ranked in the top 10:
Research Excellence Framework (REF)
REF 2021 was announced in May 2022, and demonstrated the high quality of the University of Southampton’s published research outputs and real-world impact.
Its researchers are changing the world for the better, with 92% of the university’s submissions classed as ‘world leading’ (4*) or ‘internationally excellent’ (3*), placing Southampton in the top 10% of UK institutions.
Over 89% of the university’s submitted outputs were classed as 4* or 3*, placing the University of Southampton’s published research in the top 15% of institutions.
Southampton performed exceptionally well in impact; all the ways in which the research makes a difference locally, nationally, or to the wider world, beyond academia. The assessment placed the university in the top 10% in the sector and 4th in the Russell Group.
97% of its environment statements have been classed as 4* or 3*, which places Southampton in the top 25% of the sector. This is the environment for supporting research and enabling impact within each submission.
Students can find more details about rankings and research, both for the university as a whole and by subject, on the University of Southampton website.
When students enrol, they automatically become a member of the University of Southampton Students’ Union (known as SUSU), which is independent of the university. The union is one of the biggest in the country and is here to represent the voice of the university’s students at every level, to ultimately make their experience unforgettable.
SUSU sits at the heart of the main campus and is a great environment to socialise in. The student pub, Stag’s, is the perfect place for a drink, bite to eat and sing at karaoke night. The Piazza food court offers a range of cuisines from around the world and the Plant Pot is filled with delicious vegan food. The 260-seat cinema also doubles as a student nightclub venue, and the Below Deck bar is equipped with an outdoor heated courtyard.
Joining a club or society whilst at university is one of the best ways to meet new people and make friends. The Students’ Union, SUSU, have over 350 amazing student groups to choose from. This includes 40 different performing arts groups and over 90 sports clubs, with opportunities to represent Southampton in inter-university competitions.
Situated on the South Coast of England, Southampton has been described as the perfect medium between a ‘big town’ and a ‘small city’, so they’ll get the best of both worlds. It’s known for its maritime heritage, natural beauty and cultural highlights.
Home to two universities, Southampton has a thriving student community. Students will find plenty to do in the city, including exploring the excellent nightlife, with plenty of cocktail bars, nightclubs and live music venues. Westquay offers a fantastic shopping experience with big high street retailers and restaurants. With five central parks covering 52 acres, students won’t be short of green space, perfect for picnics and exercise.
See the campus and city for yourself in person by booking an open day place.
BOOK OPEN DAYSouthampton encourages students to think about their future. Maybe they’re already thinking about their first job, or what their steps into a career will look like, or if they might have entrepreneurial ambitions? Southampton is a place where students can grow and develop, discover and achieve their goals.
Employers
Southampton is a top 10 UK university targeted by the largest number of top graduate employers (The Graduate Market in 2024 by High Fliers Research). Students benefit from careers fairs and employer-led workshops, for opportunities to network with top employers. And alumni career panel events, which provide advice from those who have already been on the same path.
Internships
For short-term work experience opportunities, students can join a paid internship. All internships are university-approved roles, with local and national SMEs, large corporations and public and third-sector organisations. Companies have included Rolls-Royce, the NHS, Goldman Sachs and British Airways.
Student Innovation Projects
Student Innovation Projects are designed for students to be able to gain valuable experience working on a real-life business issue with other students across disciplines.
Development programmes
The dedicated Student Enterprise Team can help develop students’ enterprise skills and even help them launch their own business or social enterprise. There is a 12-month personalised development programme of intensive career support, for students who are the first in their family to go to university. As well as an on-campus start-up accelerator, Future Worlds, and an online Career Hub, which allows students and recent graduates to access online careers tools and 24-hour support from any location around the world.
Southampton’s Career Mentoring Programme is another great opportunity to develop skills and build a network, explore career ideas and prepare for the world of work.
There are many ways that students can get help with studying and living costs. The university is committed to widening participation and ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, get the opportunities to unlock their full potential.
Bursaries
Scholarships
Some subjects offered by the university have scholarships specific to the field. Non-repayable scholarships to students that are eligible are also offered. Scholarships include:
Find out more information about student funding on the university’s website.
Undergraduate students will need to pay an annual tuition fee to the university for their programme study. This varies depending on whether their status is classed as ‘home’ or ‘overseas’.
Home student fees
The university will set fees for 2024/2025 subject to any conditions imposed by the government.
Overseas student fees
Southampton is one of the only UK universities to offer international students the same fixed fee for each year of their course, except for programmes where a combination of clinical and non-clinical fees applies.
If students are starting any university-run Foundation Year, they’ll pay less for their Foundation Year than for the rest of their integrated degree.
Send a message directly to the uni to learn more about their scholarships and bursaries.
ASK A QUESTION
As well as a wide range of courses, studying at University of Southampton offers you loads of opportunities to boost your CV thanks to the careers department. You might even have the chance to do a work placement or sandwich year during your degree.
As well as providing you with opportunities to develop academically and professionally, you'll have a wide range of clubs and societies to join. You'll be able to pick up a new hobby and make loads of new friends by joining some of the clubs and societies on offer at University of Southampton.
The world is your oyster! Of course, the exact options open to you will depend on which subject you choose to study. Employers often look to hire graduates, so you can be sure that your degree will give you a wider range of employment opportunities.
No matter what degree you choose, however, you'll have option of going on to further study. If you want to keep studying, your undergraduate degree will enable you to go on to a master's degree or even a PhD.
If you opt to live in uni halls, you'll benefit from free WiFi and all-inclusive rent. Rent for uni halls also includes security and maintenance, so you can be sure you'll be well-looked after. There are several accessible rooms available, which are adapted for disabled students.
Halls also have communal areas such as kitchen facilities where you can meet your flatmates over a cup of tea. You'll also have access to dining facilities where you can share a meal with other students in your accommodation.
