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4.03.83.9
Southampton Solent University's history dates back to 1855, when it was founded as a private school for art. Today, the University boasts nine departments, across art and music, business and law, sport and health and more. Solent is also home to Warsash Maritime School – the only training centre of its kind in the world, offering more than 150 courses.
Solent University is passionate about supporting its students to thrive both personally and professionally, and through its mental health offering provides bespoke support to any learner who needs it. The University is all about creating opportunities, offering expertise and partnerships to help every student grow and develop.
Living in Southampton, you'll benefit from living on the south coast of the UK, home to a beautiful coastline and a rich, interesting history. Highlights include the Sea City Museum, which focuses on the city's connection to the Titanic, and ancient stone walls which take visitors back in time. As well as immersing yourself in local history, you're invited to experience the city's art and culture, which includes two art galleries, two theatres, a waterfront cinema and everything from a pottery studio to a board game cafe. When it comes to nightlife, Southampton is home to a wide range of pubs, clubs and restaurants, from your favourite chains to independent gems.
Southampton is also a transport hub, with trains to London taking you to the capital in 75 minutes. Fancy a trip abroad? The local airport is right on your doorstep, and the city's port is a go-to destination for cruises. By road, the city can be reached by the M3.
Solent University (Southampton) students on Whatuni say:
‘I absolutely love it here. Nothing else to say but this is the happiest I have been due to both the academic side and the social side. The living situation is giving me a new experience to learn from and I am very much enjoying it'.
‘Love going to uni, library is fab, tutors are helpful, and everyone seems nice. It was a great choice to go to uni and I love the whole journey. Don't regret anything'.
‘Definitely recommend, if you are ambitious. You are going to really love this uni'.
4.3There are a number of course options at Solent University, and all come with access to cutting-edge facilities and the latest tools and equipment.
Academic facilities include:
Solent University (Southampton) students on Whatuni say:
‘They are excellent, everything is new and regularly maintained. They are constantly making upgrades and there have been no problems from my point of view.'
‘The facilities for the main campus are impressive, well cared for and kept presentable.'
‘Unbelievable! The new sports complex has been built with 3 levels of gym space and 2 new sports halls.'
Southampton is one of the south coast's most vibrant cities, and Solent places students at its centre. There is something for everyone, from beautiful city centre parks and an electric night-time economy to a thriving art and music scene.
Moving away from Westquay (one of the UK's largest shopping centres) and towards the waterfront, students will find a hub of independent eateries, venues and stores. At the other end of the city is Bedford Place, the centre of the city's nightlife and home to a huge range of pubs and clubs.
It's a short trip to the famous beaches of Bournemouth or the ancient streets of Winchester. Southampton Airport offers students an ideal ticket to the rest of the UK or even Europe. And of course, London is just a short train ride away.
Solent University (Southampton) students on Whatuni say:
‘It is right in the centre of town, and easily accessible. It is a 10-15 minute walk from my accommodation and everything is right where I need it. If I forget anything, I can easily pop out for a few minutes and find what I need on the high street'.
‘Cool, calm city. Have a lot places for night life'.
‘Amazing night life and so much to do! Lots of shopping and sociable events'.
There are over 40 societies which are run through the students' union, and the university's students can join any number of them through their website using a student login. Societies are split into subject categories, religious beliefs, ethnicity and nationalities, languages, hobbies, sporting and more.
For students unable to find a suitable society to join, the SU makes it possible to create your own. A student will need just eight signature from fellow students that would like to be a part of the new society, and the VP Engagement officer will be on hand to offer advice on setting up.
Current include:
Students can also take part in traditional sports including football, cricket, hockey and netball as well as alternative sports such as windsurfing, snowboarding and climbing. Students from all levels can join sports teams from a ‘knock-about' to National League. Visit the Solent Sport web pages to find out more.
Solent University (Southampton) students on Whatuni say:
‘Is impressive how many societies are in this uni and they are very interesting. As for the sports society, are even more beneficial since the sports complex is new, the equipment is modern and every student has access to it.'
‘There is a decent range to choose between and they are all good.'
‘The clubs and societies are interesting and encourage everyone to engage in planned activities.'
2.8Southampton Solent University's work-ready approach to learning and teaching means all courses are designed with employability in mind. During your study, this could involve work experience, networking opportunities and on and off-campus events with industry.
Solent Careers, the University's dedicated careers hub, is on hand to help you develop your skills and connect you to relevant opportunities. Located at the heart of campus, the Solent Careers team offers advice on employment and further study and helps you find part-time, full-time or placement jobs. And you'll be able to benefit from this for life, as Solent Careers also supports graduates in job-hunting and career planning.
The University also offers a professional mentoring programme, designed to help students grow their confidence, build connections and enhance their employability options during and after their study. More than 80 professional mentors from various industries are involved, giving students a unique opportunity to make a meaningful connection that benefits them both personally and professionally. If you're looking for advice on your career, you can book a 40 minute appointment with Solent Careers , who will be able to answer your questions and give you advice on career paths, job applications and more. You can also head to drop-in sessions if you don't need such a long discussion, and the University hosts regular workshops.
Solent University (Southampton) students on Whatuni say:
‘Courses are really industry focussed and work placements are offered during the year. Societies as Live Events Society also teaches us and provide us opportunities to get experience'.
‘Work placements as part of the course, guest lecturers. Student jobs within the uni'.
‘Really good - in terms of the support within modules for career planning and development and the additional support you can receive, with regular events such as placement fairs'.
3.8Southampton Solent University has four different halls of residences for students, all located in the city-centre and within walking distance to campus.The halls are all self-catered, with fully equipped kitchens and limited parking available. Your rent is inclusive of all bills, security and maintenance.
If you're looking for shared bathroom facilities, Chantry is the residence for you. Chantry also has a common room to socialise, equipped with TV, DVD player, pool and table football.
The other residences David Moxon, Deanery, and Kimber all offer ensuite rooms. All of these residences also have a common room for socialising.
Each of the residences has easy access to a laundry room, and there are accessible rooms available in selected residences. There are also secure bike parking facilities.
If you're opting to rent privately, Solent has partnered with another local univeristy to create the Southampton Accreditation Scheme for Student Housing (SASSH). By looking at properties approved by this scheme, you can be confident it's been vetted by the University and you're renting from someone with a good reputation.
Solent University (Southampton) students on Whatuni say:
‘Is really good, it is a friendly place and the rooms are new and big.'
‘The safety is next to none, we have regular fire alarm checks every week at the same time so we can be assured that we are safe in our building. We also have a 24/7 maintenance members of staff on site who can be contacted at any time by mobile'.
‘Really nice! I was in Deanery in my first year and really loved it.'
‘Homely and comfortable.'
Southampton Solent University offers a range of financial support to students through scholarships and bursaries. These are paid in addition to government support and are non-repayable. All bursaries and scholarships are subject to change as the University responds to changing needs of its students. The most up-to-date information can be found on the university's website.
Currently, bursaries are available for care leavers, carers, estranged students and local students from low-income backgrounds. There are also national schemes supporting social work students, student parents and disabled students.
The current undergraduate scholarships on offer for UK students include the Sports Excellence Programme, BAME Scholarships, and the Solent Postgraduate Taught International Excellence Scholarship.
The University also has grants for students experiencing financial hardship, those who have to buy course-specific equipment or specialist software, and for those who are undertaking an unpaid placement.
All information on awards and eligibility can be found on the university's finance pages.
Solent University is committed to accessibility in education- enabling students from all kinds of backgrounds to have access to higher education. Students enter their courses through a wide range of educational routes, and each application is considered on its own merits.
The university uses the UCAS tariff points system and entry requirements vary from course to course.
Visit Solent University's website for more details.
Home and EU students
Foundation years (level 3): £9,250
Bachelor's degrees: £9,250
Tuition fees for overseas (non-EU) students
Foundation Year/Certificate: £11,660
Bachelor's degree: £13,260
Southampton Solent University's standard bachelor's degrees take three years to complete, but there are many other options for study. You might decide to kick off your journey with an accessible foundation year, or opt to do a placement year, which is available on many of the University's courses.This will extend your degree to four years, with your placement year completed after your second year.
If your course offers both a foundation year and a placement option, you may be able to add both to your degree, making it a five-year course.
Solent has a strong reputation when it comes to practical teaching and learning, and the University's apprenticeship offer is growing all the time. Covering everything from nursing and business to engineering and construction, apprentices at Solent benefit from strong industry links alongside traditional learning opportunities. If you study a foundation degree apprenticeship, you'll graduate with a foundation degree and have the option to do a ‘top-up' year of study to obtain a full bachelor's degree. Degree apprenticeships will lead you to graduate with a bachelor's degree.
Solent University (Southampton) students on Whatuni say:
‘It's been a great experience so far. I'm enjoying every part of it. The lecturers are great and give back advice on how to get your grades higher. The social part of it is also great'.
‘Love the online learning portal and online resources - the way units are interconnected and availability of staff'
‘Courses are really industry focussed and work placements are offered during the year. Societies as Live Events Society also teaches us and provide us opportunities to get experience'.
All entry requirements are guidance only and are subject to change. Check the University's course pages for more detailed information and contact the admissions department if you have any questions.
All courses have slightly different entry requirements, but we've summarised the typical offers here for a few courses so you can see if Solent is likely to be right for you.
For BA (Hons) Criminology, you'll need a minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM or BTEC Diploma at D*D*, T-level Merit or equivalent qualification, or a combination of qualifications which comply with the minimum entry requirement of 104 UCAS points.
104 points would be equal to BCC, while 120 points (the maximum) would be BBB.
If you want to study BA (Hons) Digital Music, you'll need 104-120 UCAS points. If you're over 21 and have relevant experience, you might be considered without traditional qualifications.
Applicants for BEng (Hons) Marine Engineering will need 104-120 UCAS points, plus GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) in maths, English and science (with significant physical science content). For this course you'll have to apply to a three-year deck officer cadet training program and find a sponsor to complete the sea service element of the course.
3.9Solent Students' Union ensures that students are heard at every level of the university, represent a diverse range of groups, and is an essential link between students and academic staff. The Students' Union team and course representatives are annually elected by the students themselves.
The Students' Union Advice Service offers access to free, confidential and impartial advice from the Academic Caseworker on issues affecting a student's academic experience whilst at Solent. This may include issues with academic misconduct, extenuating circumstances, appeals, complaints and examination results. The Academic caseworker can also act as an advocate accompanying students to formal meetings and panels to ensure that every individual is given the opportunity to raise their views and be treated fairly.
Solent University (Southampton) students on Whatuni say:
‘They are very attentive, they seem to actively listen to what students want and act on those decisions. They appear approachable if needed and welcoming'
‘They are excellent, everything is new and regularly maintained. They are constantly making upgrades and there have been no problems from my point of view'.
‘The SU runs so many interesting societies to get involved with is very supportive of the student body, offering advice centres and workshops'.
4.1Whatever questions a student may have, Solent University's dedicated Student Hub offers friendly, professional and confidential support. Students can get support with questions about their course, health and wellbeing, student funding, references and letters; and advice on regulations, processes, policies and more.
Other available support services include:
Solent University (Southampton) students on Whatuni say:
‘There is always a positive environment when someone asks for help, the supporting team is ready to listen to problems and help you overcome them.'
‘There is always someone to go to if you need any help. Both lecturers and the student hub are an email away.'
‘The student hub has an amazing team and good feedback is always given by tutors.'
4.2
