The University of Southampton

Address and Location

Spread over six campuses, the University of Southampton enjoys a reputation as one of the best in the UK. Four of the six sites are in the city itself; the Winchester School of Art is in Winchester and a satellite campus exists in Malaysia for engineering students. The main campus, Highfield, is green and peaceful despite being only a short walk from the city centre.

 

 

Background and History

Established as the Harley Institute in 1862, the University of Southampton is one of the UK's leading research institutions. Granted the right to award its own degrees in 1952, the university is a founding member of the Russell Group, whose members pride themselves on academic excellence and high quality tuition for students.  

Location and Accessibility

By Road: All of the university's campuses are easily accessible by road. The M3, M27 and A34 are the fastest routes into Southampton. From the M3, exit at Junction 14 and follow the signs for Southampton. Continue to follow the A33 onto Bassett Avenue, from which the university is signposted. From the M27, exit at Junction 5 and follow signs to the university.

By Rail: The Southampton and Winchester campuses are all easily reached from the Southampton Central, Southampton Airport Parkway and Winchester stations. Uni-Link buses connect the city stations and the university. Winchester School of Art is a short walk from the city terminus.

Accessibility: The university is working to improve accessibility for students with disabilities. Some of the institution's older buildings have limited access for wheelchair users; those with additional needs should contact the university Disability Service.

What's on Offer

Foundation, BA, BSc, BEng, BM, MA, MBA, MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, MPhil, PhD

Entry Requirements

Given the university's prestigious reputation, minimum entry requirements for most undergraduate degrees is ABB at A-Level. Other acceptable qualifications include A-Levels, Scottish Highers, Irish Leaving certificates, Welsh Baccalaureate and International Baccalaureate.

University Accommodation

Over 5,000 student rooms are available in 20 university-owned halls. These include catered and self-catered accommodation, en suite rooms and single sex arrangements. First-year students are guaranteed a place in halls providing they accept the university as their first choice offer. International students are also guaranteed a place in halls during their first year.

Private Accommodation

Private housing in Southampton is relatively inexpensive compared to other university cities in the UK. Southampton University and Southampton Solent run the Southampton Accreditation Scheme for Student Housing (SASSH), in conjunction with the city council. This scheme vets accommodation and landlords and provides a list of well-managed properties in the city.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

The University of Southampton is world-renowned for its research, especially within engineering. The Wolfson Unit for Marine Technology and Industrial Aerodynamics provides cutting edge support to many Formula One teams. The university is also home to the National Oceanography Centre (NOCS), one of the world's premier sites for marine and earth science research.   Tuition Fees Undergraduate courses currently cost £9,000 per year. Fees for international students and postgraduates vary.  

Financial Support: Southampton provides over £3 million per year in the form of grants, bursaries and scholarships. Consult the university website to check your own eligibility.

Academic Facilities

The University of Southampton is home to various centres of academic excellence. Oceanography students benefit from the National Oceanographic Library at the Oceanography Centre, one of Europe's largest marine science libraries. Students also have access to five general libraries across campus, the largest of which, Hartley, contains over 1.5 million books. Wi-fi is available on all campuses.  

Other on-site Amenities

The university caters for all levels of sporting ability, recently completing work on its£8.5 million Jubilee Centre for sport. Over 80 clubs and teams compete at all levels within the university, which acted as an official training centre for Team GB prior to the 2012 Olympic Games. The university student union building has also been expanded to include a nightclub, cinema, travel centre, beauty salon and supermarket. Other facilities at the six campuses include restaurants, bars and nurseries for staff and students. The award-winning Uni-Link bus service provides cheap and reliable travel between campuses and the city's railway stations.  

Medical and Social Care

In addition to two NHS medical centres and the campus dental practice, the university offers a professional counselling service and student helpline. An on-site chaplaincy is available and the Students' Union runs several religious societies.

 

What's on in the Area

Whether you're into shopping, music or drinking, Southampton has something for all students. The city was largely flattened during World War II but still boasts several medieval sites. History-lovers will also enjoy the Titanic exhibition at the Maritime Museum. Outside of the city, the New Forest offers hours of walks, and Winchester is close enough for day trips.

 

Moving On

The university has a dedicated careers service providing careers information, psychometric testing and job interview support. Sector-specific careers fairs are held throughout the year.

Southampton professor Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented the World-Wide Web. Other notable alumni includeOlympic medallist Roger Black, sports broadcaster John Inverdale and supermodel Stella Tennant.  

Is the University of Southampton the place for you?

For a degree in engineering or marine sciences, Southampton offers some of the best facilities and teaching in the UK. There are more modern universities available, however - not least Southampton Solent, down the road from the Highfield campus.