University of Southampton

The spotlight is on Southampton, the first global top 100 university to open a branch campus in India offering courses in computer science, business, economics and accountancy. This ambitious move, with its first students enrolling in September 2025, joins an existing overseas campus in Malaysia, cementing the university’s international outlook. At home the university, a founding member of the Russell Group, is in the midst of a £600 million campus investment, adding new Stem and health facilities and recruiting more than 100 new academics across its five faculties. Opportunities for volunteering and entrepreneurship add to the student experience, as does a new Cookery School. The city’s just-big-enough appeal makes it ideal for school-leavers dipping their toes into independent living.

What is the University of Southampton’s reputation? 

A top 20 UK university, Southampton’s research performance is outstanding. It ranks 14th in our research quality index, with 90 per cent of its work rated world-leading or internationally excellent in the latest REF. It sits comfortably in the world’s top 100 in the QS rankings. Engineering and computer science produced some of its best research results.The university also holds a solid triple silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023).

Crucially, student satisfaction is on a strong upward trend. Our latest National Student Survey analysis shows the university has made significant gains, ranking 45th for the overall student experience (a 29-place gain). 

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What degree courses have been discontinued and what new courses are available?

From 2025, new launches include degrees in business management and human resource management, and physics with artificial intelligence. Earth sciences and microbiology will join the course offering from 2026, while programmes in population science are closing.

What are the University of Southampton’s entry requirements — and my chances of getting in?

Typical entry requirements range from A*AA to BBB at A-level. Southampton’s contextual offers can reduce the standard requirement by up to two grades for eligible students. Demand is high, with more than 43,400 applications in 2024, and 13 per cent of new undergraduates gained places through clearing.

What are the graduate prospects?

Southampton is one of the UK’s most sought-after universities by top employers, ranking 12th in the country for employer targeting. It places 15th in our graduate prospects index, with 84.3 per cent of its graduates in high-skilled jobs or postgraduate study 15 months after finishing. 

The Successful Futures programme embeds career planning and employability across all programmes and there are also hundreds of internships available. Students can also take part in innovation projects to resolve a business challenge over a four-week period.

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What is the University of Southampton’s campus like?

The university’s six sites in Southampton are within easy reach of each other, plus the Winchester School of Art. The main site, Highfield, is getting a new flagship teaching and learning building, scheduled to open in 2027. It is part of a multi-site university with world-class, specialist facilities, including the renowned National Oceanography Centre and the £140 million Boldrewood Innovation Campus for engineering, which houses the National Infrastructure Laboratory and the relocated business school.

When can I visit?

southampton.ac.uk

Everything you need to know about the University of Southampton’s student life and wellbeing support

The vastly extended Jubilee Sports Centre on the main campus features a 200-station gym and a 25m pool. Making the most of its location, the university has three water sports centres. Southampton teams finished 25th in the latest British Universities and Colleges Sport (Bucs) league.

The university’s John Hansard Gallery and Turner Sims music venue offer on-campus culture, while the proximity to sandy beaches and the New Forest provides natural escapes.

Consent training is mandatory, and counsellors and solution-focused wellbeing advice are available. A “Welcome to Southampton” module supports the academic transition to higher education and the Student Hub runs engagement activities.

What do the students say?

“Southampton has given me so much more than a degree. I’ve grown in confidence, discovered new academic passions, and found a strong, supportive community. The collaborative learning style helped me enjoy maths in a whole new way.”
Joshie Christian, mathematics graduate (2025) and VP education, Southampton University Students’ Union

What about student accommodation at the University of Southampton?

The university guarantees accommodation in a single room for all applicants who apply by the July 1 deadline. Options include a quieter lifestyle, alcohol-free and LGBTQ+ accommodation.

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How diverse and inclusive is the University of Southampton?

An eight-place uplift in our social inclusion ranking takes Southampton to 98th overall. It is in the top half of universities for the proportion of students from ethnic minority backgrounds, who represent a third of the intake. To widen participation, Southampton runs Learn with US and Ignite programmes, which support students from primary school to sixth-form.

Everything you need to know about scholarships and bursaries at the University of Southampton

Around a quarter of UK undergraduates receive a bursary of £1,000 or £2,000 per academic year, based on household incomes of £36,200 or less. A number of merit-based scholarships are also available, with values ranging from £1,000 to £10,000 tuition fee waivers.

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