Solent University
Southampton, United Kingdom • Founded 1856
Updated Sep 2026 · Source: solent.ac.uk
Overview
Solent University is a public university in Southampton, on the south coast of England, with roots in a school of art founded in 1855.
It grew through mergers of local colleges of art, technology and nautical studies, and gained university status in July 2005. Around 8,650 full-time-equivalent students study across undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with roughly nine in ten being undergraduates.
Teaching is organised into four faculties: Business, Law and Digital Technologies; Creative Industries, Architecture and Engineering; Sport, Health and Social Sciences; and the Warsash Maritime School, which specialises in maritime and nautical training. The university is governed by a Board of Governors and a Vice-Chancellor's Group, and is run under its Strategy 2035 plan.
It holds Gold status in the UK's Teaching Excellence Framework and QAA membership, and around a quarter of its students come from outside the UK.
Location & Contact
Address, contact details, and online presence for Solent University are summarised below.
Academic Details
Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for Solent University are listed below.
Academic Structures
Solent University's faculties, schools, institutes, and constituent units are listed below.
Unit 6 items
- Business School
- School of Art, Design and Fashion
- School of Business, Law and Communications
- School of Media, Arts and Technology
- School of Sport, Health and Social Sciences
- Warsash School of Maritime Science and Engineering
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
Business, Sport and Enterprise (Faculty) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Health Sciences
- Management
- Marketing
- Modern Languages
- Social Sciences
- Sports
- Tourism
Creative Industries (Faculty) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Acting
- Advertising and Publicity
- Communication Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Fashion Design
- Film
- Fine Arts
- Journalism
- Media Studies
- Photography
- Social Work
- Visual Arts
- Writing
Maritime and Technology (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nautical Science
- Technology
Programs Offered
Search and filter Solent University's available programmes by degree level.
121 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom
Honours Degree 70 programmes
Showing 10 of 70.
Master of Business Administration 3 programmes
Master's Degree 39 programmes
Showing 10 of 39.
Foundation 4 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 3 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 2 programmes
Scholarships in United Kingdom
These scholarships are open to students studying in the United Kingdom and may apply to programmes at Solent University.
How to apply to Solent University
A short guide to applying to Solent University — five steps.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Solent University runs 121 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Before applying to Solent University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United Kingdom.
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3
Get your documents ready
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Solent University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Apply through UCAS or direct entry
Route your application through UCAS (ucas.com) for undergraduate entry to Solent University. For postgraduate entry, apply directly through Solent University's own admissions portal at www.solent.ac.uk.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (23) 8201 3000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solent University
Concise answers to common questions about Solent University.
When did Solent University open?
Solent University traces its founding to 1856 (approximately 170 years ago).
What city is Solent University in?
Solent University operates from Southampton, United Kingdom.
Is Solent University public or private?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How big is Solent University's student body?
Solent University serves approximately 8,515 students.
What programmes are available at Solent University?
Solent University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How is Solent University organised academically?
Solent University has 6 academic units.
Is Solent University accredited?
Solent University is accredited by Privy Council.
Where can I learn more about Solent University?
You can find Solent University online at www.solent.ac.uk.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom
The leading universities in the United Kingdom are listed below — useful for sizing Solent University against the country's top tier. Top-tier institutions in the United Kingdom typically set admissions standards that downstream universities track.
Members of Universities UK
Members of Universities UK, alongside Solent University.
Faculties at nearby universities
These universities are located near Solent University, listed below for students comparing options by location.
Where Else to Study Engineering & Technology
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Universities Compared with Solent University
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