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University of Southampton

University of Southampton

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University of Southampton
University of Southampton
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Key stats

Postgraduate student body breakdown
Source: HESA, 2021

  • Study mode: This university
    17%
    Part Time
    83%
    Full Time
  • Study mode: All universities (avg)
    44%
    Part Time
    56%
    Full Time
  • Student nationality
    39%
    UK
    61%
    International
  • Study level
    14,775
    Undergraduate
    7,975
    Postgraduate
  • New students
    60%
    School leavers
    40%
    Mature students
  • 14 th/ 129

    Source: Complete University Guide 2025

    CUG research quality ranking

Overview

The University of Southampton boasts a rich legacy of excellence in education, combining over a century of heritage and tradition with innovative modern teaching that prioritises the success of its students. Southampton is a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-focused UK universities, and today ranks within the top 17 institutions in the country, according to the 2024 Complete University Guide league table.

With seven campuses situated in Southampton and Winchester, and an additional one in Malaysia, Southampton has wide domestic and global influence.

92% of its research work and outputs are evaluated as “world leading” or “internationally excellent” in the most recent Research Excellence Framework in 2021.

Postgraduate

Students can choose from several options for postgraduate study. 

A taught postgraduate course is usually in the form of a master’s degree, which could be delivered as an MA or an MSc. It typically runs for 12 months, and students will go to classes during the first two terms before finishing the year by completing a dissertation or piece of research. 

Students can also study a postgraduate certificate or a postgraduate diploma. 

It is also possible to complete an MRes, a research master’s degree. These are typically 12-month courses, similar to a taught master’s, but involve more independent research time and less time spent in the classroom.  

Students are also able to complete other postgraduate research degrees including MPhils and PhDs. These programmes are comprised of thorough, detailed research projects which are supervised by academic staff. These courses give students the chance to investigate a particular topic or area of specialism, and produce a final thesis which forms a meaningful and original addition to the student’s field of research.

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Course and lecturers

Course and lecturers

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Students have a wide choice of postgraduate opportunities, from master’s degrees to PhDs. 

Students can choose from over 200 taught courses and 240 research courses for their studies at postgraduate level, ranging from across business and science, to engineering and art. The university’s courses are offered through the following faculties: 

  • Arts and Humanities 
  • Engineering and Physical Sciences 
  • Environmental and Life Sciences 
  • Medicine 
  • Social Sciences 

Students will be learning alongside leaders in their fields who are working on trailblazing research programmes. Students will find themselves learning about research that is changing the world and society – and learn from the people making these discoveries. 

Southampton invented the world’s first practical optical fibre amplifier that makes the internet possible, is harnessing the immune system to kill cancer, and is conserving the world’s corals. There are many opportunities to gain hands-on experience and complete work experience as part of many of Southampton’s programmes. 

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Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Students applying for a taught or research programme of study at the University of Southampton will need to satisfy a number of entry requirements to ensure that they will be accepted on to their chosen course. 

These entry requirements vary according to the course of study chosen, the type of degree, and the point of origin of the applicant. 

As entry requirements can vary for each course, students are recommended to check the University of Southampton’s taught and research programme pages for full details of course-specific entry requirements, as well as any key dates and deadlines, before submitting an application. 

Postgraduate programmes at the University of Southampton are taught in English, and therefore overseas students may be required to fulfil a minimum standard of English language or residency related requirements before being accepted on to a course of study. 

The university accepts a variety of language assessment systems, and prospective students can find further details online. 

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Academic strengths

Academic strengths

Global impact 

From making the internet possible to using the immune system to kill cancer, or tackling gender inequality in the film industry, the University of Southampton’s research changes the way the world and society works, and its postgraduate students contribute to this life-changing research. 

Interdisciplinary research 

The university brings together expertise from different subject areas to broaden research opportunities and address important global issues. In fact, Southampton has been placed in the top 10 % of all universities in the UK and 4th amongst Russell Group universities for the impact of its research, according to the Research Excellence Framework 2021.   

Quality of teaching 

Six of the university’s teaching staff have been made National Teaching Fellows since 2017. The university’s staff provide a supporting environment for learning and help students to achieve their academic goals. 

Southampton is ranked 17th overall in the UK according to the Complete University Guide 2024 and in total has 14 subject areas that score in the top ten according to the league table. 

Over 84 % of students at the university were satisfied with the overall quality of their course according to the 2020 National Student Survey. 

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Job prospects

Job prospects

The University of Southampton is a respected member of the Russell Group, and holds a global reputation for excellence which gives its graduates significant desirability when entering the employment market. Graduates with postgraduate degrees from Southampton are well-equipped to succeed in a variety of career roles, thanks to the skills and knowledge they build at the university. 

The careers and employability department plays a crucial role in helping students navigate the recruitment process, offering assistance in crafting CVs and cover letters, conducting skills workshops, and providing one-on-one advice during drop-in sessions to address specific career inquiries and goals. 

Moreover, the university extends valuable business support services to its students, ensuring that dedicated staff members are readily available to assist those with high professional aspirations. Through its business incubators and Science Park facilities, Southampton has supported the establishment of numerous startup companies, creating opportunities for students to take the first steps into building a business, while benefitting from the resources of the university. 

 

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Academic strengths
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Student life

Student life

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The students' union at Southampton is one of the largest in the UK and is completely independent from the university. 

It is run by students for students, and is made up of a team of elected student sabbatical officers, as well as student leaders and student officers, who have been elected to help ensure the smooth running of the SU and to represent the voice of their fellow pupils. 

The University of Southampton offers over 350 clubs and societies for students to get involved with during their time learning. 

These societies cover a wide range of activities and interests, so students are sure to find their perfect group. For those who want to create something new, the university’s students’ union is there to support them in creating a brand-new society for like-minded people. 

Depending on their course, postgraduate students could study in either Southampton or Winchester. 

Each of these cities are inclusive and student-friendly, with plenty of green spaces, culture, history, and entertainment. They are among the safest in the UK and are conveniently connected to the rest of Europe. 

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Accommodation & facilities

Accommodation & facilities

Accommodation

The university offers a wide range of accommodation that caters for all budgets and needs. 

There is a specific postgraduate-only building, City Gateway, which offers facilities including a common room and a launderette, while at the base of the building there is a privately-owned gym, a convenience store and a doctor's surgery. Rooms available in the flat include an en-suite room, a small self-contained flat with a private kitchen and bathroom, and rooms with more than one bed for couples and families.  

Up-to-date information on accommodation and fees, is available on the university website. 

Facilities

The university offers a host of learning and leisure facilities, with each campus supporting a unique blend of amenities to suit its student community. 

Leisure facilities include: 

  • A cinema room 

  • Coffee shops and bars 

  • State-of-the-art gym complete with a swimming pool, exercise machines and running tracks 

State-of-the-art learning facilities include: 

  • Financial Laboratory (FinLab) 
  • 120m Cleanroom Complex Mechanical workshop 
  • 138m towing tank 
  • Biofilm laboratories 
  • Law mooting room 
  • Music studios and rehearsal rooms 
  • Flight simulator and a wind tunnel 
  • Research vessels 
  • Over ten specialist libraries 
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Student life
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Student support

Student support

The University of Southampton is an incredibly welcoming and supportive place to be. The university offers help and support services designed to make sure that students benefit from an enjoyable experience during their time there, and are able to achieve their highest academic potential while developing themselves personally. 

The support available can assist students with a range of problems or concerns, ranging from academic to financial, personal or cultural. 

These include: 

  • Confidential counselling service and specific mental health support 
  • Money advice 
  • Information on finding housing 
  • Dedicated support for disabled students and pupils with additional learning needs 
  • An international centre to support overseas and exchange pupils 

The university can also help students find a local doctor, dentist and hospital when they begin their course.  

Postgraduate students benefit from being assigned a personal academic tutor upon enrolment, who is typically a member of staff within the student’s department of study and offers one-to-one support and guidance throughout the duration of the course. They are able to assist with course-related queries as well as being the first point of contact for any personal issues. 

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Scholarships/Bursaries

Scholarships/Bursaries

There are many ways for students to consider funding their postgraduate study, from the government’s master’s and doctoral loans through to scholarship and bursaries. 

The University of Southampton offers a wide range of postgraduate scholarships and bursaries, which are awarded by individual academic units. Prospective applicants can contact the postgraduate admissions tutor in the relevant academic unit to find out more. 

The university also offers a 10 % tuition fee discount to all returning postgraduate students who completed their undergraduate studies at the university. 

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Study options

Study options

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Many of the taught courses offered by the university provide students the chance to gain industry experience through undertaking an internship, as well as working on live briefs with real-life businesses. 

Great care is taken to ensure that all the taught programmes offered are valuable, relevant, and building on the forefront of their respective fields.

The university offers postgraduate research degrees including MPhils and PhDs, as well as specialist courses such as the Doctor of Medicine (DM) and the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). 

During their time learning, students will use cutting-edge subject-specific facilities while working independently for the majority of their time as they focus on a subject in detail before writing a thesis on their findings.

The University of Southampton offers a number of courses which are possible to complete via distance learning. This enables students from anywhere in the world to complete entire courses from the comfort of their homes. The qualifications earned via distance learning are equivalent to face-to-face learning, and will stand students in equal stead when it comes to having a valued Southampton qualification on their CV. 

The university has placed a particular focus on developing a framework for distance learning at a postgraduate level, meaning students at a master’s or PhD level will particularly be able to benefit from this flexibility. 

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Virtual events & open days

Next open day 4th Dec 2024 Postgraduate open day BOOK EVENT
Can't make this one? VIEW ALL EVENTS AT THIS UNI