At Southampton, things are done differently.
The University of Southampton is Russell Group excellence with a practical edge, united by curiosity, hope and purpose.
It is not just a collection of lecture theatres and labs, it is a community that brings individual experiences and perspectives together to inspire, innovate, and make brilliant breakthroughs that cause tangible change.
The University is here to challenge the status quo and blur the lines between ideas and impact. It tackles the world's most stubborn problems head on, by empowering its people to use their knowledge, creativity and talent.
The University makes science fiction fact; its researchers use laser light to diagnose and treat diseases.
They interpret the data, do the maths and anticipate the future, to secure the resources for the world's growing populations.
Its campuses span continents, and its identity does too – from England's south coast to Southeast Asia, the University is part of an inclusive community of global citizens that values imagination, creativity, and care.
University of Southampton.
Where changing minds, changes the world.
University of Southampton students on Postgraduate Search say:
''Lovely place.''
''The University of Southampton is a great place to study as far as the academic staff/expertise available, the facilities, and the community around research.''
''I'm super happy. Nothing really to complain about.''
Students can choose from several options for postgraduate study.
A taught postgraduate course is usually studies as 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, like a taught master's degree, but involve more independent research 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.
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:
State-of-the-art learning facilities include:
University of Southampton students on Postgraduate Search say:
''The facilities are good, I can carry out all of my research..''
''Great accommodation''
''Really great campus life, societies, and facilities.''
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.
Students applying for a taught or research programme of study at the University of Southampton will need to satisfy several 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 applying.
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.
There are many ways for students to consider funding their postgraduate study, from the government's master's degree 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 per cent tuition fee discount to all returning postgraduate students who completed their undergraduate studies at the university.
The fees that a student will pay for their postgraduate studies can vary according to a number of factors. These include the level of study which the student is completing, as well as the type of degree programme, and the students' home fee status.
Postgraduate tuition fee costs for 2026 entry can be found on Southampton's postgraduate taught website section, and general fee information is available via the fees and funding page.
Students at Southampton 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:
Students will find themselves learning alongside leaders in their fields who are working on trailblazing research programmes that is changing society. Southampton's postgraduate courses create superb opportunities to learn from the people making these discoveries and inspire the next generation of change makers.
Southampton is a hotbed of innovation. This includes the world's first practical optical fibre amplifier that makes the internet possible, using the immune system to kill cancer, and 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.
University of Southampton students on Postgraduate Search say:
''Supervisor is nice and really helpful.''
''The PhD is largely through self-selected workshops and contact with your supervisors. I've generally had a good experience with both.''
''Course is fun.''
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 most of their time as they focus on a subject in detail before writing a thesis on their findings.
The University of Southampton offers several 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 degree or PhD level will particularly be able to benefit from this flexibility.
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 per cent 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 per cent of students at the university were satisfied with the overall quality of their course according to the 2020 National Student Survey.
University of Southampton students on Postgraduate Search say:
''Good, contemporary facilities, amazing teaching staff and high-level lessons which are actually challenging (in a good way).''
''Very interactive.''
''Big library. Lots of workspaces.''
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.
University of Southampton students on Postgraduate Search say:
''It's fun to be with people my age, with the same goals in mind.''
''The weather is good!''
''People are super friendly.''
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.
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 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 can achieve their highest academic potential while developing themselves.
The support available can assist students with a range of problems or concerns, ranging from academic to financial, personal or cultural.
These include:
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 can assist with course-related queries as well as being the first point of contact for any personal issues.
University of Southampton students on Postgraduate Search say:
''Bursaries available for struggling students e.g. disabled, estranged, carers, etc.''
''I've had a very supportive environment here and benefit from my supervisory/colleague expertise.''
''The teachers are AMAZING, always going above and beyond for us, and have an EXCELLENT teaching standard.''
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.
University of Southampton students on Postgraduate Search say:
''Courses give you knowledge and skillsets for work, career, and far beyond.''
''The university had strong ties with industry leaders, providing ample opportunities for internships and job placements.''
''Interesting and related course content.''
