University of Southampton logo

University of Southampton

Southampton, UK · Ranking #12

The University of Southampton is a renowned public research university in the United Kingdom, recognised globally for its research excellence, innovation and world‑class academic programmes. A member of the prestigious Russell Group, Southampton combines rigorous theoretical teaching with strong practical and research‑led learning across sciences, engineering, medicine, business, humanities and social sciences. The university is noted for its leadership in engineering and technology, with high‑impact research in areas such as photonics, climate science, quantum technologies and health sciences. It has extensive industry partnerships, research institutes and collaboration networks with leading global universities, offering students opportunities to participate in innovative projects, internships and placements. The campus lies near Southampton’s maritime port and vibrant city life, providing a supportive environment for international students and a blend of academic, cultural and professional development experiences.

University of Southampton logo

University of Southampton

About the university

The University of Southampton is a renowned public research university in the United Kingdom, recognised globally for its research excellence, innovation and world‑class academic programmes. A member of the prestigious Russell Group, Southampton combines rigorous theoretical teaching with strong practical and research‑led learning across sciences, engineering, medicine, business, humanities and social sciences. The university is noted for its leadership in engineering and technology, with high‑impact research in areas such as photonics, climate science, quantum technologies and health sciences. It has extensive industry partnerships, research institutes and collaboration networks with leading global universities, offering students opportunities to participate in innovative projects, internships and placements. The campus lies near Southampton’s maritime port and vibrant city life, providing a supportive environment for international students and a blend of academic, cultural and professional development experiences.

Key information

  • Location: Southampton, UK
  • Ranking #12
  • QS #81
  • THE #117
  • US News #120
  • National ranking #16
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Medicine
  • Natural Sciences
  • Business & Management
  • Psychology
  • Physics

Programs (29)

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • International Relations
  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Environmental Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Education
  • Fine Arts
  • Music

Student body

  • Total students: 24,000
  • Undergraduate: 18,000
  • Graduate: 6,000
  • International students: 30%

Campus life

Campus life at the University of Southampton blends rigorous academic pursuits with vibrant student engagement. The university hosts a wide array of over 300 clubs, societies and activities covering academic interests, culture, sport and community outreach. The Students’ Union organises events, concerts, volunteering and leadership programmes that foster social connections and personal growth. Southampton’s harbour city setting adds a dynamic backdrop for social life, part‑time work, internships and cultural exploration, making student experience rich both inside and outside the classroom.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: £720 - £1,200 / per month

Housing options

  • On‑campus halls
  • Shared flats
  • Private student housing

Student clubs and organizations

  • Academic societies
  • Sports clubs
  • Arts & culture clubs
  • Volunteering groups

Sports

  • Football
  • Rugby
  • Basketball
  • Athletics

Career & internships

Employment rate: 91%

Partner companies

  • Microsoft
  • Google
  • Rolls‑Royce
  • NHS
  • BAE Systems
  • Deloitte
  • PwC

Internships: The University of Southampton places strong emphasis on employability by integrating internships, placements and industry partnerships into degree programmes. The Careers Service supports students with personalised counselling, employer networking events, recruitment fairs and workshops on CV and interview preparation. Many courses offer embedded placement years or summer internships with local and global companies in engineering, technology, healthcare, finance and business sectors. Southampton’s employer connections and global alumni network provide students opportunities to gain valuable real‑world experience and build professional portfolios before graduating.

Admission requirements

Required tests

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL

Required documents

  • High School Diploma
  • Academic Transcripts
  • English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • Personal Statement
  • Reference Letters

Minimum GPA: 3.3

Tuition costs

  • £23,000 - £32,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 60.00%
  • Scholarships available: The University of Southampton offers a broad range of scholarships and funding schemes to support both undergraduate and postgraduate students. These include merit‑based awards, international scholarships, faculty‑specific bursaries and doctoral research funding. International Excellence Scholarships and country‑specific awards can provide significant tuition fee reductions, and research students may be eligible for funded projects or studentships. Students should check eligibility criteria and deadlines on the official funding pages, as awards vary by programme and year.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1862
  • Teaching languages: English, english
  • Study formats: offline

Contact