Two decades of work-ready, world-ready and future-ready.
In 2005, Solent was officially granted university status — a defining moment in our journey of transformation, ambition, and inclusion. Twenty years on, we're proud to reflect on how far we’ve come.
From our roots in art and maritime to becoming a dynamic, future-focused university, we’ve empowered thousands of students to launch careers, shape industries, and make their mark on the world.
With nearly 70,000 alumni from all walks of life, we're proud of what we've achieved and we're excited for the future.
Two decades of work-ready, world-ready and future-ready.
In 2005, Solent was officially granted university status — a defining moment in our journey of transformation, ambition, and inclusion. Twenty years on, we're proud to reflect on how far we’ve come.
From our roots in art and maritime to becoming a dynamic, future-focused university, we’ve empowered thousands of students to launch careers, shape industries, and make their mark on the world.
With nearly 70,000 alumni from all walks of life, we're proud of what we've achieved and we're excited for the future.
In the beginning...
In 2005, Southampton Institute proudly became Southampton Solent University, marking the beginning of a bold new chapter in our long and vibrant history.
But our story began long before that.
From a private school of art founded in 1856, through decades of innovation in navigation, maritime studies, and technology, we have always been a place that adapts, grows, and leads. We’ve trained shipbuilders during wartime, merged institutions to strengthen higher education, and expanded our campuses and facilities to reflect a commitment to student experience and opportunity.
Over the past 20 years, our status as a university has been defined by more than just a name. We’ve opened state-of-the-art buildings like The Spark, developed world-class maritime simulation centres, and been recognised with national awards—including triple Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework in 2023.
As we celebrate two decades as Southampton Solent University, we honour the ambition and resilience that got us here—and look forward to what’s still to come.
20 years, thousands of stories.
From our first cohort of university graduates to today’s global network of alumni, partners, and cutting-edge facilities, Solent has grown in every direction.Â
We're proud to be in the top 25% of UK universities for student satisfaction—a testament to our supportive community, inspiring teaching, and real-world learning approach. With 186 degree courses to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to specialise, explore a passion, or prepare for a career our diverse rang of courses can support anyone.
The forthcoming £13m Institute of Technology aims to meet the Solent region’s future workforce needs across maritime, engineering and digital technologies - connecting learners across the educational partners through innovative learning opportunities and an employer-led curriculum.Â
- Top 0 %for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025)
- 0Degree courses are offered at Solent
- £0mInvestment towards the Institute of Technology
Discover Solent
We are proud to embrace modern, practice-led learning that prepares students to thrive from day one in their chosen careers. Our state-of-the-art facilities reflect real-world environments, giving students the practical experience they need to succeed. Learning is supported by award-winning academics who bring industry insight and hands-on expertise to every course.Â
We're proud to be awarded TEF gold
We're rated gold for our overall student experience and outcomes. We offer state-of-the-art facilities, a vibrant campus life, and a supportive community to help our students thrive. Real-world learning opportunities are embedded in every course ensuring you’re ready for the workplace before you even graduate.
Find out more
Looking forward - Strategy 2035
We’re on a mission to become the UK’s leading practice-led university—open, collaborative, and rooted in our region with a global outlook.
Our students don’t just learn in classrooms—they gain hands-on experience through real-world projects, live industry briefs, and close collaboration with professionals and alumni. It’s learning that sparks ideas, solves problems, and builds careers.
Our research tackles real challenges too—practice-led, impact-focused, and driven by a desire to make a difference in communities, organisations, and wider society.
By working side-by-side with industry and embedding impact into everything we do, we’re preparing students to thrive and lead in a fast-changing world.
Read the strategy
