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
What 20 years means to us
Hear from our staff about what Solent University means to them.
Our staff reflect on their 20 years of working at Solent, how the University has changed over the years, and how Solent has supported them through their own studies and career journey.
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
Collaborate with us
Home to world-class facilities, creative communities, and a future-ready business school, working with business has long been in our DNA at Solent.
From providing learning and training solutions that enable employee development, to co-creating new business solutions that help the business achieve its strategic aims, our team of business advisers are here to work with you in finding the right solution for you and your business.
Send us a collaboration enquiry
