Take a look at how we are already working with industry to enable business growth and development, while also impacting upon wider society.
Southampton Football Club
Official University Partner
Southampton Solent University and Southampton Football Club have a long history of working together, enabling student success and developing work-ready, world-ready, future-ready graduates. Located a stone’s throw away from St Mary’s Stadium, the home of the Saints, Southampton Solent is proud to be the Club’s official university partner.
In recent years, the relationship between the two institutions has grown significantly, with BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Therapy students at the forefront of hands-on learning within the elite sports environment. Extending beyond placements, the partnership has also seen Saints’ medical staff visit Solent’s East Park Terrace to address students.
The collaboration also stretches across Solent's creative courses. BA (Hons) Television Production students had the opportunity to shadow operations in the public address room at St Mary’s Stadium, offering a behind-the-scenes look at live sports broadcasting.
Our partnership with Southampton Solent University is our longest standing partnership, spanning more than ten years and running across numerous aspects of the club, from the Foundation to matchday media. The University has provided us with invaluable resources with students volunteering in a number of community projects, while also working on key research opportunities across the business. The partnership is built on true shared values and has evolved over the years to become a key pillar of support within our women’s team as we both look to increase the involvement of females within football and sport as a whole.
Communicare – Research Partnership
A Solent University academic was partnered with local charity Communicare, which works to eradicate loneliness, following the successful application for grant funding. The research, will be used to create a new way of evaluating Communicare’s output and impact, will be supported by an advisory group made up of 20 volunteers and service users. Additionally, two Solent students will be recruited as co-researchers, giving them the opportunity to gain experience in real-world research.
Utilita Bowl and Hampshire Cricket
Developing future coaching and training methods
The Utilita Bowl partners with Southampton Solent University to undertake research that will help develop the club’s coaching and training methods. Through funding a one-year Master's by Research (MRes), the Utilita Bowl can access University expertise and facilities to undertake the work.
Dutton Gregory
Law Clinic Partner
Solent University and Dutton Gregory Solicitors have partnered to establish the Solent Law Clinic. Launched in February 2025, the Clinic was set up to enhance accessibility to legal services while giving LLB (Hons) Law students the opportunity to gain client experience, supported by Dutton Gregory’s Head of Family, Jonathan Whettingsteel.
Client results have been hugely positive in Solent Law Clinic’s first quarter, with 100% satisfaction among service users. More than 70% of clients have also had their matter concluded, which highlights how additional services like these can relieve pressure on existing providers.
Bizz Buzz
Beyond the suit with Business South
In collaboration with Business South, we have created a podcast that draws on their little black book of top business leaders and the technical know-how of our talented staff and students. The podcast provides insight into those running major businesses and organisations across the Central South. It provides a chance to find out more about the person beyond the suit and hear about everything from their career route to what really makes them tick.
View the most recent episodes on YouTube or search ‘Bizz Buzz’ on all major streaming services.
The idea of working with the students came about as the result of conversation with Southampton Solent University’s Vice-Chancellor at one of our Directors Dinners. We have the contacts and know the business leaders who have interesting stories to tell, while the students have the technical expertise to record those conversations so we can share them with a wider audience.
Impact Boards
Made up of senior leaders from across industry and our civic communities, our impact boards play an active role in informing curriculum development, shaping student success and driving positive graduate outcomes. Take a look at the leaders helping inform our future.
