How we teach

At Southampton Solent University, we are committed to providing a dynamic and engaging learning experience that empowers our students to excel academically and professionally, once they have graduated. Our approach to teaching is centred around practice-led learning, ensuring that students gain real-world understanding and practical skills that are directly applicable to their future careers.

We understand that learning is an evolving process, and we embrace a diverse range of learning styles to help our students succeed. Solent’s Learning Design Framework (LDF) defines three types of learning that encompass preparation, exploration and practice and consolidation of learning, forming the foundation of our teaching offer. 

Prepare

Also known as directed learning, this type of learning is an asynchronous approach created and directed by our academic staff. It enables students to engage with the essential knowledge required to participate in active campus-based learning. This form of learning allows students to learn at their own pace, providing the foundational concepts, theories, and skills they need within both subject-specific and professional contexts. Directed Learning ensures that students are well-prepared and able to engage meaningfully in interactive and participative learning events.

Practice and explore

Also known as collaborative learning, it lies at the heart of our Learning Design Framework, encouraging active participation and exploration in a dynamic, real-world context. This is where learning comes to life. Collaborative learning focuses on creating opportunities for students to engage with teaching staff, industry experts, and peers. The approach includes flipped learning, co-creation, problem-based learning, and other interactive strategies.

Collaborative learning can take place in a variety of physical and virtual spaces, offering students the opportunity to learn with and from others, all while developing critical skills that are directly applicable to the industry.

Consolidate

Also known as guided learning, it is designed to consolidate knowledge gained through directed and collaborative learning. It provides students with the essential academic, professional, and personal skills necessary to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Through guided learning, students engage in activities that enhance their employability, self-efficacy, digital skills, and networking capabilities, as well as their academic and assessment literacy. These activities can be integrated within individual modules or offered through broader university support services. Guided learning enriches the student experience by providing the tools needed for future success, ensuring that our students are well-prepared for life after graduation.

Practice-led learning

Across all these learning types of the Learning Design Framework, practice-led learning is the core principle that drives us. We believe that the most effective education is one that integrates theoretical knowledge with real-world application. This approach ensures that students develop not only a deep understanding of their chosen discipline but also the practical skills that will allow them to excel in their careers.

Where possible, this means that we look to integrate placements, internships or other work experience throughout our courses. This will look different for each subject, but the end goal remains the same – providing students with an understanding of how their education will benefit them in the future.

We also lean on our excellent connections with industry, seeking to understand the skills that the workforce of tomorrow will need and providing our students with them as early in their journey as possible.

Our vision: striving to be the best practice-led university by 2035

At Solent, we are committed to becoming the country's best practice-led university in the United Kingdom by 2035. This means creating opportunities for all students, regardless of background, to thrive through the power of practice-led learning. By embracing this forward-thinking approach, we empower our students to gain the knowledge, confidence, and experience they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.

With a strong focus on real-world application, we ensure that our students leave with a degree that is more than just an academic qualification—it’s a pathway to a successful and rewarding career.