Clearing your way to a career-ready future

With a Triple Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, and National Student Survey results placing it among the best in Hampshire for student support and wellbeing, Solent’s approach to education is designed to prepare students for the future.

Courses are built to ensure those graduating from Solent are ‘career-ready’, with teaching that is practice-led from the very start. Students build technical skills through real client briefs, live projects and exciting placement opportunities.

Professor Cathy Barnes, pro vice-chancellor for research and academic strategy planning at Solent University, said: "Results day can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, and it doesn't always go the way students expect. Whether their results are different from what they hoped, their plans have changed, or they're still looking for the right course, our Clearing team is here to help them explore their options.

“Every year, we speak to students who find the right fit through Clearing and go on to thrive at Solent. Whatever brings someone to us on results day, they'll be met with expert support to help them take their next step with confidence."

BSc (Hons) Accountancy and Finance graduate Finn Andrews, who secured a placement with aerospace supplier Ontic and landed a graduate role on Boeing's rotational finance scheme, arrived at the University through Clearing after an open day changed his plans.

"Being at the open day really rewired my gears," he says. "I never really considered a non-Russell Group university. I got greeted personally, and it made me realise that at a bigger university I would be made more like a number. Here, I could feel like an individual. I sent my application as soon as I got home.

"I think the course is maybe 10% of the experience. Societies, being a student ambassador, that's such a good way of meeting people and building confidence and soft skills. I'm a completely different person to four years ago. Solent has outperformed everything."

Specialist facilities are built into a wide range of courses, allowing students to learn in environments that mirror professional practice. From TV and radio studios, a motion capture studio and virtual production stage to laboratories, workshops, a working Bloomberg trading room, a maritime simulation centre, a dedicated courtroom, and photography and recording studios, students gain experience using the tools, technologies and workflows used by employers.

The University works with many recognised organisations, giving students opportunities to gain hands-on experience and build valuable industry connections. Students can work with major festivals including Glastonbury, the Isle of Wight Festival and Boomtown; sporting organisations such as Southampton FC and Hampshire Cricket; broadcasters including the BBC, ITV and Sky Sports; and partners such as Carnival UK, the Royal Yachting Association and the NHS.

Home to Europe's leading turnaround cruise port and a diverse economy, Southampton spans industries from maritime to creative, and technology. Solent's strong links with employers, and city centre location, give students access to work experience and live industry briefs, alongside networking and guest talks from professionals in their field.

The city's busy calendar of music, sport and cultural events adds further chances to build connections and meet people working in their chosen industry.

As industries change and new technologies reshape the workplace, Solent's courses evolve with them. Courses are continuously updated to reflect employer needs, including the skills to understand and work alongside AI, so graduates are ready for an evolving job market. Careers support does not stop at graduation, with guidance and support available for as long as graduates need it.

Solent's Clearing fast pass guarantees applicants an offer before results day, along with a priority phone line to the Clearing team, a one-to-one chat with a current student, and a VIP tour at the Clearing open day.

Students who choose to live in Solent's Kimber or Chantry residences also benefit from a 20% accommodation discount. Those living in Solent’s residences will also receive £100 of IKEA vouchers, a full academic year of Gold Gym membership and a £150 campus dining voucher.

Clearing at Solent is open until Monday 19 October 2026. Students can speak directly to Solent's Clearing team on 023 8001 1722 or visit solent.ac.uk/clearing.