Creative Industries at Solent Soar in National Rankings

The University’s newly formed School of Creative Industries is celebrating a host of standout performances, with multiple subject areas earning top 10 rankings in the Guardian University Guide 2026.

Film and Photography – which in the Guardian’s list includes BA (Hons) Animation, Film Production, Fashion Photography, Postproduction, and Television Production at Solent – ranked 9th out of 70 institutions nationwide.

With real-world learning embedded within the curriculum, it's no surprise that Film & Photography also placed in the top 10 for career prospects. This year, students had numerous opportunities to work with industry professionals on major events and high-profile projects. From working at live sporting events and gaining their first broadcast credits on ITV, to contributing to a major Netflix documentary about The Krays, students are continuously developing the skills and experience to transition into professional roles.

Journalism made headlines too, with BA (Hons) Sports Journalism scoring a spot in the UK top 10 and placing in the top five for career prospects—proving that Solent journalism graduates are making their mark in the media industry.

Not to be upstaged, BA (Hons) Acting and Performance entered the UK top five for both teaching satisfaction and assessment satisfaction in the Dance & Drama category. Students on Solent’s performance courses consistently report high satisfaction, thanks to a personalised approach to learning, with opportunities tailored to individual passions and ambitions.

Meanwhile, Solent’s Fashion & Textile courses – which in the Guardian’s rankings include BA (Hons) Fashion Design, Fashion Photography and Image Production, Fashion Styling and Creative Direction, Graphic Design, Interior Design Decoration, Illustration, and Interior Design – secured a top 10 spot for career prospects, reinforcing Solent’s growing reputation for producing future-ready graduates.

Allan Taylor, Interim Dean of the School of Creative Industries at Solent, says, “These outstanding results are result of the hard work and creativity of both our students and staff. We pride ourselves on delivering industry-relevant courses that prepare our graduates for meaningful careers. To see this reflected in the national rankings is incredibly rewarding for everyone involved.”

This subject-level success comes as Solent was also named among the top ten highest risers in the Guardian University Guide 2026, achieving its highest-ever national ranking at 58.

Other factors contributing to Solent’s impressive rise include strong performances in satisfaction with teaching and assessment, building on the University’s achievement of a prestigious TEF Gold award in 2023.

The University also performed strongly in the 2025 National Student Survey (NSS), where it was ranked best in Hampshire for Learning Opportunities, Teaching on My Course, Assessment and Feedback, and Academic Support.

As Solent marks the 20th anniversary of gaining university status, this latest recognition reinforces its growing reputation as a centre of excellence for applied, career-focused higher education.