We’re excited to share our on-campus taster days, where your Year 12/13 and Level 3 students can explore our industry-ready courses, meet experienced professionals, and get hands-on in state-of-the-art facilities like our virtual production stage, nursing wards, TV studios, and music suites and our newly opened Institute of Technology. They’ll also hear from expert speakers, including our alumni.
Take a look at upcoming events below and get in touch by emailing tasterdays@solent.ac.uk if you would like more information or would like to book your students in to take part.Â
CGFX Day - FULLY BOOKEDÂ
5 November 2025, 10:00 - 14:30
Our annual CGFX Day is a great opportunity for your students to hear from people in the media and digital arts industries. We’re in our fourth year now and as always, we’ll have expert industry speakers from games, visual effects, animation, film, TV, visualisation and more to inspire your students and get them thinking about their future careers.
This year’s speakers are still being confirmed but previous speakers have included people from Airship Images, Blue Zoo, and Framestore so you can expect some very informative sessions!
Students will also have the chance to sign up for a tour of the excellent facilities at Solent and enter a competition to win prizes. Â
Solent Sound: A Unique Music Experience for Student Bands
Slots available 3 -7 November 2025
Do you have talented student bands eager to take their performance to the next level? Solent Sound offers an unforgettable opportunity for young musicians to rehearse, refine, and showcase their skills in a professional university setting.
Your students will spend time on campus at Solent University, rehearsing in our state-of-the-art music studios and gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge production and performance facilities. They’ll benefit from expert guidance and constructive feedback from industry professionals, giving them real-world insight to support their development.
The experience culminates in an exciting live Battle of the Bands competition at Easter, where student groups return to the stage to perform in front of a judging panel. Winners will be awarded prizes, and every band will leave with new confidence and experience of performing in a professional environment.
To make the experience even more valuable, the final performances are filmed by Solent’s Media Production students — providing bands with high-quality footage to use for their portfolios, college work, or future promotion.
Why bring your students?
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Access to professional-standard studios and facilities
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Expert coaching and feedback from industry specialists
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A chance to perform and compete on a university stage
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Portfolio-ready performance footage
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A memorable and inspiring campus experience
Creative Industries Staff CPD
Thursday 13 November 2025, 13:00 - 16:00
Join us for our FREE CPD & Networking EventÂ
We’re excited to invite school, FE and Sixth Form College tutors, lecturers and careers advisors to Southampton Solent University for an afternoon of hands-on creative workshops/professional training, and social time for networking.Â
What to expect:
Workshops (choose one): Photography, Visual Communication (Graphic Design/Illustration), Fashion Media, Houdini for games and CGI, Music – and more to be announced!
Networking & refreshments with Solent staff and colleagues from other schools/colleges.
The chance to explore creative degree pathways, get hands-on with our facilities, and gain fresh insights into careers in the cultural and creative industries.
Why attend?
Refresh your subject knowledge and try something new.
Learn more about how you can support students considering a future in the creative industries.
A great way to meet and connect with colleagues at other institutions who are teaching in similar areas, and share good practice and build contacts in a relaxed and social setting.
Who is this aimed at?
Tutors, lecturers and careers advisors with an interest in creative industries.
To book your free place, please complete this short form. For any questions, please contact Celine Scott at celine.scott@solent.ac.ukÂ
Social Inequalities Conference
27 November 2025, 09:30 - 14:30
Explore the issues shaping our world at the Social Inequalities Conference.
Join our Sociology and Criminology teams for a thought-provoking day on campus, where students will examine real-life case studies and uncover the factors that drive inequality in today’s society.
Through interactive sessions and guided debates, students will challenge assumptions, explore multiple viewpoints, and build their confidence in critical thinking and discussion.
This is an inspiring opportunity to experience university-level learning, meet our expert academics, and deepen understanding of social issues that matter.
Health and Sport Showcase
5 December 2025, 09:30 - 16:00
Our Sports Matters showcase is back for 2025 — and this year it’s all about change and innovation.
Join elite athletes, top coaches, and leading experts as they share how sport is evolving — from breakthroughs in performance and health, to fresh career opportunities in the industry.
You’ll hear inspiring stories of resilience and success, explore how innovation is shaping the future of sport, and discover practical steps you can take on your own journey.
Whether you see your future on the pitch, in coaching, or in the wider sports industry, Sports Matters will give you the insight, motivation, and connections to help you get there.
Business, Marketing and Accountancy Taster Day
11 December 2025, 09:30 - 14:45
Give your students a real taste of the business world at our hands-on taster day. With expert-led sessions in Accountancy and Finance or Business and Marketing, students will explore real-world challenges, develop practical skills, and discover where a degree in these dynamic fields could take them.
Accountancy and Finance Session
Beyond the Numbers: Be the Finance Team Behind the Acquisition
Step into the fast-paced world of corporate finance. In this interactive simulation, students become part of a finance team advising a company on a major acquisition.
Using real analytical tools – from ratio analysis to risk assessment – they’ll evaluate competing businesses and decide which offers the best return. The session reveals how financial data drives big business decisions, preparing students to think like professional analysts.
Highlights:
- Analyse real company data and make strategic investment decisions.
- Compete in teams to pitch recommendations and impress the ‘client’.
- Learn how analysts support growth, acquisitions, and investment strategy.
- Explore career paths in accountancy, banking, and corporate finance.
Business and Marketing Session
Take the Lead as a Social Entrepreneur
What does it take to build a business that makes a difference? In this practical challenge, students design a social enterprise tackling real-world issues — from sustainability to community impact — while keeping it financially viable.
Working in teams, they’ll move from concept to pitch, learning how creativity and strategy come together in modern business leadership.
Highlights:
- Develop a business plan that balances profit with purpose.
- Tackle real social or environmental challenges using enterprise tools.
- Gain insight into careers in business, management, and entrepreneurship.
- Experience Solent’s collaborative, industry-focused approach to learning.
Please note students will pick one of these sessions to attend throughout the day.Â
Creative Media Day
15 January 2026
Do you have students interested in Creative Media, but not sure of which pathway to choose? This day is perfect for them.
With sessions ranging from Pirate Podcasting, Screenwriting for Sci-Fi and Construction and Character Design, there will be something for everyone. Run by our industry professional, the day aims to provide students with active group working, and real work they can include in their professional portfolios.
They will be able to tour our facilities including our brand-new VP stage, newsrooms, film and media production suites and gaming rooms.
