Solent has been a university since July 2005, but it has a long and complex educational history. Incorporated as an independent higher education institution in 1989, the University's origins can be traced back to a private School of Art founded in 1856. Mergers between Southampton College of Art, the College of Technology and the College of Nautical Studies at Warsash laid the foundations for what is now Solent University. Since becoming a university, Solent has helped nearly fifty thousand students from all walks of life to make the most of their potential. Guided by three Vice-Chancellors in turn, the University has changed dramatically over the past ten years – from campus improvements to the latest state-of-the-art facilities.The university's origins can be traced back to a private School of Art founded in 1856, which eventually became the Southampton College of Art. Mergers with the Southampton College of Technology, and later the College of Nautical Studies at Warsash, led to the establishment of the Southampton Institute of Higher Education in 1984. Southampton Institute became a university on 12 July 2005, adopting the name Southampton Solent University on 15 August that year. Prior to this, Southampton Institute provided assistance to Nottingham Trent University in its provision of business-focused degrees, relating to accountancy, finance and professional ACCA qualifications; some Nottingham Trent University certificates included Southampton Institute/Solent University stamps to indicate this agreement. In 2005, Solent University was featured on an edition of BBC South's investigative programme Inside Out for rewarding grades for poor standards of work; independent experts questioned if those students were ready to study at the university if the courses were 'remedial'. In 2015, Solent University came to an agreement with New College of the Humanities, London, whereby it would validate some of their degrees. In November 2017, the Privy Council approved the change of name of Southampton Solent University to Solent University, with effect from 2018.Solent University has three primary locations: City, Warsash and Timsbury Lake. The City campus is in the centre of Southampton, on the east side of East Park. This campus broadly includes the Sir James Matthews building, which is situated on the far side of the park. Part of the Warsash School of Maritime Science and Engineering is on the eastern bank of the Hamble River overlooking Southampton Water, while Timsbury Lake is located in Timsbury.Solent University is a comprehensive university offering programmes across five academic faculties, including; Faculty of Business, Law and Digital Technologies, (which incorporating the Solent Business School and the Solent Law School); The Faculty of Creative Industries, Architecture and Engineering; Faculty of Sport, Health and Social Science, and Warsash Maritime School. Solent's maritime courses have been ranked among the best in the world. The University generally has a growing reputation, and have been climbing the major league tables year on year - most recently reaching 81st place in the Guardian League Table in 2019. The University also has strong links with local and regional businesses, professional bodies and industry groups, all with a focus on providing the best routes into the workforce (for example the British Computer Society, Creative Skillset and the PTC).OUR MISSION AND STRATEGYWe are dedicated to the pursuit of university education that enables learners from all backgrounds to become enterprising citizens and responsible leaders. We are committed to promoting economic and social prosperity for the communities we serve.Put simply - we want Solent graduates to be the passionate, creative professionals of the future, bringing expertise and energy into their communities and workplaces.All students here at Solent University have access to a range of specialist support services. Whether you are having financial difficulty, need additional help with academic skills or want advice on setting up your own business - you'll find that help is always on hand.Solent University and Solent Students’ Union have worked together on the Student Protect Plan, approved by the Office for Students (OfS). The plan outlines how our students are protected should there be any risks to the continuation of study or any changes made to courses and how students will be informed. Most of our specialist support services are based around the Student Hub, a central space where you can access all of the information and support you may need during your time at University. The Student Hub is the first point of contact if you have any queries relating to your course, including questions about your timetable, options, and assessments and extenuating circumstances.
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Solent University, Southampton has offered students looking to progress into careers in business, the perfect opportunity to gain an insight into the skills employers are looking for now and in the future.
Read more →Solent University, is opening its doors to local community organisations and social work professionals who might benefit from its Student Social Work Research Conference.
Read more →Over the last 18 months, we have worked very hard to adapt our campuses and our teaching and support services in order to secure your health and safety while making sure you have the best possible experience studying with us.
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