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University of Southampton

Southampton, United Kingdom

  • Cost of Living£ 13,704
  • Tuition Fee From£ 4,000
  • Country Rank#21
  • Batch Strength22,000
  • Global Diversity18.7%
  • Gender Ratio48:52

Overview

About

The University of Southampton is a public research university based in Southampton, England.  The university initially was established as the Hartley Institution in the year 1862 by Henry Robinson Hartley. The institute now has 7 schools as part of the University of Southampton; Highfield Campus, Avenue Campus, Boldrewood Campus, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, Winchester School of Art, University Hospital Southampton, and the University of Southampton Malaysia. The university’s 59-acre campus is filled with amazing landmarks for students to indulge in. All of the campuses are connected by a bus system that helps faculty and student commute with ease. The city and the university of Southampton synergize well to enable a comfortable, friendly and safe environment. 

 

The university offers courses in undergraduate, graduate and doctoral research. The 7 different campuses have specialized labs and facilities to accommodate the student's academic needs.

 

Southampton’s support for students even after graduation has created a very strong alumni network that spans various fields. Close to 220,000 graduates are part of the network, with young and old alumni having an equal part to play. The university has events that engage with the alumni which results in networking, collaboration and ideas.

 

Ranking

The University of Southampton is renowned for its academic excellence and vibrant campus community, consistently achieving top global rankings. Offering a diverse range of courses across various fields, Southampton provides a world-class education environment for international students. In 2025, the university secured the 20th position among UK universities in The Complete University Guide, while also ranking 801st globally in the QS World University Rankings. The institution's standing improved notably in 2024, rising to 97th place globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and achieving 36th place in Europe. Additionally, Southampton ranked an impressive 20th in The Guardian University Guide for 2024. Looking back to 2023, the university showed consistent excellence, ranking 108th in the THE rankings, 78th in the QS World University Rankings, and 104th in the US News & World Report Global Universities ranking. These achievements across multiple ranking systems underscore Southampton's commitment to academic excellence and its growing prominence in both national and international higher education landscapes.

University of Southampton - QS Ranking 2025

In 2025, the University of Southampton ranked 801st globally in the QS World University Rankings, reflecting a decline from its position at 81st in 2024. The university had shown improvement from the previous year when it was ranked 78th globally. Southampton also saw a rise in its regional standing, moving to 36th place in Europe for 2024 after not being ranked in 2023. These rankings highlight Southampton's performance in global and regional education landscapes over recent years.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Europe

-

36

-

World University

78

81

801

 

University of Southampton - US News & World Report Ranking

According to the US News & World Report Global Universities Rankings 2023, the University of Southampton is ranked 104th globally in 2023, maintaining a stable position compared to 97th in both 2021 and 2022. This ranking highlights Southampton's consistent presence among top universities worldwide, reflecting its ongoing commitment to academic excellence and impactful research initiatives. The university's continued recognition in global rankings underscores its reputation as a leading institution for higher education and research opportunities.

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

Global Universities

97

97

104

 

University of Southampton - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking

In 2024, the University of Southampton improved its global standing to 97th in THE (Times Higher Education) World University Rankings, showing progress from 108th in 2023 and 124th in 2022. This upward trajectory reflects Southampton's commitment to enhancing its academic reputation and global impact in higher education.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

124

108

97

 

University of Southampton - The Guardian Ranking

The University of Southampton achieved a strong position of 20th in The Guardian University Guide in 2024, maintaining its high rank from 16th in 2023 and 17th in 2022. This consistent performance underscores Southampton's reputation for excellence in education and research across successive years.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

17

16

20

 

University of Southampton - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025

The University of Southampton secured the 20th position among UK universities in The Complete University Guide 2025, following its rankings of 17th in 2024 and 13th in 2023. This progression highlights Southampton's consistent standing as a top-tier institution in the UK higher education landscape over the past few years.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

UK University

13

17

20

 

Learn More About: University of Southampton’s Admission

 

University of Southampton - QS Ranking

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Accounting & Finance

101-150

101-150

-

Biological Sciences

151-200

101-150

-

Engineering and Technology

85

88

-

Global MBA

111-120

121-130

-

Law and Legal Studies

151-200

151-200

-

Masters in Business Analytics

71-80

81-90

-

Masters in Supply Chain Management

49

51+

-

Mathematics

151-200

151-200

-

Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering

51-100

51-100

-

Medicine

51-100

51-100

-

Nursing

5

6

-

Pharmacy and Pharmacology

151-200

151-200

-

Physics and Astronomy

51-100

51-100

-

Sociology

151-200

151-200

-

 

University of Southampton - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

Arts and Humanities

101-125

101-125

101-125

Clinical and Health

101-125

101-125

88

Engineering

101-125

101-125

101-125

Law

126-150

101-125

126-150

Life Sciences

126-150

126-150

126-150

PG Business and Economics

151-175

101-125

126-150

PG Computer Science

101-125

91

101-125

Psychology

101-125

101-125

101-125

 

University of Southampton - The Guardian Ranking

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Accounting and Finance

17

28

21

Business and Management

35

30

33

Civil Engineering

4

5

5

Economics

34

34

45

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

1

1

3

Law

25

26

18

Mechanical Engineering

14

3

12

Media and Film Studies

22

12

23

Medicine

27

28

30

Physics

23

26

24

Politics

27

33

23

Sociology and Social Policy

29

20

19

 

University of Southampton - The Complete University Guide Ranking

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Accounting and Finance

17

22

17

Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

5

4

3

Art and Design

18

22

34

Biological Sciences

19

23

30

Business and Management Studies UK

36

21

23

Chemical Engineering

-

-

4

Civil Engineering

6

7

5

Communication and Media Studies

14

11

11

Computer Science

20

11

9

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

6

5

5

Law

34

21

21

Mechanical Engineering

8

9

8

Medicine

32

27

30

Nursing

12

7

9

Physics and Astronomy

23

22

21

Psychology

26

17

20

Sociology

22

17

21

 

Course Rankings

 B.A.

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

63

55

47

The Guardian - Politics

52

51

31

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

-

28

26

The Complete University Guide - Art and Design

-

17

25

 

B.E. / B.Tech

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Civil Engineering

4

5

1

The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering

2

6

1

The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering

6

11

6

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

-

7

4

The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering

-

8

10

The Complete University Guide - Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

-

6

7

The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering

-

5

6

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

-

14

11

 

B.J.M.C.

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Media and Film Studies

5

3

12

The Complete University Guide - Communication and Media Studies

-

10

13

 

B.Sc.

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

-

24

26

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

-

28

26

The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy

-

13

16

The Guardian - Physics

6

13

13

 

BBA

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Business and Management

39

10

19

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

37

36

14

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

-

32

29

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

-

18

19

The Guardian - Economics

20

46

36

 

BSN

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Nursing

5

6

12

 

LL.B.

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Law

37

27

33

The Complete University Guide - Law

-

25

26

 

LL.M.

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Law and Legal Studies

201-250

151-200

151-200

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Law

201-300

201-300

201-300

THE (Times Higher Education) - Law

126-150

126-150

126-150

 

Learn More About: University of Southampton’s Courses

M.A.

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Sociology

-

101-150

101-150

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

151-200

101-150

101-150

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Sociology

76-100

76-100

51-75

THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities

-

126-150

101-125

 

MBA/PGDM

Ranked by

2022

2023

QS - Global MBA

111-120

121-130

 

MBBS

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Medicine

22

28

27

The Complete University Guide - Medicine

-

31

27

 

MFA

Ranked by

2019

QS - Performing Arts

51-100

 

MIM

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Accounting & Finance

201-250

201-250

151-200

QS - Masters in Business Analytics

-

51-60

51-60

QS - Masters in Supply Chain Management

-

-

40

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

176-200

151-175

151-175

 

MS

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

51-100

51-100

QS - Pharmacy and Pharmacology

-

151-200

151-200

QS - Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering

-

51-100

51-100

QS - Mathematics

-

151-200

151-200

QS - Biological Sciences

-

151-200

151-200

QS - Engineering and Technology

-

109

103

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics

301-400

301-400

-

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

101-150

76-100

76-100

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

-

101-125

126-150

THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering

-

75

76

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

-

101-125

101-125

 

MSN

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Nursing

-

5

5

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Nursing

10

11

11

 

Others PG

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Medicine

51-100

51-100

51-100

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

126-150

126-150

101-125

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

99

126-150

101-125

 

Accounting & Commerce

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Accounting & Finance

201-250

201-250

151-200

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

37

36

14

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

-

32

29

 

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing )

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Performing Arts

51-100

-

-

THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities

126-150

101-125

101-125

The Complete University Guide - Art and Design

-

17

25

 

Business & Management Studies

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Masters in Business Analytics

-

51-60

51-60

QS - Masters in Supply Chain Management

-

-

40

The Guardian - Business and Management

39

10

19

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

-

18

19

The Guardian - Economics

20

46

36

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

176-200

151-175

151-175

 

Engineering

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering

51-100

51-100

51-100

QS - Engineering and Technology

109

103

102

THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering

75

76

101-125

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

101-125

101-125

101-125

The Guardian - Civil Engineering

4

5

1

The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering

2

6

1

The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering

6

11

6

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

-

7

4

The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering

-

8

10

The Complete University Guide - Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

-

6

7

The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering

-

5

6

 

Humanities & Social Sciences

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Sociology

-

101-150

101-150

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

151-200

101-150

101-150

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Sociology

76-100

76-100

51-75

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

-

-

28

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

-

126-150

126-150

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

-

63

55

The Guardian - Politics

-

52

51

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

-

-

28

 

Law

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Law and Legal Studies

201-250

151-200

151-200

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Law

201-300

201-300

201-300

The Guardian - Law

37

27

33

THE (Times Higher Education) - Law

126-150

126-150

126-150

The Complete University Guide - Law

-

25

26

 

Mass Communication & Media

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Media and Film Studies

5

3

12

The Complete University Guide - Communication and Media Studies

-

10

13

 

Medicine & Health Sciences

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Pharmacy and Pharmacology

151-200

151-200

151-200

QS - Medicine

51-100

51-100

51-100

The Guardian - Medicine

22

28

27

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

99

126-150

101-125

The Complete University Guide - Medicine

-

31

27

 

Nursing

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Nursing

-

5

5

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Nursing

10

11

11

The Complete University Guide - Nursing

-

-

5

 

Science

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

51-100

51-100

QS - Mathematics

-

151-200

151-200

QS - Biological Sciences

-

151-200

151-200

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics

301-400

301-400

-

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

101-150

76-100

76-100

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

-

-

24

The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy

-

-

13

The Guardian - Physics

-

6

13

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

-

101-125

126-150

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

-

-

14

 

Aeronautical Engineering

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

6

7

5

 

Biology

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Biological Sciences

151-200

151-200

151-200

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

-

24

26

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

101-125

126-150

126-150

 

Business Analytics

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

QS - Masters in Business Analytics

51-60

51-60

71-80

 

Business Economics

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Economics

20

46

36

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

176-200

151-175

151-175

 

Chemical Engineering

Ranked by

2024

The Complete University Guide - Chemical Engineering

4

 

Civil Engineering

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Civil Engineering

4

5

1

The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering

-

5

6

 

Computer Science

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

14

11

20

 

Computer Science Engineering

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

101-125

101-125

101-125

 

Electrical Engineering

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

7

4

6

 

Electronics Engineering

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering

2

6

1

 

Mathematics

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Mathematics

-

151-200

151-200

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics

301-400

301-400

-

 

Mechanical Engineering

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering

51-100

51-100

51-100

The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering

6

11

6

The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering

-

8

10

 

Physics

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

51-100

51-100

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

101-150

76-100

76-100

The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy

-

-

13

The Guardian - Physics

-

6

13

 

Politics

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Politics

52

51

31

 

Supply Chain

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Masters in Supply Chain Management

40

49

51+

 

Accounting

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Accounting & Finance

201-250

201-250

151-200

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

37

36

14

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

-

32

29

 

Pharmacy

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Pharmacy and Pharmacology

151-200

151-200

151-200

 

Political Science

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

151-200

101-150

101-150

The Guardian - Politics

-

52

51

 

Psychology

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

-

28

26

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

126-150

126-150

101-125

 

Sociology

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Sociology

-

101-150

101-150

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Sociology

76-100

76-100

51-75

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

-

63

55

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

-

-

28

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2024

#80

#123

2023

#78

#104

2022

#77

#104

2021

#77

#97

Facilities

There is no shortage of great facilities at the University of Southampton, whether it is to stay healthy and fit or work on the next big innovation. Students receive state-of-the-art technology and world-class amenities at every facility. With the university being heavily focused on research, there is a multitude of laboratories curated for different studies located at various campuses. Since the university is divided into 7 schools of different disciplines each of the buildings is curated to house supporting facilities. Aside from them some of the University of Southampton facilities are -

 

  • Institute of Sound and Vibration Research is a facility committed to acoustic research.
  • The main library of the university the Hartley Library has a collection of 6 million books and an archive of rare books too.
  • The Nuffield Theatre is a grand venue with a seating capacity of 480 located on the Highfield campus.
  • The pain research lab as the name suggests is facilitated with equipment and technology to understand and analyze pain.
  • The university has Organic geochemistry laboratories that are used to study organic material.
  • There are nine residential halls for student accommodation on campus with gyms present in all of them.
  • The jubilee sports centre hosts the main sports events, apart from that there are dedicated venues for watersports and outdoor sports.

Notable Alumni

Adrian Tinniswood
Adrian Tinniswood
English writer and historian
Stephen Baxter
Stephen Baxter
Writer
Stuart Popham
Stuart Popham
British lawyer

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate of Plymouth University is 77% and prides itself on an inclusive and accessible environment for prospective students. This statistic reflects the institution's commitment to providing opportunities for a diverse range of individuals to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals.  Admissions are granted on the basis of GRE scores, interviews, LORs, etc.

 

 Entry Requirements

The University of Southampton has two main intakes which are in Summer and Fall and it is recommended that students apply before deadlines. The applications for undergraduate programmes are accepted through the UCAS portal while online submissions can be done for graduate applicants. There is an application fee of 28 GPB for undergraduate programs and 50 GPB for graduate programs. Below are the University of Southampton entry requirements for undergraduate and graduate programmes -

 

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

  • International Baccalaureate (Between 28-38 points)
  • HS Certificate (Minimum of 75%)
  • English proficiency tests with the exemption for those with 70% in English in CBSE and CICSE (Minimum scores varing per course TOEFL, IELTS)
  • Certificate to show completion of school
  • Letter of Recommendations
  • State of Purpose through UCAS
  • Resume/CV
  • Passport

 

Graduate Entry Requirements

  • Academic transcripts (Minimum 60% in preceding degree)
  • English proficiency tests based on the requirements of the course (TOEFL, IELTS)
  • Letter Of Recommendation
  • Publication list
  • GMAT/GRE (if applicable)
  • Sponsorship documents
  • Proof of financial funding
  • SOP or Personal essay
  • Research proposal (if applicable)
  • CV/Resume

 

English Language Requirements   

The scores in the table below represent the minimum proficiency required for admission to postgraduate and undergraduate programs at the University of Southampton. Applicants should ensure they meet or exceed these requirements to be considered for admission.

 

Level

English Proficiency Requirements

Postgraduate

IELTS: 6.5

TOEFL iBT: 92

Undergraduate

IELTS: 6.5

70% in Class XII English from CBSE or ICSE

 

Fees

The tuition fee at the University of Southampton encompassed an incredible education which is definitely a value for money. However, students must thoroughly check any scholarships that are offered by the university and even other places to take maximum benefit for a waiver fee. The fee varies as per the duration of the course and the course itself. Below is a list that shows the University of Southampton fees for some popular courses -

 

  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery [M.B.B.S] - 25,000 GPB/Yr
  • Bachelor of Engineering [B.Eng] Software Engineering - 25,000 GPB/Yr
  • Master of Science [M.S] Cyber Security - 28,000 GPB/Yr
  • Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] - 28,000 GPB/Yr

 

Placements

The university has strong tie-ups with employers from reputed industries. The alumni of the University of Southampton have secured positions at L’Oréal, The Walt Disney Company, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, etc to name a few. The University of Southampton placements offer dedicated support between students and prospective employers all throughout. The university also offers a year of training and workshops to improve a student’s career opportunities.

 

Scholarship

Given below are some of the scholarships offered at the University of Plymouth: 

 

Award

Eligibility

Award Details

Undergraduate International Student Scholarship

Receive 10% off the tuition fee for the successive year with an overall grade of 60%

Receive 20% off the tuition fee for the successive year with an overall grade of 70%

£2,000 GBP

International Academic Excellence Scholarship

Receive a 50% discount off the tuition fee for the successive year with an overall grade of 70. 

50% off tuition fee

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the university. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

 

Accommodation

There are several student accommodations in Southampton near University of Southampton that are fully equipped for your needs. Student accommodation near University Of Southampton offers a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from an array of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are inexpensive and fully furnished with 24/7 staff support.

Cost of Living

Since Southampton has a student population of 30,000 the places around have evolved to accommodate a student’s lifestyle, therefore most of the options will be budget-friendly and affordable. Southampton is a cost-efficient city and will suit a student’s lifestyle well. However, money management is key when dealing with finances. During their stay there students must consider factors such as accommodation, food, entertainment, clothing, transportation, and more as part of their cost of living in Southampton. The table below comprises a breakdown of the average monthly expenses of an overseas student in Southampton -
 

Particulars

Cost (Monthly)

Off-Campus Accommodation 

£ 516

On-Campus Accommodation

£ 620

Transportation

£ 60

Food Cost

£ 360

Entertainment

£ 40

Groceries

£ 96

Clothes

£ 70

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

£ 1,142

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

£ 1,246

Annual Cost of Living

£ 13,704

 

FAQs