Based in the heart of the major port town of Southampton, Solent University, Southampton has its origins in a private school of art founded in 1856. Over the following century and a half, a technology college was formed that eventually merged with the art school to become the Southampton Institute. After gaining the power to award degrees in 2004, it changed its name the following year to Southampton Solent University. In 2018, following decades of growth in both facilities and student numbers, the decision was made to drop Southampton from its name to become simply Solent University. There are 11,000 students enrolled, with the vast majority undergraduates In 2020, it changed its name to Solent University, Southampton. Solent University, Southampton oversees the Warsash Maritime Academy, which is one of the world’s leading maritime education institutes. The other university campus can be found right in the city centre. In addition to the maritime faculty, the university is divided into the following faculties: the school of art, design and fashion, the school of business, law and communications, the school of media, arts and technology, and the school of sport, health and social sciences.

Solent University, which gained university status in July 2005, has a long and diverse educational history. Its roots can be traced back to a private School of Art founded in 1855, and subsequent mergers between Southampton College of Art, the College of Technology, and the College of Nautical Studies at Warsash shaped the institution known today as Solent University. The University is dedicated to creating opportunities for students, staff, and partners, offering unique expertise and experiences that open doors and foster meaningful connections. Focused on the practical side of higher education, Solent equips students with the experience, networks, and confidence to turn knowledge into impactful careers. Committed to supporting every student, the University aims to help individuals achieve their goals and make a lasting mark in their chosen fields.