LIT TLE BOOK O F B I G FA C T S
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I came here and instantly fell in love with the place
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ABOUT SOUTHAMPTON SOLENT UNIVERSIT Y Home to a diverse student community studying everything from HNDs to PhDs, Southampton Solent University is dedicated to enabling learners of all backgrounds to become enterprising citizens and responsible leaders.
• Rated five stars for teaching and inclusivity in the QS World University Rankings • Winner of the Times Higher Education ‘Most Improved Student Experience’ Award 2015 • One of the world’s leading maritime training academies Solent applies passion and innovative practice to all its courses. Spanning business and law, the creative industries, engineering and technology, maritime, media, health, sport and tourism, those courses deliver a practical blend of career-focused tuition and real-world experience – giving our students the tools they need to shape their own success.
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Highly rated for teaching, inclusivity, facilities and student employability.*
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OUR HISTORY, OUR FUTURE It’s been twelve years since Southampton Solent received university status, but the various institutions which make up the modern University have a history of educational excellence stretching back 160 years.
Since becoming a university in 2005, Solent has helped over 50,000 students from all walks of life to make the most of their potential… and we continue to develop both our courses and our facilities to ensure Solent delivers an exceptional student experience. Our stunning new Spark building, which opened in 2016, has played host to a range of events, from degree shows to fashion shows and conferences – bringing genuine ‘wow’ factor to the campus. And the Spark is only part of a £100 million estate development plan to be delivered by 2020. We’re already developing plans for a fantastic new sports building to sit alongside the Spark, providing dedicated, ultra-modern sports and sport science facilities. *QS World University Rankings, 2017
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The University has clearly listened to their students’ voice and made positive changes that have had an immediate and lasting impact.
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Marcella Collins, Managing Director UK for Hotcourses
AN EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE The annual QS World University Rankings highlight over 900 of the top universities in the world, and in 2017 Solent made its feature debut in the rankings. The QS rankings consider over 50 different indicators and universities are scored from one to five stars, both overall and in eight main categories. As well as securing a respectable three stars overall, Solent scored the maximum five stars for both teaching and inclusivity, and four stars for facilities and employability. Southampton Solent University also climbed 11 places in Whatuni’s Student Choice Awards 2017 – an annual celebration of student satisfaction based on reviews by 27,000 students across 12 categories. Building on our 2015 Times Higher Education Most Improved Student Experience Award, Solent’s latest performance shows we truly put students at the heart of everything we do. 7
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Southampton has been a great city to live and study in. There is always something going on and somewhere new to go.
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Rebecca Burt, LLB (Hons) alumna
AT THE HEART OF THE CIT Y A vibrant and modern city, Southampton has something to offer everyone – and Solent University is right at the centre of it. We have strong ties with local government, businesses, organisations and residents across the city, and Solent is heavily involved in the economic, social and cultural development of the region. We also play an active role in key city celebrations and festivals, working alongside our community partners every year to host cultural exhibitions, public speakers and sporting events. This strong engagement with the city’s history and culture is embodied by our Solent Showcase gallery, which brings modern and innovative art to the centre of Southampton – free for anyone to appreciate.
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Southampton Solent was ranked 21st in the top 25 in the sector for level of revenue, with ÂŁ8.9 million of income from CPD in 2015/16.* 10
THE SOLENT COMMUNIT Y Solent University is a diverse, friendly and inclusive university, with a strong focus on the student experience. Our campus community is made up of close to 12,800 staff and students, and every year we’re joined by around ten thousand additional students on short professional courses. Together with our active Students’ Union, we work hard to ensure all our students receive the support and opportunities they need.
Each year we spend £1,255 per student on books, journals, computer hardware and software, and a further £694 per student on sports, health, counselling, enterprise and employability. ** Teaching, academic support, learning resources, personal development, and overall satisfaction were all rated 4/5 for student satisfaction in the 2016 National Student Survey. *Source: Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) Survey, 2015/16 ** Complete University Guide 2018
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STRONG INTERNATIONAL TIES With 15% of Solent’s student population coming from overseas – from over 100 countries across six continents – we value the diversity of our international community. We’re keen both to maintain and develop our existing international relationships, and to explore exciting new opportunities.
We currently have partnership arrangements with around 50 international institutions worldwide, and our 56 Erasmus agreements enable students and staff to experience learning and culture in other parts of Europe. We have four bilateral exchange agreements in Canada and one in Switzerland, further increasing Solent’s international reach. Industry-focused training, innovative programmes of study and partnerships with international industry are also helping raise Solent’s profile in the global marketplace – and the University has ambitious plans to strengthen its global ties through partnerships in China and the far east.
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As an island nation we are absolutely dependent on shipping. It is the lifeblood of the UK’s economy and responsible for 95% of all imports and exports, yet many people know less about the industry today than they did fifty years ago.
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Dr Kate Pike, Senior Research Fellow (Marine and Environment)
APPLIED RESEARCH Research is a key focus in Solent’s long-term strategic plan. The 2014 Research Excellence Framework recognised Solent for ‘world-leading’ work within communication, cultural and media studies, and art and design – as well as for ‘internationally excellent’ work in engineering and sport and exercise science. Solent researchers have led on topics such as gender imbalance among seafarers, fitness in an ageing community, and the built environment. Our Lawrie McMenemy Centre for Football Research is one of the country’s leading research and consultancy centres, consulted by the FA Chairman’s Commission and contributing research and recommendations which have changed Premier League rules. Through consultancies such as Solent Acoustics, and knowledge transfer partnerships with companies in sectors as diverse as childcare, maritime, online media and transport, we have unlocked the University’s expertise and contributed to innovation of regional, national and international significance. 15
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FIRST-CLASS FACILITIES With today’s fast-changing professional technology, our facilities are a major attraction for prospective students – and increasingly for external business and other clients looking to make use of the very best technology. Recent investment includes our innovative new teaching building, the Spark, while our state-of-the-art media academy offers three multi-camera HD TV studios, postproduction and animation suites, a dedicated newsroom and access to 1.9 million pounds’ worth of loanable equipment. Meanwhile our fully equipped outside broadcast vehicle takes students to world-renowned festivals like Glastonbury every year. In sport science, advanced laboratories spanning physiology, biomechanics, psychology, health and exercise are fundamental to teaching and research. These £1.3 million facilities are also used by athletes and clubs, including Team GB wheelchair rugby and Southampton Football Club – and our planned new sports building will add even more value for students and partners. 17
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Solent University has a reputation for understanding business and what it needs.
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Jimmy Chestnut, Chamber of Commerce
ENABLING BUSINESS AND INNOVATION Offering talent, training and support to business, the University is a key contributor to the local economy. Knowledge transfer partnerships, applied research and creative services like Solent Creatives, our unique student talent agency, help our business partners get access to fresh ideas and the latest innovations. We’ve forged over 1,000 local and regional partnerships with businesses and other organisations – which all helps keep our courses current and provide students with great opportunities for placements and graduate employment. For our partners, these collaborations are a chance to identify promising students and help steer their professional development. Southampton Solent is also now a registered apprenticeship training provider, offering a range of higher and degree apprenticeships in line with the government’s new focus on apprenticeships. These innovative, highly-tailored courses offer businesses an incredible opportunity to incentivise and upskill both new and existing staff through recognised and transferable qualifications. 19
110 graduate start-ups were created through the University in 2015/16, ranking it within the top 10 in the sector for the creation of graduate start-ups.* 20
* Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) Survey, 2015/16.
ENHANCING EMPLOYABILIT Y By continuing to closely integrate theory and practice, Solent produces self-confident and highly employable graduates who have maximised their professional potential. For the last two years Solent has gone from the top 25 to the top 10 in the sector for the creation of graduate start-ups*, and since becoming a university Solent has supported over 500 student and graduates to establish their own businesses.
Solent has a reputation for the quality of its practical teaching, its industry engagement and the employability of its graduates. In 2016, 90.7% of our graduates were in work or further study six months after finishing their course**. We continue to enjoy a solid academic record, receiving a number of independent external endorsements such as scoring highly in the QS review for teaching, facilities and employability, while the most recent Complete Universities Guide quoted Solent’s better-than-average staff-to-student ratio***. ** DLHE 2016 (HESA employment indicator) *** Complete Universities Guide 2018
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A CENTRE OF CREATIVE ARTS Our unique and diverse portfolio of creative media courses – from advertising and journalism to TV production, outside broadcasting, media technology, computer games, sound, special effects and animation – reflects the demands of a vibrant and ever-changing media industry and equips students with the skills they will need for working in the industry.
Solent was voted one of the UK’s most creative universities in the Which? University 2013 and 2014 student polls, and identified as a beacon of good practice in a report by the RSA on creativity in higher education institutions. Solent student work has gone on display at a huge range of creative industry shows, and we count a number of YCN, DNAD and other award-winners among our creative graduates.
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Unique in the UK, our Timsbury Lake ship-handling centre uses accurately scaled ship models to simulate the handing of actual vessels.
WORLD-LEADING MARITIME As one of the UK’s largest port cities, Southampton is at the heart of the global maritime industry. Strong ties with the city’s shipping and cruise industries have allowed us to build on that rich heritage, positioning Solent University as a global leader in maritime education and training through its Warsash Maritime Academy. For nearly 70 years we have provided a first-class service to the shipping, yachting and energy industries, while our superyacht academy provides premier professionals for the global superyacht sector. Our course tutors are all active or former maritime professionals, while state-of-the-art bridge and engine room simulators, alongside our purpose-built fire school, radio communications hub and seamanship centre, allow us to provide the exceptional hands-on training the maritime industry needs.
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In 2016/17 Solent’s High Performance Academy supported the development of 25 national- and internationallevel student athletes. 26
SPORT AND SPORT SCIENCE The University is a leading provider of sport education, highly ranked in the UK for health, exercise and sport science degrees, while our recognised expertise and cutting-edge facilities have led to consultancy and research partnerships with national, international and Olympic sports organisations.
Our sporting arm provides coaching and sporting expertise to schools, colleges and community groups across the region, and projects like the coaching innovation programme give our students real practical experience in the community. Meanwhile our sport science students have the opportunity to develop hands-on experience with elite athletes, and we’re recognised as a leader in football-related academic study. Our status in this field has led to Solent academics being invited to share their knowledge in Brazil ahead of the 2014 World Cup, and conducting research that impacts the Premier League. 27
OVERVIEW Mode of study
Headcount
%
Full-time equivalent
Full-time
8,943
79
8,713
Part-time
1,724
15
715
Sandwich
619
6
619
CPD/short courses
Over 117,000 days’ tuition, with more than 10,000 students per year
Student status
Headcount
%
Full-time equivalent
UK
9,577
85
8,544
EU
1,031
9
921
Non-EU
678
6
582
Level of study
Headcount
%
Full-time equivalent
First degree
9,239
82
8,876
Other undergraduate
1,644
14.5
930
Postgraduate (taught)
334
3
197
Postgraduate (research)
69
0.5
44
Source: SSU’s student body based on HESA data for the academic year 2015/16.
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STUDENT PROFILE Gender 60% Male
Age
40% Female
9% 30 and over 68% 20 or under
7% 25-29 16% 21-24
Disability UK domiciled only 87% No disability
Ethnicity UK domiciled only 81.2% White
13% Known disability
4.5% Asian 8.4% Black 0.4% Chinese 4.0% Mixed ethnic background 1.0% Other ethnic background 0.4% Information refused 0.1% Not known
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SCHOOLS School
Headcount
%
Full-time equivalent
Art, Design and Fashion
1,966
17
1,787
Business, Law and Communications
3,222
29
2,678
Maritime Science and Engineering
2,503
13
2,431
Media Arts and Technology
2,137
22
1,991
Sport, Health and Social Sciences
3,222
19
2,678
Total number of students by headcount: 11,286 Total number of students by FTE: 10,047
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SOURCES OF INCOME Source
£000
Funding council grants
9,686
Academic fees and support grants Research grants and contracts Other operating income Endowment and investment income Total
92,393 272 17,251 224 119,826
The University delivered the fifth highest number of CPD/CE learner days (117,407) in the HE sector and was ranked in the top 25 in the sector for level of revenue, with £8.9 million of income from CPD in 2015/16.
Source: SSU’s Financial Statement 2015/16.
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SOLENT SUCCESS Research Excellence Framework (REF) In the latest review, the University received a rating of ‘world-leading’ work within its submissions in communication, cultural and media studies and art and design, as well as recognition for ‘internationally excellent’ work in engineering and sport and exercise science. SSU had 19% of its research awarded the highest quality rating of 4* or 3* – a good foundation for the University’s new strategic commitment to research and innovation. Source: REF 2014
Employment In 2016, 90.7% of our graduates were in work or further study six months after finishing their course. Source: DLHE 2016 (HESA employment indicator)
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Graduate start-ups 110 graduate start-ups were created through the University in 2015/16, ranking it within the top 10 in the sector for the creation of graduate start-ups. Source: Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) Survey, 2015/16
Student satisfaction Overall satisfaction at SSU is at 81%. Teaching, academic support, learning resources, personal development, and overall satisfaction were all rated 4/5 for the level of satisfaction by the University’s students. Source: NSS 2016
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RECENT AWARDS In 2017 Solent made its feature debut in the annual QS World University Rankings, scoring three stars overall. The University also received the maximum five stars for both teaching and inclusivity, and four stars for our facilities and employability. Southampton Solent University climbed 11 places in Whatuni’s Student Choice Awards 2017, a student satisfaction award based on reviews by 27,000 students across 12 categories. Winner of the Most Improved Student Experience Award, 2015 Times Higher Education Awards. Named as one of the world’s top 100 fashion schools in the 2016 and 2017 surveys of former students, fashion houses and industry professionals by CEO World magazine. The University was shortlisted in 2015 (and reaccredited in 2016 and 2017) for the BUPA Employee Wellbeing Award in Business in the Community’s Responsible Business Awards, for Solent Health – a health improvement unit using an evidence-based programme aimed at helping the University community to improve their health and 34
wellbeing. Solent Health has also won the ukactive and Matrix Flame ‘Active Workplace’ award three years running, in 2014, 2015 and 2016, and is again a finalist for the 2017 award. The School of Business, Law and Communications has been awarded ‘Gold Approval’ by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), as well as the Small Business Charter Award, which is supported by the Association of Business Schools and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. The University is one of only three UK universities identified as beacons of good practice in creativity in a report by the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) on creativity in higher education institutions. Source: Royal Society of Arts
The University achieved the EcoCampus Gold Award in 2016, in recognition of its work to minimise environmental impact, embed sustainability into everyday activities and take responsibility for promoting environmental management. Source: EcoCampus Gold Award 2016 35
Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire SO14 0YN T. +44 (0)23 8201 3000 www.solent.ac.uk