New name as Southampton Solent University celebrates its city roots
Solent University is now Southampton Solent University, reflecting its deep connection to the city.
As we embark on the new academic year, we’re thrilled to announce that Solent University is adopting a new name that reflects our deep connection to the city we proudly call home. Starting today, Tuesday 24 September, our official name will be Southampton Solent University.
This change underscores our commitment to our local community and aligns with our renewed focus on strengthening our role within it. To celebrate this new chapter, our Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Knowles, is inviting local partners to join us in signing a renewed civic charter.
The original charter played a significant role in our recent achievements, including earning ‘Sanctuary’ status, delivery of the ‘Help to Grow: Management’ programme, and initiating the ‘Make a Difference’ volunteering scheme. We anticipate that this renewed charter will drive further positive outcomes and continued success.
Professor James Knowles, Vice-Chancellor of Southampton Solent University, commented:
“We are proud to have over 160 years’ experience working with our communities, providing education and training, and transforming lives in our home city of Southampton. Today’s news reflects our ongoing commitment and our mission to promote economic and social prosperity for the communities we serve.
“As we welcome a new cohort of students, I want to ensure that we continue to serve as an anchor institution within the city and champion Southampton and the wider region nationally and internationally.
“By placing Southampton at the forefront of our name we demonstrate our pride in our city, whilst continuing to build upon our triple Gold Award status in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), appealing to students locally and across the globe.”
In 2025, we will mark the 20th anniversary of achieving university status. The decision to include Southampton in our name is a significant step in celebrating this milestone and reaffirming our dedication to our students and the community.
With over 12,000 students worldwide, Southampton Solent University has already built a strong reputation. Last year, we were honoured as one of only 14 UK universities to receive the prestigious triple Teaching Excellence Framework Gold Award, recognising our innovative teaching, engaging learning environment, and excellent student outcomes.
Our globally recognised Warsash Maritime School, alongside high-performing courses in architecture, law, and the performing arts, ensures that we offer diverse and exceptional opportunities for all our students.