Rankings of University of Southampton

The University of Southampton, often abbreviated to Soton, is a research university located in Southampton, England. Although the university was founded in 1862, it has only enjoyed full university status from 1952 onwards. The university has five campuses in total, with the main one based in the Highfield area of Southampton.

Latest ranking updates for University of Southampton
  • July 2024: Publication of Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities . Ranking position #266.
  • July 2024: Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands announced latest results of CWTS Leiden Ranking with University of Southampton in position 239.
  • June 2024: US News: Best Global Universities update. University of Southampton achieves place 123.
  • June 2024: University of Southampton ranks 272 in the latest Nature Index - Top Academic Institutions by Subject (Health Sciences) from Nature Index.
379 Bachelor and Masters - Course Catalogue Admission advice for international students

University rankings

Historic rankings in TOP global university rankings

Chart Data

Subject rankings

Agriculture

    • #15 
    • #141 
    Agriculture
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]

Arts Visual & Performing

    • #7 
    • #8 
    Music
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #11 
    • #11 
    Music
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #21 
    • #25 
    Music
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]

Business

    • #16 
    • #90 
    Business
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #7 
    • #76 
    Finance
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #9 
    • #9 
    Marketing
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #16 
    • #101 
    Public Administration
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]

Computer Science

    • #4 
    • #5 
    Computer Science
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #13 
    • #15 
    Computer Science
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #10 
    • #126 
    Computer Science
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]
    • #10 
    • #194 
    Computer Science
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]

Design

    • #34 
    • #39 
    Graphic Design
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]

Education

    • #10 
    • #14 
    Education
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #11 
    • #17 
    Education
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #15 
    • #18 
    Education
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #17 
    • #126 
    Education
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]
    • #22 
    • #151 
    Education
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #14 
    • #155 
    Education
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #21 
    • #201 
    Education
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]

Engineering

    • #6 
    • #6 
    Aerospace Engineering
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #22 
    Aerospace Engineering
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #35 
    Aerospace Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #12 
    • #263 
    Chemical Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #5 
    • #5 
    Civil Engineering
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #4 
    • #5 
    Civil Engineering
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #8 
    • #10 
    Civil Engineering
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #8 
    • #125 
    Civil Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #10 
    • #161 
    Civil Engineering
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #22 
    • #201 
    Civil Engineering
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #8 
    • #97 
    Engineering
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]
    • #8 
    • #145 
    Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #12 
    • #189 
    Environmental Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #17 
    • #151 
    Materials Science
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #12 
    • #301 
    Materials Science
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #4 
    • #4 
    Mechanical Engineering
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #8 
    • #8 
    Mechanical Engineering
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #10 
    • #12 
    Mechanical Engineering
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #14 
    • #151 
    Mechanical Engineering
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #9 
    • #189 
    Mechanical Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #12 
    • #212 
    Mechanical Engineering
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]

Languages & Literature

    • #11 
    • #17 
    English
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #18 
    • #22 
    English
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #33 
    • #41 
    English
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #13 
    • #16 
    French
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #20 
    • #26 
    French
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #10 
    • #11 
    German
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #5 
    • #6 
    Linguistics
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #14 
    • #17 
    Linguistics
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #21 
    • #201 
    Linguistics
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]

Law

    • #14 
    • #18 
    Law
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #19 
    • #25 
    Law
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #16 
    • #25 
    Law
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #27 
    • #151 
    Law
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]
    • #18 
    • #151 
    Law
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #29 
    • #201 
    Law
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]

Mathematics

    • #15 
    • #19 
    Mathematics
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #14 
    • #20 
    Mathematics
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #15 
    • #21 
    Mathematics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #15 
    • #151 
    Mathematics
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #13 
    • #401 
    Mathematics
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]

Medicine & Health

    • #22 
    • #30 
    Medicine
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #22 
    • #30 
    Medicine
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #22 
    • #30 
    Medicine
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #12 
    • #81 
    Medicine
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]

Natural Sciences

    • #30 
    • #42 
    Biology
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #4 
    Chemistry
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #7 
    • #10 
    Chemistry
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #11 
    • #16 
    Chemistry
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #15 
    • #148 
    Chemistry
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #17 
    • #301 
    Chemistry
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #17 
    • #360 
    Chemistry
    Nature Index - Top Academic Institutions by Subject
    [Published 15 June, 2024]
    • #15 
    • #401 
    Chemistry
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #11 
    • #14 
    Geology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #10 
    • #14 
    Geology
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #8 
    • #46 
    Geology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #8 
    • #56 
    Geology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #18 
    • #24 
    Physics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #7 
    • #76 
    Physics
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #7 
    • #105 
    Physics
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #12 
    • #81 
    Anthropology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #18 
    • #23 
    Economics
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #22 
    • #29 
    Economics
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #36 
    • #45 
    Economics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #9 
    • #54 
    Economics
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #30 
    • #201 
    Economics
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #4 
    • #6 
    Geography
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #21 
    • #49 
    Geography
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #22 
    • #101 
    Geography
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #14 
    • #16 
    History
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #19 
    • #22 
    History
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #21 
    • #25 
    History
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #17 
    • #101 
    History
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #34 
    • #194 
    History
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #12 
    • #19 
    Psychology
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #18 
    • #26 
    Psychology
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #22 
    • #27 
    Psychology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #20 
    • #101 
    Psychology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #15 
    • #101 
    Psychology
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]
    • #14 
    • #147 
    Psychology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #32 
    • #201 
    Psychology
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #15 
    • #96 
    Social Sciences
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #14 
    • #98 
    Social Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]
    • #18 
    • #20 
    Sociology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #16 
    • #21 
    Sociology
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #15 
    • #76 
    Sociology
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #19 
    • #93 
    Sociology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #30 
    • #201 
    Sociology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]

Highest subject rankings for University of Southampton

Chemistry The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#4 
Natural Sciences
Mechanical Engineering The Times Good University Guide by Subject
#4 
Engineering
Computer Science The Times Good University Guide by Subject
#5 
Computer Science
Geography The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#6 
Social Studies & Humanities
Linguistics CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#6 
Languages & Literature
Music The Times Good University Guide by Subject
#8 
Arts Visual & Performing
Marketing CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#9 
Business
Education CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#14 
Education
Law The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#18 
Law
Mathematics CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#19 
Mathematics

Student Ratings for University of Southampton

Student satisfaction
All - aggregated:
4.2 (based on 1297 student ratings)
NSS logo NSS ratings:
3.9 (based on 1292 student ratings)
google logo Google ratings:
4.2 (based on 5 student ratings)

“My time spent at the University of Southampton has been extremely rewarding, especially thanks to the supportive lecturers. The university offers modern and well equipped facilities to its students, which really makes the difference in being able to study in comfort and confidence. As a city, Southampton is on the coastline, so it’s a fantastic place to live if you ask me.”

About University of Southampton

PROS

  • Students at Soton highlight the supportive teaching staff, saying that they find the time to get to know their students.
  • A major benefit is that the campus is home to many international students, which allows new foreign students to feel comfortable in the new surroundings. Domestic students also benefit from meeting students from different cultures.
  • Ranked among the top 150 in the world, according to all of the most prominent rankings organisations.

CONS

  • Numerous students have expressed their concerns that the fees office communicates poorly, and they would like to see this aspect improved.

Key facts

Foundation year:
1862
Telephone:
+44 23 8059 5571
Address:
Gamma House, Enterprise Road
SO17 1BJ, Southampton
England UK
Website:
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/
Social:

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 6.5
    • Undergraduate Degrees
  • My first week | University of Southampton
  • Made in Southampton | University of Southampton
  • Study English | University of Southampton
  • What advice would you give your first-year self? | UoS
  • Study Business Entrepreneurship | University of Southampton
  • What opportunities does Southampton offer? | University of Southampton

NSS Aggregate Student reviews

Below you see the results of University of Southampton for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK universities.

Overall student satisfaction
78 /100
1292 total respondents
Chart Data
Source: National Student Survey NSS 2023. The Overall student satisfaction data point is from 2022 (latest available year). The Office for Students made the unfortunate decision to discontinue collecting overall student satisfaction data points per course.
The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

THE Student Experience Survey by Times Higher Education

Times Higher Education has surveyed 20251 undergraduate students in the UK about their study experience. 301 students of University of Southampton participated in the survey.

Below you'll find the results for each of the survey questions for University of Southampton in comparison to the average for all UK universities.

Overall score: 79.1

Chart Data
Source: Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018
Data is from 2018 which was the last year for which the survey was published. Survey was discontinued after 2018. Details of Methodology

Student composition of University of Southampton

Students by level of study Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on January 2023
undergraduates:
14770
postgraduates:
8470
Total:
23240
Students by subject Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on January 2023
Business and Management:
3510
Mechanical Engineering:
1905
Biosciences:
1860
Creative Arts and Design:
1795
Medicine (Non-Specific):
1710
Nursing and Midwifery:
1285
Mathematical Sciences:
1150
Electrical And Electronic Engineering:
1115
Computing:
1070
Psychology:
880
Economics:
800
Languages and Area Studies :
610
Education and Teaching:
595
Law:
580
Physics and Astronomy:
570
History:
485
Civil Engineering:
465
Politics:
450
Social Policy:
410
Chemistry:
370
Geography, Earth and Environmental Studies:
340
Performing Arts:
300
English Studies:
240
Philosophy:
215
Archaeology:
185
Engineering (Non-Specific):
85
Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology:
35
Allied Health:
30
Foreign students by nationality Academic year 2020/21 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on January 2023
China:
3450
Malaysia:
230
India:
230
Saudi Arabia:
155
Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China):
115
Nigeria:
80
United States:
70
Thailand:
65
Turkey:
55
Canada:
50
Mexico:
35
Indonesia:
30
Taiwan:
30
Singapore:
30
United Arab Emirates:
25
Egypt:
25
Russia:
20
Brunei:
20
Vietnam:
20
Switzerland:
20
Sri Lanka:
20
Japan:
20
Korea (South):
20
Trinidad and Tobago:
15
Oman:
15
Norway:
15
Bermuda:
15
Mauritius:
10
South Africa:
10
Brazil:
10
Lebanon:
10
Kuwait:
10
Jordan:
10
Iran:
10
Bangladesh:
10
Ghana:
10
Chile:
10
Kenya:
10
Kazakhstan:
10
Pakistan:
10
British Virgin Islands:
10
Cayman Islands:
10
Barbados:
5
Peru:
5
Colombia:
5
Qatar:
5
Bahrain:
5
Australia:
5
Philippines:
5
Nepal:
5
Myanmar (Burma):
5
Macao (Special Administrative Region of China):
5
Zimbabwe:
5
Uganda:
5
Sudan:
5
Morocco:
5
Libya:
5
Botswana:
5
Algeria:
5
Source: Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on January 2023

Campuses of University of Southampton

Main Site - Highfield Campus
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Winchester School of Art
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National Oceanography Centre, Southampton (NOCS)
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Avenue Campus
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Highfield Campus and Boldrewood Campus
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Boldrewood Campus
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University Hospital Southampton
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Other universities in Southampton:

FAQ

University of Southampton ranks #12 in England UK in our meta ranking of 123 university rankings. See rankings of all 382 universities in England UK.

University of Southampton ranks #1 in Southampton in our meta ranking. See rankings of all 3 universities in Southampton.

University of Southampton is listed in The Times Good University Guide, The Guardian League Table, CUG The Complete University Guide, THE World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, QS Employability Rankings and more. See all 36 rankings of University of Southampton.

University of Southampton achieved #17 in The Times Good University Guide. This is the university’s highest ranking in the 123 rankings tracked on our website. See all rankings for University of Southampton.

University of Southampton achieved the highest ranking for Medicine & Health. It is ranked #1 in The Guardian University League Tables by Subject (Midwifery). See all subject rankings for University of Southampton.

A large number of university rankings include surveys among academics on reputation. In our meta ranking of 123 university rankings University of Southampton ranks #1 among universities in Southampton and #12 among universities in England UK. See all rankings of University of Southampton.

In our meta ranking University of Southampton ranks #12 among all universities in England UK and University of Oxford ranks #1. See all rankings of universities in Southampton. Apart from rankings you may also want to see the ratings from students who attended the universities.
379 Bachelor and Masters - Course Catalogue
Admission advice for international students