Little book of big facts

LITTLE BOOK OF BIG FACTS WINNER MOST IMPROVED STUDENT EXPERIENCE

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I came here and instantly fell in love with the place

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ABOUT SOUTHAMPTON SOLENT UNIVERSITY 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.

Holder of the small business charter, home to one of the world’s leading maritime training academies and voted one of the UK’s most creative universities in the 2013 and 2014 Which? University student polls, 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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Solent was voted one of the most creative universities in the UK.* 4

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OUR HISTORY, OUR FUTURE It’s been eleven 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 almost 160 years.

Since becoming a university in 2005, Solent has helped 49,833 students from all walks of life to make the most of their potential and we have big plans for the future.

Our stunning new teaching building, the Spark, is already wowing students and passers-by and it’s only part of a £100 million estate development plan to be delivered by 2020.

The new building has already hosted a range of events, from degree shows to fashion shows and conferences, and provides a dynamic and modern space for study, exhibitions and social functions, with an attentiongrabbing central atrium that brings a genuine ‘wow’ factor to the campus. *Source: Which? University 2013 and 2014 student polls.

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Having achieved university status a decade ago, Solent’s success shows the whole sector what can be achieved in a short time.

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James MacGregor, Director of Higher Education at student market research specialist YouthSight

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AN AWARD-WINNING STUDENT EXPERIENCE In 2015, Southampton Solent University won the coveted Most Improved Student Experience Award at the Times Higher Education Awards.

Based on student votes in the most recent Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey, the award takes account of academic reputation, teaching, social life and facilities. Solent University improved in almost every category, particularly for the students’ union and the quality of campus facilities.

Vice-Chancellor Graham Baldwin: “Southampton Solent’s approach has always been creative, inclusive and student-focused and it’s great to see the hard work and commitment of the University and its staff recognised in this way by the students themselves.”

“Always looking for ways to improve our provision, we have ambitious plans for the future in which we want to offer an outstanding student experience that is characterised by the highest quality engagement, intellectual challenge and facilities.”

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Solent University understanding bus

Jimmy Chestnut, Chamber of Comm

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AT THE HEART OF THE CITY 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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ersity has a reputation for ng business and what it needs.

ber of Commerce

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Southampton Solent was ranked in the top 20 in the sector for level of revenue, with ÂŁ9.8 million of income from CPD in 2014/15.* 10

THE SOLENT COMMUNITY Solent University is a diverse, friendly and inclusive university, with a strong focus on the student experience.

Our campus community is made up of around 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 £1,051 per student on books, journals, computer hardware and software, and a further £621 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 NSS.

*Source: Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) Survey, 2015/16 ** Complete University Guide 2017

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STRONG INTERNATIONAL TIES With 14% of Solent’s student population coming from overseas – from over 100 countries across six continents – we are keen both to develop existing international relationships and to explore exciting new opportunities.

We currently have partnership arrangements with around 50 international institutions worldwide, and our 90 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 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.

Dr Kate Pike

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APPLIED RESEARCH Research is a key focus in our new 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.

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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 a state-of-the-art media academy, with three multi-camera HD TV studios, recording and radio studios, editing suites, animation facilities and a dedicated newsroom. Media students can benefit from access to 1.2 million pounds’ worth of loanable equipment, with the average student annually borrowing kit worth around £4,500 at commercial hire rates. 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.

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Solent’s innovative retail initiative, Re:So, encourages and supports student entrepreneurship and work-based learning in the community.

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BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Through knowledge transfer partnerships, creative services like our unique student talent agency Solent Creatives, and support for SMEs through our business school, which has been awarded the small business charter, we make a major contribution to the local economy.

We have forged over 1,000 local and regional partnerships with businesses and other organisations, helping keep our courses current and providing 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.

We also have strong partnerships with nine local schools and colleges, and work closely with around 70 institutions across the south, while Solent Sport provides coaching and sporting expertise to schools, colleges and community groups across the region.

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46 graduate start-ups were created through the University in 2014/15, ranking it within the top 25 in the sector for the creation of graduate start-ups.* 20

ENHANCING EMPLOYABILITY 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 ranked within the top 25 in the sector for the creation of graduate startups*, and over the decade since becoming a university Solent has supported over 400 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 the most recent QAA report, which quoted buoyant student numbers and an above-average staff-to-student ratio. * Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) Survey, 2014/15. ** DLHE 2016 (HESA employment indicator) 21

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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.

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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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We have 30 high-performance athletes performing nationally and internationally.

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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 sport science students have the opportunity to develop hands-on experience with elite athletes, while The Times Good University Guide 2013 recognised Solent 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.

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Overview Mode of study

Headcount

%

Full-time equivalent

Full-time

9,289

79

9,045

Part-time

1,607

14

609

Sandwich

788

7

890

CPD/short courses

Over 116,000 days’ tuition, with more than 10,000 students per year

Student status

Headcount

%

Full-time equivalent

UK

9,909

85

9,004

EU

1,072

9

924

Non-EU

703

6

617

Level of study

Headcount

%

Full-time equivalent

First degree

9,451

81

9,127

Other undergraduate

1,777

15

1,220

Postgraduate (taught)

387

3.5

159

Postgraduate (research)

69

0.5

39

Source: SSU’s student body based on HESA data for the academic year 2014/15.

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Student profile Gender 60% Male

Age

40% Female

9% 30 and over 7% 25-29 67% 20 or under

17% 21-24

Disability UK domiciled only 87% No disability

Ethnicity UK domiciled only 82% White

13% Known disability

4.3% Asian 8.1% Black 0.4% Chinese 3.9% Mixed ethnic background 1.0% Other ethnic background 0.5% Information refused 0.1% Not known

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Schools School

Headcount

%

Full-time equivalent

Art, Design and Fashion

1,931

17

1,778

Business, Law and Communications

3,447

29

2,962

Maritime Science and Engineering

1,604

14

1,430

Media Arts and Technology

2,536

22

2,452

Sport, Health and Social Sciences

2,163

18

1,919

Total number of students by headcount: 11,681 Total number of students by FTE: 10,544

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Sources of income Source

£000

Funding council grants

11,502

Academic fees and support grants

87,608

Other operating income

18,523

Endowment and investment income Total

551 118,386

The University delivered the fourth highest number of CPD/CE learner days (116,482) in the HE sector and was ranked in the top 20 in the sector for level of revenue, with £9.8 million of income from CPD in 2014/15

Source: SSU’s Financial Statement 2014/15.

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Solent success Research Excellence Framework 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 46 graduate start-ups were created through the University in 2014/15, ranking it within the top 25 in the sector for the creation of graduate start-ups.

Source: Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) Survey, 2014/15

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 Winner of the Most Improved Student Experience Award, 2015 Times Higher Education Awards.

The University was awarded the 2013 Quality Assurance kitemark for quality and standards of teaching and learning.

Solent was voted one of the most creative universities in the UK. Source: Which? University 2014 poll of students

Named as one of the world’s top 100 fashion schools in a 2016 survey of over 62,000 former students, fashion houses and industry professionals by CEO World magazine.

In 2016 Solent was in the top 100 of the Guardian league table, and rising fast in the Complete University Guide table.

The University was shortlisted in 2015 (and reaccredited in 2016) for the Employee Wellbeing Award in Business in the Community’s Responsible Business Awards, for Solent Health – a unit helping the university community to improve their health and wellbeing.

Solent Health has also won the ukactive and Matrix Flame ‘Active Workplace’ award three years running, in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

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The School of Business and Law has been awarded ‘Gold Approval’ by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)*, as well as the Small Business Charter Silver Award, which is supported by the Association of Business Schools and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. *Source: Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

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 was awarded the EcoCampus Silver Award in 2014, in recognition of its work to improve its sustainability and environmental performance, and is aiming to achieve the Gold Award in September 2016. EcoCampus is the leading national Environmental Management System (EMS) and award scheme for the higher and further education sectors, which enables universities and colleges to systematically identify, evaluate, manage and improve their sustainability performance and practices.

Source: EcoCampus Silver Award 2014

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Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire SO14 0YN T: +44 (0)23 8201 3000 solent.ac.uk