University of Southampton

A postgraduate degree can help you to progress in your job, change career or do something amazing in a field you are passionate about.

The University of Southampton is a Russell Group university. We’re ranked 17th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2024 and 80th in the world in the QS World University rankings 2025.

From making the internet possible, to using the immune system to kill cancer and tackling gender inequality in the film industry, our research is changing the way the world and society works.

You’ll be learning alongside the people who are working on these research programmes and contributing to this life-changing research.

As a postgraduate student at Southampton you’ll become part of a supportive, international community. You’ll study in outstanding facilities, gaining hands-on experience and learning from experts in the field.

A wide range of subjects

Choose from over 200 taught Master's degrees or join one of over 240 research groups in a range of disciplines:

• Arts and Humanities: archaeology, art, English, film, history, modern languages, music and philosophy
• Engineering and Physical Sciences: chemistry, electronics and computer science, engineering, physics and astronomy, and photonics and nanoelectronics
• Environmental and Life Sciences: health sciences, biological sciences, ocean and earth science, geography and environmental science, psychology
• Medicine: allergy, genomics and public health
• Social Sciences: business, education, law, mathematical sciences and economics, social and political sciences

Stand out in the global jobs market

A postgraduate degree will deepen your knowledge and skills and help you achieve the career you want.

Southampton’s Careers and Employability Service is here to support with job applications, finding working experience and even setting up your own business.

There are many opportunities to develop your employability and career skills through placements, career events and working with our partner organisations on projects. Make the most of our links with global organisations including Rolls-Royce, Lloyd’s Register, Formula 1 and PwC.

English language support

The University offers a range of options for English language support. If you need to improve your language skills before you start your degree, in order to meet our English language requirements, we have courses available. Alternatively you can study English alongside your degree.

Outstanding study facilities

You’ll have excellent facilities available to you which will ensure you have the tools you need to achieve your goals and make a real impact.

These include:

• A Financial Laboratory which enables access to real-time data, breaking news and powerful analytics
• 138m towing tank
• A supercomputer that is capable of performing over a quadrillion calculations per second
• The RJ Mitchell wind tunnel, used by Formula One teams and Olympic athletes

We are continuously improving our campuses and resources. We have started a £300m investment in our student experience, teaching and learning, and research infrastructure to ensure we can continue to provide an excellent university environment.

Many of our facilities are used in commercial testing and consultancy and are renowned in industry.

Funding your study

There are many ways to consider funding your postgraduate study from the government’s master’s and doctoral loans through to scholarship and bursaries.

We offer a wide range of postgraduate scholarships and bursaries, which are awarded by individual academic units. Contact the postgraduate admissions tutor in the relevant academic unit to find out more.

If you’re a returning student, we offer a 10% discount on fees.

Southampton and Winchester

Depending on your course, you could study in either Southampton or Winchester. Both are student-friendly cities with plenty of green spaces, history and culture. Our cities are some of the safest in the UK and are well connected to the rest of Europe.

Dediated postgraduate accommodation

City Gateway hall of residence is exclusively for postgraduate and mature students and offers a wealth of amenities including a gym, convenience store and doctor’s surgery.

A vibrant and supportive student community

Southampton’s culture is diverse, friendly and welcoming. You’ll find that people want to help you reach your full potential.

There are over 300 clubs and societies available for you to join if you would like to enhance your education with a new experience. There are also round-the-clock services to support you with things like money, health and university life should you need it.

How to apply

Ready to apply? This step-by-step guide will give you all the information you need on applying for postgraduate study.