The University's vocational and professional strength is rooted deep within its history and the legacy from the art, technology and nautical studies colleges it evolved from.

Although incorporated as an independent higher education institution as recently as 1989, the University's origins can be traced back to a private School of Art founded in 1856 which eventually became Southampton College of Art. Mergers with the Southampton College of Technology and, later, the College of Nautical Studies at Warsash saw the establishment of Southampton Institute in 1984.

These beginnings can be seen in the University today, within the subject areas of art and design, technology and maritime and throughout the University in its emphasis on preparing students for modern professional practice.

Shipping & Maritime Programmes

The international shipping industry comprises nearly 50,000 ships and hundreds of ports worldwide. In addition, there is a large international marine services sector that provides support in the form of finance, law, insurance, ship broking, agency and management. British shipping is the country's fifth largest service sector earner and London continues to be the shipping capital of the world. Ships already carry 90% of world trade, and seaborne trade is forecast to increase substantially by 2015. Employers in all these sectors require motivated graduates with extensive knowledge and problem-solving skills.

Southampton is the UK's leading vehicle-handling port and has long been the country's principal cruise port. Its thriving port and maritime business community make it the ideal location to study towards a career in this burgeoning sector

The suite of courses offered by Southampton Solent University is designed for a career in the international shipping industry and related marine service sectors. The courses are supported by industry and have excellent employment rates

The School of Engineering, Construction & Maritime

The School of Engineering, Construction & Maritime can trace its origins back to 1932 when the Gilchrist Navigation School was incorporated into University College, Southampton. Degree courses were started in 1967 and the School eventually became part of Southampton Institute in 1984. Since then there have been a number of organizational changes culminating in the formation of the School of Engineering, Construction & Maritime as part of the Faculty of Technology, Southampton Solent University in 2006.

There are approximately 16 academic members of staff in the School specialising in the areas of marine environmental management, shipping & naval architecture. Maritime-related degrees offered by the School of Engineering, Construction & Maritime comprise 8 “Honours” degrees at undergraduate level and 5 “Masters” degrees at postgraduate level. In addition, there are research centres within the Faculty of Technology and the Warsash Maritime Academy (previously Warsash Maritime Centre), both offering PhD supervision.

Special Facilities

With the advantage of Southampton's superb geographic location, you'd have access to a wide range of study environments. The nearby Warsash Maritime Academy can be used for practical field and boat work. A recent addition is the 'Solent Surveyor', a new 10 metre catamaran Evolution 995, equipped to carry out inshore navigational training, hydrographic and environmental research.

On campus there are more practical testing facilities including a purpose-designed and equipped CAD design office, hosting virtually all of the currently available software used in the industry, plus maritime systems laboratories. These accommodate state-of-the-art computer systems for the management of coastal resources and treatment of coastal data.

The University also benefits from a 60-metre industry standard towing tank used for laboratory sessions and final year project work, as well as a 4-metre stability tank. We have built new fabrication shops for advanced composite construction, which will provide you with access to hi-tech materials and processes commonly used in the marine industry.

Professional Recognition

The International Maritime Studies IMS) programme validated in 2009 is accredited by the London-based Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) and successful completion of any one of the IMS courses entitles the student to exemptions for a number of the ICS membership entry exams.

Teaching

Teaching is based on small group lectures and seminars, and frequently uses case studies and workshops to focus on the international and practical aspects of each course. Active and problem based learning is employed to enhance the student experience.

In addition, the course includes presentations by guest speakers from Industry & UK Government organisations plus the following visits:

• Port of Southampton (including the Vessel Traffic Services)
• Bridge Simulator, Warsash Maritime Academy (WMA)
• HM Naval Dockyard, Portsmouth and BVT Shipbuilding
• Oil Spill Response (OSRL) Limited, Southampton
• International Maritime Organisation (IMO), London
• Lloyds of London

There is also a residential field trip to a major European port – usually the Port of Rotterdam, with whom the University has close links. The travel & accommodation costs associated with visits to London & Rotterdam are not included in the course fee.