The University of Southampton, on England’s south coast, is a Russell Group university known especially for engineering, electronics and computer science, oceanography, and the sciences. Its main Highfield campus is close to the city centre, and Southampton is also within easy reach of London.
For most Southampton courses starting in September 2027, the UCAS deadline is 13 January 2027. Here are 10 things you can do to give yourself the best chance, based on Southampton’s own guidance. If you’re applying for a master’s or PhD instead, see the section near the end.
1. Choose your course
Southampton’s course pages show the typical offer and the full entry requirements for 2027–28. Many courses have options such as a placement year or study abroad. Make sure you read the requirements for the exact course and year you’re applying for.
2. Meet the entry requirements
For example, for 2027–28 entry, BSc Economics asks for AAB at A level including Mathematics, or 34 points in the IB with 17 at Higher Level, including 5 in Higher Level Mathematics. If you’re taking four A levels, Southampton also makes an alternative offer of ABBB including Mathematics. Economics with Data Science asks for AAA including Mathematics. Southampton BSc Economics.
3. Check for tests and interviews
Most Southampton courses don’t use admissions tests, but medicine and some health courses use the UCAT and interviews. If you’re hoping to study medicine or dentistry, note that the UCAS deadline for 2027 entry was 15 October 2026, and you’d also have needed to sit the UCAT, so you’d now be planning for 2028 entry.
4. Write a strong personal statement
The UCAS personal statement asks three questions: why you want to study your chosen course, how your education has prepared you, and what other experiences have prepared you. You have 4,000 characters in total, and each answer must be at least 350 characters. Southampton’s courses are closely linked to research, so show that you’re curious and enjoy finding things out. Admissions tutors want evidence of real interest in the subject, so explain what you’ve done and what you learned from it.
5. Show your practical and technical skills
Many Southampton courses are hands-on and project-based. Coding, building, data analysis, science projects, competitions or work experience all help to show that you can apply what you learn. Explain clearly what you did and what you learned.
6. Get a strong reference
Your school’s reference and predicted grades carry real weight with Southampton, because most offers are made before you sit your final exams. Talk to your teachers early, share what you’re planning to write in your personal statement, and make sure your predicted grades are realistic but meet the typical offer.
7. Apply by 13 January 2027
For September 2027 entry, most Southampton courses have a UCAS equal consideration deadline of 6pm UK time on 13 January 2027. Applications sent in October and in January are treated the same, so take the time to get your personal statement and reference right.
8. Meet the English requirement
For BSc Economics, Southampton asks for IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. If you don’t meet the requirement, you may be able to take one of Southampton’s pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts. Practise with our free IELTS, TOEFL and PTE practice tests.
9. Plan your budget
For 2027–28 entry, BSc Economics costs £28,300 a year for EU and international students, compared with £10,050 for UK students. Check your course page for the exact fee, and look at Southampton’s scholarships for international students.
10. Get ready for your Student visa
If you need a UK Student visa, Southampton will send you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) after you’ve firmly accepted your offer and met its conditions. Apply for your visa as soon as you have it, and keep evidence that you can pay your tuition fees and living costs. The Graduate Route, which lets you work in the UK after your degree, is due to drop from two years to 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027. Rules can change, so always check GOV.UK.
Applying for a master’s or PhD at Southampton?
Southampton offers many one-year master’s degrees and PhDs, including programmes in electronics, computer science, AI, engineering and ocean sciences. You apply directly to the university, not through UCAS. Most programmes ask for a good first degree (often a UK upper second-class degree or the equivalent), a personal statement, references and, for international applicants, an English test. See our 50 sample SOPs, free GRE and GMAT practice tests, and our guide to the best AI master’s degrees in the UK.
Be ambitious, but apply to a balanced list
Southampton turns down many strong applicants every year, because there are more excellent students than places. Use your five UCAS choices wisely: apply to Southampton if it’s right for you, and include universities where your chances are good. Read our guides to other Russell Group universities, including Exeter, Bristol, Imperial and Cardiff. Our guide to studying in the UK explains how UK universities work, and our free study abroad assessment can help you build a shortlist.
Information was taken from the University of Southampton’s official course pages, and checked in October 2026. Entry requirements, deadlines, tests, fees and visa rules can change, so always confirm the details on Southampton’s undergraduate website before you apply. StudyAbroadMarket is not affiliated with the University of Southampton.