Frequently Asked Questions

• Applying
• Finance
• International
• Language Requirements
• Sports and Social Life
• Accommodation and residences

Applying

Q: Can I visit ECS before applying?

We think it’s really important that (if possible) you come to see the School before applying, have a tour of our facilities, and meet students and staff. University Open Days take place in 2009 on 3 July and 4 and 5 September, and we will be running a full programme of tours, advice sessions, and talks for parents.

Q: What is the deadline for applying for undergraduate courses?

Undergraduate applications must be made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.)

UK/EU students can apply between 1 September 2008 and 15 January 2009. International students can apply between 1 September 2008 and 30 June 2009.

You can also browse more information on applying for an undergraduate degree course at the UCAS website.

Finance

Q: What will the fees level be at Southampton?

Information about Undergraduate course fees can be found at http://www.soton.ac.uk/study/feesandfunding/tuitionfees.html. See our International Students website for information about fees for international students.

Q: Does the School offer Scholarships?

Your choice of University will be determined by a range of factors and, since the introduction of tuition fees, this is likely to include finance. In ECS we have done all we can to ensure that additional income from tuition fees is passed directly to our students to enhance the whole student experience. Find out more about our Scholarships programme.

International

Q: Where can I find immigration information?

We provide support and guidance to our current international students in matters relating to immigration. More information can be found on our International Students website or from the UK Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate website .

Q: Do I need a visa?

As a general rule, if you come from outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) you must meet the following criteria before coming to the UK as a student:

• You must hold a formal offer of a place on your chosen course at the University of Southampton
• You must be able to prove that you have the necessary funds to support yourself and pay your tuition fees for the full duration of your studies without recourse to public funds or work. If you are coming with your spouse or dependents you must be also have enough funds to support them too
• You must be entering the UK to undertake a full time course (unless you are the dependent of a full-time student)
• It must be your intention to leave the UK once your studies have finished
• It must not be your intention to work in the UK except for temporary part-time and vacation work

More information can be found our International Students website.

Language Requirements

Q: What is the minimum English language requiremnent?

The majority of University of Southampton courses require an IELTS level of 6.5 or equivalent. Further information can bee found on our International Student website.Should you require further English language tuition before commencing your course at the University, we offer a number of Pre-Sessional English Programmes.

Q: I am an overseas student currently studying in the UK. Will I still need to take an English test as a condition of acceptance to a postgraduate study?

As your current medium of instruction is in English, you would be exempt from a language condition.

Q: I have a photocopy of my English Language score report. Can I submit this with my application?

At the time of application, it is acceptable to submit a photocopy of your English Language score report. However, to comply with our University Regulations we will require that an original of your score report be sent directly to our School. You will need to instruct the test centre to send a copy to our School. We suggest that you action this as soon as possible so as not to delay the processing of your candidature.

Sports and social life

Q: What sports facilities are available?

The University has excellent sports and recreation facilities both on the Highfield Campus and further afield. Many sports are catered for, and the Jubilee Sports Centre in the centre of the Highfield Campus has its own swimming pool, gym, and sports hall.

The Students’ Union runs sports teams in all the sports you might expect: football, rugby, cricket, hockey, lacrosse, athletics, golf, archery, and so on, but also runs teams in many different forms of martial arts, baseball, and American football.

Q: Will most of my social life be on campus or in Southampton?

There is always lots to do on campus. The Students Union has a nightly programme of events, and the University arts centres have a range of performances in theatre, music, and the visual arts. Southampton is easily accessible by the University bus service (only 30 minutes walk from the Highfield Campus), with all the facilities of a large city, including multiscreen cinema, clubs, restaurants, cafes, and wine bars.

Q: What kind of city is Southampton?

It is a major port city, with a maritime history that dates from the story of King Canute. Today it is home port for some of the world’s largest cruise liners and its container port is the point of entry and exit for much of the UK’s import/export market. It provides everything you would expect in a thriving cosmopolitan city of 250,000 people, but it also enjoys excellent weather and is set in the midst of some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside. Find out more

Accommodation and residences

Q: What kind of student accommodation is available?

The University offers more than 5000 places in 20 halls of residence and is one of the largest providers of accommodation to students in the UK. Find out more about our halls of residence and take a virtual tour.

After first year many students move to a shared house, often in Portswood, close to the Highfield Campus. Watch our video podcast about accommodation in Portswood.