University of Southampton top undergraduate courses and clearing guide 2026

A level results day can feel overwhelming, especially if your grades are slightly different than you expected. You do not need to worry, because the University of Southampton offers incredible opportunities through clearing for the 2026 intake. We are here to help you navigate this process smoothly, ensuring you secure a place on a top undergraduate programme.

Key takeaways

• The clearing hotline opens on Thursday 13 August 2026 at 8am UK time.
• Accommodation is guaranteed for all clearing applicants who apply by 17 August 2026.
• Southampton is ranked as a top 15 UK university by the Complete University Guide 2027.
• Medicine courses are strictly unavailable through clearing at the university this year.

Click to learn more interesting details such as the University of Southampton’s acceptance rate, course details, fee structure, and more.

What you need to know about the 2026 clearing process

Clearing is an excellent way for you to secure a place at a world-class institution. If your results do not quite match your original firm or insurance choices, we are ready to welcome you to our community. The university can often show flexibility on certain programmes even if you narrowly missed your entry requirements.

The process allows you to scan available course vacancies in real time. If you already have your exam results in hand, you can make an application immediately. For those still waiting on results, registering early ensures you receive updates the moment places are published.

Key dates for your clearing application

Managing your timeline carefully is the best way to reduce stress during results week. You must keep track of these essential deadlines to secure your preferred course and student housing.

• 13 August 2026: A level results day and the official opening of the clearing hotline.
• 14 August 2026: Virtual clearing offer holder event to help you explore your options.
• 15 August 2026: On-campus clearing open day for you to tour the facilities in person.
• 17 August 2026 (5pm UK time): Deadline to submit your accommodation application under our student guarantee.

How to contact the clearing hotline

When you receive your results, calling our dedicated hotline is the fastest way to secure an official clearing offer. Our admissions team will be available to talk you through your options and check course vacancies.

Discover more about the University of Southampton and apply for your preferred courses!

Top undergraduate courses available at Southampton

Choosing the right programme sets the foundation for your future career. We offer a wide range of highly-ranked undergraduate courses that combine world-class research with practical industry placements. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group, our degrees are targeted by top global employers.

You can explore diverse subjects across our campuses, though availability changes quickly during results week. Please note that no medicine courses are available through clearing this year. We encourage you to check our active vacancies list to find your perfect match.

Exploring engineering and computer science programmes

Our engineering and computer science degrees are globally renowned for innovation. We provide you with access to cutting-edge facilities, including advanced wind tunnels and state-of-the-art computing labs.

• Acoustical engineering: We lead the UK in sound and vibration research, preparing you for top industry roles.
• Computer science: You will learn advanced software development, artificial intelligence, and data networks.
• Maritime engineering: Our programmes connect you directly with global marine and shipping sectors.

Business and biological sciences opportunities

If you want to understand the complexities of the living world or navigate global markets, we have exceptional choices for you. Our business analytics and biological science courses focus heavily on practical application and research-driven learning.

• Business analytics: You will gain core skills in digital marketing, finance, and data-driven strategy.
• Biological sciences: We help you explore ecology, biomedical engineering, and marine biology in modern research labs.
• Economics: Our courses train you to solve real-world economic challenges using advanced statistical methods.

Securing your university accommodation during clearing

We know that finding a comfortable place to live is one of your biggest priorities when joining us. To make your transition smoother, we offer a dedicated accommodation guarantee for students joining through clearing.

To secure your place in halls, you must submit your accommodation application by Monday 17 August 2026 at 5pm UK time. Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so we advise you to apply as soon as you accept your academic offer. This guarantee ensures you can focus entirely on your studies and student life from day one.

Many more fantastic opportunities await you at the university. Apply today!

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Frequently asked questions students also search

How do I contact Southampton for clearing?

You can contact us directly through our official clearing hotline starting on 13 August 2026. If you have general queries before results day, you can phone our main admissions line at +44 (0)23 8059 4732 or email us at admissions@southampton.ac.uk. We recommend having your UCAS ID and exam results ready before you get in touch.

Are medicine courses available in clearing at Southampton?

No, medicine courses are strictly unavailable through clearing at our university for the 2026 intake. If you are looking to study medical fields, we recommend checking our biological sciences or biomedical engineering vacancies instead. These alternative pathways still provide strong foundations for clinical and research careers.

What happens after I receive a clearing offer from Southampton?

Once we give you a verbal offer over the phone, we will send you a confirmation email with instructions on how to add the course to your UCAS Hub account. You will then receive details about our virtual offer holder event on 14 August and our on-campus open day on 15 August. We will also invite you to submit your accommodation application right away.

Can international students apply through clearing at the University of Southampton?

Yes, we welcome international students to apply through our clearing process if they meet the English language and academic entry requirements. We recommend that you check your visa eligibility and timeline quickly to ensure you can arrive before the academic term starts. Our international office is ready to guide you through your visa and casing steps.

Is student housing guaranteed if I get a place through clearing?

We guarantee you a place in our halls of residence as long as you submit your accommodation application by Monday 17 August 2026 at 5pm UK time. Because places are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, we highly encourage you to apply the moment your academic place is confirmed. This ensures you get access to our vibrant campus community and student support networks.

We are here to support you at every turn of your university journey. If you need help choosing your course or navigating your application, we will guide you toward the right path for your future success.