About this course
Think differently about business, experience work first-hand, and learn to inspire change within organisations and society. This Business Management degree with placement draws from economics, history and the social sciences. It offers an interdisciplinary approach you won’t find on similar courses elsewhere. You'll complete a year's paid work placement to give you practical experience.
Applications for 2022 entry to this course are now closed to all international applicants. View our undergraduate courses.
Your A level results will determine which core or compulsory modules you'll need to take.
This comprehensive and flexible Business Management degree will prepare you for a career in a wide range of organisations, including:
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start-ups
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large corporations
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social enterprises
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the not-for-profit sector
This degree will suit you if you want to drive change and initiatives, and make business and society work better.
You'll spend your third year on an approved, paid industry placement in a business organisation. This will give you vital experience to boost your future career.
Our research-focused academics are leaders in their field and keep the course current. You'll benefit from our Business School’s close links with industry.
In this course, you can:
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explore current business and management challenges
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learn directly from people in inspiring jobs - we regularly invite guest speakers from industry
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choose optional modules to develop your business management skills in areas such as strategic marketing or operational management
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study interdisciplinary modules to learn practical skills such as programming and web design
BSc Business Management with placement is accredited by:
Accreditations
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202324
A-levels
AAB
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies The below subjects are considered as restricted. This means that we can accept one subject from the following list if combined with other academic subjects Applied subjects Art; including Design, Fine Art, Photography, Textiles Communication Studies Communication and Culture Creative Media Creative Writing Critical Thinking Dance Drama Film Studies Health &Social Care Home Economics Hospitality and Supervision ICT/IT Leisure Studies Media Studies Music Technology Outdoor Education PE Performing Arts Public Services Sports Studies/Science Theatre Studies Travel & Tourism World Development Please note; Computing, Computer Studies, Product Design and Applied Business (single and double awards) are not considered to be restricted subjects
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: ABB and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: ABB
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the Business BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA from two A levels DD in the Business BTEC National Diploma plus A grade from one A-level DDD in the Business BTEC National Extended Diploma
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Additional information
BTEC qualifications should be in Business, please check with us if your BTEC qualification is in a different subject before applying.
QCF BTEC
D in the Business BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from two A levels DD in the Business BTEC Diploma plus A grade from one A-level DDD in the Business BTEC Extended Diploma
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit
Access to HE additional information
Offers typically exclude Social Care/Healthcare pathways
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1, A1, A1, A1, A1, A2
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels or AA from two A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
79-85% overall
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 6/B *). * We can accept a grade 5 in GCSE mathematics if you achieve grade B in A level Maths, Physics, Economics, Geography, Psychology or Business. Please note we can only accept grade 6 in GCSE mathematics if you are studying BTEC qualifications.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
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our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
Our compulsory modules provide a solid grounding in the theory of business management, and how these apply to real-world settings.
You'll also choose optional modules that reflect your personal interests or future career options. They'll include topics like management ethics and successful decision making.
You can broaden your studies by choosing:
You do not need to select your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you customise your course.
In year 3 you'll complete a work placement.
Year 1 overview
Compulsory modules will explore current management ideas from a variety of perspectives. You’ll study how commerce, industry and technology have developed, within a broader social and historical context.
You'll also learn about core management and financial accounting, and develop practical management skills.
Year 2 overview
Compulsory modules will develop your understanding of management and organisational theory, and business research.
You'll choose from optional modules that cover topics such as:
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entrepreneurial management
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digital marketing
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audit and taxation principles
We'll also teach you the research skills needed to complete your dissertation in year 4.
Year 3 overview
This is your paid industry placement year. During your business management degree placement, you'll spend a minimum of 32 weeks working in a real business. You'll learn new skills, apply the knowledge you've already acquired.
We will provide full support throughout the year.
Students currently earn an average of £17,000 during their placement, and have worked in companies such as:
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JP Morgan
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IBM
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The Walt Disney Company
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Pladis
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Enterprise Rent-A-Car
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Aldi
Year 4 overview
You'll carry out independent research and produce a dissertation on a topic of your choice. Your academic supervisor can help you choose a topic that interests you.
Compulsory modules include strategic management and project management.
You'll also choose from a range of optional modules covering areas such as:
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financial accounting
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risk management
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corporate responsibility
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technological innovations
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Business in Society
This module exposes students to the idea that firms are organisations embedded in societies, thus helping students contextualise the nature, goals, actions, and impact of the organisations of the business world. As such, it helps students build an interdi...
Digital Technologies in Business
Digital technologies ranging from the Internet to cloud computing, artificial intelligence, etc. are often not just a key part of organisational operations; they also create opportunities for developing new digital businesses and their applications can ha...
Introduction to Accounting and Finance
The course seeks to provide an introductory, but comprehensive overview of financial accounting, management accounting, and financial management to non-specialist students. The course is delivered with particular emphasis on helping students of management...
Introduction to Management
This module provides you with a broad view on key management related topics. It also provides a chance for you to gain hands-on experience on teamwork through preparation and delivery of a group presentation as part of the module assessment. The lectures ...
Introduction to Marketing
The module introduces you to the basic concepts of marketing and explains its function in today’s business environment. You will discuss principal theory and practice of marketing and how marketing builds value to the firm and the customer with examples a...
Realising Success
Welcome to the “Realising Success” module. This is where you are going to learn how to create a successful future and make the most of opportunities at university to maximise success and get yourself in a competitive position. The module is designed to e...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Commercial Law
The purpose of the module is to provide a general overview of law relevant to students working in business and finance. The course provides an introduction to law, before focusing in more depth on areas of Contract Law and Tort Law. There is then an intro...
Financial Accounting 1 for Business Students
- Introduction. - Conceptualising Financial Statements. - Introduction to Double Entry & Accounting Equation & Trial Balance. - Adjustments: Accruals, Prepayments & Bad Debt. - Assets, Inventory, Depreciation and Revaluation. - Sources of finance and...
Foundations of Business Analytics
Business analytics is closely related to management science and operational research. It refers to the use of statistical methods and models as well as empirical data to support the process of making business decisions. This module provides general knowle...
Ideas that shape the contemporary world - work, change and organisations
This module helps you to build an intellectual foundation to business as a field of inquiry. The module links big topics to the everyday workings of organisations and individuals. You will locate the emergence of business, management, and the modern world...
Management Accounting 1
• To introduce the main functions of management accounting systems • To introduce the roles of management accountants in the context of for-profit-organisations • To introduce the key traditional management accounting techniques
Management Analysis
Management Analysis seeks to develop and enhance the basic mathematics and statistics knowledge and skills that are relevant to decision making in organisations. Management Analysis is a comprehensive module. It covers a wide range of fundamental quantita...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
Critical Perspectives on Organisation and Management
This module explores and critically analyses diverse and sometimes opposing perspectives on organising and managing a range of organisations, including but not limited to MNCs, SMEs and local organisations. The module exposes learners to critical analyse...
Operations Management
Operations management is concerned with the management of resources for producing and delivering products or services. Case study material will be used in the module to illustrate many of the important issues faced by operations managers as well as coveri...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
Consulting: Context, Concepts and Practice
Management Consulting has enjoyed significant growth in the previous 40 years and plays a large and important role in the private and public sectors of most national economies. Despite, or perhaps because of this success, the role of management consultant...
Entrepreneurial Management
The aim of the course unit is to introduce students to the process of entrepreneurship and to the nature of entrepreneurial opportunity. You will explore the unique challenges that entrepreneurs face in identifying opportunity, creating new ideas and vali...
Financial Accounting 2
The module is intended to introduce students to regulation in financial reporting and to examine specific problem areas using a conceptual framework as a basis of the analysis. This allows an evaluation of current external reporting practice within the co...
Human Resource Management
This module concerns issues in human resource management and organisational design. These are what ultimately implement the firm’s strategy. Although many organisations recognise the importance of managing the work force effectively and even "know" what a...
Innovation, Technology and the Environment
This module explores the opportunities and challenges presented by the growing importance of the environmental agenda in the political, social economic and technological context. With increasing environmental awareness comes a need for commercially sustai...
Making Successful Decisions
This module considers the generic aspects of decision processes that take place at individual and organisational levels and demonstrates how various lines of enquiry and analytical techniques can help achieve better quality decisions. It draws sharp atten...
Management Accounting 2
This module builds upon the foundations laid in the first year studies, principally from MANG1002 Management Accounting 1. Some of the topics covered in Management Accounting 1 will be revisited, but a significant amount of new learning material will be ...
Management Ethics
This module discusses issues related to business ethics. It covers philosophical foundations of ethical theories, and applications of ethical theory to real-life case studies and hypothetical dilemmas. It also discusses causes and consequences of unethica...
Philosophy of Management and Organisations
This module introduces students to philosophical approaches in understanding organisations and their management. The module will consist of three interrelated themes. The first will comprise the attempt to familiarise students with the essential problems ...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following module in year 3:
Business Placement
Employers appreciate the skills and knowledge that graduates bring to organisations from academic study. However, employers increasingly value graduates who have undertaken a substantial placement as part of their degree. A structured placement provides y...
Year 4 modules
You must study the following modules in year 4:
Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Business
This module covers the development of the concept and the meaning of the term corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable business (SB); how CSR and SB models are being implemented in today’s corporations, its impact and likely future directions...
Strategic Management
Strategic management is central to the operation of a variety of businesses in different sectors and environments. The creation of a strategy and the management of its implementation are important in developing businesses that can create and sustain a com...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
Analytics Implementation III: Knowledge Management, Methods and Ethics
As organisations have become more knowledge intensive, the ability to manage and create knowledge has become a matter of competitive survival. This module is intended to develop students a holistic view of business analytical intention and to understand t...
Business Project
This module serves as a practice focused alternative to the dissertation for business students. The Business Project provides you with the opportunity to conduct a significant piece of independent research work on a topic of your choice, culminating in th...
Dissertation
To provide an opportunity to undertake a sustained piece of individually researched academic study. Inter alia this provides a context within which research skills may be developed and demonstrated.
Financial Accounting 3
It is a continuation module from financial accounting 2. Students will be exposed to more advanced knowledge of accounting such as consolidated group financial statements, financial instruments and share based payment.
Hacking for Ministry of Defence
Hacking for MoD (H4MoD) is an interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial module that provides you with the opportunity to learn from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) to better address the nation’s emerging threats and security cha...
Information, Organisation and Accountability from a Historical Perspective
• The process of globalisation and international competition looking at the role of companies and markets in the United States, Germany, Japan, the Tiger economies and China. This provides context for developing an analysis of the response from British in...
International Business
The module introduces key theories of international business, including the determinants and the impact of international trade, foreign market entry strategy and regional integration. This theoretical understanding will then be illustrated and examined by...
Management Accounting 3
This module introduces students to more contemporary and advanced developments in management accounting covering relevant practices and leading research in the field. The module builds on MANG1002 Management Accounting (1) and MANG2005 Management Accou...
Management of Information Systems
The UK Academy for Information Systems (UKAIS) defines Information Systems as the means by which people and organisations, utilising technologies, gather, process, store, use and disseminate information. Well-designed information systems are central to go...
Managing High-Growth Businesses
The important contributions that high-growth firms make to the economy through their generation of revenue and jobs have long been recognised. Entrepreneurs often seek growth to maximise their returns, while others embark on a trajectory of ‘accidental gr...
Marketing in the Digital Age
The focus of this module is on the effectiveness of marketing in the context of today’s rapidly changing digital business environment. Marketing in the Digital Age offers an evolutionary, ‘digital’ perspective, beginning with its origins in customer relat...
Project Management
Project management is an integrated approach to achieve non-routine business objectives. This module aims to introduce the ideas, techniques and tools of project management as used in practice. Students will be equipped with both knowledge and underst...
Risk Management
This is a holistic module because it emphasises that its constituent topics dealing with diverse aspects of risk management are highly interconnected. Mastery of the subject is conceived as requiring a strong understanding of these interconnections. For e...
Strategic Operations Management
In today's highly competitive environment, though, strategic operations capabilities must be in place in order for organisations to provide goods and services that meet and exceed customer requirements. Key issues such as cost, speed, quality, flexibility...
Technological Innovation
Technological innovation is increasingly recognised as one of the most important sources of sustainable competitive advantage for businesses around the world. However, building an organization which can successfully and repeatedly create technological inn...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- essays
- individual and group projects
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- essays
- individual and group projects
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- essays
- individual and group projects
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Year 4
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:
How we'll assess you
- essays
- individual and group projects
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 4:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Shahnaz Ibrahim is the course leader.
Careers
You'll graduate prepared for a wide range of career paths in business and management. You could choose to work in:
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the financial sector
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industry
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retail consultancy
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public sector
Many of our graduates get places on recruitment programmes at organisations such as JP Morgan.
Possible roles for Business Management graduates include:
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business advisor
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business analyst
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business development manager
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chartered management accountant
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corporate investment banker
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data analyst
Our Business School graduates have secured roles in organisations including:
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Deloitte
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Ernst & Young (EY)
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PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
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Proctor & Gamble
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Times Group
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
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work experience schemes
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CV and interview skills and workshops
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networking events
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careers fairs attended by top employers
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a wealth of volunteering opportunities
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study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £19,300.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: N203
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We'll aim to process your application within two to six weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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