University news
Southampton celebrates strong league table results
The University of Southampton is celebrating strong results in recent university rankings and league tables, including 52nd in the world in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and 15th in the UK in the Complete University Guide, alongside strong results in the National Student Survey (NSS), which saw an increase in student satisfaction scores across every category. The University of Southampton is also ranked 18th overall in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2027, rising two places from the previous year.
Rankings and league tables help prospective students, employers and partners understand Southampton’s reputation and achievements. Our alumni community plays an important part in that reputation too.
You are our best ambassadors. Your careers, achievements and impact are part of the Southampton story. Sharing our research, discoveries, news and successes with your own networks can help us reach new audiences and build our reputation.
Some alumni may also be invited to take part in the QS surveys, which contribute to the global QS rankings. There are two surveys: one for academic staff and one for employers. If you are contacted, please consider taking part and sharing your genuine views and experience of Southampton. Your perspective can help future students and partners make informed decisions.
As a member of the Southampton alumni and supporter community, you helped shape the University. You can help shape how the world sees it too.
Congratulations to our King’s Birthday Honours recipients
Warmest congratulations to our alumni and supporters recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours. We are delighted to celebrate their achievements and the contribution they continue to make across their professions and communities.
- Alexis Poole, OBE – for services to Policing
- Andrew Ransom, OBE – for services to the Business Support Services Sector
- Charles Donald, CBE – for services to Public Finance
- David Rees, CBE, FMedSci – for services to Chemistry and Innovation
- Dr Patrick Newberry, MBE – for services to Heritage and Education
- Dame Hayaatun Sillem, DBE – for services to Engineering
- Joanna Morrow, MBE – for services to Education
- Maria Dawes, OBE – for services to Education
- Mark Beattie, MBE – for services to the Administration of Justice
- Robert Rubin, CBE – for services to Inter-Faith Relations and Charity
- Sharon E Todd, OBE – for services to Innovation
We extend our warmest congratulations to all our recipients on this well-deserved recognition.
University appoints new Vice-Chancellor and President
The University of Southampton is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Charlie Jeffery CBE as its next Vice-Chancellor and President. Charlie is coming to Southampton from his position as Vice-Chancellor at the University of York, a role he has held since 2019, and will take up his new position at Southampton on 1 October 2026.
A highly respected leader in the higher education sector, Charlie brings a strong commitment to the role universities play in driving economic development, and widening access to education both in the UK and internationally.
At Southampton, he will build on the University’s global reputation for excellence and real-world impact, with a focus on preparing graduates for a rapidly changing labour market and harnessing research to benefit society and the economy.
Charlie will also oversee the development of the new Institute for Medical Innovation, bringing together engineers, clinicians and computer scientists to accelerate the discovery of life-changing treatments and technologies. He will champion Southampton’s role as a civic partner in the region, while supporting the University’s commitments to sustainability, inclusion and international engagement.
We look forward to welcoming Charlie to the University community as Southampton prepares to enter its 75th anniversary year.
Stay connected with Southampton InTouch
At the University of Southampton, we’re committed to keeping our alumni and supporters connected with each other and their University. We’re pleased to introduce a new way to stay connected with us: Southampton InTouch.
Southampton InTouch is your secure online alumni and supporter portal, giving you access to your University of Southampton profile. Through the portal, you can view and update your contact details, manage how you hear from us, and ensure your information is accurate and up to date.
Visit Southampton InTouch to access your profile and keep your details up to date.
