Welcome to the University of Southampton. This University is already one of the top 10 research-led universities in the UK and has achieved consistently high scores for its teaching and learning activities. It offers first-rate opportunities and facilities for study and research, and a stimulating working environment. It works closely with business and industry, and has a strong enterprise agenda.

It currently has nearly 20,000 students and 5,000 staff based across several campuses in Southampton and Winchester. The discipline base is broad, encompassing all the major academic subjects, but it also has a unique commitment to innovation, which is evidenced both in the outstanding research and scholarship at the leading edge, and also in the ability to pioneer new approaches and techniques relevant to the world today.

Since September 2001, when I joined the University, I have worked with my colleagues to develop a Vision for the future of this institution which seeks to build on these current strengths, enabling us to take the University forward successfully and to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.

It is committed to:
The advancement of knowledge through critical and independent scholarship and research of international significance.
The communication of knowledge in an active learning environment involving staff at the forefront of their disciplines.
The application of knowledge for the benefit of society, both directly and by collaboration with other organizations.
It values:
Freedom to push the frontiers of knowledge forward, within an ethical framework, for the global good of humankind.
Success and ambition for excellence within a professional setting.
Creativity and critical independence.
lnclusiveness which enables all staff, students and potential students to achieve their full potential.
Openness within a caring and supportive working environment.
Innovation and enterprise balanced by prudence.
Whether you hope to become a student or a member of staff at the University, or want to know about the research, education and enterprise opportunities it can offer to businesses and other organizations, I hope you will find plenty to interest you.