SOUTHAMPTON Solent University has climbed 11 places in the University of the Year category for Whatuni’s Student Choice Awards 2017.

The awards, an annual celebration of student satisfaction, are based on reviews by 27,000 students across 12 categories.

Solent University has moved from 96 to 85 in the University of the Year category, moving above Bournemouth and Portsmouth.

Solent’s deputy vice-chancellor, Prof Mike Wilkinson said: “We put our students at the heart of everything we do, so we’re really pleased to have moved up in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards as they represent what students think about Solent.

“It is great to see in particular that students are enjoying our new learning and teaching building, The Spark, with our facilities ranking rising 58 places from 89 to 31.”

The Whatuni Student Choice Awards differs from other university rankings tables as it is solely driven by student opinion.

Students give their university an overall rating of one to five; with results averaged to create rankings.

Marcella Collins, managing director UK for Hotcourses, adds: “The progress Southampton Solent University has made in the 2017 Whatuni Student Choice Awards is noteworthy as student satisfaction across the sector as a whole has actually gone down year-on-year.”

Megan Maddex, president of Solent Students’ Union, adds: “We know that a strong Students’ Union is key to providing the best University experience for students.

“As part of this we are committed to working with students to understand what they need from the Students’ Union in terms of support, opportunities and experiences.

“Our annual survey is currently open, and this will give us a greater insight into how we can improve life for students whilst they study at Solent.”