The University of Southampton welcomes students with a wide range of disabilities and specific learning differences. We have a range of services and facilities to support your needs and can signpost you to external agencies where appropriate. This section provides a brief outline of those services and of our policies, processes, and procedures. More detailed current information about the services we offer is available from the Student Hub. Alternatively, you may go to www.southampton.ac.uk/edusupport for a detailed overview of the services and support available.
The main aim of the university is to empower every student to reach their full potential at university by providing information, advice and guidance tailored to meet individual needs. We aim to support students to take part as fully and as equitably as possible in every aspect of university life.
What does the University mean by "disability"?
The definition of "disability" includes any of the following:
- physical disability;
- sensory loss;
- mental health conditions;
- health conditions (e.g. asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis); medical conditions which may cause pain or other symptoms which affect your studies; specific learning differences (e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia);
- autism
- any other condition which has a significant effect on your ability to study.
Will I be discriminated against because of my disability?
The University's Equal Opportunity policy states that no person will be discriminated against on any grounds which are not relevant to their academic ability. This includes disability. The University is therefore committed to a programme of action to make the policy fully effective.
One exception to this general rule is that a few professions (e.g. medicine and other health related professions such as Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy or Nursing) have national 'fitness to practice' guidelines concerning applications from disabled students. Please contact the Admissions Tutor of the course which interests you or the Student Hub for further information about these guidelines.
Reviewed in July 2017; no changes made
Reviewed in June 2023; minor changes made