Southampton Institute became a university on 12 July 2005, adopting the name Southampton Solent University on 15 August 2005.[5][6][6][7] Prior to 2005, students at Southampton Institute received degrees awarded by Nottingham Trent University. In 2015 the University came to an agreement with New College of the Humanities, London whereby it will validate some of their degrees.[8] In November 2017, the Privy Council approved the change of name of Southampton Solent University to Solent University, with effect from 2018.[9]