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The University of South Wales (USW) is one of the largest universities in Wales, offering students excellent opportunities and prospects.
Many courses are accredited by professional bodies. Employability is so important to USW and forms a major part of all the courses. 95% of USW graduates go on to employment or further study within six months of graduation (DLHE 2016).
USW is in an exceptional part of the UK, with three campuses throughout south Wales. Students enjoy city life, countryside and coast. USW Newport is in the heart of the city and one of the university’s most iconic buildings. USW Cardiff is in a modern capital city, with everything from shopping and live sports to music arts and history. USW Pontypridd is the largest campus, surrounded by green open spaces and made up of two sites: Treforest and Glyntaff.
Students can book a visit to one of the university’s on-campus or online open days, organised throughout the year. Prospective students can access welcome talks, campus tours, and finance and accommodation talks. There is also a programme of online live events taking place. Students will receive details of the live events and can view them once they have booked an event.
USW students on Whatuni say:
“Overall, I'm happy I chose this university, they have assisted me really well and the course has provided me with the essential skills and knowledge I need to go into my career.”
“The lecturers and the staff at uni have been very supportive and very helpful.”
“Basically it’s a great place for learn. Everyone is so friendly and helpful."
Courses give students first-hand practical experience to prepare for the workplace, something which was regularly praised by student reviewers. A range of subject areas are on offer, from sport or nursing to engineering, business and fashion.
USW Cardiff is home to the university’s creative students, where students develop their work in a professional and nurturing environment, right in the heart of the city.
Many lecturers at the University of South Wales are at the forefront of their field, producing world-leading research and providing solutions to real-world issues. Almost two thirds of research is rated either world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021).
The university is currently developing sustainable energy solutions in Europe and is working with the automotive industry to develop the next generation of low-carbon power systems.
USW students on Whatuni say:
“The course has been absolutely amazing, I found the placements to be both educational and enjoyable.”
“Understanding teachers”
“My lecturers are absolutely amazing! They're friendly and super helpful, with top-notch lecture materials."
Interested? Order a prospectus to find out more about the uni and the courses on offer.
GET PROSPECTUSStudents should normally hold Level 3 qualifications such as A-level, BTEC, Access to Higher Education or an Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate. However, the university accepts a range of qualifications and will consider a variety of combinations.
USW has a Contextual Admissions Policy and considers eligible applicants on an individual basis. Under the Policy they could make a personalised offer based on aspects of the UCAS application or have results considered individually when students receive them.
Some courses require specific subjects for entry as well as minimum grades and GCSE requirements.
Students can visit the courses pages on the university website for specific entry requirements. Qualifications not listed may also be acceptable.
UCAS TARIFF CALCULATORSend a message directly to the uni to learn more about their entry requirements.
ASK A QUESTIONThere are halls of residence at all three of USW’s campus locations: Cardiff, Newport and Pontypridd. So, whether students want campus living or a city centre experience, they can choose whichever they prefer.
Many students choose to live in Cardiff, even if they study at a different campus. There are several student halls in the city centre, as well as a huge choice of private rentals. Halls at Pontypridd are on campus and they’re a big part of the community atmosphere that students love.
With over 1,200 rooms and students from all over the UK and the world, it’s a great way to make friends for life. At Newport, private halls are just a couple of minutes’ walk from campus and right on the bank of the River Usk, with different room packages to choose from.
USW students on Whatuni say:
“Very nice facilities, area is clean and everything you need.”
“Cheap rent compared to other cities.”
“Premium rooms is worth it for students who has lots of stuff.”
At USW, students can gain the skills they need in environments that recreate the workplace. From equipment to software to professional practice, they can build their confidence on campus and be ready for the real world.
As well as facilities for each subject, the latest learning technologies are an integral part of study. There are virtual learning systems to access course materials anytime and anywhere, and to deliver a blended learning experience.
USW students on Whatuni say:
“The library facility is amazing, with a good availability of computers and desks.”
“The online library has been very useful as you are able to find plenty of resources for essays and other work without having to travel into uni all the time or having to take out a multitude of books.”
“Good facilities such as library and counselling rooms that student counsellors can use."
Find out more about the accommodations and facilities in person at the uni.
BOOK OPEN DAYWhat's it like to study at this institution? Current students and alumni share their opinion...
VIEW 1486 REVIEWS WRITE A REVIEWM Molly Reviewed 02 Nov 23 Master of Chiropractic Amazing course with knowledgable and interesting lecturers. The campus isn’t in a main city, so not much to do near by and the SU usually isn’t that busy. Cardiff is a 20 min drive away though so not completely estranged. Halls are really nice, with big rooms and a community feel! Pints cheap in... READ FULL REVIEW
S shannon Reviewed 02 Nov 23 Health, Wellbeing and Social Care Management BSc (Hons) very supportive and... READ FULL REVIEW
The university has a library on each campus, each with a range of services and resources. Students have access to books, journals, PCs and Wi-Fi, and can access many resources online. The university also offers tutorials through study skills tutors.
There are Advice Zones on each campus to help with personal or academic difficulties, a Wellbeing Service for counselling and free advice, and student mentors who will answer questions.
Students also have access to a Student Money Advice Team and a Disability Service which provides individual support plans for students.
There is also a health service available to all students, playcentre based at USW Pontypridd and Chaplaincy, open to all students.
International students are offered excellent support and advice, from before they enrol through to graduation. The university has an Immigration and International Student Advice team who offer advice on issues such as immigration, cultural issues and daily life in the UK.
USW students on Whatuni say:
“I have used some student support facilities like counselling and the careers team through the advice zone. Whenever I have reached out to these facilities, all staff have treated me really well and do their best to help.”
“USW student support is remarkable, there is support for everything study skills, disabilities, recreational, well-being etc.”
“Great environment! Such helpful people and staff.”
Find out more about the student support offered on the university’s website.
VISIT WEBSITEMany of the university’s lecturers are at the forefront of their fields, producing world-leading research and contributing to advances within their area of expertise. USW’s research informs its courses, so students are taught the latest thinking.
Almost two thirds of the USW researchers submitted to REF 2021 have research that has been categorised as world leading or internationally excellent (4* or 3*). USW is now fourth in Wales for impact (up from 8th in 2014, based on 4* / 3*) with 81% of USW’s research impact being classed as world leading or internationally excellent (4* / 3*).
The true strength of the university comes in the form of employability skills. Students at USW will gain not only an education, but also the core skills required to be successful in applying for jobs and progressing in their career.
Networking events and relationships with major UK employers help students make connections and find work even before their degree is complete. Workshops and other services help to ensure that students are fully prepared for life beyond university.
USW is dedicated to using knowledge to improve lives and address global challenges that affect every society.
USW has a diverse and welcoming community, so that students can find like-minded people who share their interests, beliefs, and motivations.
There are students’ union facilities across all campuses, where students can seek advice, play sports, make new friends, find work and have their voice heard. USWSU is there to help with welfare issues and offer support, whether it’s a financial, emotional or educational issue.
There are plenty of clubs and societies to choose from at USW too. Sport is a big part of the SU, with around 65 teams that compete in the BUCS leagues. Over the last few years, USW teams have had outstanding results in football, rugby, basketball, water polo, swimming, volleyball and badminton.
For students who join a team, it’s likely that they will train and compete at USW Sport Park, which is one of the best university sport coaching and training venues in the country.
USW students on Whatuni say:
“The opportunities offered for students to progress in their continuous professional development with course rep and student union opportunities.”
“USW is a cultural diverse university providing equal opportunities for all students.”
“They do their best to cater to my needs and I feel that they do that in the best way possible."
There are plenty of clubs and societies at USW – from human rights to snowboarding. There’s even a Pizza Society!
Whatever students are interested in, there’ll be a USW society or club to help them meet like-minded people or discover something new. Some of the clubs and societies include LGBT+, snowsports, cheerleading, debate, film, rowing, and cyber security.
USW Sport is for everyone and, as well as classes, team sport is a key part of student life. There are over 65 teams that compete in the BUCS league, ranging from tennis and mountain biking, to golf, surfing and rugby.
USW Sport has some of the most impressive facilities in the UK. USW Sport Park is one of the best university sport coaching and training venues in the country. The facilities are so good that many professional teams regularly use the park for training.
USW students on Whatuni say:
“Great atmosphere and lots to do.”
“Having opportunities to meet new people is essential. Events and societies are all over Treforest and Cardiff campuses.”
“Most of us at the Cardiff campus just join clubs at Cardiff University.”
USW has campuses in and around Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. South Wales offers rich experiences, with Cardiff at the heart. Every year, thousands of students from all over the world make Cardiff their home. It’s a great place to study.
Cardiff is a modern, multicultural city that offers a good quality of life and is one of the most affordable cities in the UK. Well known as a city of culture and entertainment – it’s a popular student city that knows how to enjoy itself.
From shopping and live sport to music, arts and history, there’s something for everyone and great company to do it with. Lots of USW students choose to live in Cardiff, even if they study at Newport or Pontypridd.
USW students on Whatuni say:
“Good location, small campus ,easy to get to know everyone ”
“Nice view of the mountains”
“The town also has access to all shops and necessities that you need for living."
See the campus and city for yourself in person by booking an open day place.
BOOK OPEN DAYAt USW, students learn inside and outside the classroom. Work experience is a major part of all their courses and how things work in real life is part of the curriculum.
USW has a dedicated team to help students find career-related work experience in the UK and overseas.
Some of USW’s courses have a year of work experience, called a ‘sandwich year’, built in.
The university’s industry partners help shape their courses to make sure they reflect real life and employer demands. Many of the degrees at USW hold accreditations from professional bodies.
There is also the option to combine work and study as USW offers degree apprenticeships, in addition to the well-established Network75 scheme. Students on this scheme combine work and study, with tuition fees paid in full by their host employer. Subject areas include engineering, surveying, computing, business, accounting, and law.
USW students on Whatuni say:
“I used the careers team for application help and they reply quickly and make sure that the application is the best it can be.”
“I think the variety of placements really helps with choosing the area you want to work in after graduation as you get to experience so many different ones.”
USW Progression Bursary 2023-24
This award is open to college students who choose to top-up their University of South Wales accredited HND or foundation degree to a full honours degree through a full-time top up course at a USW campus. Worth £1,000, this bursary could provide financial support towards travel, living and study costs while studying at a University of South Wales campus.
USW Gwent Bursary 2023-24
This bursary is offered to students resident at a NP postcode at the time of applying for a course at USW, who have been offered and accepted a place at the university as part of the university’s Contextual Admission Policy criteria.
USW Undergraduate Ethnicity Equality Bursary 2023-24
The university is offering 15 bursaries to undergraduate students commencing their studies in the 2023-24 academic year and have self-identified as one of the following ethnic groups under the following headings on this the UK government published list: Black, African, Caribbean, or Black British, Mixed or Multiple Ethnic Groups, Asian or Asian British, Other Ethnic Group.
USW Sport Scholarship
This scholarship is available to students performing to a high standard in their chosen sport, and representing the university in the British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) league. It is designed to support potentially elite athletes and sports people who are competing at least at junior national or international level in their sport.
USW Refugee Sanctuary Scheme
This is a scheme providing support to a limited number of eligible refugees via free English language tuition prior to starting an undergraduate course at the University.
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science (FCES) Travel Bursary 2023/24
This bursary is a one-off non-means-tested bursary given to all students starting their sandwich year as part of their FCES degree course. The bursary is intended to provide financial support towards students’ travel costs to and from their sandwich placement.
UK student - Honours degree: £9,000 per year
Many undergraduate students will be able to access funding to cover the cost of these fees. Each course may differ in its cost. Specific information regarding course fees can be viewed on each course page on the university’s website.
Send a message directly to the uni to learn more about their scholarships and bursaries.
ASK A QUESTION
University Of South Wales,
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As well as a wide range of courses, studying at University of South Wales offers you loads of opportunities to boost your CV thanks to the careers department. You might even have the chance to do a work placement or sandwich year during your degree.
As well as providing you with opportunities to develop academically and professionally, you'll have a wide range of clubs and societies to join. You'll be able to pick up a new hobby and make loads of new friends by joining some of the clubs and societies on offer at University of South Wales.
The world is your oyster! Of course, the exact options open to you will depend on which subject you choose to study. Employers often look to hire graduates, so you can be sure that your degree will give you a wider range of employment opportunities.
No matter what degree you choose, however, you'll have option of going on to further study. If you want to keep studying, your undergraduate degree will enable you to go on to a master's degree or even a PhD.
If you opt to live in uni halls, you'll benefit from free WiFi and all-inclusive rent. Rent for uni halls also includes security and maintenance, so you can be sure you'll be well-looked after. There are several accessible rooms available, which are adapted for disabled students.
Halls also have communal areas such as kitchen facilities where you can meet your flatmates over a cup of tea. You'll also have access to dining facilities where you can share a meal with other students in your accommodation.