University of South Wales

About us

Location Pontypridd, United Kingdom Funding Type Public
No of Students 23465 Establishment University
Founded In 1841 Estimated Cost of Living 13632 GBP
Address Pontypridd, Wales, UK CF37 1DL

In April 2013, the University of South Wales was formed following a merger of the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport, led by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Julie Lydon, and Chancellor, former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.

Since its formation, the University has offered over 500 courses, welcoming students from more than 120 countries. Recent investment in USW’s campuses includes a £15m extension to the Cardiff Campus in 2016, a £15m enhancement of the University’s sports park in 2018, and the opening of the USW Dubai campus in 2018, offering degrees in aircraft maintenance engineering and Masters courses in cybersecurity, among other subjects.

The University is based in South Wales, the UK with campuses in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd. Wales is a country in its own right but is part of the UK. South Wales has vibrant city life, culture, nightlife, music festivals, award-winning beaches, outdoor adventure, history, and breath-taking countryside. 

It is a safe, affordable, and welcoming place to study. Our students love the friendly atmosphere at the University of South Wales. All our campuses are easily reached by road, rail, and air.
  
Advice Zones

Each campus has its own Advice Zone where students can ask questions and book appointments with specialist advisers. The team provides fast, accurate advice, so you can focus on your studies. 

Specialist advisers can be booked for a number of services such as study skills, disability and dyslexia, and money advice. 

We know coming to live and study in a new country can be daunting, that is why our International Student Advice team is on-hand to help with any queries you may have. Whether you're unsure of what to expect during your arrival or if you need guidance about living in South Wales, the advice team are happy to help.

Clubs and Societies 

Have you got a hobby? Or fancy trying something new? This is the perfect time for you to join one of our clubs and societies. It's also a great way to meet people who share the same interests too. Our Students' Union holds over 50 clubs and societies from debating and geological to history and photography, there's sure to be something for you. All are started and run by our students, so if you can't find one to join, that's fine, you can always start your own. 

Accommodation

Where you live is just as important as what you learn. Whether you want to live on campus at USW Pontypridd (Treforest) or in the city (Cardiff or Newport), we'll help you feel right at home. Living in student halls is a great way to make new friends, but we also offer private sector accommodation options. Find out more about our student accommodation.

Why?

Location 

While some students choose to live at home, others will want to live at university. Some will choose to move far away, and many will prefer to stay within a short drive. Accommodation costs can vary between universities so it’s something you should research and consider.

Some students choose universities based in busy cities, while others prefer a more rural setting. The University of South Wales has the best of both – vibrant city campuses in Newport and Cardiff, while our Pontypridd Campus is surrounded by green open spaces, while still just 10 miles from Cardiff.  It's also worth considering how far you're prepared to travel to drop them off and pick them up at the end of term!

Reputation

Find out if the course is accredited, as many employers will be looking for graduates who have studied an accredited course. Many courses at the University of South Wales have been accredited by leading professional bodies, so our students can be sure they have the right skills and knowledge to impress at interviews.

To help you understand the quality of teaching on the course, find out more about the academic staff. For example, students on English courses at the University of South Wales are taught by published authors and prize-winning poets. Music students are taught by industry professionals, such as Damon Minchella, a multi-million selling musician, who was the bass player of Britpop band Ocean Colour Scene.

Employability 

Meaningful work-related experience is becoming essential in today’s competitive job market. Work experience and employability are so important that they are built into all courses at the University of South Wales. Many
courses even have modules that focus on employability. The University of South Wales is the only university in Wales with a dedicated, central work placement team.

Support 

As a parent, you want to know your child is in safe hands and they have all the support they need. The University of South Wales offers a wealth of support services, from our nurse-led health service to our Disability and Dyslexia Service, Mental Wellbeing Team, and chaplaincy. There are also advice centers at each campus, plus residential and welfare tutors based in the Halls of Residence and Students’ Union.

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