A merger of the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, the University of South Wales traces its roots back to 1841. It is a public institution with campuses in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd. The university is known for its thriving research culture.

One of the sought-after destinations to study in the UK, the University of South Wales has partnerships with various institutions to provide exemplary opportunities and exposure to its students. Some of the partnerships include TATA Steel, leading engineering solutions company Ricardo, Football Association of Wales Trust, Screen Alliance Wales, and many more.

With an international student population of 19%, the university provides cultural diversity to its students and also an aesthetic life on campus. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs through the faculties of Business and Society; Computing; Engineering and Science; Creative Industries; and Life Sciences and Education.

Almost 95% of students graduating from the University of South Wales get a job with a reputed firm within 6 months of completing his/her studies. It is ranked 720th for Alumni Employability in CWUR Rankings 2023 for World Universities.

Check: Complete Student Guide to Study in UK

University of South Wales Rankings

The University of South Wales is ranked as follows by some of the reputed ranking agencies:

  • Ranked 1001+ in Times Higher Education Rankings 2023.
  • Ranked 251st – 300th in Young University Rankings 2023.
  • Ranked 201st in European Teachings Rankings 2023.
  • Ranked 1535th in CWUR World University Rankings 2023.
  • Ranked 82nd in CWUR National rank in the UK.
  • Ranked 74th in Academic Rankings of World Universities 2023.

Highlights

College Type Public
Campus Settings Urban
Accepting application Autumn, Summer & Spring
Academic Calendar Trimesters
Student to Faculty Ratio 15.4
Application fee GBP 20
Application Portal Online Mode (UCAS and Official Website)
Student Population Approx. 33,500
Percentage of international students 19%
Females: Males 53:47
Admission Helpdesk international.admissions@southwales.ac.uk
Official Website https://www.southwales.ac.uk/

University of South Wales Campus

  • The University of South Wales has 4 campuses.
  • University campuses are in Pontypridd, Newport, Cardiff, and Dubai.
  • USW Pontypridd is the largest campus and has both historic and modern buildings.
  • USW provides it, students to join the organization as per their interest as USW has more than 50 student societies and clubs for students.
  • USW has more than 60 sports teams for various sports such as rugby, badminton, football, polo, swimming etc.
  • All the University of Wales campuses are close to the city thus offers students vibrant nightlife to experience and enjoy with friends.

University of South Wales Residence

  • USW offers students the option to live in residence halls or to opt for private sector housing options.
  • Pontypridd campus has around 1,200 residence rooms for students and 20 self studio flats.
  • All the residence halls are well equipped with Bed, chair, desk, closet, Wi-Fi internet, laundry service. The common kitchen & lounge has Television and all the required kitchen appliances.
  • USW offers students help in searching a private home by Studentpad USW search engine and suggests student’s properties which are properly licensed for stay.

University of South Wales Top Programs

  • The University of South Wales has a total of 48 fields of study available for students at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • It offers a total of 264 full-time courses at the undergraduate level.
  • Life Sciences, Creative Industries, Computing, Engineering and Science, and Business and Society are the most sought out Postgraduate Courses at The University of South Wales.

The top ten courses and their rankings from the University of South Wales are tabulated below:

Subject 2023 Rank Student Satisfaction Rank Research Quality Rank Graduate Prospects Rank
Accounting and Finance 78 /103 15th 85th 61st
Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering 29/39 5th 32nd 29th
Art and Design 53/86 20th 18th 60th
Biological Sciences 99/ 103 39th - 85th
Building 23/36 26th - 9th
Business and Management Studies 95/123 8th 96th 95th
Chemistry 51/59 2nd - 28th
Civil Engineering 52/57 24th 43rd 49th
Communication and Media Studies 88/97 86th 45th 87th
Computer Science 78/110 31st 74th 87th

University of South Wales Application Process

The application process for the University of South Wales admissions is discussed below:

International Undergraduates

Application Portal: UCAS Portal

Application Fee: GBP 26 for one choice and GBP 26 for more than one choice

International Graduates

Application Portal: Course Page (Official Website)

Application Fee: Not specified

Application Process Undergraduate and Graduate:

  • Applicants have to apply online at the Course Page (Official Website).
  • Applicants have to submit the required documents before the deadline giving information about the previous institutions attended as well as their employment history.
  • Applicants can also choose to sit for an interview.
  • Within 2 working days of submitting an application, the admission authorities of the University of South Wales respond to the applicants.
  • If selected, applicants have to apply for the visa and complete other formalities.

Documents required for application are mentioned below:

  • Academic records, certificates, and transcripts of both high school and college attended.
  • Personal Statement of purpose
  • Academic Reference Letter.
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Following is the list of English Proficiency Tests approved by the University of South Wales:

Test Name Minimum Scores Required
IELTS Overall 6.0
5.5 in each component
TOEFL Overall 72
Reading (18) Listening (17) Writing (17) Speaking (20)
TOEFL Home Edition Overall 72
Reading (18) Listening (17) Writing (17) Speaking (20)
Cambridge English Overall 169
162 in each component
PTE Overall 62
59 in each component
IELCA Overall 32
30 in each component

University of South Wales Cost of Attendance

The estimated cost of attendance for international students is given below:

Expense Estimated Cost (GBP)
Undergraduate tuition fee 10,000- 13,500
Postgraduate tuition fee 14,100- 15,000
Full-time research fee 15,000 per year
Part-time research fee 7,500 per year
Full-time DBA 12,500
English Language Study Skills (25 weeks) 9,125

University of South Wales Scholarships

  • The University of South provides students an opportunity to meet their expenses by applying for scholarships in UK every year.
  • No separate applications are needed for scholarship programs. Students are considered for scholarships as soon as they submit their application provided that they submit a complete application before the deadline.
  • Students are notified about the scholarships granted to them along with their offer letter.
  • Some of the popular scholarships programs available for international students are as follows:
Scholarship Program Amount (GBP) Eligibility
International Undergraduate Scholarships 1,500 International Undergraduate
International Postgraduate Scholarships 2,000 International Postgraduate
Chancellor's International Development Scholarship 2,500 International students from the following countries- Latin America; South Asia;
Southeast Asia; Central Asia and Turkey; Caribbean; Lebanon; Norway; Africa
Chevening Scholarships Varies International graduates
Commonwealth Scholarships Varies International Students from Commonwealth countries
EU Scholarships 4,800/ year
5,500/ year
Graduate and Undergraduate EU students

University of South Wales Alumni

  • Students graduating from the University of South Wales become lifelong members of its alumni association.
  • They are offered with various benefits and services.
  • 10% discount is given to them on professional training opportunities at USW.
  • They can seek career advice and guidance from the career centre.
  • Discounted access to learning resources, sports facilities, an invitation to events and reunions, postgraduate scholarships etc. are offered to them.
  • Some of the notable alumni are:
    • Emma Darwin – Author
    • Asif Kapadia- Award-winning filmmaker
    • Marco Marenghi- Hollywood Animator
    • Dr Simon Miti- Zambia politician
    • AnandTummala- Head Coach: the USA under 19 cricket team

University of South Wales Placements

  • Almost 95% of students graduating from The University of South Wales get a job with a reputed firm within 6 months completing his/her studies.
  • The University of South Wales is ranked 720th for Alumni Employability in CWUR Rankings 2023 for World Universities.
  • It provides an opportunity to its students to temporary work while studying in the University to gain experience of working in a company. This program is called Work Placement.
  • Internships, summer placements, Sandwich placements, work shadowing, and life experience are all parts of the work placement program of the University of South Wales.
  • Network 75 is an initiative by the University of South Wales. In this program students can have Work Placement along with part-time studies, encouraging students to earn while studying or vice versa.
  • Network 75 programs of the University of South Wales has recorded 100% employability making this program highly desirable and useful by employers.

FAQs

Ques. What is the percentage of international students at the University of South Wales?

Ans. International Students comprise around 19% of the total student population of the University of South Wales.

Ques. What is the average cost of attendance for an International student at the University of South Wales?

Ans. The average cost of attendance for an international student at the University of South Wales ranges from GBP 11,000-12,000.

Ques. What are some famous courses offered by the University of South Wales?

Ans. Engineering and MBA are some of the famous courses of the University of South Wales.

Ques. What type of Academic Calendar does the University of South Wales follow?

Ans. The University of South Wales follows a Trimester calendar with semesters in Autumn, Summer, and Spring sessions.

Ques. Does the University of South Wales have any Religious Affiliations?

Ans. No, the University of South Wales is not affiliated with any religious interest.

Ques. What is the performance of the University of South Wales in terms of graduate employability?

Ans. According to the University sources, about 95% of graduates get employed within 6 months of completing their studies from the University.

Ques. What are the fields of study at the University of South Wales?

Ans. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs through the faculties of Business and Society; Computing; Engineering and Science; Creative Industries; and Life Sciences and Education.

Ques. Does the University of South Wales offer a work-study program?

Ans. Yes. It provides an opportunity to its students to temporary work while studying in the University to gain experience of working in a company. Internships, summer placements, Sandwich placements, work shadowing, and life experiences are all parts of the work placement program of the University of South Wales.