GRADUATION
WE ARE INCREDIBLY PROUD OF YOU AND HOPE YOU WILL ALWAYS REMAIN PART OF OUR INCREDIBLE USW FAMILY.
Dr Ben Calvert, Vice-Chancellor
WELCOME
On behalf of the University of South Wales, it is with tremendous pleasure that I welcome all of our USW graduates here today.
Graduating is a key milestone in your life – many of you will have moved away from home for the first time and learnt to live independently, some of you may be the first person in your family to graduate, like I was, or, for others, you may have returned to study to further your knowledge and skills. I hope you all enjoy this special moment of recognition and have a truly memorable day.
I trust that your time at the University has broadened your horizons, opened up pathways to exciting and challenging career opportunities, and imbued you with a spirit of inquiry and a desire for lifelong learning.
Today is also a special day for your friends and families who have supported you in your studies, and we extend a warm welcome to them. Their sense of pride is equally shared by our staff who have taught, encouraged, and guided you on your academic journey. Graduations are always the highlight of our academic year and we are pleased to be with you to celebrate.
As we look to the future, we hope that you will go on to be ambassadors for the University and all that we are trying to achieve. Stay connected, tell us about the next stages of your journey, and join our valued alumni community. Remember, you will always be part of our incredible USW family.
I wish you all the very best of luck in your future endeavours: be bold, imaginative, and, most importantly, be an inspiration for your contemporaries by making things happen.
Vice-Chancellor
OUR HISTORY
180 YEARS OF HISTORY
The University of South Wales was established in 2013 following the merger of the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport. They have a rich and varied history, and can trace their roots back more than 180 years.
The Newport Mechanics Institute was established to provide further education for workers and tradesmen.
The college became a polytechnic, offering higher diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
The College Merthyr Tydfil became part of the University of Glamorgan.
The Newport Technical Institute opened, known locally as the ‘School of Art’.
Caerleon College of Education, Newport College of Art and Design and Gwent College of Technology merged to form the Gwent College of Higher Education.
The University of Glamorgan opened its ATRiuM building in Cardiff, offering a dedicated learning facility for creative industries students.
A £15m development to USW Sport Park was unveiled, including the first full-size indoor 3G football pitch at a Welsh university.
USW was formed following a merger of the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport.
Industrial leaders formed the South Wales and Monmouthshire School of Mines, which was later renamed the School of Mines and Technology.
The Polytechnic of Wales in Treforest achieved university status and became the University of Glamorgan.
The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama became a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Glamorgan.
The School of Mines and Technology became Glamorgan Technical College, reflecting its expanding portfolio.
The Gwent College of Higher Education was admitted into the University of Wales as the University of Wales College, Newport.
The Universities Heads of the Valleys Institute was launched as a partnership between the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport.
Construction Work is progressing at pace on Calon - our
The University of Wales College, Newport secured Privy Council Approval to use the title University of Wales, Newport.
The Newport Campus opened, housing students from Newport Business School and much of the School of Media and Design.
Caerleon Training College opened to train male students as teachers.
ABOUT THE CEREMONY
THE MACE
Deriving from a weapon used as a symbol of authority, the ceremonial mace is a highly ornamented staff of metal or wood, carried by a mace-bearer. It represents the status of a sovereign or a major institution in a civic ceremony, or in the conduct of legislative or executive business. In the academic context, it is a symbol of the University’s authority to award degrees and convene major events such as today’s ceremony.
The mace was designed especially for the University of South Wales by lecturer and awardwinning artist Jeremy Spencer, and manufactured with a team of engineers and apprentices at GE Aviation Wales, supported by local specialist manufacturing companies. It was presented for the first time for the Installation of our Chancellor, and brings together modern design and materials with the tradition of the academic mace.
THE UNIVERSITY CREST
The University of South Wales crest reflects closely the University’s past and its future. The design is called the Achievement of Arms, the most important of which is the shield. In heraldry, the surface of a shield is known as the field, which is green to represent both the location of the University and the environmental disciplines studied here.
Above the shield is the helm, which is associated with corporate bodies. On top of the helm, within the torse of twisted silk silver and green, is the crest. The crest features the Welsh dragon with outstretched wings holding a gold computer ferrite memory store matrix, representing the technological aspects of the University and the marriage of old and new. Supporting the shield are two dragons reflecting Wales and the international nature of the University.
ACADEMIC DRESS
You will see a variety of academic dress in today’s ceremony. The academic dress of the University of South Wales follows traditions established in the Middle Ages, when the original universities of the Western world adapted the clothing of the day to distinguish their scholars.
The gown is based on the roba, a robe worn under cappa clausa, a garment resembling a long cape. The various details of academic dress now represent the university and degree to which the wearer belongs.
Undergraduate and Masters hoods of the University are variations of red and slate-grey, with the full-dress robes of a Doctoral degree traditionally made of bright silk-like red cloth. The senior officers of British universities generally wear distinctive and more elaborate dress.
The Chancellor’s robe has been specially designed and created for the University of South Wales, and follows the traditional form of ceremonial dress that has signified senior rank since the 16th century. This form of robe is also seen in the state dress of office-holders such as the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Lord Chancellor.
The University’s Chancellorial robe is made of red ‘truro’ damask, decorated with white, and has grey detailing on the front. The silver ornaments on the sleeves are known as ‘frogs’. The Chancellor’s hat is a soft rounded headpiece, known as a Tudor bonnet, with long-standing origins in the academic traditions of the UK. The Vice-Chancellor and senior officers of the University wear distinctive robes based on this overall design.
LOOKING BACK AT 2024/25
KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST YEAR
02 – Inspiring research celebrated at USW Engagement & Impact Awards 2024
USW research was celebrated at the fifth annual Engagement & Impact Awards in October. The Awards celebrated collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and partnership working as well as the impact of that work on our communities and wider society in Wales, nationally and internationally.
01– USW rises 59 places in the People & Planet University League
USW saw a huge rise in the 24/25 People & Planet University League table, placing 23rd out of 149 institutions in the UK and 4th in Wales. The League is an independent ranking of UK universities based purely on environmental and ethical performance. USW scored 100% for environmental policy and engagement, and 88% for carbon management, reflecting our target of becoming carbon neutral by 2040.
03 – Glowing Ofsted report for USW police apprenticeships Following a rigorous Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) inspection of the University’s policing apprenticeships, USW received the official judgement of ‘Good’ across the board, as well as an ‘Outstanding’ judgement for Behaviours and Attitudes.
04 – Pioneering students celebrate success in digital degree apprenticeship
The first group of students to complete the digital degree apprenticeship graduated in July. The degree focuses on the need for industry partners to guide and support the curriculum, giving graduates the skills to thrive in their sector. Partners include Capgemini, Admiral, the National Statistics Office, the Welsh NHS, and Sony.
05 – Success in league table rankings for USW
USW achieved its highest-ever ranking in the Guardian University Guide 2025, rising 21 places to 51st of the 122 institutions on the list. The University has also risen 18 places in the latest Complete University Guide 2026 rankings to 77, achieving the highest rise in Wales.
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07– More success for USW at Wales STEM Awards
USW was successful at the Wales STEM Awards again this year, which celebrate the organisations and individuals making a difference to the STEM agenda. The University won the Research Project of the Year award for its work on sustainable and slow-release organic silicon fertilisers (SIFER), led by Dr Christian Laycock.
06 – USW secures funding to nurture talent and employability in creative sectors
USW was awarded almost £70,000 of Welsh Government funding, from the Creative Skills Fund, run by Creative Wales, to support the growth of Immersed Festival – an annual multimedia event entirely run by Creative Industries students – through a new skills development programme.
08 – Newport Campus refurbishment improves facilities for users
USW’s Newport Campus underwent a refurbishment to enhance its facilities for colleagues, students, and the local community. This included the development of two new specialist spaces: the Hydra Research and Innovation Centre (HRIC) and the Newport Engagement Hub, home of Start-up Stiwdio Sefydlu, USW Exchange and events teams.
09 – Research funding success supporting Black and Minority Ethnic women affected by violence and domestic abuse
The University was awarded more than £300,000 funding from Health and Care Research Wales for a large-scale research project focusing on support for Black and Minority Ethnic women affected by Violence Against Women, Domestic abuse, and Sexual Violence.
10 – New Chiropractic Clinic building now open
USW’s new £6.5m Chiropractic Clinic – home to the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic (WIOC) –has now been completed and is open for patients before welcoming new students in September. The building brings together all learning, teaching and practical elements of the course onto Treforest Campus.
11. USW graduates work on BAFTA-nominated films Wallace & Gromit and Kensuke’s Kingdom
Alumni from USW’s Animation and Film courses worked on some of the most successful films of the past year, including Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, which won two BAFTAs, and Kensuke’s Kingdom, which was nominated for Best Children's and Family Film. .
12. USW launches placement scheme with BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales
USW launched a new postgraduate placement scheme with BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales, offering students the opportunity to learn from a professional symphony orchestra as part of their studies. As part of the programme, students shadow sound engineers and technicians as they work with professional musicians at a variety of live music events, including concerts, broadcasts, and studio recordings.
13 – USW students design key area of new Calon building in cross-Faculty project
USW students were given a chance to design a key area of the new Calon building on Treforest Campus. A competition, set up to promote student engagement with the building project, gave students the chance to contribute innovative ideas which could potentially be integrated into the final design. The winning team was made up of Interior Design students from Cardiff Campus.
14. USW and Street Football Wales tackle social exclusion through sport
USW partnered with Street Football Wales, a charity which uses the power of football to support individuals facing challenges such as mental health issues, addiction, homelessness, and social isolation. The collaboration saw students and colleagues actively participating in Street Football Wales sessions, helping to break down barriers, and foster greater understanding of real-world social issues.
16 – Welsh universities’ partnership working to detect pollutants used in aircraft industry
A partnership between USW and Bangor University secured more than £400,000 in funding from Airbus Endeavr, a joint venture between Airbus Defence and Space and the Welsh Government, to develop an innovative tool used to detect harmful pollutants, known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are used in the aircraft industry.
15 – ‘Entrepreneurial University of Wales’: USW ranks top three in UK for graduate start-ups
USW reinforced its position as a leader in fostering entrepreneurial talent, ranking top three in the UK for the total number of graduate businesses in the latest HESA figures. USW also retained its title as best in Wales for new graduate start-ups for the fifth year running.
17 – RCN Wales awards | USW Learning Disability student nurses recognised for outreach work
Two USW Learning Disability nursing students were recognised at the 2024 Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Wales awards. They were nominated by their course leader for the Nursing Student Award for their outreach work in raising the profile of learning disability nursing during a project with Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), which has been credited with a marked rise in university applications across South Wales.
18 – Hundreds of school and college students get a taste for a career in cyber security
Around 300 students from schools and colleges across Wales took part in a cyber security pathways event delivered by CyberFirst Wales, USW, and industry partners, which was hosted at Newport Campus. The event gave students between the ages of 11 and 18 a taste of higher education and raised awareness of cyber security education and the pathways into the industry and academia.
WELCOME TO YOUR ALUMNI COMMUNITY
Congratulations, you did it. Our alumni are part of a vibrant community of more than 250,000 incredible graduates from across the globe. We’re here to support your future prospects and showcase your talents.
There are many reasons to stay connected, from networking and events to lifelong learning opportunities and volunteering your time. We love to feature our graduates and promote your hard work in a variety of ways, whether that’s in our newsletter or through our active social media channels. Simply keep your contact details up to date to hear about all of this, and more. We’re on hand to support you for life after graduation.
The benefits of being a University of South Wales graduate extend well beyond your new qualification. We’re fortunate to have such diverse global alumni, from filmmakers, lawyers and healthcare professionals to international sport coaches, famous comedians, and small business owners.
As graduates you will remain part of the USW Family and become lifelong ambassadors for the University. As the next generation of innovative creators, leaders, and entrepreneurs, we wish you every success. Welcome to the community.
Email: alumni@southwales.ac.uk | Visit: www.southwales.ac.uk/alumni
POSTGRADUATE STUDY
Whether you're looking to advance your career, become an expert in your field, or keep learning about a subject you love, a postgraduate course at USW could be the perfect next step. We offer full-time, part-time, and distance learning courses across a range of subjects, and you may be eligible for our alumni discount. T&Cs apply. Visit: www.southwales.ac.uk/postgraduate
USW GRADUATE CAREERS PROMISE
USW Careers is on hand to help you pursue your career ambitions. Unlock graduate access to CareersConnect, where you can book career appointments with our experienced Careers Consultants for up to two years after graduation, plus explore our graduate guide information, graduate job vacancies, and sign up for tailored job alerts and careers events.
You will also benefit from lifelong access to our online USW Careers resources. Whether you’re refining your CV, writing a standout application, or preparing for interviews and assessment centres, the MyCareer Toolkit is available on-demand 24/7 to support you. Visit: bit.ly/GraduateUSW
FREELANCING AND BUSINESS START-UP SUPPORT
USW Enterprise support graduates who are interested in freelancing or starting their own business. We assist in developing, testing, and launching your ideas. We offer one-to-one support, funding, and events to give you the knowledge, confidence, and networks to start working for yourself. Visit: bit.ly/USWEnterprise
At the Startup Stiwdio, we provide a bespoke startup business support programme, a great space to work, and the opportunity to grow your business contacts through our various networks and events. We have three business incubators (Cardiff, Newport and Treforest), with free membership for USW graduates up to three years after graduation. Visit: www.entrepreneurship.wales
GRADUATE OUTCOMES – YOUR VOICE COUNTS
Share your success in the Graduate Outcomes Survey, a national survey capturing graduate activities and perspectives. They get in touch around 15 months after you leave university for your contribution to the collective voice of UK graduates. Your contribution will help current and future students to make informed choices and help USW to evaluate and promote courses. Visit: www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk