Issue 02: Information in this brochure is correct at the time of publication, July 2025, but may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, call or check our website: www.southwales.ac.uk The University of South Wales is a registered charity. Registration No. 1140312.
With 23,000 students from over 100 different countries, USW is a truly global academic community.
(HESA, 2023/24)
USW offers generous scholarships for international and EU students as well as flexible payment plans.
Cardiff is one of the most affordable student cities in the UK.
(NatWest Student Living Index 2023).
Safe and vibrant student life – The Purple Flag has been awarded to the city of Cardiff for offering an entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable night out.
Professional recognition – Many of our courses are accredited by world-leading professional bodies. 96% of USW graduates are in Employment and/ or Further Study 15 months after graduation.
Less than 2 hours by train from London. 96%
(Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22)
STUDYING IN THE UK IS A LEAP OF FAITH BUT IT’S WORTH IT! YOU’LL END UP LEARNING SO MUCH ABOUT YOURSELF. YOU’LL CONSTANTLY SURPRISE YOURSELF BY HOW MUCH YOU GROW AND EVOLVE INTO THE PERSON YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO BE.
I APPLIED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH WALES BECAUSE I WANTED TO LEARN HOW TO CREATE PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENTARY FILMS. THROUGHOUT MY JOURNEY I HAD IMMENSE SUPPORT FROM MY LECTURERS WHO CONSISTENTLY GAVE ME THEIR ADVICE AND HELPED ME THROUGH AN ITERATIVE PROCESS OF SELF-REFLECTION AND GROWTH AS A FILMMAKER.
Temilorun Enemuwe, MA Documentary Filmmaking
THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY TIME HERE AT USW WAS DEFINITELY MEETING NEW PEOPLE. BEING AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AND TRAVELLING ALL THE WAY FROM INDIA WHEN I WAS 18 AND SETTLING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WAS A BIG STEP FOR ME. MEETING NEW PEOPLE, UNDERSTANDING THE NEW CULTURE, ADJUSTING IN SOCIETY AND GETTING THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FROM TOP LECTURERS ARE SOME OF THE BEST THINGS THAT HAPPENED TO ME. MOST IMPORTANTLY, UNIVERSITY HAS TAUGHT ME TO ALWAYS BE MYSELF AND SAY ‘YES’ TO EXPERIENCES.
Aakshi Sharma, BA (Hons) Business and Management
I CHOSE USW BECAUSE OF ITS GLOBALLY ACCREDITED DEGREE PROGRAM AND EMPHASIS ON HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE. LIVING ON THE TREFOREST CAMPUS, I IMMERSED MYSELF IN THE LIVELY SOCIAL SCENE AND MADE COUNTLESS FRIENDS. THIS SOCIAL EXPERIENCE SETS USW APART. MY JOURNEY AT USW HAS SHAPED ME INTO A WELL-ROUNDED, INDUSTRY-READY PROFESSIONAL.
Musab Kazi, MSc Mechanical Engineering
THE UNIVERSITY HAS A LOT OF SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS. THE ADVICE ZONE WILL SIGNPOST YOU TO FREE SERVICES SUCH AS WELLBEING OR COUNSELLING, AND YOU CAN ACCESS THEIR HELP ONLINE OR IN PERSON. THE LOCATION OF THE UNIVERSITY IS BEAUTIFUL. FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS, I HAVE JOINED MY FELLOW RESEARCH STUDENTS ON THE ANNUAL WALK TO PEN Y FAN IN BANNAU BRYCHEINIOG, THE BRECON BEACONS. THE SCENERY IS AMAZING.
Abasiokpon Udoakah, Social Policy PhD
IF YOU’RE THINKING OF PURSUING YOUR MASTERS IN THE UK, I WOULD DEFINITELY SAY – GO FOR IT. HAVING BEEN HERE FOR OVER 5 MONTHS SO FAR, I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT MYSELF AND LEARNED HOW TO BE MORE SELF-SUFFICIENT AND INDEPENDENT. USW IS A WONDERFUL UNIVERSITY WITH SO MUCH TO OFFER IN TERMS OF SUPPORT, QUALITY EDUCATION, AND LOVELY PEOPLE.
Jennifer Garcia, MSc Clinical Psychology
USW is located in South Wales, with campuses in and around Cardiff, the capital of Wales.
South Wales offers vibrant city life, culture, nightlife and music festivals, award-winning beaches, outdoor adventure, history and breathtaking countryside. There are excellent links to all major cities in the UK, and London is just two hours away by train.
Wales is a country in its own right but is part of the UK. It has its own unique culture and is a welcoming place to live and study. It is safe and affordable, and our students love the friendly atmosphere at USWyou're always made to feel welcome.
SCAN HERE TO TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF ALL OUR CAMPUSES, OR SEARCH ‘USW VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE’ ON YOUTUBE.
Cardiff is a vibrant, multicultural, and safe city – the perfect place to live and study.
Home to thousands of students from around the globe, our campus for creative courses is right in the heart of the capital.
At our Cardiff campus, you'll thrive in a professional creative environment with top-class facilities, study spaces, a library, and the Students’ Union all under one roof. Our central location means we’ve forged strong ties with leading organisations, companies, and venues, making it an ideal launchpad for your career.
Cardiff is a buzzing student city that knows how to have fun. Whether it's shopping, live sports, music, arts, or history, there's something for everyone. Many USW students choose to live in Cardiff even if they study in Pontypridd or Newport.
At our Cardiff Campus we have a vast range of specialist equipment that you will be trained to use as part of your course. To help support your studies we have a Media Loans facility that allows you to hire the equipment, at no cost, for you to use for your assignments and practical work.
Newport is an independent, multicultural city that’s full of ideas and opportunities.
Just 20 minutes from Cardiff, our Newport campus is at the heart of the city of Newport, overlooking the River Usk. Our modern campus is on the riverfront, home to a community of learning that’s dedicated to improving people’s lives.
Like the rest of USW, our Newport campus is diverse and friendly. Everything you need for your academic studies, such as the library, student support services and Starbucks, are available on site, and there are lots of other facilities conveniently located in the city around campus. Halls of Residence are just a couple of minutes’ walk away, with different room packages to choose from.
ACCOMMODATION VILLAGE
SPORTS CENTRE
STUDENTS, UNION
At the heart of our Pontypridd campus is a diverse and friendly community, just 20 minutes from Cardiff city centre.
USW Pontypridd, our largest campus, spans two sites: Treforest and Glyntaff. With a train station right next to campus, you have easy access to Cardiff and the rest of the UK.
Students love the vibrant community atmosphere and the convenience of having everything in one place. From social learning spaces to the library, cafes, bars, and places to meet friends – it's all here. Our Halls of Residence, home to students from across the UK and the world, will simplify your daily life and studies.
CRAWSHAY,S CAFE
STILTS FOOD COURT
At our Pontypridd campus, we are investing in the future, with a new Chiropractic Clinic, and Calon, the new home of Computing, Engineering and Technology at USW.
Welsh for ‘heart’, the building will be at the centre of delivering education for the next generation of engineers, built environment professionals, and computer and data scientists.
SEE THE LATEST ON THE CALON DEVELOPMENT AND WATCH THE FLYTHROUGH:
Our USW Careers service helps you think about your career options, and how to develop the skills and experience you need. We will help you while you are a student, and for up to three years after you graduate. We also offer practical help with finding work placements, completing job applications or practising interview techniques.
At USW, we want to help you achieve your ambitions. We create graduates who are prepared for a successful career. Our courses offer work-related experience, reflect employer demands, and give students practical skills for the real world.
Work-related experience is an advantage in today’s competitive job market. We have a team to help you find work experience in the UK and overseas. There are lots of options: work experience as part of your course, a placement, voluntary work or engagement with industry projects. We also have business start-up support on campus.
In the USW Business Clinic, our industry clients give business students a problem to work on. Following consideration, the students report back to the client with advice and formal recommendations. The Business Clinic can help you gain industry experience, develop your communication skills and enhance your CV.
We encourage our students to take up a work placement. Many of our courses offer work placements as part of your study. These will enhance your employability, improve your CV and allow you to build industry networks. For a list of courses, visit our website.
We’re partnered with Student Circus, a popular resource for international students who are job hunting in the UK. Student Circus advertises placement, internship and graduate opportunities specifically from employers who sponsor work visas for international students. You can use the Student Circus job portal online and meet with them on their regular visits to campus.
GradEdge is your go-to hub for career readiness, skills development, and entrepreneurial growth at USW. It offers a variety of awards and academies to prepare you for the graduate job market, whether you need recruitment support or want to start your own business.
Most international students studying on a student visa are able to work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and longer during university holidays. We support you to find part-time work by organising a part-time jobs fair in October, where you can meet employers.
southwales.ac.uk/services/careers
Thinking of launching your own business? At the University of South Wales, we’re here to help. The HE Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) Survey 2023/24 ranked us top in Wales for supporting new business startups for a fifth consecutive year, and 6th in the UK!
All courses can be found by searching the USW website: www.southwales.ac.uk/courses
Alternatively, you can use a device to scan the QR code on each page to take you to the relevant subject page on our website. Here you can get more specific information about each course.
SCAN HERE TO VIEW ALL OUR AVAILABLE COURSES
Our South Wales Business School works with leading global accounting bodies to help give you a competitive advantage as you develop the skills, knowledge, and qualifications to help you become recognised within the industry. You will be taught by qualified accountants and specialists who are active within the industry.
Students can gain the CIMA-accredited Sage certificate as part of their degree - at no extra cost. Sage is the market leader for integrated accounting, payroll, and payment systems, supporting millions of businesses around the world.
Our degree includes employability-focussed Professional Development modules, offering an exciting mix of expert guest speakers, live projects, transferable skills development, career planning and profile building. Students can also choose from a variety of specialist modules, including Financial Trading and Investment, Cases in Audit and Forensic Accounting.
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has fully accredited this Accounting degree, so you gain the maximum exemptions from their professional qualification when you graduate.
SCAN HERE TO VIEW ALL OUR ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE COURSES
BA (HONS) ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE GRADUATES RECEIVE THE MAXIMUM EXEMPTIONS AVAILABLE TOWARDS THE ACCA QUALIFICATION (9) AND A NUMBER OF EXEMPTIONS FROM THE ICAEW, CIMA AND CIPFA PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS.
THE TRADING ROOM IS ESSENTIAL, ESPECIALLY FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO PLAN TO GO INTO FINANCIAL TRADING AND INVESTMENTS AS IT GIVES ONE A CLEAR PICTURE OF HOW THE TRADING PLATFORM WORKS.
Nicolas
Our Business degrees will teach you about all aspects of how successful businesses run and you'll develop skills in areas such as people management, decision making and negotiation.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY COURSE HAS DEFINITELY BEEN MY 10-WEEK PLACEMENT AT HOOP RECRUITMENT AS A MARKETING INTERN. I REALLY ENJOY THE REAL-WORLD APPLICATION OF THE CONCEPTS WE LEARN.
Our business degrees are recognised or accredited by independent industry professional bodies, providing a stamp of approval on the quality and content of our courses.
We have a range of courses, so you can specialise in an area of industry that matches your career plans. Our flexible learning also means that on many of our undergraduate courses, you can choose where to specialise after completing your first year of study.
With exposure to industry, through a 10-week work placement and expert teaching, you will see yourself graduate from South Wales Business School as a confident and skilful leader. You can also develop skills for your career path at the South Wales Business Clinic, offering consultancy to local businesses.
96.3% OF USW BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT GRADUATES ARE IN EMPLOYMENT AND/OR FURTHER STUDY 15 MONTHS AFTER GRADUATION.
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22
By the time you graduate from the South Wales Business School, you’ll have the tools and confidence to contribute to the management of an organisation or to start your own business.
SCAN HERE TO VIEW ALL OUR COURSES OFFERED BY THE SOUTH WALES BUSINESS SCHOOL
• Advertising
• Business and Management
• Logistics, Procurement and Supply Chain Management
• Marketing
• MBA / MBA Global
Top Up degrees also available.
Chiropractors play a vital role in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a huge number of health conditions, as well as rehabilitation. USW offers specialist skills, education and training to prepare you for practice.
The new Clinic which opened in July 2025, is the new home of the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic (WIOC). Students learn in a professional environment with access to Force Sensing Table Technology, a digital X-ray suite, diagnostic ultrasound unit, DXA scanning unit, MRI facilities and 26 patient treatment rooms. Training is also supported by the ‘Anatomage’ – an advanced 3D anatomy visualisation table, a first for chiropractic education in Europe.
USW
Clinical experience is a major part of your training. The Welsh Institute of Chiropractic has an outpatient clinic that offers diagnostic, assessment and treatment services to the public. Here, students can treat and manage real-life patients with musculoskeletal disorders, including a 13-month, professionally supervised placement.
This course is professionally recognised by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and the European Council on Chiropractic Education (ECCE). Our graduates are qualified to apply to register with the GCC, have the ability to work in European states, and are eligible to sit many entry examinations worldwide.
Students also spend a week at a local hospital under the supervision of a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon. There are opportunities to work with university sports teams and provide care at external events such as triathlons.
All our courses benefit from direct industry engagement, so USW students gain the skills and support they need to excel in their chosen field, in a world that is constantly changing.
All our courses are developed in partnership with industry, so you’ll graduate with the skills employers are looking for. What’s more, many qualifications are accredited by professional bodies, such as BCS and The Chartered Institute for IT, so you can be sure that you’ll learn the skills to be real-world ready.
You’ll find the very latest hardware and software keeping our courses up to speed, along with dedicated spaces where digital thinkers thrive, including our extra high-powered gaming centre and Digital Investigation Lab, just like those used for computer forensics by law enforcement.
Voted Cyber University of the Year four years in a row and finalists again in 2025, many of our courses are professionally recognised by BCS and the NCSC. We are also recognised as a gold standard NCSC Academic Centre of Excellence.
To enhance your employability, extra certification is available that is specific to each specialist area. This means you can gain industry-recognised certificates as well as your degree.
Our state-of-the-art labs emulate those used in industry and allow you to analyse digital files and networks, investigate threats and vulnerabilities, and manage responses to incidents.
Taught by experts in their field, our students also benefit from being able to study for additional industry certification. We offer a range of courses and learning environments, from the traditional campusbased degrees, to our Cyber Security Academy that works directly on ‘live briefs’ from industry using specialist cyber security software and facilities. SCAN HERE TO VIEW
USW students benefit from industry-standard studios, editing and post-production suites that include Arri Alexa cameras, AVID and Dolby Atmos post-production software, and finishing suites for sound mixing and colour grading – all on campus. There’s even a 100-seat cinema for screenings and masterclasses.
Through our VFX course, you can gain direct links to global VFX studios that include ILM, DNEG and Framestore.
Our Cardiff campus has motion capture, green screen, VR and AR, alongside suites of high-spec computer systems. We have all the equipment, technology and workspaces you'll need to thrive in your chosen subject area.
The University of South Wales has been ranked among the world’s top 50 institutions for Creative Media and Entertainment education, by global industry-endorsed community The Rookies, formerly The International CG Student Awards.
USW Animation graduates have worked on Oscarnominated films, including The Lion King, Avengers: Endgame, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and Avengers: Infinity War, and TV shows that include His Dark Materials, The Mandalorian, and How To Train Your Dragon: Homecoming. Our Games graduates have worked on games that include Red Dead Redemption II, Total War, Rainbow Six Siege and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.
Plus, our partnership with Screen Alliance Wales (SAW) ensures we can offer a range of work placements, masterclasses, entry-level career opportunities, workshops and industry visits to our students.
You can hire a huge range of equipment from our media stores for free if you’re enrolled on one of our film and visual effects courses.
SCAN HERE TO VIEW ALL OUR FILM AND VISUAL EFFECTS COURSES
Our Design students have worked on professional briefs from real clients, including Nike, British Airways and Cardiff Blues. We also have unique partnerships with industry that provide opportunities to take on work experience on cutting-edge TV shows, films and video game productions.
All our Design courses offer a stimulating, creative environment with brand-new dedicated studio space at our Cardiff campus. The studios are designed to emulate commercial design studios, and our pitching room is a unique space where you can present your work professionally in a boardroom, developing essential skills for your life as a designer.
Guardian University Guide 2025
SCAN HERE TO VIEW ALL OUR DESIGN COURSES SCAN HERE TO VIEW ALL OUR ANIMATION AND GAMES COURSES
The education sector offers a range of satisfying and rewarding careers. If you want to inspire and support others to learn, then training in education might be right for you.
We deliver Primary Initial Teacher Education in partnership with many excellent schools, to offer a diverse range of high-quality placement experiences. These partners also help inform what you learn at university, which ensures that the course accurately reflects teaching in the real world. Graduates have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to teach in the UK or overseas.
To be career-ready, it’s important you learn about your chosen profession in the right environment. We emulate school classrooms and flexible and outdoor learning spaces to support you to develop your practical skills and a range of authentic learning experiences on campus.
100% OF THE ASSESSMENTS ON OUR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES ARE COURSEWORK-BASED, MEANING NO EXAMS.
SCAN HERE TO VIEW ALL OUR EDUCATION COURSES
SCAN HERE TO VIEW ALL OUR TEACHING COURSES
Engineers shape, innovate, and create the world around us. We offer traditional and specialist Engineering and Construction courses, all giving students skills and experiences that prepare them for their career.
Many of our courses are accredited by professional bodies. These accreditations demonstrate how our degrees meet employer standards, as well as the quality of our courses, teaching and facilities. Many of our accreditations also provide the basis for achieving Chartered Engineer status following graduation and suitable work experience.
We are the only university in the UK that has integrated the industry-standard aircraft maintenance qualification ‘EASA Part-66’ with an Honours degree.
To be career-ready, it’s important you learn about your chosen profession in the right environment. Our students learn using industry-standard equipment on campus, like you'll find in our Aerospace Centre and Materials Testing Laboratory. In addition to site visits and learning through real-life projects, there are opportunities for work experience as part of your course.
TOP 10 IN THE UK AND TOP IN WALES FOR AEROSPACE ENGINEERING.
USW offers exceptional training, facilities and support for healthcare students. If you're caring, compassionate and committed to helping people, we can help you start your career.
You’ll be taught by our lecturers and course leaders who’ve directly worked in a diverse range of Healthcare environments. From Paramedics to Mental Health Specialists, you’ll benefit from their breadth of first-class expertise and experience.
To prepare you for the world of work after you graduate, some of our courses allow a portion of your studies to take place in a range of clinical settings –this could be in a school, a hospital, or community setting.
WE OFFER ONLINE COURSES FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALSSEE A FULL LIST ON OUR WEBSITE.
To be career-ready, it’s important you learn about your chosen profession in the right environment. We value a hands-on approach to study. You’ll experience simulated learning using a range of facilities including our Hydra-Minerva and Clinical Simulation suite to fully develop your skills, knowledge, and understanding of Healthcare.
SCAN HERE TO VIEW ALL OUR HEALTHCARE COURSES
USW IS RATED 5TH IN THE UK FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONS COURSES. Guardian University Guide 2025
Law courses from the South Wales Business School focus on the foundations of legal knowledge, as recommended by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board.
Law students can expect a blend of challenge-based teaching and learning in workshops and simulations. USW works with the legal services sector to offer valuable work placements which allow you to practise your new legal skills while understanding the realities of the workplace.
Our Legal Advice Clinic offers Law students the opportunity to work with real clients. USW runs free public appointments where you will interview and assess clients before drawing up legal advice – all under the supervision of qualified legal professionals.
You will have the opportunity to join our thriving USW Bar Society and get involved in a range of sporting, social and networking activities. Law students benefit from our expertise in mooting from Year 1 and can also get involved in mooting competitions.
Hafsah Abdul Hardi, LLB (Hons) Law student on placement
SCAN HERE TO VIEW ALL OUR LAW COURSES
Kick-start your career with realistic crime scene training in immersive teaching facilities, taught by former police staff who can share a wealth of operational knowledge.
Our Hydra Simulation Suite is used to train police officers at all levels. This means our students use exactly the same system that police use to train their staff to be better police officers.
SCAN HERE TO VIEW OUR POLICING AND SECURITY COURSES
Our Policing and Security degrees will prepare you for the challenges of modern policing and related professions, such as the UK Border Agency, security organisations (MI5/MI6), the National Crime Agency, HM Revenue and Customs, the military police, and private organisations.
Students are encouraged to apply for placement opportunities with a number of police forces. After completing their qualification, they leave us at the top of their game and with confidence.
Criminology is a topical and interdisciplinary subject that draws from sociology, psychology and law to explore the causes and consequences of crime, as well as the workings of the criminal justice system.
Our Criminology courses include the opportunity to undertake a work placement or voluntary experience, helping you to enhance your employability and real-world understanding. We work closely with a range of criminal justice and community organisations, and regularly welcome guest speakers from the sector to share their experiences with our students. We want you to learn through experience, so that you can lead through practice.
You’ll be taught by a dedicated team with experience across policing, youth justice, crime prevention, criminal law and contemporary social issues. Our teaching is informed by both research and professional practice, ensuring that you gain a critical and applied understanding of the subject, informal justice and alternatives to prosecution and imprisonment.
At USW, you will have access to sector-leading simulation facilities, including the crime scene house, interactive investigation room, Hydra Simulation Suite and our mock courtroom. These realistic training spaces allow you to apply theory to practice, developing a host of skills in immersive settings that reflect real-life scenarios.
USW is the only university in Wales and the Southwest to operate a dedicated Cold Case Unit. Criminology students have the opportunity to contribute to real investigations and assist police in examining unsolved cases. Students can also get involved in the Innocence Project, reviewing historical cases and supporting efforts to uncover potential miscarriages of justice.
Journalism and Media degrees at USW give you the practical skills to become part of the industry, or you can choose a theory-based course that spans the full range of modern media, from traditional print journalism to blogging, filmmaking, radio and publishing.
Many of our courses are accredited by professional bodies, giving you a head-start when it comes to applying for jobs in your industry, and with Cardiff becoming one of the UK's most dynamic media industries, it's the perfect place to launch your career.
In addition to teaching essential technical skills for industry, we ensure students are adept in creativity, problem solving and innovation. We place emphasis on ‘problem-led’ learning, where students inform their practice through real-world research that is underpinned by academic rigour, so that every student is creative-on-demand and job-ready.
Our Cardiff campus boasts industry media facilities, including a multi-camera HDTV studio, radio studio and facilities for broadcast, print, radio and multimedia journalism. You can even hire equipment from our media and photography stores for free if you are enrolled on a Journalism and Media course.
Drama and Performance degrees equip you with a great balance of practical activity, live performances and theory, and are designed to give you the skills to build your career.
Our partnerships with arts organisations across the region mean that we work on the ground on arts development projects with young people at all levels, from grassroots to professional theatre companies.
The flexible nature of our Drama and Performance degrees mean you can focus on your interests and career goals. Our range of modules enables you to study acting, directing, theatre and performance histories and theories, voice and movement, devising, ensemble practice, theatre production, applied drama, practice as research, and more.
For our Drama and Performance students there’s a 160-seat auditorium with a sprung stage floor and full lighting rig. Students also have access to our dance studios and drama spaces, four black box studio theatres and two professional film studios.
SCAN HERE TO VIEW ALL OUR DRAMA AND PERFORMANCE COURSES
USW Music and Sound provides real-world simulation, education and networks that prepare students for successful careers within the music industry.
Cardiff is renowned for music, and you’ll study right in the heart of the city centre. In 2019, it was officially declared a Music City – the first of its kind in the UK. The city offers many opportunities for work experience, project collaboration and live briefs with the industry. Our students are already a major part of Cardiff’s vibrant music culture, with a number of successful industry start-ups and artists emerging from USW.
Industry-standard recording studios with live and control room, USW Cardiff SCAN HERE TO VIEW ALL OUR MUSIC AND SOUND COURSES
All students work on live projects and competitions, supported by industry visits, including to local recording studios and venues. Collaboration with industry partners is at the heart of our courses, and current partnerships include NatWest Bank, Orchard Live, Warner Music, Longwave Studio, Music Declares Emergency, Boomtown and Sŵn Festival.
On campus you’ll have access to a mix of digital and vintage analogue equipment that’s among the best at a UK university. We have excellent facilities, including nine industry-standard recording studios with live and control rooms, plus separate practice spaces and a range of live performance spaces. You’ll create and collaborate to gain the range of skills you need to work in the music industry.
At USW, Music Performance students can professionally produce music and make it available commercially through our vinyl ‘Create’ sampler.
Our students host the annual Immersed! Music Festival, leading on all event management, including ticketing, artist management, marketing, and sales.
The Immersed project has been running for five years and involves intensive collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including cross-subject disciplines, music fans, commercial venues, charities, professional bodies, booking agents, artists, communities, policymakers, and technicians.
USW is recognised for excellent teaching and facilities that prepare students to become professional practitioners, ready for careers that make a difference to people’s lives.
Many of our degrees are accredited by the relevant professional body. These accreditations demonstrate that what you learn is excellent preparation for your chosen field, as well as the quality of our courses, teaching and facilities.
The USW Behaviour Analysis Clinic offers clinical services to the public with a focus on treating behavioural challenges associated with a wide range of disorders. The USW Therapy Centre is a counselling service for people in the local area. Both of these serve the community and offer students valuable experience.
Our campuses have specialist resources for psychology and counselling so you can develop specialist techniques. All undergraduate degrees at USW have elements of work experience built in. Our Psychology Plus scheme, for example, offers clinical experience at our clinic on campus, specialist short courses, professional certificates and work placements.
SCAN HERE TO VIEW ALL OUR PSYCHOLOGY COURSES SCAN HERE TO VIEW ALL OUR COUNSELLING AND THERAPEUTIC STUDIES COURSES
Our degrees are designed to make a difference to the lives of people and communities around the world. Your studies at USW will give you the skills and insight you need to help others and lead social change locally and globally.
Muhanned Kalash, Chevening Scholar, Social Policy student
MORE THAN 80% OF USW'S RESEARCH IN SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL POLICY HAS A REAL-LIFE IMPACT THAT'S RATED WORLD LEADING OR INTERNATIONALLY EXCELLENT.
History at USW isn’t just about the past; it’s about understanding how it shaped today’s world and our current perspectives.
USW has close links with relevant partners in the sector to ensure you experience practice-based learning in your chosen area. You will have the opportunity to learn alongside professional groups to widen your knowledge of the complex aspects of these fields.
Taught by experts with a diverse range of skills and experience, including registered nurses, public health practitioners and policy consultants, you’ll gain a well-rounded understanding of the multi-agency approach to the future demands of health and social care.
Our multi-agency approach to learning means your study will encompass a breadth of services, including the NHS, social services and the third sector. We immerse you in the world of health and social care through debates, simulation exercises, law court scenarios, and roleplay scenarios. SCAN
(REF2021)
USW ensures all students gain relevant skills that are valuable for employment. We offer career planning and skills support from year one of our history degree, including training in interviewing techniques for oral history. Students also gain advanced digital skills, including use and production of podcasts, blogging, and online mapping, with specialist technical support available.
History degrees at USW provide the opportunity to study a variety of histories, political, economic, social, intellectual and cultural from British and European history, the Americas from the colonial period to the present, and aspects of global history from Cuba to China.
Final year English students working with the Welsh Refugee Council (WRC) to deliver English lessons to refugees as part of their TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate.
The teaching team has many years of experience in delivering courses for the public sector and also has a strong research profile in the field, so our course content is cutting-edge. Our students benefit from a range of guest speaker events, including talks from police forces, equality organisations and local government.
Learning is frequently based on real-life data, as well as examples and case studies from public, voluntary and community organisations. This ensures that what you learn is relevant to the workplace and situations you may encounter when you graduate.
You’ll be encouraged to undertake a short-term placement during your studies with potential opportunities to work with public sector organisations such as the NHS. This valuable opportunity will further enhance your employability skills and add value to your CV, as it can be evidence to future employers that you have the skills and abilities that they are looking for.
SCAN HERE TO VIEW ALL OUR PUBLIC SERVICES COURSES
Most English teachers are not native speakers of English. Our graduates will work in different professional and cultural contexts. Our Course Leader, Dr Rhian Web, is s an internationally recognized expert on teaching English in today’s global contexts.
Students can choose between undertaking a live action research project, a research dissertation, or a professional portfolio as their final assessment.
All students will be offered optional placement hours with the Centre for International English at the University of South Wales, receiving a formal record of these on completion.
SCAN HERE TO VIEW OUR MA TESOL COURSE
A Science degree provides a career for life. At the University of South Wales, you’ll gain the right skills, knowledge and practical experience to be an attractive candidate to employers.
Many of our courses offer exciting fieldwork opportunities, bringing to life what you learn in the classroom. As well as making use of the varied habitats on our doorstep, you may travel much further afield. In recent years, locations have included Honduras, South Africa, Mexico and, more locally, Bannau Brycheiniog, formerly known as the Brecon Beacons, and the Pembrokeshire National Parks.
MEDICAL SCIENCES IS TOP IN WALES FOR TEACHING QUALITY AND ACADEMIC SUPPORT.
National Student Survey 2024 SCAN HERE TO VIEW ALL OUR SCIENCE COURSES
Many of our courses are accredited by professional bodies. These accreditations demonstrate that what you learn is excellent preparation for your chosen field, as well as the quality of our courses, teaching and facilities.
To be career-ready, it’s important you learn about your chosen profession in the right environment. We value a hands-on approach to study. You’ll learn in a purpose-built learning environment and undertake practical work in specialist laboratories on campus. As well as using industry-standard software and equipment, and learning through projects, there are opportunities for work experience as part of your course.
TOP IN THE UK FOR STUDENT SATISFACTION IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Complete University Guide 2025
We have courses that reflect different aspects of the sport industry, at many different levels. From Coaching and Performance to Science and Therapy, we help students from all over the world prepare for the sporting career they want.
Many of our courses are accredited by professional bodies. These accreditations demonstrate that what you learn is excellent preparation for your chosen field, as well as the quality of our courses, teaching and facilities.
USW IS THE ONLY UNIVERSITY IN ENGLAND AND WALES TO OFFER A FULL-SIZE INDOOR 3G PITCH BUILT TO FIFA PRO AND WORLD RUGBY STANDARD, FOR GUARANTEED TRAINING ALL YEAR ROUND.
Students training in the Strength and Conditioning room, USW Sport Park
To be career-ready, it’s important you learn about your chosen profession in the right environment. USW Sport Park is an elite training facility that attracts professional clubs and associations from all over the world. We value a hands-on approach to study and all students are provided with high-quality sportswear to ensure you are professionally equipped.
We have many partnerships with national governing bodies, professional sport teams and local businesses, which provide work experience opportunities that match your course and interests. Plus, all of our coaching courses are mapped to industry standards to offer you an industryrecognised qualification in addition to your degree.
SCAN HERE TO VIEW ALL OUR SPORT COURSES
As a postgraduate research student, you will be part of our thriving academic community of internationally renowned researchers.
Our vibrant, impactful research community is contributing to solving real problems faced by our society. Our multidisciplinary research teams have a strong track record of delivering high-quality research and collaborate with industry, communities, and organisations to make a positive difference to lives.
Research at USW informs all academic delivery, but there are many good reasons to do a postgraduate research degree, from immersing yourself in a subject you are passionate about and making an important contribution to your field, to gaining specialist knowledge that can enhance and progress your career.
The Graduate School brings postgraduate researchers together from a wide variety of disciplines into one community for a range of development opportunities and mentoring. We offer a wide range of opportunities to choose from –including PhD, Masters by Research and Professional Doctorates – all of which allow you to make an indepth critical research study of a topic that interests you.
You will be supervised by a team of subject experts, learn new research and analytical skills, and get to contribute to knowledge in your discipline area.
We have supervisory expertise in four specialist research areas:
• Crime, Security and Justice
• Health and Wellbeing
• Creative Innovation
• Sustainable Environment
These are underpinned by our Research and Innovation Groups in:
• Applied Psychology
• Business
• Creative Industries
• Criminology, Policing and Security
• Computer Science and Informatics
• Earth, Ecology and Environment
• Education; Engineering; Health, Care and Wellbeing
• Humanities; Hydra Critical Incident
• Mathematics and Data Science
• SERC: Sustainable Environment Research Centre
• Social Policy
• Sport and Exercise.
The USW Centre for International English offers English-language courses for students who do not meet the English-language requirements for their course. These pre-sessional courses also help students develop academic and social skills in the university environment.
These intensive courses will improve your English and academic skills, and help you communicate in an English-speaking environment.
• Courses are taught by fully-qualified and professional English-language teachers.
• The programme you are offered will depend on your English level and academic qualifications.
• We even support students after their English course has finished. You will also be able to attend in-sessional English-language classes free of charge, to support you throughout your studies.
• Courses are taught at our Pontypridd Campus.
• You need to allow at least 10 weeks (300 hours of English) to improve your English level by up to one (1.0) IELTS band (or equivalent).
• Applicants must hold an offer for a course at USW (undergraduate or postgraduate levels).
• Applicants must satisfy the English-language requirements as detailed in the table below.
• International applicants must hold a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) IELTS, taken at an approved UKVI SELT IELTS centre.
THE TEACHING STAFF ARE LOVELY PEOPLE. THEY HELPED ME NOT ONLY WITH ENGLISH, BUT ALSO WITH OTHER ISSUES I HAD WHEN I FIRST ARRIVED AS EVERYTHING WAS SO NEW.
10-week Pre-sessional English-Language Programme and BA (Hons) International Business (Top Up)
IELTS 5.5* or equivalent (with a minimum of 5.5 in writing and 5.0 in all other components)
*Students applying for a course requiring a higher IELTS score than 6.0 may require a longer pre-sessional English course. Please note that the fees stated above are subject to change. For full terms and conditions, visit our website: www.southwales.ac.uk/money FOR INFORMATION ON UKVI SELT IELTS CENTRES ACROSS
You will be considered for an international scholarship automatically when we receive your application to study; you don’t need to make a separate scholarship application. You will receive confirmation of a scholarship with your offer letter and it applies to all years of study.
Scholarships and discounts do not apply to sponsored students, those studying a placement year or Englishlanguage programmes.
International scholarships
Partial tuition scholarships of up to £2,500 are available to self-funded international students for each year of study:
Chancellor’s International Development Scholarship
Undergraduate and postgraduate students from the following regions are eligible for a scholarship of £2,500:
• Africa • Latin America • South Asia • South East Asia • Central Asia and Turkey • Caribbean • Lebanon • Norway
• Albania • Bahrain
Early CAS Scholarship
Students who are ready to receive a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) for many of our courses by May 31st for the September 2026 intake, or, by 31st October for the January/February 2027 intake, will be eligible for an extra £500 scholarship, on top of an existing USW scholarship. This scholarship applies to each year of study. Please see our Fees and Scholarships webpage for more information: www.southwales.ac.uk/international/fees-scholarships
Commonwealth and Chevening Scholarships
USW is a popular destination for Commonwealth and Chevening scholars and we offer a number of general and partnership scholarships. For more information visit: www.southwales.ac.uk/international
• Fees are charged per academic year.*
• Accommodation and living costs should be calculated separately.
• Please refer to course web pages for any additional costs associated with the course that you are planning to study: www.southwales.ac.uk/courses
Payment schedule
Students studying Pre-sessional English Language Programmes must pay the balance of fees in full before enrolment.
International students studying undergraduate and postgraduate courses must pay a minimum 50% of fees before enrolment. Please see your offer letter for more details.
Payment options
1. An early payment discount of £300 may be available upon full payment of fees on or before enrolment. Terms and conditions apply.
2. Payment of the balance of fees in monthly instalments.
For further information about payment schedule of tuition fees, visit: www.southwales.ac.uk/international
* Undergraduate students and students studying on a course of more than one year in length should be aware that the fees on page 60 are the current course fees for the first year. We may revise these tuition fees annually and in subsequent academic years as you progress in your studies Any increase to your tuition fee will be in line with the reasons set out in our terms and conditions, for example an increase in line with inflation. We will always communicate such changes with you in good time prior to each academic year to inform you about any changes to tuition fees.
We are committed to making tuition fees as affordable as possible. The University is proud of our links to Europe and the friendly and multicultural atmosphere at USW is enhanced by our diverse student and staff community from Europe and around the world.
Eligible EU students starting a course with USW in September 2026 will be automatically awarded a scholarship, which will bring the tuition fee amount in line with the fee paid by UK students. This will apply for the duration of your course.
You will receive confirmation of the scholarship with your offer letter, and it applies to all years of study. EU students studying undergraduate and postgraduate courses must pay a deposit of at least £3,000 before enrolment.
South Wales offers great value for money. Food, entertainment, accommodation, and other dayto-day costs are likely to be lower than in many other parts of the UK. However, it is vital that all students prepare their finances before they attend university.
The amount of money you need during your time studying with us will vary depending on the sort of lifestyle you lead. The UKVI requires all students applying for a visa for programmes of nine months or more to provide evidence of £10,224 plus any unpaid course fees for the first year.
www.southwales.ac.uk/international
You can find a detailed list of entry requirements for your country on our website: www.southwales.ac.uk/international/your-country
English language
The University recognises a number of Englishlanguage qualifications that include:
• IELTS with an average overall score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component*
• GCSE pass in English at grade C or above
• TOEFL with a score of 72 overall and a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing (including home edition)
• PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI (taken at a PTE test centre) with a score of 59 overall and 59 in each component
For more information and a complete list of English qualifications we accept, visit: www.southwales.ac.uk/international/courses/ ielts-english-programmes-requirements
Please note, we offer English-language preparation courses if your IELTS is below the course entry requirement.
Considering your application
To consider your application, we require the following documents:
• Academic transcripts and certificates (include documents from both your high school and university or college qualifications)
• Evidence of English-language ability (IELTS or equivalent)
• Academic/employment reference letter
• Personal statement
We recommend submitting all of these documents when you submit your application, but if you don’t have them available, we may still be able to make you a conditional offer to study with us.
A conditional offer means you still need to meet some requirements to study with us – usually exam results. Your offer letter will state what you need to submit in order to obtain an unconditional offer.
Other conditions may include submitting a work reference or your transcripts, for example.
*A very small number of USW’s programmes require a higher IELTS (or equivalent) score. Please check individual courses for details. Courses below undergraduate level will require a UKVI SELT IELTS.
**Admissions will advise if this is relevant to your application
12 ATTEND INDUCTIONS AND ENROLMENT
10 RECEIVE VISA
8 RECEIVE CAS
6 PAY DEPOSIT
3 SUBMIT OUTSTANDING CONDITIONS
4 ACCEPT YOUR PLACE (IF YOUR OFFER IS CONDITIONAL)
APPLY TO USW RECEIVE OFFER
5 COMPLETE PRE-CAS INTERVIEW**
11BOOK FLIGHT TO THE UK
9 APPLY FOR STUDENT VISA
7 DOCUMENT CHECKS VIA CAS SHIELD
At the University of South Wales, we’re committed to supporting you throughout your journey—from visa guidance to settling in, to looking after your wellbeing with professional counselling. Whatever you need, we're here to help you enjoy student life and thrive academically, socially, and personally.
International and EU student support
We offer excellent support and advice at every stage of your journey – from making your visa application to graduation and beyond. Our Immigration Advisory Services Team can give you information about non-academic issues such as immigration and daily life in the UK. Plus, they arrange lots of events and social activities. To find out more, visit: www.southwales.ac.uk/international/immigration-andinternational-students-advice/
The Disability Advice Team provides information, advice and guidance to USW students who consider themselves to be disabled (e.g. neurodiverse students and those with physical, sensory, mental health or unseen disabilities). We provide a confidential service where you can discuss your individual requirements.
Religion: The Chaplaincy offers an open and affirming service to all USW students. We offer confidential guidance and support to students whether they are religious or not.
Wellbeing Service offers free advice, counselling and support. We are concerned with your overall wellbeing, including physical and mental health, social welfare, and ways to improve these.
Residence Support Team looks after students living in Halls and is a useful contact for any Halls-related issues.
Student Mentoring aims to make your start to university life easy and enjoyable, with practical advice and support.
Student Money Advice can help you manage your money and offer advice on student funding.
USW Careers can help with all things related to your career and advise you how to get the most from your studies – turn to page 11 for more.
STUDYING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH WALES HAS ALLOWED ME TO MAKE FRIENDS FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES, CULTURES AND BACKGROUNDS, I FEEL I HAVE DEVELOPED INTO A WELL-ROUNDED INDIVIDUAL.
Filipe Galamba Portugal, MA Journalism
Applying for a Student Visa
You can apply for a Student Visa up to six months before the start of your course. You will need a Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) from USW to do this.
A standard visa application usually takes three weeks to process, though this can be longer at peak times (July/August/December). Certain countries offer Priority routes with the opportunity to secure a visa in less time.
For advice on applying for your visa, please contact our specialist immigration team at international.advice@southwales.ac.uk
FOR DETAILED INFORMATION COVERING EVERYTHING FROM VISA APPLICATIONS TO ARRIVING IN THE UK, VISIT: www.southwales.ac.uk/international/ visas-and-pre-arrival
Pontypridd
want you to feel at home while you are studying at USW, so we have a range of good-quality accommodation options.
USW has Halls on campus at Pontypridd, so you can live and study in a friendly, community atmosphere that our students love. There are nearly 1,200 rooms of different sizes, and 20 self-contained studio flats.
• From £115 per week*
• Own room with en suite shower and toilet
• Shared kitchen, dining and living area
• Self catering
• Internet access and bills included
• Insurance for personal belongings
• Smart phone app/card operated laundry
• Staffed 24 hours a day
• Resident Life Programme
We work with a number of private providers in the city centre, all of which are close to USW Cardiff. Typically, rooms range from £172 per week* and include the following:
• Own room with en suite shower and toilet
• Shared kitchen, dining and living area
• Self catering
• Internet access and bills included
• Study and social space, with free printing
• On-site laundry facilities
• Staffed 24 hours a day
We work with private provider, CLV, to offer modern Halls of Residence close to campus. There are a range of rooms to choose from.
• From £151 per week*
• Own room with en suite shower room and toilet
• Shared kitchen
• Self catering
• Common room with Sky TV, including Sky Sports
• Internet access and bills included
• Insurance for personal belongings
• On-site laundry facilities
• Staffed 24 hours a day
If you don't want to live in Halls, private accommodation could be an option. We keep a database of registered landlords whose properties meet standard and safety regulations: www.southwales.ac.uk/accommodation/choosingwhere-to-live/private-sector-accommodation/
International and EU students with no settled/presettled status, who have chosen to live at Treforest campus, must pay Halls rental in full at the beginning of the academic year. If circumstances prevent payment in full prior to move-in, students are advised to contact the USW Revenue Team in advance at revenue@southwales.ac.uk to discuss a potential payment plan. International and EU students must pay rental for private student halls for Newport and Cardiff campuses in full at the beginning of the year, unless they have a UK guarantor. Students studying in a privately rented house should refer to their contract for payment details.
Want to know more about living in South Wales or what it's like to study at USW? Message one of our friendly student ambassadors – they’re here to help: www.southwales.ac.uk/chat
The Union is where you can play sport, make new friends from all over the world, get advice, find work and have your voice heard. You automatically get membership of the Students’ Union when you enrol.
You will have to study and work hard but your time at university should also be fun. Whatever your interests, there are a huge range of clubs, societies and a diverse social life at USW.
If you join a club or society, you will meet lots of new people and get involved in all sorts of activities, from demonstrations and day trips, to nights out and parties.
There is lots of entertainment at the Union. It’s a friendly place, where you can watch live sport on the big screen, enjoy a meal, grab a coffee, or just take a break and relax. In the evenings, you can enjoy live bands, pub quizzes, film screenings, theme nights and more.
This is a great way to make new friends and meet new people with shared interests. Some of our societies include:
• Bangladesh Society
• Afro-Caribbean Society
• Chiropractic Society
• Cinema Society
• Indian Society
• Malaysian Students Society
• Motorsport Society
• Cheerleading and Dance Society and many more.
USW Sport has some of the best facilities in the UK, offering clubs, courses and qualifications.
USW Sport is for everyone. Trying a new sport or joining a club is a great way to make friends – from indoor climbing to yoga, archery and everything in between, there’s sure to be something you’ll enjoy.
The Sport Centre at USW Pontypridd has everything you’ll need. All students can use the Sport Centre at Pontypridd, but we’ve arranged discounted rates with gyms and health clubs in Cardiff and Newport for students who live or study in the city.
USW has a strong competitive sport environment and it's a major part of student life. We have more than 60 teams playing in the British Universities and Colleges (BUCS) leagues. Over the past few years, we've had outstanding success in football, rugby, basketball, water polo, swimming, volleyball and badminton.
This is one of the best university sport coaching and training venues in the country.
Our full-sized indoor pitch is the only one at a university in England and Wales and is built to FIFA Pro and World Rugby 22 standard.
We have 11 other pitches, including four floodlit pitches, an artificial training pitch and a 3G rubber crumb floodlit football pitch.
Our sports hall includes a national standard six badminton court with sprung floor.
Specialist centre for strength and conditioning with 12 lifting platforms, providing a high-performance environment for aspiring athletes.
We are investing in the future of STEM at USW with an exciting new Computing, Engineering and Technology building at our Pontypridd campus, due to open in September 2026.
