SPRING TERM PROGRAMME 2025
FOR SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND COMMUNITY GROUPS
With a variety of interactive sessions to choose from across a range of areas, our subject specific events and activities will give your students the opportunity to gain real insight into studying a particular subject at university.
SUPPORT WITH THESE EVENTS MAKES SUCH A DIFFERENCE TO A LOT OF OUR STUDENTS. THE FEEDBACK HAS BEEN EXTREMELY POSITIVE FROM STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS. THEY ALL LEFT WITH LOTS OF
Helen Smith, Futures Leader
Sackville School “ You can find out more about our subject-specific activities on our website: www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges
EVENTS AND TASTER DAYS
We are hosting several school and college events and taster days on our campuses throughout the Spring Term. If you'd like to arrange a taster day for your Year 12 or Year 13 students, contact us at: schoolsandcolleges@southwales.ac.uk
95% OF RESPONDENTS RATED THE EVENT AS USEFUL/ VERY USEFUL IN CONNECTING THEM TO HIGHER EDUCATION IN POST-EVENT SURVEYS.
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TASTER DAY
COUNSELLING AND THERAPEUTIC PRACTICE TASTER DAY
The Counselling and Therapeutic Practice
COMPUTING TASTER DAY
This event includes a number of interactive talks and workshops that will give students an insight into the range of opportunities that arise from pursuing a degree in Biology, Biomedical Science, Medical Sciences and International Wildlife Biology.
Our Computing and ICT courses are ideal for students who want to develop the essential practical skills that are needed for a long and varied career in the IT industry. At this event you’ll get a chance to see how technology is used to solve real world problems and get creative with some of our Raspberry Pi-powered kit, as you explore one of the key themes of our courses: The Internet of Things.
Taster Day offers prospective students a unique opportunity to explore the field of counselling. Participants will engage in interactive workshops, experience hands-on activities, and learn about the various therapeutic techniques used in practice. This event is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the discipline, helping students determine if this path aligns with their career goals.
CREATIVE AND THERAPEUTIC ARTS TASTER DAY
Date: 11 February 2025
Whether students are interested in fine art, design, craft or creative community engagement, USW's BA (Hons) Creative and Therapeutic Arts course encompasses a wide variety of creative disciplines. The taster sessions will provide students with the chance to use specialised tools and resources that are integral to the teaching in the dedicated spaces on campus.
PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE TASTER DAY
Students will gain hands-on practical experience of both physical and organic chemistry in our modern laboratory facilities.
ANIMATION AND GAMES TASTER DAY
Date: 26 March 2025
If your students would like to gain practical and technical skills for an exciting career in TV, Film, Visual Effects or Games, this is the taster day for them at our vibrant Cardiff Campus.
CREATIVE CAREERS EXPO
Date: 9 April 2025
Unleash your students’ potential at our must-attend event for aspiring creatives. Your students can participate in handson workshops led by industry experts, as well as experience elements of university life and our industry standard facilities. This event will cover courses in Design, Media, Film, Fashion, Digital Arts and more. Don’t miss this chance for students to network, learn, and turn their passions into creative careers.
CRIME SCENE TO COURT (CRIMINOLOGY, POLICING, FORENSICS AND LAW)
Dates: 18 June, 25 June 2025
The day presents students with a simulated crime scene scenario, enabling them to understand how different subject areas interact, from the crime scene right through to prosecution in a court of law.
CSI: BEHIND THE TAPE
Dates: 30 April, 7 May, 14 May 2025
Step into the thrilling world of crime scene investigation with our immersive CSI outreach event. Perfect for aspiring forensic scientists, and curious minds alike, this hands-on experience lets you dive into the fascinating process of solving a murder case.
EDUCATION AND TEACHING
Date: 15 January 2025
This taster day will explore best practice in early childhood education, reveal what it’s like to be student teacher, develop new skills, and offer collaboration through interactive workshops.
ENGINEERING TASTER DAYS
Our bespoke taster days cover a range of subject areas within engineering, including Aeronautical, Aerospace, Aircraft Maintenance, Automotive, Built Environment, Civil, Electrical and Electronic and Mechanical. Students will experience an interactive day run by our academics in the subject area, as well as getting a taste of university life at USW.
HEALTH (NURSING, MIDWIFERY, OPERATING DEPARTMENT
PRACTICE AND HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE)
Dates: 15 January, 12 March, 18 June 2025
Have a passion for working in a healthcare environment? Get involved in a carousel of activities at our simulation suite exploring what it’s like to be a nurse, midwife, or an operating department practitioner.
HYDRA TASTER DAYS
Our Hydra suite events are an excellent opportunity for students to have an immersive learning experience which will develop their critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills. There are a wide variety of activities available at our Hydra suite that can be tailored to align with the teaching of several areas of the curriculum including Criminology, Public Services, Policing, Health and Social Care and many more.
IMMERSED FESTIVAL
Dates: 6 March – 3 April 2025
Our Immersed Festival is a weeklong event with an electrifying lineup of music, film, art, fashion, and theatre. At the heart of the festival is a night of live music taking place on Saturday 22 March at The Tramshed in Cardiff. If you’d like to bring a group to our Cardiff Campus to experience our Sound, Music and Live Event
Technology courses, please contact schoolsandcolleges@southwales.ac.uk
PSYCHOLOGY
Date: 2 April 2025
Experience lectures, seminars, and workshops on a range of topics including social identity mapping, research methods, eye-tracking, and Biopac. This is an opportunity for students to tour our Psychology Laboratory, as well as have a go at using some of the equipment.
NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY ACADEMY (NCSA) TASTER DAY
USW has been named Cyber University of the Year for four consecutive years from 2019 to 2022, and was shortlisted in 2024 at the National Cyber Awards. We are committed to encouraging young people to consider a career in Cyber Security. At this event, students will see what it’s like to investigate digital artefacts at a crime scene, find hidden evidence, create a case against a suspect, and learn about the Cyber Kill Chain model and stages of an attack.
BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT TASTER DAY
Date: 25 June 2025
Join us on for an exciting Taster Day at our Treforest Campus, where students can dive into the dynamic world of business. As well as providing a taste of what it is like to study at university, we will also run a personal statement session to prepare your Year 12 students for the UCAS cycle. We will also signpost students to our excellent degree apprenticeship opportunities in this area and provide them with top tips to apply.
SPORT
Athlete Performance Discovery Day
Dates: 22 January, 5 February, 2 April
This taster day explores the multiple support services that an athlete might experience, including Strength and Conditioning, Sport Science, and Exercise Therapy, providing insight into the future careers options (on and off the pitch) as a graduate of these degrees.
Developing the Coaches of Tomorrow
Dates: 29 January, 5 March, 4 June
This taster day gives students an insight into how they can become sport coaches and PE teachers. A variety of round-robin activities will focus on Sport Development, Rugby Coaching and Performance, and Football Coaching and Performance.
CHIROPRACTIC TASTER DAY
Dates: 5 February 2025
Chiropractic is so much more than painful backs and stiff necks. Chiropractors are primary healthcare professionals who specialise in bones, joints, muscles, and soft tissue. Students can experience hands-on learning inside our dedicated Welsh Institute of Chiropractic (WIoC) centre. Encourage your students to explore this career pathway by attending a taster day featuring spinal manipulation and trigger point massage techniques. They can speak with current students, tour the facilities, meet lecturers, and get valuable tips for applying to university.
For more details and to book on to any of the sessions listed, email schoolsandcolleges@southwales.ac.uk
INFORMATION, ADVICE, AND GUIDANCE SESSIONS
Our information, advice, and guidance sessions are suitable for year 12 and 13 or equivalent students. Sessions are also available for parents and guardians. They can be delivered at the school, college or online and at a time that suits you.
STUDENT FINANCE
The session provides essential information for prospective and current students about funding options available for their studies. Participants will learn about tuition fees, student loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries, as well as budgeting tips to manage their finances effectively. The session also includes guidance on the application process for financial support, ensuring students are well-prepared to navigate their financial journey while pursuing their education.
WHY UNIVERSITY AND MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES
The session will highlight the different approaches to researching and discovering the right university and course. The session will also encourage students to consider how they can get the most out of open days and higher education exhibitions.
NAVIGATING UNIVERSITY OFFERS
This session guides students through the process of understanding and evaluating university offers. Participants will learn how to assess their options, interpret offer conditions, and make informed decisions about their future education. The session also covers key deadlines, tips for communicating with universities, and strategies for selecting the best fit for their academic and personal goals.
STUDY SKILLS
Study skills are important to improve a student's ability to retain and recall information. This session will highlight techniques to boost student performance and develop transferable skills that will be useful for learning throughout students’ lives and reduce stress and anxiety around studying.
IMPRESSING AT INTERVIEWS
Before receiving an offer, students may be invited to interview at their chosen university. This session will provide details on what to expect, and how to prepare and be the best version of themselves on the day. This session is also relevant to those applying for jobs or apprenticeships.
MOCK INTERVIEWS (ONE TO ONE SUPPORT)
We offer students a 30-minute interview to practice questions that they may be asked. Practising for an interview helps students become more familiar with the interview process. They can rehearse their answers in a safe environment, develop interview strategies, improve their communication skills, and enhance the delivery of their responses.
NETWORK75 – WORK, EARN AND LEARN
In this session, students will learn about the sponsored degree programme that allows them to earn a degree, gain five years of work experience, and graduate with no student debt. Available degrees include Accounting, Advertising, Business, Computing, Engineering, and Surveying, enabling students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world work settings.
PREPARING FOR FUTURE CAREERS
This session provides insights into the changing landscape of employment and how higher education prepares students for future job opportunities. It can be customised to focus on specific subjects, ensuring relevance to students' interests and career paths.
WIDENING PARTICIPATION
At the University of South Wales, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in higher education, no matter their background, age, or life circumstances. Our team is here to support students who may face additional challenges in their journey to university, and we are dedicated to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all.
Tailored Support to Raise Aspirations
We offer a variety of tailored programmes designed to align students’ aspirations with the opportunities higher education can provide. From friendly coffee morning drop-ins to asking questions in casual settings, to a series of engaging workshops building skills and confidence with our Aspire2HE programme, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We’re passionate about helping underrepresented students build confidence, access resources, and find a community at the University of South Wales. This includes:
• Young carers and their families
• Service children and their families
• Students with additional learning needs
• Black and Ethnic Minority students
• Adults 21+
• Students who are currently in care, or are care-experienced
• Students from disadvantaged postcode areas identified through WIMD, POLAR and TUNDRA systems
Please e-mail: wideningparticipation@southwales.ac.uk if you’d like to discuss how we can support you or a group. We can arrange bespoke campus visits or workshops designed around your needs and interests.
“ A Success Story from Aspire2HE:
THANK YOU FOR ARRANGING SUCH A FABULOUS OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM, I REALLY HOPE WE CAN CONTINUE TO WORK TOGETHER AND DEVELOP THE PROGRAMME EACH YEAR. THE TEAM AND THE YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SO POSITIVE ABOUT THE COURSE AND FELT THAT THEY ALL GAINED SO MUCH FROM ATTENDING.
“
COURTNEY TOOK PART IN THE PROGRAMME LAST YEAR AND HAD SUCH A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE. FOLLOWING ON FROM LAST YEAR’S COURSE SHE SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION FOR ADULT NURSING TO FIVE DIFFERENT UNIVERSITIES AND HAS RECEIVED FIVE CONDITIONAL OFFERS AND IS SO, SO PLEASED!
SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to support your students with the costs associated with their studies.
USW GWENT BURSARY
We offer our Gwent Bursary to students resident at an NP postcode at the time of applying for a course at USW and have been offered and accepted a place at the University as part of the University’s Contextual Admission Policy criteria.
USW SPORT SCHOLARSHIP
At the University of South Wales, we are proud of the quality of support and atmosphere generated by our performance pathways, which ensures that all student-athletes have the opportunity to excel in both their studies and in their chosen sport.
USW ETHNICITY EQUALITY BURSARY
The University of South Wales is offering 15 bursaries to undergraduate students commencing their studies in the 2025-2026 academic year and have self-identified as one of the following ethnic groups under the following headings: Black, African, Caribbean, or Black British, Mixed or Multiple Ethnic Groups, Asian or Asian British, Other Ethnic Group.
DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT BURSARY
Enrolled USW students studying a minimum of 60 credits may be eligible to receive a free internal assessment with support from the Diagnostic Testing Bursary.
USW WELSH SCHOLARSHIPS
We have a range of scholarships available, including:
• £250 when you study at least 5 credits of your course through the medium of Welsh.
• £1,000 when you study at least 40 credits of your course through the medium of Welsh.
USW PROGRESSION BURSARY
The bursary is worth £1,000 for full-time students and £500 for part-time eligible students. You will receive the bursary in your first term by the end of November 2025. To be eligible you need to successfully complete a University of South Wales accredited HND or foundation degree with one of our Partner Colleges by Summer 2025.
USW SANCTUARY SCHOLARSHIP
The Sanctuary Scholarship will support two successful undergraduate applicants with tuition fees waived for the duration of their undergraduate studies, and a scholarship to assist with course-related costs.
REFUGEE SANCTUARY SCHEME
The USW Undergraduate Refugee Sanctuary Scheme provides support to a limited number of eligible refugees via free English language tuition of 15 weeks or less, prior to starting an undergraduate course at the University.
University of South Wales scholarships and bursaries are offered on the basis that they are potentially subject to change. The University also reserves the right to limit the number of scholarships and bursaries available.
For further details on our scholarships and bursaries and eligibility criteria, visit our website.
CHECK OUT OUR SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES
TEACHERS, AND ADVISERS, CONFERENCE 2025
Where: USW Newport campus
When: 12 February 2025, 9.30am – 3.20pm
The USW Teachers’ and Advisers’ Conference returns for 2025, bringing an excellent opportunity to gather the essential knowledge you’ll need to support your students into Higher Education. Alongside updates from UCAS and Student Finance, we will be joined by inspirational speaker and Channel Four's Gogglebox star Bassit Siddiqui, to discuss teacher wellbeing, resilience and empowering staff to support their learners.
TEACHERS' AND ADVISERS' AWARDS 2025
This year we are hosting the fifth annual USW Teachers' and Advisers' Awards, supported by Reaching Wider, taking place on Friday 11 July 2025.
The accolades will be awarded to teachers and advisers from secondary schools and colleges across the UK who have demonstrated excellence in three categories in the 2024-25 academic year. Each award winner will receive £500 towards CPD and/or staff wellbeing initiatives at their school or college. The categories include:
• Outstanding Pastoral and Wellbeing Support
• Supporting Progression to Higher Education
• Inspirational Teacher or Adviser of the Year
I LOOK FORWARD TO THIS EVENT EACH YEAR. IT IS ALWAYS WELL ORGANISED AND INFORMATIVE. 2024 Attendee “
TO BOOK YOUR PLACE, SCAN THE QR CODE: Bassit Siddiqui, Gogglebox star
FIND OUT MORE: NOMINATE A COLLEAGUE:
OPEN DAYS 2025
22 MARCH • 14 JUNE
Kick-start your students' HE research at one of our Open Days. These events are a great way for your students to find out about the variety of courses available at USW.
TRAVEL BURSARY
We can cover the cost of reasonable expenses associated with visiting the University of South Wales to attend an undergraduate Open Day, Interview or an Applicant Experience Day. Payments cover train or coach fares and we’re able to support you with the costs of travelling by car.
Scan the QR code to find out more about eligibility and how students and their parents/ carers can apply.
BOOK AN OPEN DAY TODAY:
APPLICANT EXPERIENCE DAYS 2025
1 MARCH • 5 APRIL • 17 MAY
Students holding an offer from the University of South Wales are invited to an Applicant Experience Day. Visiting an Applicant Experience Day is the best way for students to get to know their lecturers, find out more about their chosen course through a taster session, and tour our facilities. Please encourage your students who have applied to USW to attend.
“
THE ACTIVITIES WERE OUTSTANDING - THEY WERE PRODUCTIVE AND HAD EVERY POTENTIAL STUDENT ENGAGING. THE APPLICANT EXPERIENCE DAY ALLOWED ME TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS, MEETING POTENTIAL STUDENTS I WILL BE POSSIBLY STUDYING WITH. THE TUTORS ARE KIND, RESPECTFUL, HELPFUL, AND CONSIDERATE.
Applicant Experience Day Attendee
Treforest campus
Sport Park
Cardiff campus
Newport campus
Glyntaff campus
HIGHER EDUCATION EXHIBITIONS
Speak to USW advisers, academic staff and student ambassadors across the UK this Spring and Summer. Students can explore a wide range of academic and career opportunities, and discover a future that’s right for them. Find your local event and see us there.
UK UNI SEARCH BIRMINGHAM
UK UNI SEARCH BRISTOL
UK UNI SEARCH LONDON
UK UNI SEARCH EXETER
UK UNI SEARCH OXFORD
UK UNI SEARCH BRIGHTON
UCAS MANCHESTER
UCAS EXETER
UCAS LISBURN
UCAS LONDON
UCAS WORCESTER
UCAS BRIGHTON
UCAS NEWPORT
UCAS CARMARTHEN
UCAS ABERYSTWYTH
UCAS WINCHESTER
UCAS FARNBOROUGH
UCAS MIDDLESBROUGH
UCAS MAIDSTONE
UCAS EAST LONDON
UCAS SHEFFIELD
UCAS IPSWICH
UCAS COLCHESTER
UCAS NEWCASTLE
UCAS HARTPURY
UCAS BEDFORD
UCAS LIVERPOOL
UCAS LEEDS
UCAS STOKE-ON-TRENT
UCAS BIRMINGHAM
UCAS HULL
UCAS LINCOLN
UCAS BOURNEMOUTH
UCAS CARLISLE
UCAS NOTTINGHAM
UCAS NORWICH
