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Key Information Need (KIN) - University of South Wales
Type of institution
Higher Education Institution (HEI)
Main campus
Cardiff, Pontypridd, Newport (Wales)
Admission intakes
September & January
International students
18%
No. of students per staff
15.0
UKVI status
Student sponsor
UKVI compliance
Track record
Graduate route
Eligible
About University of South Wales
The University of South Wales (USW) is a public university in Wales, UK and its campuses are located in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd. Each campus shares an equal importance for the university, each providing its own series of facilities and resources to students.USW has partnership with QA to deliver pathway programmes at Cardiff and Pontypridd campuses
USW offers 500+ courses under 3 faculties including Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science, Faculty of Business and Creative Industries & Faculty of Life Science and Education.
Employability is at the heart of university - USW has made employability part of the curriculum, with teaching informed by what happens in the real world and skills you’ll need for the workplace. Many of USW courses have 'official’ industry approval, through accreditations from a host of professional bodies.
Website
Southwales.ac.ukWhy choose to study at University of South Wales
The University of South Wales (USW), UK is top choice by international students for its quality courses, award-winning lecturers and excellent employability records – find details how USW delivers these to you below -
Rankings & ratings
No. 1 in
Wales for teaching quality
Cyber University of the Year
- No. 1 in Wales for teaching quality in Business Studies (Times Good University Guide 2022)
- No. 1 in Wales for teaching quality in Business & Management (National Student Survey 2021)
- No. 10 out of 131 UK universities for postgraduate studies, 2019 (WhatUni Student Choice Awards)
- No. 1 in Wales for student satisfaction for Aerospace Engineering courses(NSS 2019)
- Top 5 for teaching in the UK in Design and Crafts - Guardian League Table (2022)
- No. 6 in the UK for student satisfaction for Aerospace Engineering courses (NSS 2019)
- Top 10 for Production Excellence in 2D Animationfor BA (Hons) Animation (2D and Stop Motion) course
- Top in wales for student satisfaction cinematics and photography (NSS 2021)
- No 1 in the UK for Health Professions course (The Guardian UK University League Tables by Subject 2021)
- Top 7 of Animation schools in Europe and 2nd in the UK (Rookie Awards, 2018)
- No. 14 in the UK for Geography & Environmental Studies course (The Guardian UK University League Tables by Subject 2021)
- Top 20 in the UK for Maths, Geography and Environmental Science, Fashion, and Accounting and Finance (Guardian League Table 2022)
- Named Cyber University of the Year for the last three years (National Cyber awards 2019-2021)
- No 31 in the UK & 301 in the World (Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2021)
- Top 50 in the world for Creative Media and Entertainment courses
- 71 in the UK & 601 in the World for Social Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by subject 2021)
- No. 80 in the UK (Times Higher EducationWorld University Rankings 2021)
Graduate prospects
95% of
the graduates are in employment
- 95% of the graduates of the University of South Wales are in employment or further study within six months of graduation(DLHE 2016/17)
- Top in Wales for career prospects in Drama and Dance for the past two years - Guardian League Table 2021 & 2022
Facilities & resources
Aerospace Centre
for engineering students
Clinical Simulation Centre
FIFA standard 3G football pitch
- Financial Trading Room including state-of-the-art computer hardware and softwaresuch as Finance Lab (equities and commodities) and Volcube (options) from Thomson Reuters and interactive teaching spaces
- Courtroom with digital video facilities, a legal practice library and dedicated teaching and practice rooms for Law students
- Aerospace Centre with a Jetstream 31 Twin Turboprop aircraft, assembled with Honeywell TPE331 Engines and Rockwell-Collins Proline II Avionics, alongside a Jet Provost T-Mk 3 military training jet
- A two-storey Aerospace Centre extension adds 1,000m2 of practical workshop and laboratory space for engineering students. This includes two aircraft hangars with civil and military aircraft, and a MP521 engineering flight simulator
- Security Operations Training Centre (SOC) offering students first-hand experience in responding to cyber security
- Motion Capture Suitethat contains an 18-camera Vicon (fixed) and Xsens (mobile) systems, VR equipment with HTC Vive and Oculus Rift systems
- Fabrication workshop which includes 3D printers and laser cutters, life drawing facility which has easels and donkeys
- High spec computer systemsfully loaded with industry-standard CG production software, compositing packages, and game engines
- Several industry-standard games labs for Computer Games Design students
- Computer animation studios, Foundry Suite, Substance Suite and Adobe Suit
- Microbiology laboratory capable of handling pathogens (category 2), DNA and genome laboratory for DNA isolation and analysis, ‘Clean’ lab facilities for tissue culture and DNA amplification
- Projection microscopes in the microbiology and microscopy laboratories for group teaching
- General biology laboratories for teaching, including a range of skeletons for vertebrate zoology
- Coagulation laboratory for the analysis of blood clotting, Tissue culture facilities for the growth of cells
- The Chemistry/Analytical suite of laboratories including a dedicated Organic chemistry laboratory, a combined Inorganic/Physical chemistry laboratory, 2 large general instrument laboratories, a dedicated student research laboratory, 2 specialised laboratories for performing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy
- George Knox laboratories, Sustainable Environment Research Centre (SERC) for Environmental Science students
- Clinical Simulation Centrewith two, four-bedded bays to simulate a hospital setting, dedicated paediatric and maternity facilities, including a special care baby unit, an intensive care environment and an emergency department with a fully equipped ambulance simulator for Healthcare students
- USW has won a £20m pound contract to continue delivery of healthcare courses over the next ten years
- Crime scene laboratories for forensic science and police sciences students
- Hydra Simulation Centrefor forensic science, police sciences, social work, nursing and global governancestudents
- A 160-seat auditorium with a sprung stage floor and full lighting rig, four black box studio theatres and two professional film studios for Drama and Performance course students
- A multi-camera HDTV studio, radio studio and facilities for broadcast, print, radio and multi-journalism for Journalism & Media course students
- Top of the range sporting facilities including an indoor FIFA standard 3G football pitch, which houses a Catapult ClearSky Indoor GPS System, a notational analysis suite, a strength and conditioning room, an all-weather pitch, an outdoor 3G pitch, numerous multi use grass pitches and specialist equipment and research labs
Student support
- Maintains partnerships with over 100 employers offering embedded employment-based teaching, including a 10-week internship for all students
- Arranges students to engage in work-based learning with other students, providing consultancy advice on live projects with industry through South Wales Business Clinic
- USW Careersservice to find your career direction, check your CV, secure a placement, provide a mock interview and more and also provide support after graduation
- USW Freelancers Academy to give you the skills, knowledge and network to make your idea happen
- Student Enterprise offers our support, guidance and activity to all students and graduates of up to 3 years. Student Enterprise can help you explore ideas, start freelancing or start your own business
- The Progression Advice Team works with students to identify areas of academic concern, advise on options available and suggest a holistic support plan
- The Study Skills Service provides advice, information and resources to help improve academic performance and to develop transferable skills for employment
- The Health Service provides advice and support forming part of healthcare provision alongside the GP, pharmacist, dentist and the NHS
- Free Wellbeing Service for physical and mental health, counselling and Disability, social welfare
Unique features
- USW and Welsh Government have joined forces to launch The National Cyber Security Academy (NCSA) in 2016. The NCSA, the first of its kind in Wales and a major UK initiative, is located in USW’s Newport City Campus
- USW is the only university in Wales to be awarded the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) Gold standard as a recognised Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Education
- Film & TV School Wales, a major breakthrough in Creative Industries education, developed by the University of South Wales
- USW topped the table of universities in Wales that produce the most CEOs and MDs than any other Welsh university ( research carried out by Hitachi Capital Invoice Finance )
Accommodation
- Cardiff campus: TY Pont Haearn premium ensuite and deluxe ensuite - City Centre Location with incredible transport links
- Pontypridd campus: Mountain Halls rooms and studio flats. 1,200 rooms, all on campus, creating a fantastic student community
- Newport campus: Newport Student Village – student halls are minutes away from the campus, and next to shops, restaurants and transport links
- 24 Hour Security so that you can feel at ease in your home
- Self-catering allows you shop for your dietary needs
- Kitchens fully-equipped with all standard facilities
Clubs & societies
- University of South Wales Student Union (USWSU) support over 100 clubs, teams and societies, 700 SVR and Course Reps and annually hold over 150 events
- USW has a thriving competitive sports environment and it's a major part of student life - over 60 sport teams playing in the British Universities and Colleges (BUCS) leagues
Location highlights
- Wales is part of the United Kingdom and a country in our own right. There are currently six cities in Wales including Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Bangor, St Davids and St Asaph. Cardiff is the largest city and also the capital of Wales
- Wales also has the UK’s smallest city, St Davids, which a population of around 2000
- Prince Charles of England is also the Prince of Wales. The title can only be given to the eldest son of a British King or Queen, the person next in line to the throne of Great Britain
- Wales is the English name for the country, with the Anglo Saxon meaning of 'foreigner' or 'outsider'. The Welsh name for the country, however, 'Cymru' means 'friends'
- Wales is often referred to as ‘the land of song’ as the country is known for its harpists, male choirs, and solo artists
- Wales has two official languages; Welsh and English. Welsh is a Celtic language spoken by more than 20% of the population, with many people in North Wales having it as their first language
- Over 172,000 studentsincluding around 25,000 international students, drawn from 145 countries at 8 universities in Wales
- International students make up 19% of the total student population in Wales
- Four of our eight universities feature in the top 500 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020
- Unique culture and history, 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more castles per square mile (600 castles) than anywhere else in the world
- Nowhere in Wales is far from the sea. Most of the universities are in coastal cities or towns, but even the inland campuses are just a short journey from our celebrated coastline.
- Cardiff is around two hours from London travelling by road or train
- 50% of the world’s passengers fly on aircraft with wings made in Wales. The country is home to many global brands, such as GE and Airbus
- Famous tradition: the giving of Lovespoons (wooden spoons carved with decorations) for celebrating special occasions, like births, christenings, anniversaries, and weddings, for example
- Children’s author Roald Dahl is Welsh; born in Cardiff in 1916, Dahl is famous for his books Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG, The Twits and Matilda
- The world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest, is named after Welshman Sir George Everest
- Welsh mathematician Robert Recorde (1512-1558) invented the equals sign (=). He also introduced the plus (+) and minus (-) signs, as well as algebra, to Britain
- Wales has more sheep than humans. There are 10 million sheep while the population of Wales is only 3 million
- Welsh gold is considered to be the rarest in the world and it can be valued up to 30 times more than standard gold
- Cardiff is the most affordable uk city for students (NatWest student living index, 2019)
- Wales was voted 5th best country in the world to visit in 2018 by Rough Guides
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q How can I find help, advice and support during my study at University of South wales?
A The USW ‘Advice Zone’ is the first point of contact for all your student enquiries.
They offer confidential advice on anything that affects your ability to study, work with a range of other services to ensure you receive the overall support you need. Find out the student support you can get from the Advice Zone HERE.
There are several ways to contact the Advice Zone including online, in person with an appointment, Drop in to talk to a member of staff, telephone and email. To contact the Advice Zone, check this link HERE.
Q What measures are in place on campus to protect staff and students from COVID-19?
A The University has made a wide range of changes to ensure the health and wellbeing of all students and staff. This includes enhanced cleaning across buildings and ensuring all social spaces are Covid-19 secure.
You can find out more about the USW steps being taken on-campus by checking the latest updates here and also in Advice Zone.
Q What employability resources does the University of South Wales provide to students?
A University of South Wales (USW) prepares students to be career ready for tomorrow’s world of work while proving them knowledge through career-embedded degrees. The University maintains strong links with relevant industries and employers including British Airways, General Electric, Sony and Tata etc. to design courses that give you the skills they’re looking for.Many of the courses have 'official’ industry approval, through accreditations from a host of professional bodies, including ACCA, the British Computer Society (BCS), Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), the British Psychology Society (BPS), Skillset Media Academy Wales, the Institute of Fire Safety Engineers, RICS – the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and CILECT – the association of the world’s major film and television schools and other professional bodies.
USW Careers guides you and to assist you throughout your time as a student at USW and after you graduate. You can find a wide range of resources and services USW provides to students in the Careers and Employability Service section.
