University of South Wales

Became a university in: 1992 (though as usual, it’s a bit more complicated than that!)

Student population: 26,180 (2022/23)

Location: Pontypridd, Newport and Cardiff

Subject areas: Computing, Engineering & Science; Business & Creative Industries; Life Sciences & Education.

Admissions: Generally straightforward academic requirements, from A-levels CCC to BBB. BTEC Extended Diplomas and Access courses are welcomed too. Creative subjects will generally require a portfolio, interview, audition etc. while Nursing and Midwifery will also require an interview.

📸 Snapshot

The University of South Wales was formed through a merger of The University of Glamorgan and The University of Wales Newport. Glamorgan, the larger partner, had become a university in 1992 having previously been known as the Polytechnic of Wales.

The university's largest site is at Pontypridd, where three campuses cover the majority of their courses. The sites are a short bus-ride apart, and are a mix of modern and character buildings. The main site at Treforest in particular has that distinctive campus-university community feel, while the sports park has some truly world-class training facilities.

The remaining two sites meanwhile are in Newport (Education, Business and Cyber Security) and Cardiff (Creative industries). Each of these are super-modern, impressive business-like buildings focusing on a small range of disciplines.

I worked as a representative for the university in South East England for several years, visiting a few times a year for training and for their annual teachers conference. The facilities are impressive across all sites, but of all of them, the Cardiff campus, with its buzz of creativity is the one that I enjoyed visiting most.

And while the university is large, because it is split over many locations, it never feels like a large faceless institution. Each and every department feels small and manageable; it's very much a place where every student will be known by every member of staff in their subject.

As for the courses, they are almost 100% focussed on building the knowledge, skills and connections to get you started in your chosen career. Whether it's in nursing, teaching, engineering, or music technology, their courses are all about working on real-life problems, and gaining professional experience alongside your studies.

In summary

The University of South Wales could be for you if…

• You are happy to be part of a large university, but are more concerned with being part of a smaller community focused on your subject or discipline.

• You are looking for applied, vocationally-focussed degrees to prepare you directly for employment.

And if you like South Wales, you might also like…

• Cardiff Metropolitan University

• Swansea Metropolitan University

• University of Wales Trinity Saint David 

• Wrexham University