GRADUATION
Professor Osama Khan, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive
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First and foremost, I am a teacher, and I believe deeply in the power of education to transform lives. That is why days like today matter so much. Graduation is a celebration of your hard work, resilience and achievement. Every journey to this moment is different. Many of you will have balanced study with work, family life and other responsibilities. Some of you may be the first in your family to graduate. All of you have shown determination, commitment and character, and you should be incredibly proud. We are equally proud to have supported you on your journey and of all that you have achieved. As you take your next steps, I hope you do so with confidence — ready for life, ready to make your mark and ready to make a difference. Wherever your journey leads, you will always be part of the USW community. Please keep in touch and let us know about your future adventures and career milestones. I encourage you to connect with our Alumni team and to visit us whenever you can, you will always be warmly welcomed back. My warmest congratulations on your graduation. Enjoy every moment.
Professor Osama Khan Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive
WELCOME
“TODAY IS YOUR MOMENT. A CELEBRATION OF YOUR COMMITMENT, YOUR RESILIENCE AND EVERYTHING YOU HAVE ACHIEVED. I COULD NOT BE PROUDER OF YOU.”
It is a great pleasure, in my first year as Vice-Chancellor, to welcome you to your graduation and to celebrate this special moment with you.
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180 YEARS OF HISTORY
The University of South Wales was established in 2013 following the merger of the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport. They have a rich and varied history, and can trace their roots back more than 180 years.
OUR HISTORY
1841
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The Newport Mechanics Institute was established to provide further education for workers and tradesmen.
1970 The college became a polytechnic, offering higher diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
2006 The College Merthyr Tydfil became part of the University of Glamorgan.
2013 USW was formed following a merger of the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport.
1910 The Newport Technical Institute opened, known locally as the ‘School of Art’.
1975 Caerleon College of Education, Newport College of Art and Design and Gwent College of Technology merged to form the Gwent College of Higher Education.
2007 The University of Glamorgan opened its ATRiuM building in Cardiff, offering a dedicated learning facility for creative industries students.
2018 A £15m development to USW Sport Park was unveiled, including the first full-size indoor 3G football pitch at a Welsh university.
1913 Industrial leaders formed the South Wales and Monmouthshire School of Mines, which was later renamed the School of Mines and Technology.
1992 The Polytechnic of Wales in Treforest achieved university status and became the University of Glamorgan.
2007 The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama became a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Glamorgan.
2025 A new £6.5m Chiropractic Clinic – home to the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic (WIOC) – was completed, bringing together all learning, teaching, and practical elements of the course onto Treforest Campus.
1914 Caerleon Training College opened to train male students as teachers.
1996 The Gwent College of Higher Education was admitted into the University of Wales as the University of Wales College, Newport.
2009 The Universities Heads of the Valleys Institute was launched as a partnership between the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport.
1949 The School of Mines and Technology became Glamorgan Technical College, reflecting its expanding portfolio.
2004 The University of Wales College, Newport secured Privy Council Approval to use the title University of Wales, Newport.
2011 The Newport Campus opened, housing students from Newport Business School and much of the School of Media and Design.
2026 Construction of Calon – our new STEM building on the Treforest Campus – is reaching its final stages and is due to open in autumn 2026. 5
THE MACE
Deriving from a weapon used as a symbol of authority, the ceremonial mace is a highly ornamented staff of metal or wood, carried by a mace-bearer. It represents the status of a sovereign or a major institution in a civic ceremony, or in the conduct of legislative or executive business. In the academic context, it is a symbol of the University’s authority to award degrees and convene major events such as today’s ceremony. The mace was designed especially for the University of South Wales by lecturer and awardwinning artist Jeremy Spencer, and manufactured with a team of engineers and apprentices at GE Aviation Wales, supported by local specialist manufacturing companies. It was presented for the first time for the Installation of our Chancellor, and brings together modern design and materials with the tradition of the academic mace.
THE UNIVERSITY CREST
ABOUT THE CEREMONY
The University of South Wales crest reflects closely the University’s past and its future. The design is called the Achievement of Arms, the most important of which is the shield. In heraldry, the surface of a shield is known as the field, which is green to represent both the location of the University and the environmental disciplines studied here.
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Above the shield is the helm, which is associated with corporate bodies. On top of the helm, within the torse of twisted silk silver and green, is the crest. The crest features the Welsh dragon with outstretched wings holding a gold computer ferrite memory store matrix, representing the technological aspects of the University and the marriage of old and new. Supporting the shield are two dragons reflecting Wales and the international nature of the University.
ACADEMIC DRESS
You will see a variety of academic dress in today’s ceremony. The academic dress of the University of South Wales follows traditions established in the Middle Ages, when the original universities of the Western world adapted the clothing of the day to distinguish their scholars. The gown is based on the roba, a robe worn under cappa clausa, a garment resembling a long cape. The various details of academic dress now represent the university and degree to which the wearer belongs. Undergraduate and Masters hoods of the University are variations of red and slate-grey, with the full-dress robes of a Doctoral degree traditionally made of bright silk-like red cloth. The senior officers of British universities generally wear distinctive and more elaborate dress. The Chancellor’s robe has been specially designed and created for the University of South Wales, and follows the traditional form of ceremonial dress that has signified senior rank since the 16th century. This form of robe is also seen in the state dress of office-holders such as the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Lord Chancellor. The University’s Chancellorial robe is made of red ‘truro’ damask, decorated with white, and has grey detailing on the front. The silver ornaments on the sleeves are known as ‘frogs’. The Chancellor’s hat is a soft rounded headpiece, known as a Tudor bonnet, with long-standing origins in the academic traditions of the UK. The Vice-Chancellor and senior officers of the University wear distinctive robes based on this overall design.
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OUR DISTINGUISHED HONORARIES
Each year, the University’s Honorary Awards Scheme celebrates the significant achievements of individuals by awarding Honorary Doctorates and Fellowships. Honorary Doctorates are awarded to distinguished individuals who have made an outstanding contribution in their chosen field and have a connection with USW’s heritage and mission. Honorary Fellowships are awarded to individuals who have served the University or a discipline area with particular distinction. Honoraries are nominated by colleagues at the University, members of the Board of Governors, and the Students’ Union Council, and are considered by the Conferments committee.
The University of South Wales is awarding a posthumous honorary Doctorate (DUniv) to Paula Keys. This is the second posthumous honorary degree that has been awarded by the University.
PAULA KEYS Paula Keys (1970–2025) was a deeply respected and much-loved member of the USW community, whose life and career were closely intertwined with the University.
Paula first joined the University of Glamorgan in 1993, having completed her degree in Accounting and Finance. Her connection to the University began even earlier. Her father, Peter McIntyre, was a long-serving member of staff and honorary award recipient, and Paula fondly recalled being brought to campus as a child and playing on the grass outside the Treforest campus. Paula’s stepmother, Denize McIntyre was also a valued member of the University. Over more than three decades, Paula built an exceptional career, progressing through roles in student administration, quality assurance and a variety of faculty-based roles. She became Director of Student Growth in 2012, playing a key role in the formation of the University of South Wales. Her leadership journey continued as Director of Planning and Performance, before she joined the University’s Executive team as Executive Director of Planning, Performance and Transformation in early 2025. Paula was widely admired for her warmth, integrity and dedication, and was a trusted colleague and friend to many. Beyond work, she shared a love of football with her husband, George, albeit with some friendly rivalry with Paula being a Manchester United Fan and George a Newcastle United fan. They both enjoyed life with their beloved sausage dog, Dolly. This posthumous award recognises Paula’s outstanding contribution and legacy to the University community.
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05 – USW Film and Animation sweeps the board with eight Royal Television Society Cymru awards Students and graduates from USW’s Film and Animation courses won eight awards across 13 USW films at the Royal Television Society (RTS) Cymru awards, celebrating creativity, innovation, and storytelling at the heart of Welsh television.
LOOKING BACK AT 2025/26
KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST YEAR
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01– USW achieves highest-ever ranking in league table USW achieved its highest-ever ranking in the Guardian University Guide 2026, entering the top 50 with a ranking of 43, beating last year’s ranking of 51. The University has also risen 18 places in the Complete University Guide 2026 rankings to 77, achieving the highest rise in Wales.
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06 – New Chiropractic Clinic building now open USW’s new £6.5m Chiropractic Clinic – home to the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic (WIOC) – was officially opened by Sarah Murphy, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing. The building brings together all learning, teaching, and practical elements of Chiropractic onto Treforest Campus.
06 01 02 –USW top in Wales for graduate start-ups for sixth year running USW has cemented its reputation as Wales’ leading entrepreneurial university, retaining its position as number one in Wales for new graduate start-up businesses for the sixth consecutive year, according to the latest figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).
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04 – New national standards published to strengthen social prescribing across Wales The Welsh Government has published a landmark set of core standards and values designed to strengthen the quality and consistency of social prescribing services across Wales, supported by evidence developed by the USW-based Wales School for Social Prescribing Research (WSSPR).
07– USW recognised for strong sustainability progress in People & Planet University League USW was recognised in the latest People & Planet University League, which assesses institutions across the UK on environmental and ethical performance, for areas including ethical careers, energy use, and water reduction, reflecting ongoing work across USW to embed sustainability into everyday operations.
03 – USW student artwork unveiled on Cardiff’s Queen Street A USW Illustration student saw her work displayed on one of Cardiff’s busiest streets, celebrating the city’s culture, identity, and future. Bethan Roberts’ design is a result of a collaboration between USW and FOR Cardiff, the capital’s business improvement district.
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08 –USW is first in UK to build AI qualification into Business and Management course USW has co-developed an Applied AI for Business qualification, meaning students on our Business and Management degree will be among the first in the UK gain a new certification in the use of Artificial Intelligence.
09 – Report calls for stronger engagement with Nuclear Test Veterans in shaping policy A new report published by researchers at USW and the University of Liverpool calls for stronger policymaker engagement with British Nuclear Test Veterans to recognise their service and improve their wellbeing.
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10 – USW and partners awarded £595,000 funding to power future skills USW, in collaboration with our partner colleges and Screen Alliance Wales, has been awarded a £595,000 grant from Medr – the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research – to address skills gaps and labour shortages in key employment areas.
16 – USW achieves top Food Made Good accreditation USW has been awarded its first Food Made Good accreditation, achieving the maximum three-star rating in recognition of excellence in sustainable food service. Less than 30 universities currently hold this accreditation, with USW becoming only the second university in Wales to achieve full three-star status.
16 11 – More success for USW in Fintech Awards Wales The University’s MSc Data Science programme won ‘Best Academic Programme of the Year Supporting Fintech / FS Companies’ at this year’s Fintech Awards Wales. The programme also won the same honour in 2023. The Awards are designed to highlight the achievements of the Fintech sector in Wales and celebrate the country’s leading innovators and digital experts.
17 – USW researcher awarded £3m funding and named Green Future Fellow A USW academic has become one of the first ever Royal Academy of Engineering Green Future Fellows, and will be one of 13 engineering innovators to receive £3 million each to develop solutions that tackle multiple causes of the climate crisis.
11 12 – USW secures £232,000 funding for social housing research USW has been awarded £232,000 in research funding to support an ambitious partnership designed to put communities at the heart of local service delivery. USW researchers will work with Codi Group to co-design a new approach to delivering services that meet local needs.
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13 – Cyber excellence: double Gold for USW from UK security agency USW has become the first higher-education institution in Wales to be awarded Gold honours for a second time for its cyber security expertise. The recognition comes from National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – which is part of GCHQ, the UK’s intelligence, security, and cyber agency..
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18 – BA Counselling course secures BACP accreditation USW’s BA (Hons) Counselling and Therapeutic Practice course has been awarded full accreditation by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), following a review that praised the course for its outstanding teaching, innovation, and industry-leading student experience.
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19 – USW achieves Athena SWAN Bronze Renewal Award USW was reaccredited with the Athena SWAN Bronze Award, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality across the institution. Athena SWAN, part of Advance HE’s Gender Charter, recognises the efforts of higher education institutions to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion. USW first received the Award in 2020. Retaining the award demonstrates continued progress and a sustained commitment to meaningful change.
14 – USW research recommends continued funding of ‘gamer-changer’ Buvidal An evaluation, commissioned by the Welsh Government and led by USW researchers, of Buvidal, a long-acting treatment for opioid dependence, offers one of the clearest pictures yet of how the medication is working in real-world settings.
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20 – USW and Protium partnership powers green hydrogen innovation USW and leading green hydrogen energy company Protium have developed a successful partnership to drive forward the hydrogen economy in South Wales and beyond.
14 15 – Students help to design interiors of USW’s new STEM facility USW Graphic Design students have been able to gain real-life experience on major projects by designing interiors for USW’s new multi-million-pound STEM building, Calon, which is set to open later this year. 12
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WELCOME TO YOUR ALUMNI COMMUNITY 12
Congratulations, you did it. Our alumni are part of a vibrant community of more than 250,000 incredible graduates from across the globe. We’re here to support your future prospects and showcase your talents. There are many reasons to stay connected, from networking and events to lifelong learning opportunities and volunteering your time. We love to feature our graduates and promote your hard work in a variety of ways, whether that’s in our newsletter or through our active social media channels. Simply keep your contact details up to date to hear about all of this, and more. We’re on hand to support you for life after graduation. The benefits of being a University of South Wales graduate extend well beyond your new qualification. We’re fortunate to have such diverse global alumni, from filmmakers, lawyers and healthcare professionals to international sport coaches, famous comedians, and small business owners. As graduates you will remain part of the USW Family and become lifelong ambassadors for the University. As the next generation of innovative creators, leaders, and entrepreneurs, we wish you every success. Welcome to the community. Email: alumni@southwales.ac.uk | Visit: www.southwales.ac.uk/alumni
POSTGRADUATE STUDY
Stay curious – apply to USW for postgrad and get 20% off your tuition fees. Want to build on what you started, or boost your career with an extra qualification? We’ve got plenty of postgraduate courses to choose from. Study full-time or part-time - whatever works for you. T&Cs apply - find out more: www.southwales.ac.uk/postgraduate
USW GRADUATE CAREERS PROMISE
USW Careers is on hand to help you pursue your career ambitions. Unlock graduate access to CareersConnect, where you can book career appointments with our experienced Careers Consultants for up to two years after graduation, plus explore our graduate guide information, graduate job vacancies, and sign up for tailored job alerts and careers events. Visit: bit.ly/GraduateGuidePDF You will also benefit from lifelong access to our online USW Careers resources. Whether you’re refining your CV, writing a standout application, or preparing for interviews and assessment centres, the MyCareer Toolkit is available on-demand 24/7 to support you. Visit: bit.ly/GraduateUSW
FREELANCING AND BUSINESS START-UP SUPPORT
USW Enterprise support graduates who are interested in freelancing or starting their own business. We assist in developing, testing, and launching your ideas. We offer one-to-one support, funding, and events to give you the knowledge, confidence, and networks to start working for yourself. Visit: bit.ly/USWEnterprise At the Startup Stiwdio, we provide a bespoke startup business support programme, a great space to work, and the opportunity to grow your business contacts through our various networks and events. We have three business incubators (Cardiff, Newport and Treforest), with free membership for USW graduates up to three years after graduation. Visit: www.entrepreneurship.wales
GRADUATE OUTCOMES – YOUR VOICE COUNTS
Share your success in the Graduate Outcomes Survey, a national survey capturing graduate activities and perspectives. They get in touch around 15 months after you leave university for your contribution to the collective voice of UK graduates. Your contribution will help current and future students to make informed choices and help USW to evaluate and promote courses. Visit: www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk