Today, we gather to celebrate your hard work, resilience, and the unique journeys that have brought you to this proud moment.
On behalf of the University of South Wales, I am honoured to welcome you and to celebrate your academic success.
Each path to graduation is different. Some of you left home for the first time, others balanced work and family, and many are the first in their families to graduate. Your presence here is a testament to your determination and character. Take pride in what you’ve achieved; you have truly earned it.
We also recognise the vital support from your families, friends, and mentors - this celebration is theirs too. Our colleagues - who taught, encouraged, and guided you - also share in that pride, graduation is the highlight of our academic year.
As you move forward, carry the USW spirit and values with you. Stay curious, face challenges bravely, and keep connected to our incredible alumni community.
Dr James Gravelle Interim Vice-Chancellor
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.
for workers and tradesmen.
The Newport Mechanics Institute was established to provide further education
The Newport Technical Institute opened, known locally as the ‘School of Art’.
Industrial leaders formed the South Wales and Monmouthshire School of Mines, which was later renamed the School of Mines and Technology.
Caerleon Training College opened to train male students as teachers.
The School of Mines and Technology became Glamorgan Technical College, reflecting its expanding portfolio.
The college became a polytechnic, offering higher diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Caerleon College of Education, Newport College of Art and Design and Gwent College of Technology merged to form the Gwent College of Higher Education.
The Polytechnic of Wales in Treforest achieved university status and became the University of Glamorgan.
The Gwent College of Higher Education was admitted into the University of Wales as the University of Wales College, Newport.
The University of Wales College, Newport secured Privy Council Approval to use the title University of Wales, Newport.
The College Merthyr Tydfil became part of the University of Glamorgan.
University of Glamorgan opened
The Universities Heads of the Valleys Institute was launched as a partnership between the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport.
The Newport Campus opened, housing students from Newport Business School and much of the School of Media and Design.
THE CEREMONY
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
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.
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.
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.
CHRIS SUTTON
Chris Sutton is a chartered surveyor with a strong connection to the University of South Wales (USW), spanning more than 40 years. A USW alumnus, Chris studied Urban Estate Management at the Polytechnic of Wales—now USW’s Treforest campus—from 1984 to 1988.
Following his graduation, Chris pursued a varied career in the commercial and industrial property sector in Wales, working in the public and private sector on a wide range of real estate projects from urban regeneration to inward investment.
Chris is passionate about improving the business environment in the local area. He sits on the Investment Board of the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR), where he is overseeing a £500m investment project, backed by the UK/Welsh government, and is currently working on the emerging Cardiff & Newport Investment Zone. He has also previously served as Chair of CBI Wales and advised the Welsh Government on property matters, including the devolution of business rates to Wales.
Chris has contributed to higher education governance as a USW Governor (2016–2024) and Chair of The College Merthyr Tydfil (2020–2024). Outside of work, he enjoys cycling across the Welsh Valleys.
LOOKING BACK AT 2025
KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST YEAR
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.
04 – USW and RWCMD achieve Race Equality Charter bronze award
USW and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) achieved the Race Equality Charter bronze award this year, recognising the commitment of efforts to identify barriers for Black, Asian and minority ethnic colleagues and students.
02 –USW awarded top Food Made Good accreditation
USW was awarded its first Food Made Good accreditation, the leading global sustainability certification for the food service industry, achieving the maximum three-star rating. Fewer than 30 universities currently hold this accreditation, with USW becoming the second university in Wales to achieve three-star status.
03 – ‘Entrepreneurial University of Wales’: USW ranks top three in UK for graduate start-ups
05 – New STEM facility reaches its highest point
Representatives from USW, BAM Construction, and a range of partners have marked a major milestone in the construction of Calon – the University’s new STEM building, which is designed to educate the next generation of engineers, built environment professionals, and computer/data scientists.
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.
07– Partnership programme drives innovation and economic growth across the region
A pioneering collaboration led by USW has delivered significant economic and innovation outcomes for the region, including nearly 70 jobs created or retained, £16 million in economic growth forecast within five years, and 21 new or improved products delivered.
USW reinforced its position as a leader in fostering entrepreneurial talent, ranking top three in the UK for the total number of graduate businesses in the latest HESA figures. USW also retained its title as best in Wales for new graduate start-ups for the fifth year running. 08 – Immersed Festival wins University Alliance award Immersed Festival won the Teaching Innovation at this year’s University Alliance Awards. Immersed is a multimedia festival of music, film, art, fashion, and performance, entirely curated by creative industries students. The awards celebrated the hard work and dedication of individuals and teams from across the Alliance –of which USW is a member.
09 – USW graduates work on BAFTA-nominated films Wallace & Gromit and Kensuke’s Kingdom Alumni from USW’s Animation and Film courses worked on some of the most successful films of the past year, including Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, which won two BAFTAs, and Kensuke’s Kingdom, which was nominated for Best Children's and Family Film.
10 – USW professor awarded British Academy funding for genocide research Professor Palash Kamruzzaman, lead of the Social Policy Research and Innovation Group at USW, secured £300,000 as part of a British Academy-funded research project exploring why some of the world’s worst atrocities are denied or not officially recognised – and what this means for survivors, affected communities, and the wider world.
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.
12 – Launch of research partnership to revolutionise battery recycling with smart technology
USW announced it was leading a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Tredegar-based Dragon Recycling Solutions on a major research project to transform recycling through cutting-edge technology. The team, led by Dr Nildo Costa, was awarded £197,600 to support the development of a recycling plant for spent batteries, used in electricity and gas meters, from the utilities industry.
13 – USW signs agreement with spin-out company Llusern Scientific USW spin-out company Llusern Scientific signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University, with the aim of strengthening links and exploring further collaboration. Llusern Scientific was founded in 2020 with a vision to revolutionise the field of diagnostics. The MoU covers a range of activities, including colleague development and training, student placements, collaboration in teaching, learning, research, and more.
14 – Funding win to transform public service culture in Wales
USW was awarded SMART Flexible Innovation
Support funding from the Welsh Government to lead a new research programme tackling workplace culture and conduct across Wales’ public services. The award will enable USW’s Hydra Research and Innovation Group to develop an innovation plan aimed at improving the way public service organisations respond to issues such as sexism, racism, and toxic working environments.
15 – USW signs agreements in India to strengthen family resilience research USW signed agreements with two leading healthcare institutions in south India, marking a major step forward in global research on family resilience. The Memoranda of Collaboration (MOCs) will support the development of a culturally-adapted version of the Family Resilience Assessment Instrument and Tool (FRAIT), an assessment already used by more than 1,000 health visitors across Wales, reaching 1.8 million families.
16 – USW renews police training contracts with four English forces USW secured renewed contracts to continue delivering police training programmes for Devon and Cornwall Police, Dorset Police, Gloucestershire Constabulary, and Wiltshire Police, strengthening its position as a UK leader in police education. These longstanding partnerships allow USW to deliver the Police Constable Entry Routes (PCER) for new police officers in England and Wales.
17 – 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.
18 – USW and Street Football Wales tackle social exclusion through sport
A partnership between USW and Street Football Wales (SFW) gave students and colleagues the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life who face challenges such as mental health issues, addiction, homelessness, or social isolation. Through football sessions held at USW’s Sport Park, our collaboration with SFW helps to break down barriers and foster greater understanding of realworld social issues.
WELCOME TO YOUR ALUMNI COMMUNITY
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.
Whether you're looking to advance your career, become an expert in your field, or keep learning about a subject you love, a postgraduate course at USW could be the perfect next step. We offer full-time, part-time, and distance learning courses across a range of subjects, and you may be eligible for our alumni discount. T&Cs apply. Visit: 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
