Move here Move ahead Top 25 in the UK University Guide 2027
International and EU Student Guide 2027-28 www.southwales.ac.uk
Cardiff Bay, Cardiff
Welcome Search: USW International
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Contents 4
Why the University of South Wales (USW)?
66
Fees and Scholarships
6
What Our International Students Say
70
Living Costs
10
Discover South Wales
72
Applying to USW
12
Campuses
74
Student Support
14
School of Business and Innovation, Cardiff
76
Visa Information
20
Graduate Employability
78
Accommodation
22
Degrees That Build Your Career
80
Student Life
24
Our Courses
82
Sport at USW
62
Research
84
Calon Building
64
English-Language Courses
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Why the University of South Wales (USW)? With 23,000 students from over 100 different countries, USW is a truly global academic community. (HESA, 2023/24)
USW offers generous scholarships for international and EU students as well as flexible payment plans.
Cardiff is one of the most affordable student cities in the UK. (NatWest Student Living Index 2023).
Safe and vibrant student life – The Purple Flag has been awarded to the city of Cardiff for offering an entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable night out.
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Professional recognition – Many of our courses are accredited by world-leading professional bodies.
94%
of USW graduates are in employment and/or further study 15 months after graduation. (HESA 2026, based on Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023/24)
Less than 2 hours by train from London.
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What our international students say
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Studying in the UK is a leap of faith, but it’s worth it! You’ll end up learning so much about yourself. You’ll constantly surprise yourself by how much you grow and evolve into the person you’ve always wanted to be. I applied to the University of South Wales because I wanted to learn how to create professional documentary films. Throughout my journey I had immense support from my lecturers who consistently gave me their advice and helped me through an iterative process of self-reflection and growth as a filmmaker. Temilorun Enemuwe, MA Documentary Filmmaking
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As part of my programme, I completed a sevenmonth placement working as a marketing analyst the university connected me directly to the industry. Just one month after graduating, I landed my first marketing job. The skills I developed during my MBA were exactly what employers were looking for. Unnikrishnan Sunilkumar, MBA Global
I chose USW because of its globally accredited degree programme and emphasis on hands-on experience. Living on the Treforest Campus, I immersed myself in the lively social scene and made countless friends. This social experience sets USW apart. My journey at USW has shaped me into a well-rounded, industry-ready professional. Musab Kazi, MSc Mechanical Engineering
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I needed a university with a proven track record of academic excellence and the University of South Wales ticked that box. Joining USW is one of the best decisions I have taken, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Chidinma Fofah, MSc Strategic Procurement Management
If you’re thinking of pursuing your Masters in the UK, I would definitely say – go for it. Having been here for over 5 months so far, I have learned so much about myself and learned how to be more self-sufficient and independent. USW is a wonderful university with so much to offer in terms of support, quality education, and lovely people. Jennifer Garcia, MSc Clinical Psychology www.southwales.ac.uk | 9
Discover South Wales USW is located in South Wales, with campuses in and around Cardiff, the capital of Wales.
Belfast
South Wales offers vibrant city life, culture, nightlife and music festivals, award-winning beaches, outdoor adventure, history and breathtaking countryside. There are excellent links to all major cities in the UK, and London is just two hours away by train. Wales is a country in its own right but is part of the UK. It has its own unique culture and is a welcoming place to live and study. It is safe and affordable, and our students love the friendly atmosphere at USW you're always made to feel welcome.
Scan here to take a virtual tour of all our campuses, or search ‘USW virtual experience’ on YouTube.
Travel times to Cardiff London
Birmingham
Bristol
Manchester
2 hours
2 hours
50 minutes
3 hours
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Ò Edinburgh
USW Major UK cities
Ò Airports
Manchester
Ò Birmingham
London
USW
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Cardiff
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Bristol
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USW Cardiff Cardiff is a vibrant, multicultural, and safe city – the perfect place to live and study. Home to thousands of students from around the globe, our campus is right in the heart of the capital and is the home to our creative courses and our new business school. At our Cardiff campus, you'll thrive in a professional creative environment with top-class facilities, study spaces, a library, and the Students’ Union all under one roof. Our central location means we’ve forged strong ties with leading organisations, companies, and venues, making it an ideal launchpad for your career.
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Cardiff is a buzzing student city that knows how to have fun. Whether your passion is shopping, live sports, music, arts, or history, there's something for everyone. Many USW students choose to live in Cardiff even if they study in Pontypridd or Newport.
Equipment At our Cardiff campus we have a vast range of specialist equipment that you will be trained to use as part of your course. To help support your studies we have a Media Loans facility that allows you to hire the equipment, at no cost, for you to use for your assignments and practical work.
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School of Business and Innovation, Cardiff Where leaders learn by doing Something new is opening in the Welsh capital. The School of Business and Innovation launches at our USW Cardiff Campus, putting you at the heart of one of Europe's most connected capital cities. Here you'll bring innovation into the real world, learning alongside the industry experts, employers and founders who make Cardiff work.
Learn, Lead and Do
Start-ups Start Here
Hands-on modules put you in real business situations from day one. That means live briefs, real deadlines and real challenges set by industry professionals. By the time you graduate, you'll have the experience to back your degree.
Whatever you want to build, you'll find the network to do it and the entrepreneurial support to back you. USW is number one in Wales for graduate start-ups, six years running*, so if you've got an idea, this is the place to launch it.
Cardiff Capital
Ready for What's Next
Cardiff is where Wales does business, and this new school puts you right at its centre. You'll be surrounded by the employers, mentors and opportunities that turn contacts into careers, in a welcoming, affordable capital that's easy to reach from across the UK and beyond.
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You'll be assessed through real projects, campaigns and case studies, the same way employers judge work in the industry. With future-focused modules built around the skills businesses need now, you'll graduate ready for whatever comes next.
*USW is top in Wales for new business start-ups for the sixth consecutive year HE-BCI Survey 2024/25
3rd in the UK and top in Wales for active graduate businesses HESA 2023/24
Our Business School Subjects Accounting and Finance (Page 26-27) Learn real-world skills in our Trading Room, working towards recognition from four leading global accountancy bodies.
Business and Management (Page 28-29) Build your first business in year one, then shape your degree around the career, or company, you want to start.
Marketing and Advertising (Page 46-47) Work on live briefs for major brands and graduate with a portfolio, with our marketing degree being the only one in the UK recognised by three professional bodies. www.southwales.ac.uk | 15
USW Newport Newport is an independent, multicultural city that’s full of ideas and opportunities. Just 20 minutes from Cardiff, our Newport campus is at the heart of the city of Newport, overlooking the River Usk. Our modern campus is on the riverfront, home to a community of learning that’s dedicated to improving people’s lives.
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Like the rest of USW, our Newport campus is diverse and friendly. Everything you need for your academic studies, such as the library, student support services and Starbucks, are available on site, and there are lots of other facilities conveniently located in the city around campus. Halls of Residence are just a couple of minutes’ walk away, with different room packages to choose from.
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USW Pontypridd Accommodation village Sports Centre , Students Union
At the heart of our Pontypridd campus is a diverse and friendly community, just 20 minutes from Cardiff city centre. USW Pontypridd, our largest campus, spans two sites: Treforest and Glyntaff. With a train station right next to campus, you have easy access to Cardiff and the rest of the UK. Students love the vibrant community atmosphere and the convenience of having everything in one place. From social learning spaces to the library, cafes, bars, and places to meet friends – it's all here. Our Halls of Residence, home to students from across the UK and the world, will simplify your daily life and studies.
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Fo
Stilts Food court Library
Transforming teaching with exciting new spaces At our Pontypridd campus, we are investing in the future, with a new Chiropractic Clinic, and Calon, the new home of Computing, Engineering and Technology at USW. Welsh for ‘heart’, the building will be at the centre of delivering education for the next generation of engineers, built environment professionals, and computer and data scientists.
Find out more about our Calon hub and watch the fly through, on page 84.
Calon Chiropractic Clinic
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Graduate Employability At USW, we want to help you achieve your ambitions. We create graduates who are prepared for a successful career. Our courses offer work-related experience, reflect employer demands, and give students practical skills for the real world.
Sudam Wijetunga on placement at the Celtic Manor Resort
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Work experience
Work experience will give you a clear advantage in today's competitive job market. We have a team to help you find work experience in the UK and overseas. There are lots of options: work experience as part of your course, a placement, voluntary work or engagement with industry projects. We also have business start-up support on campus.
Courses with work placements We encourage our students to take up a work placement. Many of our courses offer work placements as part of your study. These will enhance your employability, improve your CV and allow you to build industry networks. For a list of courses, visit our website.
Career planning
Our USW Careers service helps you think about your career options, and how to develop the skills and experience you need. We will help you while you are a student, and for up to three years after you graduate. We also offer practical help with finding work placements, completing job applications or practising interview techniques.
GradEdge Award
GradEdge is your go-to hub for career readiness, skills development, and entrepreneurial growth at USW. It offers a variety of awards and academies to prepare you for the graduate job market, whether you need recruitment support or want to start your own business.
Part-time Work
Most international students studying on a student visa are able to work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and longer during university holidays. We support you to find parttime work by organising a part-time jobs fair in October, where you can meet employers.
Finding a Job
We’re partnered with Student Circus, a popular resource for international students who are job hunting in the UK. Student Circus advertises placement, internship and graduate opportunities specifically from employers who sponsor work visas for international students. You can use the Student Circus job portal online and meet with them on their regular visits to campus.
Launch your own business
Thinking of launching your own business? At the University of South Wales, we’re here to help. The HE Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) Survey 2024/25 ranked us top in Wales for supporting new business start-ups for a sixth consecutive year, and 7th in the UK!
Visit the careers pages of our website southwales.ac.uk/services/careers
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Degrees that build your career Learning by doing. Solving what matters. At the University of South Wales, we don't think learning should feel like theory on repeat. Long lectures, essays and exams don't always connect to the workplace, so we've built our degrees around real, unsolved problems. Rather than memorising for exams, you'll tackle genuine challenges, working with industry, employers and communities to create new knowledge in your subject. Every course is designed with those partners, encourages active, collaborative learning across subjects, and draws on the latest research. Many of our degrees are built into career-builder blocks that combine hands-on learning with real projects, designed with employers and built around real-world professions. Each block helps you find your feet, build confidence and grow the professional skills and graduate attributes that employers value. So by the time you graduate, you're not just qualified, you're career-ready.
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From book-smart to career-smart, find out more about our new approach to learning:
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Our Courses All courses can be found by searching the USW website:
www.southwales.ac.uk/courses
Alternatively, you can use a device to scan the QR code on each page to take you to the relevant subject page on our website. Here you can get more specific information about each course.
Scan here to view all our available courses
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Accounting and Finance At USW, our Business School works with leading global accounting bodies to help give you a competitive advantage as you develop the skills, knowledge, and qualifications to help you become recognised within the industry. You will be taught by qualified accountants and specialists who are active within the industry. Our Accounting courses are delivered at our Cardiff Campus right in the heart of the capital city. Mohammed Nadim, BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance
BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance graduates receive the maximum exemptions available towards the ACCA qualification (9) and a number of exemptions from the ICAEW, CIMA and CIPFA professional qualifications. 26 | University of South Wales
CIMA-Accredited SAGE Certificate
Students can gain the CIMA-accredited Sage certificate as part of their degree - at no extra cost. Sage is the market leader for integrated accounting, payroll, and payment systems, supporting millions of businesses around the world.
Accredited Course
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has fully accredited this Accounting degree, so you gain the maximum exemptions from their professional qualification when you graduate.
Employability-Focused
Our degree includes employability-focused Professional Development modules, offering an exciting mix of expert guest speakers, live projects, transferable skills development, career planning and profile building. Students can also choose from a variety of specialist modules, including Financial Trading and Investment, Cases in Audit and Forensic Accounting.
Scan here to view all our Accounting and Finance courses
The Trading Room is essential, especially for individuals who plan to go into financial trading and investments as it gives one a clear picture of how the trading platform works. Nicolas Laurian BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance www.southwales.ac.uk | 27
Business and Management Our Business degrees will teach you about all aspects of how successful businesses run and you'll develop skills in areas such as people management, decision making and negotiation.
The highlight of my course has definitely been my placement at Hoop Recruitment as a Marketing Intern. I really enjoy the real-world application of the concepts we learn. Sumaya Khan BA (Hons) Business and Management
Accredited Courses
Our business degrees are recognised or accredited by independent industry professional bodies, providing a stamp of approval on the quality and content of our courses.
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Courses
We have a range of courses, so you can specialise in an area of industry that matches your career plans. Our flexible learning also means that on many of our undergraduate courses, you can choose where to specialise after completing your first year of study.
Practical Experience
With exposure to industry, through a work placement and expert teaching, you will see yourself graduate from USW as a confident and skilful leader.
Scan here to view our MBA Courses
Career Opportunities
By the time you graduate from USW, you’ll have the tools and confidence to contribute to the management of an organisation or to start your own business.
Scan here to view all our Business and Management courses 96% of USW Business and Management graduates are in Employment and/or further study 15 months after graduation. Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23
Our Business courses are delivered at our Cardiff campus in the heart of the capital city www.southwales.ac.uk | 29
Chiropractic Chiropractors play a vital role in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a huge number of health conditions, as well as rehabilitation. USW offers specialist skills, education and training to prepare you for practice.
USW is rated 2nd in the UK for Health Professions courses (Guardian University Guide 2026)
Welsh Institute of Chiropractic, USW Pontypridd
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Professional Facilities
The Clinic, which opened in July 2025, is the new home of the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic (WIOC). Students learn in a professional environment with access to Force Sensing Table Technology, a digital X-ray suite, diagnostic ultrasound unit, DXA scanning unit, MRI facilities and 26 patient treatment rooms. Training is also supported by the ‘Anatomage’ – an advanced 3D anatomy visualisation table, a first for chiropractic education in Europe.
Professional Recognition
This course is professionally recognised by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and the European Council on Chiropractic Education (ECCE). Our graduates are qualified to apply to register with the GCC, have the ability to work in European states, and are eligible to sit many entry examinations worldwide.
Practical Experience
Clinical experience is a major part of your training. The Welsh Institute of Chiropractic has an outpatient clinic that offers diagnostic, assessment and treatment services to the public. Here, students can treat and manage real-life patients with musculoskeletal disorders, including a 13-month, professionally supervised placement. Students also spend a week at a local hospital under the supervision of a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon. There are opportunities to work with university sports teams and provide care at external events such as triathlons.
Scan here to view all our Chiropractic courses
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Computing and Cyber Security All our courses benefit from direct industry engagement, so USW students gain the skills and support they need to excel in their chosen field, in a world that is constantly changing.
Computing Industry-ready Degrees
All our courses are developed in partnership with industry, so you’ll graduate with the skills employers are looking for. What’s more, many qualifications are accredited by professional bodies, such as BCS and The Chartered Institute for IT, so you can be sure that you’ll learn the skills to be real-world ready.
Facilities Built for the Future
You’ll find the very latest hardware and software keeping our courses up to speed, along with dedicated spaces where digital thinkers thrive, including our extra highpowered gaming centre and Digital Investigation Lab, just like those used for computer forensics by law enforcement.
Computer Science at USW is top in Wales for teaching quality. Times Good University Guide 2026
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Cyber Security Recognised by Excellence
Voted Cyber University of the Year four years in a row and finalists again in 2025, many of our courses are professionally recognised by BCS and the NCSC. We are also recognised as a gold standard NCSC Academic Centre of Excellence.
Extra Certification
To enhance your employability, extra certification is available that is specific to each specialist area. This means you can gain industry-recognised certificates as well as your degree. Our state-of-the-art labs emulate those used in industry and allow you to analyse digital files and networks, investigate threats and vulnerabilities, and manage responses to incidents.
Expert Teaching
Taught by experts in their field, our students also benefit from being able to study for additional industry certification. We offer a range of courses and learning environments, from the traditional campus-based degrees, to our Cyber Security Academy that works directly on ‘live briefs’ from industry using specialist cyber security software and facilities.
USW is rated top 10 in the UK for Information Technology and Systems.
Scan here to view all our Computing and Cyber Security courses
Complete University Guide 2026
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Animation, Games, Design, Film and VFX Our students and graduates work on blockbusters such as His Dark Materials.
Top in Wales for Animation and Games.
Guardian University Guide 2023, 2024 and 2025
Film and Visual Effects Industry-Standard Facilities
USW students benefit from industry-standard studios, editing and post-production suites that include Arri Alexa cameras, AVID and Dolby Atmos post-production software, and finishing suites for sound mixing and colour grading – all on campus. There’s even a 100-seat cinema for screenings and masterclasses.
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Work Placements
Through our VFX course, you can gain direct links to global VFX studios that include ILM, DNEG and Framestore. Plus, our partnership with Screen Alliance Wales (SAW) ensures we can offer a range of work placements, masterclasses, entry-level career opportunities, workshops and industry visits to our students.
Scan here to view all our Film and Media courses
Animation and Games Industry-Standard Facilities
Our Cardiff campus has motion capture, green screen, VR and AR, alongside suites of highspec computer systems. We have all the equipment, technology and workspaces you'll need to thrive in your chosen subject area.
Top 50
The University of South Wales has been ranked among the world’s top 50 institutions for Creative Media and Entertainment education, by global industry-endorsed community The Rookies, formerly The International CG Student Awards.
Big Opportunities
USW Animation graduates have worked on Oscar-nominated films, including The Lion King, Avengers: Endgame, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and Avengers: Infinity War, and TV shows that include His Dark Materials, The Mandalorian, and How To Train Your Dragon: Homecoming. Our Games graduates have worked on games that include Red Dead Redemption II, Total War, Rainbow Six Siege and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.
Design Industry Links
Our Design students have worked on professional briefs from real clients, including Nike, British Airways and Cardiff Blues. We also have unique partnerships with industry that provide opportunities to take on work experience on cutting-edge TV shows, films and video game productions.
Designated Design Studios
All our Design courses offer a stimulating, creative environment with brand-new dedicated studio space at our Cardiff campus. The studios are designed to emulate commercial design studios, and our pitching room is a unique space where you can present your work professionally in a boardroom, developing essential skills for your life as a designer.
Scan here to view all our Design courses
Top in Wales for teaching quality in Graphic Design. Guardian University Guide 2026
Scan here to view all our Games, Animation and Visual Effects courses www.southwales.ac.uk | 35
Education and Teaching The education sector offers a range of satisfying and rewarding careers. If you want to inspire and support others to learn, then training in education might be right for you.
Real-life Learning
We deliver Primary Initial Teacher Education in partnership with many excellent schools, to offer a diverse range of high-quality placement experiences. These partners also help inform what you learn at university, which ensures that the course accurately reflects teaching in the real world. Graduates have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to teach in the UK or overseas. 36 | University of South Wales
Professional Facilities
To be career-ready, it’s important you learn about your chosen profession in the right environment. We emulate school classrooms, along with flexible and outdoor learning spaces to support you to develop your practical skills and a range of authentic learning experiences on campus.
100% of the assessments on our undergraduate degrees are coursework-based, meaning no exams.
Scan here to view all our Education and Teaching courses
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Engineering and Construction Engineers shape, innovate, and create the world around us. We offer traditional and specialist Engineering and Construction courses, all giving students skills and experiences that prepare them for their career.
Wayne Kwenda, Aerospace graduate, works in Product Support Engineering at GE Aviation Wales. 38 | University of South Wales
Professional Recognition
Many of our courses are accredited by professional bodies. These accreditations demonstrate how our degrees meet employer standards, as well as the quality of our courses, teaching and facilities. Many of our accreditations also provide the basis for achieving Chartered Engineer status following graduation and suitable work experience.
Additional Training and Accreditation
We are the only university in the UK that has integrated the industry-standard aircraft maintenance qualification ‘EASA Part-66’ with an Honours degree.
Approval Number: UK.147.0111
Facilities and Experience
Scan here to view all our Built Environment courses
To be career-ready, it’s important you learn about your chosen profession in the right environment. Our students learn using industrystandard equipment on campus, like you'll find in our Aerospace Centre and Materials Testing Laboratory. In addition to site visits and learning through real-life projects, there are opportunities for work experience as part of your course.
Top 10 in the UK and top in Wales for Aerospace Engineering. Guardian University Guide 2026
Scan here to view all our Engineering courses
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Healthcare USW offers exceptional training, facilities and support for healthcare students. If you're caring, compassionate and committed to helping people, we can help you start your career.
We offer online courses for healthcare professionals see a full list on our website.
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Learn from the Experts
You’ll be taught by our lecturers and course leaders who’ve directly worked in a diverse range of healthcare environments. From Paramedics to Mental Health Specialists, you’ll benefit from their breadth of first-class expertise and experience.
Facilities and Experience
To be career-ready, it’s important you learn about your chosen profession in the right environment. We value a hands-on approach to study. You’ll experience simulated learning using a range of facilities including our HydraMinerva and Clinical Simulation suite to fully develop your skills, knowledge, and understanding of healthcare.
Work Placements
To prepare you for the world of work after you graduate, some of our courses allow a portion of your studies to take place in a range of clinical settings – this could be in a school, a hospital, or community setting.
Scan here to view all our Healthcare courses
USW is rated 2nd in the UK for Health Professions courses. Guardian University Guide 2026 www.southwales.ac.uk | 41
Law, Criminology, Policing and Security Law
At USW Law School, our courses focus on the foundations of legal knowledge, as recommended by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board.
Practical Experience
Law students can expect a blend of challenge-based teaching and learning in workshops and simulations. USW works with the legal services sector to offer valuable work placements which allow you to practise your new legal skills while understanding the realities of the workplace.
Hafsah Abdul Hardi, LLB (Hons) Law student on placement
Legal Advice Clinic
Our Legal Advice Clinic offers Law students the opportunity to work with real clients. USW runs free public appointments where you will interview and assess clients before drawing up legal advice – all under the supervision of qualified legal professionals.
Beyond the Classroom You will have the opportunity to join our thriving USW Bar Society and get involved in a range of sporting, social and networking activities. Law students benefit from our expertise in mooting from Year 1 and can also get involved in mooting competitions.
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Scan here to view all our Law courses
Policing and Security Experience Real-Life Crime Facing Real-World Scenes Challenges Kick-start your career with realistic crime scene training in immersive teaching facilities, taught by former police staff who can share a wealth of operational knowledge. Our Hydra Simulation Suite is used to train police officers at all levels. This means our students use exactly the same system that police use to train their staff to be better police officers.
Our Policing and Security degrees will prepare you for the challenges of modern policing and related professions, such as the UK Border Agency, security organisations (MI5/MI6), the National Crime Agency, HM Revenue and Customs, the military police, and private organisations.
Placement Opportunities
Students are encouraged to apply for placement opportunities with a number of police forces. After completing their qualification, they leave us at the top of their game and with confidence. www.southwales.ac.uk | 43
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Criminology Criminology is a topical and interdisciplinary subject that draws from sociology, psychology and law to explore the causes and consequences of crime, as well as the workings of the criminal justice system.
Practical Experience
Our Criminology courses include the opportunity to undertake a work placement or voluntary experience, helping you to enhance your employability and real-world understanding. We work closely with a range of criminal justice and community organisations, and regularly welcome guest speakers from the sector to share their experiences with our students. We want you to learn through experience, so that you can lead through practice.
Expert Teaching
You’ll be taught by a dedicated team with experience across policing, youth justice, crime prevention, criminal law and contemporary social issues. Our teaching is informed by both research and professional practice, ensuring that you gain a critical and applied understanding of the subject, informal justice and alternatives to prosecution and imprisonment.
Simulated Learning & Facilities
At USW, you will have access to sector-leading simulation facilities, including the crime scene house, interactive investigation room, our new Crime Investigation and Policing Hub for Evidence and Research (CIPHER) and our mock courtroom. These realistic training spaces allow you to apply theory to practice, developing a host of skills in immersive settings that reflect real-life scenarios.
Cold Case Unit
USW is the only university in Wales and the Southwest to operate a dedicated Cold Case Unit. Criminology students have the opportunity to contribute to real investigations and assist police in examining unsolved cases. Students can also get involved in the Innocence Project, reviewing historical cases and supporting efforts to uncover potential miscarriages of justice.
Scan here to view all our Criminology, Policing and Public Services courses
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Marketing and Advertising Explore the dynamic world of Marketing and Advertising at USW, where you work on live briefs, meet real deadlines, and get real results. Our Marketing and Advertising courses combine creative thinking with commercial awareness, supported by hands-on projects, industry briefs and expert insight. Based in the heart of Cardiff's creative sector, you'll gain the skills and experience needed to thrive in this fast-growing global industry.
I'll graduate with a degree and an international accreditation from CIM, advancing my career. Christopher Chidiebere Ejiogu BSc (Hons) Marketing
Courses
We have a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across both Marketing and Advertising, so you can specialise in the area that matches your career plans, from advertising and brand management to digital and strategic marketing.
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Industry Connected
Whichever path you choose, you'll engage directly with agencies and employers from the start, building a strong portfolio through live briefs, real projects and insights from industry guest speakers.
Career Opportunities
Our courses prepare you for roles right across the sector, from advertising, campaign creation and brand management to digital marketing, analytics, consumer research and wider marketing consultancy.
Accredited Marketing Degree
Our BSc (Hons) Marketing is the only marketing degree in the UK recognised by three industryleading professional bodies: the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) and the Institute of Data and Marketing (IDM). You'll graduate triple-accredited, with credentials employers know and trust.
Marketing and Public Relations at USW is 7th in the UK and top in Wales. Guardian University Guide 2026
CACHE Certified
We are a founding member of the Creative Advertising Collective for Higher Education, meaning our advertising courses are industryrelevant and research-backed.
Our Malaysian students’ advertising journey
Marketing at USW is top in Wales for overall student satisfaction and top in the UK for teaching quality. National Student Survey 2026
Scan here to view our Marketing and Advertising courses. www.southwales.ac.uk | 47
Media and Performance Journalism and Media Journalism and Media degrees at USW give you the practical skills to become part of the industry, or you can choose a theory-based course that spans the full range of modern media, from traditional print journalism to podcasting, filmmaking, radio and publishing.
Accredited Courses
Many of our courses are accredited by professional bodies, giving you a head start when it comes to applying for jobs in your industry. With Cardiff becoming one of the UK's most dynamic media hubs, it's the perfect place to launch your career.
Creative Skillset
In addition to teaching essential technical skills for industry, we ensure students are adept in creativity, problem solving and innovation. We place emphasis on ‘problem-led’ learning, where students inform their practice through real-world research that is underpinned by academic rigour, so that every student is creative-on-demand and job-ready.
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Industry-Standard Facilities
Our Cardiff campus boasts industry media facilities, including a multi-camera HDTV studio, radio studio and facilities for broadcast, print, radio and multimedia journalism. You can even hire equipment from our media and photography stores for free if you are enrolled on a Journalism and Media course.
Scan here to view all our Journalism and Media courses
Drama and Performance Drama and Performance degrees equip you with a great balance of practical activity, live performances and theory, and are designed to give you the skills to build your career.
Industry Partnerships
Our partnerships with arts organisations across the region mean that we work on the ground on arts development projects with young people at all levels, from grassroots to professional theatre companies.
Flexible Courses
The flexible nature of our Drama and Performance degrees mean you can focus on your interests and career goals. Our range of modules enables you to study acting, directing, theatre and performance histories and theories, voice and movement, devising, ensemble practice, theatre production, applied drama, practice as research, and more.
Industry-Standard Facilities
For our Drama and Performance students there’s a 160-seat auditorium with a sprung stage floor and full lighting rig. Students also have access to our dance studios and drama spaces, four black box studio theatres and two professional film studios.
Scan here to view all our Drama and Performance courses
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Music and Sound USW Music and Sound provides real-world simulation, education and networks that prepare students for successful careers within the music industry. Immersed Festival 2024
Cardiff is renowned for music, and you’ll study right in the heart of the city centre. In 2019, it was officially declared a Music City – the first of its kind in the UK. The city offers many opportunities for work experience, project collaboration and live briefs with the industry. Our students are already a major part of Cardiff’s vibrant music culture, with a number of successful industry startups and artists emerging from USW.
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Industry Collaboration
All students work on live projects and competitions, supported by industry visits, including to local recording studios and venues. Collaboration with industry partners is at the heart of our courses, and current partnerships include NatWest Bank, Warner Music, Longwave Studio, Music Declares Emergency, Boomtown and Sŵn Festival.
Professional Facilities
On campus you’ll have access to a mix of digital and vintage analogue equipment that’s among the best at a UK university. We have excellent facilities, including nine industrystandard recording studios with live and control rooms, plus separate practice spaces and a range of live performance spaces. You’ll create and collaborate to gain the range of skills you need to work in the music industry. At USW, Music Performance students can professionally produce music and make it available commercially through our vinyl ‘Create’ sampler.
Scan here to view all our Music and Sound courses
Immersed Festival
Our students host the annual Immersed Music Festival, leading on all event management, including ticketing, artist management, marketing, and sales. Immersed has been running for five years and involves intensive collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including cross-subject disciplines, music fans, commercial venues, charities, professional bodies, booking agents, artists, communities, policymakers, and technicians.
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Psychology, Counselling and Therapeutic Studies USW is recognised for excellent teaching and facilities that prepare students to become professional practitioners, ready for careers that make a difference to people’s lives.
Professional Recognition
Many of our degrees are accredited by the relevant professional body. These accreditations demonstrate that what you learn is excellent preparation for your chosen field, as well as the quality of our courses, teaching and facilities.
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USW is rated 2nd in the UK for Health Professions courses
On-campus Clinics
The USW Behaviour Analysis Clinic offers clinical services to the public with a focus on treating behavioural challenges associated with a wide range of disorders. The USW Therapy Centre is a counselling service for people in the local area. Both of these serve the community and offer students valuable experience.
Practical Learning and Placements
Our campuses have specialist resources for psychology and counselling so you can develop specialist techniques. All undergraduate degrees at USW have elements of work experience built in. Our Psychology Plus scheme, for example, offers clinical experience at our clinic on campus, specialist short courses, professional certificates and work placements.
Guardian University Guide 2026
Scan here to view all our Psychology courses Scan here to view all our Counselling and Therapeutic Studies courses
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Social Policy and Humanities Our degrees are designed to make a difference to the lives of people and communities around the world. Your studies at USW will give you the skills and insight you need to help others and lead social change locally and globally.
Muhanned Kalash, Chevening Scholar, Social Policy student
More than 80% of USW's research in social work and social policy has a real-life impact that's rated world leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Health and Social Care Work Placements
USW has close links with relevant partners in the sector to ensure you experience practicebased learning in your chosen area. You will have the opportunity to learn alongside professional groups to widen your knowledge of the complex aspects of these fields.
Scan here to view all our Health and Social Care courses
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Diverse Expertise
Taught by experts with a diverse range of skills and experience, including registered nurses, public health practitioners and policy consultants, you’ll gain a well-rounded understanding of the multi-agency approach to the future demands of health and social care.
Innovative Teaching
Our multi-agency approach to learning means your study will encompass a breadth of services, including the NHS, social services and the third sector. We immerse you in the world of health and social care through (REF2021) debates, simulation exercises, law court scenarios, and roleplay scenarios.
History Explore the Past, Share the Future
History at USW isn’t just about the past; it’s about understanding how it shaped today’s world and our current perspectives.
Scan here to view all our History courses
Skills For Employment
USW ensures all students gain relevant skills that are valuable for employment. We offer career planning and skills support from year one of our history degree, including training in interviewing techniques for oral history. Students also gain advanced digital skills, including use and production of podcasts, blogging, and online mapping, with specialist technical support available.
Explore Global Histories
History degrees at USW provide the opportunity to study a variety of histories: political, economic, social, intellectual and cultural from British and European history, the Americas from the colonial period to the present, and aspects of global history from Cuba to China.
History at USW is Top in Wales for teaching quality. The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Abasiokpon Udoakah, Social Policy student www.southwales.ac.uk | 55
Final year English students working with the Welsh Refugee Council (WRC) to deliver English lessons to refugees as part of their TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate.
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Public Services Taught By Experts
The teaching team has many years of experience in delivering courses for the public sector and also has a strong research profile in the field, so our course content is cutting-edge. Our students benefit from a range of guest speaker events, including talks from police forces, equality organisations and local government.
Innovative Learning
Learning is frequently based on real-life data, as well as examples and case studies from public, voluntary and community organisations. This ensures that what you learn is relevant to the workplace and situations you may encounter when you graduate.
Placement Opportunities
You’ll be encouraged to undertake a short-term placement during your studies with potential opportunities to work with public sector organisations such as the NHS. This valuable opportunity will further enhance your employability skills and add value to your CV, as it can be evidence to future employers that you have the skills and abilities that they are looking for.
Scan here to view all our Public Services courses
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Teaching English in a Global Context
Most English teachers are not native speakers of English. Our graduates will work in different professional and cultural contexts. Our Course Leader, Dr Rhian Web, is an internationally recognised expert on teaching English in today’s global contexts.
Choose your Project
Students can choose between undertaking a live action research project, a research dissertation, or a professional portfolio as their final assessment.
Gain Placement Hours
All students will be offered optional placement hours with the Centre for International English at the University of South Wales, receiving a formal record of these on completion.
Scan here to view all our MA TESOL courses
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Science A Science degree provides a career for life. At the University of South Wales, you’ll gain the right skills, knowledge and practical experience to be an attractive candidate to employers.
Professional Recognition
Many of our courses are accredited by professional bodies. These accreditations demonstrate that what you learn is excellent preparation for your chosen field, as well as the quality of our courses, teaching and facilities.
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Medical Science is top in the UK for Teaching Quality. National Student Survey 2026
Fieldwork
Many of our courses offer exciting fieldwork opportunities, bringing to life what you learn in the classroom. As well as making use of the varied habitats on our doorstep, you may travel much further afield. In recent years, locations have included Honduras, South Africa, Mexico and, more locally, Bannau Brycheiniog, (formerly known as the Brecon Beacons), and the Pembrokeshire National Parks.
Scan here to view all our Science courses
Facilities and Experience
To be career-ready, it’s important you learn about your chosen profession in the right environment. We value a hands-on approach to study. You’ll learn in a purpose-built learning environment and undertake practical work in specialist laboratories on campus. As well as using industry-standard software and equipment, and learning through projects, there are opportunities for work experience as part of your course.
100% of USW BSc (Hons) Wildlife Ecology and Conservation students were satisfied with their course. National Student Survey 2026
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Sport We have courses that reflect different aspects of the sport industry, in many different fields. From Coaching and Performance to Science and Therapy, we help students from all over the world prepare for the sporting career they want.
USW is the only university in England and Wales to offer a full-size indoor 3G pitch built to FIFA Pro and World Rugby Standard, for guaranteed training all year round.
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Professional Recognition
Many of our courses are accredited by professional bodies. These accreditations demonstrate that what you learn is excellent preparation for your chosen field, as well as the quality of our courses, teaching and facilities.
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Professional Facilities
To be career-ready, it’s important you learn about your chosen profession in the right environment. USW Sport Park is an elite training facility that attracts professional clubs and associations from all over the world. We value a hands-on approach to study and all students are provided with high-quality sportswear to ensure you are professionally equipped.
Practical Experience
Scan here to view all our Sport courses
We have many partnerships with national governing bodies, professional sport teams and local businesses, which provide work experience opportunities that match your course and interests. Plus, all of our coaching courses are mapped to industry standards to offer you an industry-recognised qualification in addition to your degree.
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Research changing lives for the better As a postgraduate research student, you will be part of our thriving academic community of internationally renowned researchers. Our vibrant, impactful research community is contributing to solving real problems faced by our society. Our multidisciplinary research teams have a strong track record of delivering high-quality research and collaborate with industry, communities, and organisations to make a positive difference to lives. Research at USW informs all academic delivery, but there are many good reasons to do a postgraduate research degree, from immersing yourself in a subject you are passionate about and making an important contribution to your field, to gaining specialist knowledge that can enhance and progress your career. The Graduate School brings postgraduate researchers together from a wide variety of disciplines into one community for a range of development opportunities and mentoring. We offer a wide range of opportunities to choose from – including PhD, Masters by Research and Professional Doctorates – all of which allow you to make an in-depth critical research study of a topic that interests you. You will be supervised by a team of subject experts, learn new research and analytical skills, and get to contribute to knowledge in your discipline area.
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We have supervisory expertise in four specialist research areas: • Crime, Security and Justice • Health and Wellbeing • Creative Innovation • Sustainable Environment These are underpinned by our Research and Innovation Groups in: • Applied Psychology • Business • Creative Industries • Criminology, Policing and Security • Computer Science and Informatics • Earth, Ecology and Environment • Education; Engineering; Health, Care and Wellbeing • Humanities; Hydra Critical Incident • Mathematics and Data Science • SERC: Sustainable Environment Research Centre • Social Policy • Sport and Exercise
For information on our research areas, scan the QR code
Our Research Achievements First in the UK for postgraduate research student satisfaction. Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (2023)
More than 80% of USW’s research impact is world leading or internationally excellent. Research Excellence Framework (2021)
2/3 of USW researchers engage in research that is world leading or internationally excellent. Research Excellence Framework (2021)
For information and guidance on studying a research course, please contact gradschool@southwales.ac.uk or visit southwales.ac.uk/gradschool
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EnglishLanguage Courses The USW Centre for International English offers English-language courses for students who do not meet the English-language requirements for their course. These pre-sessional courses also help students develop academic and social skills in the university environment.
The teaching staff are lovely people. They helped me not only with English, but also with other issues I had when I first arrived as everything was so new. Ziwen Yao 10-week Pre-sessional English-Language Programme and BA (Hons) International Business (Top Up)
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These intensive courses will improve your English and academic skills, and help you communicate in an English-speaking environment. • Courses are taught by fully-qualified and professional English-language teachers. • The programme you are offered will depend on your English level and academic qualifications. • We even support students after their English course has finished. You will also be able to attend in-sessional English-language classes free of charge, to support you throughout your studies.
• Courses are taught at our Pontypridd Campus. • You need to allow at least 10 weeks (300 hours of English) to improve your English level by up to one (1.0) IELTS band (or equivalent). Entry requirements • Applicants must hold an offer for a course at USW (undergraduate or postgraduate levels). • Applicants must satisfy the English-language requirements as detailed in the table below. • International applicants must hold a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) IELTS, taken at an approved UKVI SELT IELTS centre.
For information on UKVI, SELT, IELTS centres across the world, visit www.gov.uk or check your country page for further information: www.southwales.ac.uk/international/your-country/
Current EnglishLanguage Level
Recommended Date (start-end) Pre-sessional English- Language Programme
IELTS 5.0* or equivalent (with a minimum of 4.5 in writing and 4.0 in all other components)
10 weeks
IELTS 5.5* or equivalent (with a minimum of 5.5 in writing and 5.0 in all other components)
5 weeks
Tuition Fee 2027-28
June-September 2027 OR September-December 2027
£4,870
July-September 2027 OR October-December 2027
£2,620
£5,200
£2,900
*Students applying for a course requiring a higher IELTS score than 6.0 may require a longer pre-sessional English course. Please note that the fees stated above are subject to change. For full terms and conditions, visit our website: www.southwales.ac.uk/money
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Fees and Scholarships We understand that studying in the UK is a big financial investment, so we make studying at USW affordable by offering:
Scan here to view our fees and scholarships
• Competitive tuition fees • Generous scholarships • Convenient payment plans
Undergraduate degrees: 2027-28
Tuition Fee Scholarship
Degree/Foundation Degree courses (per year) Degree placement year
£17,600 £3,230
Postgraduate degrees: 2027-28
Tuition Fee Scholarship
MBA Global/LLM Legal Practice Course
£19,400
£2,000-£2,500
MBA/MA/MSc/LLM in Business, Creative Industries or Law and STEM subjects
£18,300
£2,000-£2,500
Research degrees: 2027-28
Tuition Fee Scholarship
PhD
£19,400
£2,000-£2,500
DBA
£18,300
£2,000-£2,500
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£1,500-£2,500 N/A
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Scholarships
You will be considered for an international scholarship automatically when we receive your application to study; you don’t need to make a separate scholarship application. You will receive confirmation of a scholarship with your offer letter and it applies to all years of study. Scholarships and discounts do not apply to sponsored students, those studying a placement year or English-language programmes.
International scholarships
Partial tuition scholarships of up to £2,500 are available to self-funded international students for each year of study:
Chancellor’s International Development Scholarship Undergraduate and postgraduate students from the following regions are eligible for a scholarship of £2,500: • Africa • Latin America • South Asia • South East Asia • Central Asia and Turkey • Caribbean • Lebanon • Norway • Albania • Bahrain Early CAS Scholarship Students who are ready to receive a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) for many of our courses by 31 May for the September 2027 intake, or, by 31 October for the January/February 2028 intake, will be eligible for an extra £500 scholarship, on top of an existing USW scholarship. This scholarship applies to each year of study - except for students who have been awarded the EU Scholarship, who are not eligible for this enhancement. Please see our Fees and Scholarships webpage for more information: www.southwales.ac.uk/international/fees-scholarships Commonwealth and Chevening Scholarships USW is a popular destination for Commonwealth and Chevening scholars and we offer a number of general and partnership scholarships. For more information visit: www.southwales.ac.uk/international
Tuition Fees
• Fees are charged per academic year.* • Accommodation and living costs should be calculated separately. • Please refer to course web pages for any additional costs associated with the course that you are planning to study: www.southwales.ac.uk/courses Payment schedule Students studying Pre-sessional English Language Programmes must pay the balance of fees in full before enrolment. International students studying undergraduate and postgraduate courses must pay a minimum 50% of fees before enrolment. Please see your offer letter for more details. Payment options 1. An early payment discount of £300 may be available upon full payment of fees on or before enrolment. Terms and conditions apply. Please note: Students who have been awarded the EU Scholarship are not eligible for the Early Payment Discount. 2. Payment of the balance of fees in monthly instalments. For further information about payment schedule of tuition fees, visit: www.southwales.ac.uk/international *Undergraduate students and students studying on a course of more than one year in length should be aware that the fees on page 66 are the current course fees for the first year. We may revise these tuition fees annually and in subsequent academic years as you progress in your studies. Any increase to your tuition fee will be in line with the reasons set out in our terms and conditions, for example an increase in line with inflation. We will always communicate such changes with you in good time prior to each academic year to inform you about any changes to tuition fees.
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EU Students: Fees and Scholarships We are committed to making tuition fees as affordable as possible. The University is proud of our links to Europe and the friendly and multicultural atmosphere at USW is enhanced by our diverse student and staff community from Europe and around the world. Eligible EU students starting a course with USW in September 2027/January 2028 will be automatically awarded a scholarship, which will bring the tuition fee amount in line with the fee paid by UK students. This will apply for the duration of your course. You will receive confirmation of the scholarship with your offer letter, and it applies to all years of study. EU students studying undergraduate and postgraduate courses must pay a deposit of at least £3,000 before enrolment.
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Living Costs in South Wales South Wales offers great value for money. Food, entertainment, accommodation, and other day-to-day costs are likely to be lower than in many other parts of the UK. However, it is vital that all students prepare their finances before they attend university. The amount of money you need during your time studying with us will vary depending on the sort of lifestyle you lead. The UKVI requires all students applying for a visa for programmes of nine months or more to provide evidence of £10,827 plus any unpaid course fees for the first year.
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For the latest information on fees and scholarships, visit our website: www.southwales.ac.uk/international
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Applying to USW You can find a detailed list of entry requirements for your country on our website: www.southwales.ac.uk/international/your-country English language The University recognises a number of Englishlanguage qualifications that include:
Considering your application To consider your application, we require the following documents:
• IELTS with an average overall score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component* • GCSE pass in English at grade C or above • TOEFL with a score of 72 overall and a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing (including home edition) • PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI (taken at a PTE test centre) with a score of 59 overall and 59 in each component
• Academic transcripts and certificates (include documents from both your high school and university or college qualifications) • Evidence of English-language ability (IELTS or equivalent) • Academic/employment reference letter • Personal statement
For more information and a complete list of English qualifications we accept, visit: https://www.southwales.ac.uk/international/ english-language-programmes/ Please note, we offer English-language preparation courses if your IELTS is below the course entry requirement.
*A very small number of USW’s programmes require a higher IELTS (or equivalent) score. Please check individual courses for details. Courses below undergraduate level will require a UKVI SELT IELTS. **Admissions will advise if this is relevant to your application.
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We recommend submitting all of these documents when you submit your application, but if you don’t have them available, we may still be able to make you a conditional offer to study with us. A conditional offer means you still need to meet some requirements to study with us – usually exam results. Your offer letter will state what you need to submit in order to obtain an unconditional offer. Other conditions may include submitting a work reference or your transcripts, for example.
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Receive offer
USW 12 10 8
Attend inductions and enrolment
9
Receive CAS
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Pay deposit
Accept your place
5
11
Receive visa
Book flight to the UK
Apply for student visa
Document checks via CAS Shield
Complete Pre-CAS interview**
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Student Support At the University of South Wales, we’re committed to supporting you throughout your journey — from visa guidance to settling in, to looking after your wellbeing with professional counselling. Whatever you need, we're here to help you enjoy student life and thrive academically, socially, and personally. International and EU student support We offer excellent support and advice at every stage of your journey – from making your visa application to graduation and beyond. Our Immigration Advisory Services Team can give you information about non-academic issues such as immigration and daily life in the UK. Plus, they arrange lots of events and social activities. To find out more, visit: www.southwales.ac.uk/international/immigration-and-international-students-advice/ The Disability Advice Team provides information, advice and guidance to USW students who consider themselves to be disabled (e.g. neurodiverse students and those with physical, sensory, mental health or unseen disabilities). We provide a confidential service where you can discuss your individual requirements. Religion: The Chaplaincy offers an open and affirming service to all USW students. We offer confidential guidance and support to students whether they are religious or not. Wellbeing Service offers free advice, counselling and support. We are concerned with your overall wellbeing, including physical and mental health, social welfare, and ways to improve these. Residence Support Team looks after students living in Halls and is a useful contact for any Halls-related issues. Student Mentoring aims to make your start to university life easy and enjoyable, with practical advice and support. Student Money Advice can help you manage your money and offer advice on student funding. USW Careers can help with all things related to your career and advise you how to get the most from your studies – turn to page 20 for more.
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Studying at the University of South Wales has allowed me to make friends from different countries, cultures and backgrounds, I feel I have developed into a well-rounded individual. Filipe Galamba Portugal, MA Journalism
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Visa Information Applying for a Student Visa You can apply for a Student Visa up to six months before the start of your course. You will need a Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) from USW to do this. A standard visa application usually takes three weeks to process, though this can be longer at peak times (July/August/December). Certain countries offer Priority routes with the opportunity to secure a visa in less time. For advice on applying for your visa, please contact our specialist immigration team at international.advice@southwales.ac.uk
For detailed information covering everything from visa applications to arriving in the UK, visit: www.southwales.ac.uk/international /visas-and-pre-arrival
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USW Pontypridd
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Mountain Halls, USW Pontypridd
Accommodation
“I lived in halls on campus. It's convenient as it's very close to classes, the Library, Students' Union, and Sport Centre.” Sharif Khoshnaw USW graduate USW Pontypridd
Halls of Residence, Newport 78 | University of South Wales
We want you to feel at home while you are studying at USW, so we have a range of good-quality accommodation options.
Pontypridd Halls
USW has Halls on campus at Pontypridd, so you can live and study in a friendly, community atmosphere that our students love. There are nearly 1,200 rooms of different sizes, and 20 self-contained studio flats. • From £117 per week* • Own room with en suite shower and toilet • Shared kitchen, dining and living area • Self-catering • Internet access and bills included • Insurance for personal belongings • Smartphone app/card operated laundry • Staffed 24 hours a day • Resident Life Programme
Cardiff Halls
We work with a number of private providers in the city centre, all of which are close to USW Cardiff. Typically, rooms range from £161 per week* and include the following: • Own room with en suite shower and toilet • Shared kitchen, dining and living area • Self-catering • Internet access and bills included • Study and social space, with free printing • On-site laundry facilities • Staffed 24 hours a day
Newport Halls
We work with private provider, Mezzino, to offer modern Halls of Residence close to campus. There are a range of rooms to choose from. • From £156 per week* • Own room with en suite shower room and toilet • Shared kitchen • Self-catering • Common room with Sky TV, including Sky Sports • Internet access and bills included • Insurance for personal belongings • On-site laundry facilities • Staffed 24 hours a day
Privately Rented Accommodation
If you don't want to live in Halls, private accommodation could be an option. We keep a database of registered landlords whose properties meet standard and safety regulations: www.southwales.ac.uk/accommodation/ choosing-where-to-live/private-sectoraccommodation/
How will I Pay?
International and EU students with no settled/presettled status, who have chosen to live at Treforest campus, must pay Halls rental in full at the beginning of the academic year. If circumstances prevent payment in full prior to move-in, students are advised to contact the USW Revenue Team in advance at revenue@southwales.ac.uk to discuss a potential payment plan. International and EU students must pay rental for private student halls for Newport and Cardiff campuses in full at the beginning of the year, unless they have a UK guarantor. Students studying in a privately rented house should refer to their contract for payment details.
We have lots of accommodation options, so you can choose what suits you best. Our Accommodation Team will send you an email inviting you to apply once you hold a firm offer of a place on your course. View our accommodation options: www.southwales.ac.uk/international/accommodation * Based on 2026-27 prices. Please check our website for the latest information. www.southwales.ac.uk | 79
Want to know more about living in South Wales or what it's like to study at USW? Message one of our friendly student ambassadors – they’re here to help: www.southwales.ac.uk/chat
Student life Students’ Union Building, USW Pontypridd 80 | University of South Wales
Students’ Union
The Union is where you can play sport, make new friends from all over the world, get advice, find work and have your voice heard. You automatically get membership of the Students’ Union when you enrol.
Clubs and Societies
If you join a club or society, you will meet lots of new people and get involved in all sorts of activities, from demonstrations and day trips, to nights out and parties.
Social Life
There is lots of entertainment at the Union. It’s a friendly place, where you can watch live sport on the big screen, enjoy a meal, grab a coffee, or just take a break and relax. In the evenings, you can enjoy live bands, pub quizzes, film screenings, theme nights and more.
Joining a Society or Sports Team This is a great way to make new friends and meet new people with shared interests. Some of our societies include: • Bangladesh Society • Afro-Caribbean Society • Chiropractic Society • Cinema Society • Indian Society • Malaysian Students’ Society • Motorsport Society • Cheerleading and Dance Society and many more. www.southwales.ac.uk | 81
Sport at USW USW Sport has some of the best facilities in the UK, offering clubs, courses and qualifications.
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USW Sport Park
USW Sport is for everyone. Trying a new sport or joining a club is a great way to make friends – from indoor climbing to yoga, archery and everything in between, there’s sure to be something you’ll enjoy.
Get active, stay healthy
The Sport Centre at USW Pontypridd has everything you’ll need. All students can use the Sport Centre at Pontypridd, but we’ve arranged discounted rates with gyms and health clubs in Cardiff and Newport for students who live or study in the city. USW has a strong competitive sport environment and it's a major part of student life. We have more than 60 teams playing in the British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) leagues. Over the past few years, we've had outstanding success in football, rugby, basketball, water polo, swimming, volleyball and badminton.
USW Sport Park This is one of the best university sport coaching and training venues in the country. Our full-sized indoor pitch is the only one at a university in England and Wales and is built to FIFA Pro and World Rugby 22 standard.
We have 11 other pitches, including four floodlit pitches, an artificial training pitch and a 3G rubber crumb floodlit football pitch.
Our sports hall includes a national standard six badminton courts with sprung floor.
Specialist centre for strength and conditioning with 12 lifting platforms, providing a high-performance environment for aspiring athletes.
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Calon Calon is the new home for computing, engineering and technology at USW's Treforest campus. The five-storey building brings together different subject areas, including Built Environment and Civil Engineering, Mechanics and Aerospace, Informatics and Electronics, and Computing and Data Science. The building has more than 40 teaching, learning and research spaces. These include electronics and hydraulics labs, a flight simulator, a robotics lab, industrial research spaces and exhibition areas. There is also virtual reality technology and collaborative spaces for project-based learning. Calon gives students a modern space to learn, research and work together. It supports the next generation of engineers, built environment professionals and computer and data scientists, helping you develop the skills you need for a global career.
Find out more: 84 | University of South Wales
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Learning never stops 86 | University of South Wales
Neither do we www.southwales.ac.uk | 87
Issue 02: Information in this brochure is correct at the time of publication, August 2026, but may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, call or check our website: www.southwales.ac.uk The University of South Wales is a registered charity. Registration No. 1140312.