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Top in Wales for value added The Guardian University Guide 2026

Autumn Term Programme 2026 Includes a guide to key 2027 UCAS cycle dates

for Schools, Colleges and Community Groups www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

Schools, Colleges, and Outreach Team

Our Schools, Colleges, and Outreach Team is here to support you in helping your learners make informed decisions about their next steps. We work in partnership with schools, colleges, and community organisations, providing impartial advice, guidance, and tailored activities that complement the support you already offer.

Meet the Team Meet the friendly faces who support schools, colleges and community partners across Wales, England and beyond.

Rebecca Breen Officer

Alec Crane Officer

Christopher Edwards Manager

Mark Faulkner Senior Officer

Heather Francis Senior Officer Maternity

Hattie Heath Officer

Kaffe Locke Regional Officer

Ethan-Lee Mackay Officer

Scott Mahoney Senior Officer

Isla McMail Welsh-medium Officer

Whether we're delivering sessions in your school or college, attending events and exhibitions across the UK, or welcoming learners to our campuses, our aim is to equip both you and your learners with the knowledge, confidence, and inspiration needed to navigate the journey to higher education. Visit our webpages and follow our LinkedIn page to explore our latest resources, opportunities, events, and updates. Jenna Page Regional Officer

Follow our Linkedin! 2

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

Lauren Perry Regional Officer

Oska Von Ruhland Officer

Sarah Wiltshire Officer

To see which member of the team supports your region or subject area, visit our Schools and Colleges Team webpage.

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

Information, Advice and Guidance Sessions Book

us in today

How to Prepare for the Future

This workshop helps learners prepare for the future by exploring the opportunities available after sixth form or college. It covers the benefits of higher education, alternative pathways such as Degree Apprenticeships and Network75, and provides practical advice on making the right choices, developing independent learning skills, and making the most of their post-16 education.

How to apply for N75 and Degree Apprenticeships

This introduces learners to the benefits of Network75 and Degree Apprenticeships, helping them understand the key differences between these work-based higher education pathways. It explains the application process, what to expect throughout recruitment and selection, and provides practical advice on creating strong applications, preparing for interviews, and understanding what universities and employers are looking for in successful candidates.

How to Apply for Student Finance and Budget for University

This workshop helps learners understand the financial support available for higher education and how to make informed decisions about funding their studies. It explains the different types of student finance, outlines eligibility and funding options, and explores additional financial support, including scholarships, bursaries, and NHS bursaries where applicable. In partnership with Blackbullion, the workshop also introduces practical budgeting skills, helping learners build confidence in managing their money and preparing financially for university life.

How to get ready for University

Designed for Year 13 and college equivalent learners who have already submitted their UCAS application, this interactive presentation helps students navigate the period between receiving university decisions and starting higher education. It covers key topics such as student finance, accommodation, budgeting, and preparing for student life, giving learners the confidence to take their next steps. For learners holding an offer from the University of South Wales, the session can also be tailored to provide specific advice and guidance about studying at USW.

How to Apply on UCAS

This hands on workshop guides learners through the UCAS application process, from creating an account to completing each section of the application. It can be delivered as a presentation or, more commonly, as a practical step-by-step session where learners complete their application using computers at their school, college, or one of our university campuses. By supporting learners through the process, this workshop helps reduce the pressure on teachers and advisers while ensuring students feel confident and well prepared to submit a high-quality application.

Year Group Autumn Term

Spring Term

Summer Term

First Year

How to Prepare for your Exams

How to Apply on UCAS

How to apply for N75 and Degree Apprenticeships

How to Write the Perfect Personal Statement

This interactive workshop supports learners in writing a strong and engaging UCAS personal statement. Each learner will receive our UCAS Guide Booklet, which they can use throughout the session to make notes, complete activities, and support them as they continue writing their application. The workshop explores the new UCAS personal statement format, what universities are looking for, and how learners can effectively link their experiences, interests, and skills to demonstrate their motivation and suitability for their chosen course or subject area.

How to Prepare for the Future

Second Year

How to Apply on UCAS How to Write the Perfect personal Statement

How to Prepare for your Exams

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

How to Apply for Student Finance and Budget for University

How to Get Ready for University

How to Prepare for your Exams How to get ready for University

This workshop equips learners with the skills and strategies needed to prepare effectively for exams. It explores a range of revision techniques, practical approaches to time management and study planning, and ways to build healthy study habits. Learners will also develop an understanding of stress, recognise its impact during exam periods, and discover practical wellbeing strategies to help manage pressure, build resilience, and perform at their best. 4

How to Write the Perfect Personal Statement

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

Events and Taster days We are hosting several school and college events and taster days on our campuses throughout the Autumn Term. If you'd like to arrange a taster day for your Year 12 or Year 13 students, either contact us or book direct via the QR code below.

“93% of respondents rated the event as useful/ Very useful in connecting them to Higher Education in post-event surveys”.

Free Book now:

CSI: Behind The Tape (Forensics)

Step into the thrilling world of crime scene investigation with our immersive CSI outreach event. Perfect for aspiring forensic scientists, and curious minds alike, this hands-on experience lets you dive into the fascinating process of solving a murder case.

Get into: Chiropractic

Crime Scene to Court

Chiropractic is so much more than painful backs and stiff necks. Chiropractors are primary healthcare professionals who specialise in bones, joints, muscles, and soft tissue. Students can experience hands-on learning inside our dedicated Welsh Institute of Chiropractic (WIoC) Centre. Encourage your students to explore this career pathway by attending this Taster Day featuring spinal manipulation and trigger point massage techniques.

The day presents students with a simulated crime scene scenario, enabling them to understand how different subject areas interact, from the crime scene right through to prosecution in a court of law.

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

Get Into: Teaching and Education

This Taster Day is a fantastic opportunity for your students to explore best practice in early childhood education, gain a real insight into life as a student teacher, and develop valuable new skills. Through interactive workshops and hands-on activities, they'll be encouraged to collaborate, ask questions, and start thinking about their future in education, all while getting a feel for university life.

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

Health (Nursing, Midwifery, Operating Department Practice and Health and Social Care)

Do your students have a passion for working in a healthcare environment? Get involved in a carousel of activities in our simulation suite exploring what it’s like to be a nurse, midwife, or an operating department practitioner.

Get into: Psychology

Experience lectures, seminars, and workshops on a range of topics including social identity mapping, research methods, eye-tracking, and Biopac. This is an opportunity for students to tour our Psychology Laboratory, as well as have a go at using some of the equipment.

Sport Athlete Performance Discovery Day This Taster Day explores the multiple support services that an athlete might experience, including Strength and Conditioning, Sport Science, and Exercise Therapy providing insight into the future career options (on and off the pitch) as a graduate of these degrees. Developing the Coaches of Tomorrow This Taster Day gives students an insight into how they can become sport coaches and PE teachers. A variety of round robin activities will focus on Sport Development, and Football Coaching and Performance.

Get into: Computing

Our Computing and ICT courses are ideal for students who want to develop the essential practical skills that are needed for a long and varied career in the IT industry. At this event you’ll get a chance to see how technology is used to solve real world problems and get creative with some of our Raspberry Pipowered kit, as you explore one of the key themes of our courses: The Internet of Things.

Get into: Engineering

Our bespoke Taster Days cover a range of subject areas within engineering, including Aeronautical, Aerospace, Aircraft Maintenance, Built Environment, Civil, Electrical and Electronic, and Mechanical. Students will experience an interactive day run by our academics in the subject area, as well as getting a taste of university life at USW.

Pharmaceutical Science

Students will answer the question of whether tablets that have been stored incorrectly or are past their use-by date are safe, using a simple spectroscopic method to determine the degradation of aspirin tablets. They will also be challenged with preparing and packaging their own aqueous cream and lip balm. Finally, our academics will discuss the vast array of careers available in the pharmaceutical industry.

Spectroscopy masterclass

Explore the world of IR and NMR spectroscopy in this hands-on masterclass designed to complement the A level chemistry syllabus. You'll begin with an introductory lecture on how these techniques are used to identify chemical structures, followed by a practical session in our cutting-edge labs. Work with real spectroscopic data and equipment to build your skills, deepen your understanding, and experience the kind of lab work you can expect at university.

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

Get Into: Counselling and Social Work

This Taster Day offers your students a valuable insight into the professional worlds of Counselling and Social Work. Through interactive workshops led by experienced practitioners and lecturers, they’ll explore real-world challenges in mental health and social care, develop key skills such as empathy, communication, and active listening, and learn about the diverse career pathways these degrees can lead to. It’s an excellent opportunity for students considering a future in helping professions to experience universitylevel learning and understand the impact they could make in people’s lives.

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

Business in Action

Join us for an exciting day in the new home of the Business School at USW in Cardiff. Experience engaging sessions in Business & Management, Marketing and Accounting & Finance. This event is designed to give students a hands on taste of what it’s like to study these courses and the diverse career paths in each field. Whether your students are interested in leading a team, crafting innovative marketing strategies or crunching the numbers in finance, this day will help them discover the right path for their future.

Creative Industries “Get The Creative Careers Into” Series: Expo

Creative and Therapeutic Arts: Supporting wellbeing through creativity

Get Into: Cyber Security Through engaging, practical sessions, students will explore key areas such as: Social Engineering – Learn how attackers exploit human behaviour. Network Security – Discover how to safeguard systems and data from cyber threats. Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) – Investigate how publicly available information can be used for analysis. Digital Forensics – Uncover the techniques used to retrieve and analyse digital evidence. Whether they're curious about cyber threats or considering a career in cyber security, this experience will help you build essential skills and gain insight into the exciting roles shaping the future of online safety.

This Taster Day offers your students a unique opportunity to explore how creativity can be used to support health, wellbeing, and personal development. Through hands-on workshops and discussions led by practising artists and experienced lecturers, students will discover how the Creative and Therapeutic Arts degree can lead to careers in community arts, therapy settings, education, and healthcare. They’ll gain insight into how artistic skills can be combined with therapeutic approaches to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, all while experiencing what it’s like to study this rewarding and versatile subject at university.

A series of events covering all of courses in the creative industries to give your students a chance to get their hands on our industry level equipment. They’ll hear from lecturers who have worked in the creative industries, performing at the highest levels. There will be information on the content of our courses, university life and career options for the following subject areas:  Animation, Games and Design  Fashion, Marketing and Photography  Film and TV  Music and Drama

Give your students the chance to explore creative career pathways at this inspiring event designed for those who are unsure of their next steps or want to learn more about opportunities in the creative industries. With keynote talks, hands-on workshops, and careers fair-style interactions, it’s perfect for larger groups with varied interests, and a great way to help students turn curiosity into ambition.

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

Get into: Bioscience

This event offers a series of interactive talks and engaging lab or field-based workshops designed to give students valuable insight into the diverse opportunities available through degrees in Biology, Biomedical Science, Medical Sciences, and Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Schools and colleges can choose an event aligned with the disciplines of any of these four courses, for example an ecology, bio-medical or molecular biology focused event. www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

Bring University Expertise into Your Classroom Inspire your students with subject-specific sessions delivered by our expert academics. Our academics can visit your school or college to deliver engaging workshops, guest lectures and information sessions designed to enhance the curriculum, support progression to Higher Education, and give students an insight into studying their chosen subject at university. Sessions are available across the following subject areas: • Allied Health • Art and Design • Biology and Forensics • Business • Chemistry • Chiropractic • Education and Teaching • Computing and Cyber Security • Criminology • Design Technology • Drama • Engineering • Film and Media • Environmental Science

• Health and Social Care • History • ICT • Law • Music • Nursing and Midwifery • Pharmaceutical Science • Photography • Psychology • Psychotherapy and Counselling • Public Services and Policing • Social Work • Sport • Working with Children and Families

Find out more

To explore the range of workshops and information sessions available across each subject area, visit our webpages.

Book a session

To discuss your requirements or arrange a session for your school or college, contact schoolsandcolleges@southwales.ac.uk

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

Save the date! Teachers' and Advisers' Conference

Wednesday, 3 February 2027 www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

Network75: Earn, Learn and Gain Industry Experience

OPEN DAYS 2026 26 SEPTEMBER 24 OCTOBER 21 NOVEMBER

Network75 is the University of South Wales' alternative to a Degree Apprenticeship, combining paid employment with a university degree. Unlike many Degree Apprenticeships, we work directly with a network of employer partners and match eligible students with suitable opportunities. With up to five years of industry experience and 100% graduate employability, Network75 gives students the opportunity to earn, learn and graduate with the skills, experience and connections employers value. Contact our Schools and Colleges Team to arrange a presentation and discover how Network75 offers a fantastic alternative to Degree Apprenticeships for your learners.

Open Days

Kickstart your students' HE research at one of our Open Days. These events are a great way for your students to find out about the variety of courses available at USW.

Book an Open Day today:

Travel Bursary

We can cover the cost of reasonable expenses associated with visiting the University of South Wales to attend an undergraduate Open Day, Interview or an Applicant Experience Day. Payments cover train or coach fare and we’re able to support with the costs of travelling by car. Scan the QR code to find out more about eligibility and how students and their parents/ carers can apply.

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

Scholarships and Bursaries 2027/28 We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to support your students with the costs associated with their studies.

USW Future Ready Fund

At USW, we want everyone to have the same opportunities to thrive. Our Future Ready Fund provides eligible full-time students with £1,000, paid directly to them in their first year of study.

USW Progression Bursary

The bursary is worth £1,000 for full-time students and £500 for part-time eligible students. Students will receive the bursary in their first term by the end of November 2026. To be eligible students need to successfully complete a University of South Wales accredited HND or foundation degree with one of our Partner Colleges by Summer 2027 and progress to completing their course at a USW campus in September 2027.

USW Course Kit Bursary

Creative and Therapeutic Arts: Students studying BA (Hons) Creative and Therapeutic Arts will receive a £100 voucher to purchase art supplies from Dryaeducation. Applied Sciences: Students will receive an essential kit bag and outdoor clothing voucher or USW-branded lab coat and protective goggles if they enrol on an eligible course. Creative Industries: Students studying Visual Effects and Motion Graphics, Film, Media Production or Fashion Design courses will receive a free digital storage device.

USW Sport Scholarship

USW Welsh Scholarships

We have a range of scholarships available, including: • £250 when students study at least 5 credits of their course through the medium of Welsh. • £1,000 when students study at least 40 credits of their course through the medium of Welsh.

Computing, Engineering and Science Travel Bursary

Worth £500, this one off, non-means tested bursary is given to all students starting their sandwich year as part of their FCES degree course. The bursary is intended to provide financial support towards their travel costs to and from their sandwich placement.

Refugee Sanctuary SCHEME

The USW Undergraduate Refugee Sanctuary Scheme provides support to a limited number of eligible refugees via free English language tuition of 15 weeks or less prior to starting an undergraduate course at the University.

Undergraduate Sanctuary Scholarship

The Sanctuary Scholarship will support two successful undergraduate applicants with tuition fees waived for the duration of their undergraduate studies and a scholarship to assist with course related costs.

At the University of South Wales, we are proud of the quality of support and atmosphere generated by our performance pathways, which ensures that all student-athletes have the opportunity to excel in both their studies and in their chosen sport. This scholarship provides eligible year 0 or 1 students with £2,000, and £1,000 for eligible returning students.

University of South Wales scholarships and bursaries are offered on the basis that they are potentially subject to change. The University also reserves the right to limit the number of scholarships and bursaries available.

Diagnostic Testing Bursary

For further details on our scholarships and bursaries and eligibility criteria, visit our website.

Enrolled USW students studying a minimum of 60 credits may be eligible to receive a free internal assessment with support from the Diagnostic Testing Bursary.

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

Check out our scholarships and bursaries

Deadlines for UCAS Undergraduate applications

2027 Entry

Here are some important dates and a step-by-step guide to the UCAS application process.

MARCH – JUNE 2027

SEPT 2026 - JAN 2027

JAN – MAY 2027

Students should start researching universities and attend open days to explore potential courses and careers. They will need to complete their UCAS application. USW's Schools, Colleges and Outreach Team offers sessions to help with personal statements (see pages 4-5). As a teacher or adviser, consider setting earlier internal deadlines to review applications and provide references. For guidance, refer to UCAS's online Personal Statement Guide and Reference Guide.

The applicant should start to receive offers. Their next step is to decide their firm acceptance (first choice). In addition, they can also make an insurance acceptance (second choice), in case they do not get the grades needed for their first choice.

Upcoming USW Open Days Saturday 26 September, 24 October, 21 November 2026

JAN 2027 MAIN UCAS DEADLINE Applications for most undergraduate courses should have reached UCAS by 18:00 (UK time) on 13 January 2027. All USW courses are still open after this date, but we will likely close some of our most competitive courses after this date. 18

If the applicant does not hold any offers, not to worry. They will need to consider UCAS Extra – see the next step.

For further information please visit: www.ucas.com

Students may have already attended Open Days, but an Applicant Experience Day will help them finalise their firm choice university. During these offer-holder events, they will engage in taster lectures or workshops and hear firsthand from student ambassadors about the daily realities of university life. Post-offer events provide students with an immersive opportunity to gauge whether a university's teaching and learning approach suits them. Additionally, they will have the chance to connect with other applicants. Please encourage your learners to attend an Applicant Experience Day if they receive an offer from USW.

SEPT 2027 TERM BEGINS It’s time for your students to fly the school or college nest and begin their university journey!

25 FEBRUARY – 1 JULY 2027

JULY – AUGUST 2027

Applicants who don’t receive any offers from their five UCAS choices, or if they choose to decline all their offers, will have the chance to enter UCAS Extra. Applicants will only be able to apply for courses at institutions that still have vacancies. For more info visit www.ucas.com/extra.

Contrary to popular belief, Clearing opens way before results day on 2 July 2027 and is ideal for students who have decided later in the cycle that they now wish to apply to university, or students who’ve changed their minds.

Now is also the time to apply for student finance. Why not email USW’s Schools, Colleges and Outreach Team at schoolsandcolleges@ southwales.ac.uk to arrange expert, impartial student finance advice and guidance for students and their parents/ carers at your school or college. www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

On Results Day itself, students who have applied to university in the main cycle will have hopefully received the grades for their chosen course. If they do not, don’t panic, they can apply through Clearing, which matches applicants with spare university places.

Scan the QR Code for an overview of the UCAS cycle from USW

Clearing is open right up until 18 October 2027. Call us: 03455 76 06 06 www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

Support your students to plan their tomorrow, today. Our website has all the information your students need about USW in one place. Scan the QR code below or visit southwales.ac.uk

Search: UniSouthWales

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