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RANKED TOP 50 IN THE UK

THE GUARDIAN UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2026

INCLUDES A GUIDE TO KEY 2026 UCAS CYCLE DATES

AUTUMN TERM PROGRAMME 2025

FOR SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND COMMUNITY GROUPS www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, AND OUTREACH TEAM

SUBJECT-SPECIFIC EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES With a variety of interactive sessions to choose from across a range of areas, our subject-specific events and activities will give your students the opportunity to gain real insight into studying a particular subject at university. We offer sessions in the following subject areas:

Our team works closely with schools, colleges, and community groups to support students on their journey to higher education. We provide tailored advice and guidance on everything from university applications and student finance to exploring the wide range of study options available. You’ll find us at events and exhibitions across the UK, delivering sessions in your school or college, or welcoming students to our inspiring on-campus events. We’re passionate about helping students experience life at USW first-hand, while also equipping teachers and advisers with the tools and information needed to guide learners through their unique educational journeys.

FOLLOW OUR LINKEDIN! 2

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

• 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

You can find out more about our subject-specific activities on our website: www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

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ONE OF THE MAIN HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY FOR ME WAS THE HANDS-ON SIMULATION ACTIVITIES, ESPECIALLY LEARNING HOW TO CHECK VITAL SIGNS AND PRACTICE CPR ON THE TRAINING MANNEQUINS. IT GAVE ME A REAL SENSE OF WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE IN A CLINICAL SETTING AND HELPED ME IMAGINE MYSELF IN THAT ROLE. IT WAS BOTH EXCITING AND EYE-OPENING TO APPLY PRACTICAL SKILLS RATHER THAN JUST LEARNING THROUGH THEORY. Student, Summer School Attendee

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, contact us at: schoolsandcolleges@southwales.ac.uk

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93% OF RESPONDENTS RATED THE EVENT AS USEFUL/ VERY USEFUL IN CONNECTING THEM TO HIGHER EDUCATION IN POST-EVENT SURVEYS.

FREE BOOK NOW:

GET INTO: CHIROPRACTIC

CRIME SCENE TO COURT

Date: 12 November 2025 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.

Dates: 15 October, 22 October, 19 November, 26 November, 3 December, 10 December 2025 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

CSI: BEHIND THE TAPE (FORENSICS) Dates: 12 November 2025, 14 and 28 January 2026 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: TEACHING AND EDUCATION Date: 8 October 2025 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) Dates: 1 October (access course students), 19 November 2025, 21 January 2026 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 Dates: 12 November, 10 December 2025 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. 5

SPORT Athlete Performance Discovery Day Dates: 15 October, 12 November 2025 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 Dates: 22 October, 19 November 2025 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 Date: 5 November 2025 and 21 January 2026 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 Pi-powered kit, as you explore one of the key themes of our courses: The Internet of Things.

GET INTO: ENGINEERING Dates: 5 November, 26 November 2025 and 21 January 2026 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 Dates: 1 October, 19 November 2025 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 Dates: 1 October, 19 November 2025 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

SOUTH WALES BUSINESS SCHOOL TASTER DAY

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 university-level learning and understand the impact they could make in people’s lives. To arrange a date to suit you and your students, email us: schoolsandcolleges@southwales.ac.uk

Date: 22 October 2025 Join us for an exciting Taster Day at South Wales Business School, where students can dive into the dynamic world of business. Experience engaging sessions in Business Management, Marketing, and Accounting and Finance. This event is designed to give students a hands-on taste of what it’s like to study these courses, while also exploring the diverse career paths each field offers. Whether your students are interested in leading a team, crafting innovative marketing strategies, managing luxury hotels, or crunching numbers in finance, this day will help them discover the right path for their future.

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

CREATIVE AND THERAPEUTIC ARTS: SUPPORTING WELLBEING THROUGH CREATIVITY

GET INTO: CYBER SECURITY Dates: 24 September, 26 November 2025 and 21 January 2026 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. To arrange a date to suit you and your students, email us: schoolsandcolleges@southwales.ac.uk

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES “GET INTO” SERIES: 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 . To arrange a date to suit you and your students, email us: schoolsandcolleges@southwales.ac.uk

THE CREATIVE CAREERS EXPO Date: 15 October 2025 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.

GET INTO: BIOSCIENCE Dates: 1 October, 15 October, 19 November 2025 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. To arrange a date to suit you and your students, email us: schoolsandcolleges@southwales.ac.uk www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

INFORMATION, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE SESSIONS

SIXTH FORM INDUCTION - IDEAL FOR THE START OF TERM!

These events can take place at one of our campuses or at your institution and provide an opportunity to focus Year 12 learners’ minds on the next two years. The aim is to provide students with a wider understanding of how their studies fit into a journey to higher education, as well as working on their team building skills.

MAKING THE MOST OF SIXTH FORM

This talk encourages learners to get the best out of their final years in school. It’s an opportunity to highlight the next steps in their journey and offer some advice and support.

STUDY SKILLS

Study skills are important to improve students’ ability to retain and recall information. This session will highlight techniques to boost students’ performance and develop transferable skills that will be useful for learning throughout students’ life and reduce stress and anxiety around study.

THE UCAS PROCESS

YEAR GROUP

AUTUMN TERM

SPRING TERM

SUMMER TERM

Year 12

Sixth Form Induction

Why Higher Education?

Wellbeing and Resilience (Exam preparation)

Making the Most of Sixth Form

From registration and course choice, through to Results Day and Clearing, this session guides students through the full UCAS process and highlights how students can make the most of their application.

Making the Right Choices

Study Skills

PERSONAL STATEMENT WORKSHOP

The personal statement is a key aspect of the selection process. This workshop will help students understand what universities are looking for, how to present themselves in the best light and how to find the motivation to 'get it done'.

PREPARING FOR INTERVIEWS

MOCK INTERVIEWS (ONE TO ONE SUPPORT)

We offer students a 30-minute interview to practice questions that they may be asked. Practising for an interview helps students become more familiar with the interview process. They can rehearse their answers in a safe environment, develop interview strategies, improve their communication skills, and enhance the delivery of their responses. 10

Preparing for Personal Statements Year 13

Before receiving an offer, students may be invited to interview at their chosen university. This session will provide details on what to expect, and how to prepare and be the best version of themselves on the day. This session is also relevant to those applying for jobs or apprenticeships.

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

UCAS Apply

Study Skills

The UCAS Process

Navigating University Offers

Student Life

Personal Statement Workshop

Student Finance

Wellbeing and Resilience

Preparing for University Interviews

Wellbeing and Resilience

Getting Ready for University

Mock Interviews (one to one support)

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

WIDENING PARTICIPATION At the University of South Wales, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in higher education, no matter their background, age, or life circumstances. Our team is here to support students who may face additional challenges in their journey to university, and we are dedicated to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all. Tailored Support to Raise Aspirations We offer a variety of tailored programmes designed to align students’ aspirations with the opportunities higher education can provide. From friendly coffee morning drop-ins to asking questions in casual settings, to a series of engaging workshops building skills and confidence with our Aspire2HE programme, we’re here to support you every step of the way. We’re passionate about helping underrepresented students build confidence, access resources, and find a community at the University of South Wales. This includes: • Young carers and their families • Service children and their families • Students with additional learning needs • Black and Ethnic Minority students • Adults 21+ • Students who are currently in care, or are care-experienced • Students from disadvantaged postcode areas identified through WIMD, POLAR and TUNDRA systems Please email: wideningparticipation@southwales.ac.uk if you’d like to discuss how we can support you or a group. We can arrange bespoke campus visits or workshops designed around your needs and interests.

SAVE THE DATE! TEACHERS' AND ADVISERS' CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2026

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES 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 2025. 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 2026 and progress to completing their course at a USW campus in September 2026.

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

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 students with £2,500 as well as a range of other benefits to support them with achieving their sporting ambitions while studying with us.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTING BURSARY

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. 14

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

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. 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.

CHECK OUT OUR SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES

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

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

Treforest campus

OPEN DAYS 2025 27 SEPTEMBER 25 OCTOBER 22 NOVEMBER

Cardiff campus

Glyntaff campus

Sport Park

Newport campus

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.

TRAVEL BURSARY BOOK AN OPEN DAY TODAY:

APPLICANT EXPERIENCE DAYS

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.

Students holding an offer from the University of South Wales are invited to an Applicant Experience Day. Visiting an Applicant Experience Day is the best way for students to get to know their lecturers, find out more about their chosen course through a taster session, and tour our facilities. Please encourage your students who have applied to USW to attend.

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

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

SEPT 2025 - JAN 2026 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 10-11). 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. Upcoming USW Open Days Saturday 27 September, 25 October, 22 November 2025, 21 March and 13 June 2026

JAN – MAY 2026

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

2026 ENTRY

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT: WWW.UCAS.COM

MARCH – JUNE 2026 Students may have already attended Open Days, but an Applicant Experience Day will help them finalise their firm choice university. During these offerholder 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. Upcoming USW Applicant Experience Days Saturday 28 February, 18 April and 9 May 2026

SEPT 2026 TERM BEGINS It’s time for your students to fly the school or college nest and begin their university journey!

JAN 2026

26 FEBRUARY – 4 JULY 2026

JULY – AUGUST 2026

Applications for most undergraduate courses should have reached UCAS by 18:00 (UK time) on 14 January 2026. All USW courses are still open after this date, but we will likely close some of our most competitive courses after this date.

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. 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.

Contrary to popular belief, Clearing opens way before results day on 2 July 2026 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.

MAIN UCAS DEADLINE

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 19 October 2026. Call us: 03455 76 06 06 www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

SUPPORT YOUR STUDENTS TO PLAN THEIR TOMORROW, TODAY. We believe in creating better tomorrows, which is why we’re starting to reduce our use of printed materials wherever possible. 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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