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RANKED TOP 50 IN THE UK

SPRING TERM

PROGRAMME 2026

THE GUARDIAN UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2026

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

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:

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Subject Specific Events and Activities Events and Taster Days University Guidance sessions Widening Participation Summer School Scholarships and Bursaries Teachers' and Advisers' Conference 2026 Teachers' and Advisers' Awards 2026 Challenge Based Curriculum Applicant Experience Days – Unconditional Offer Scheme Open Days UCAS Events

FOLLOW OUR LINKEDIN! 2

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• Animation and Games • Art and Design • Biology and Forensics • Business • Chiropractic • Teaching and Education • Computing and Cyber Security • Creative and Therapeutic Arts • Criminology • Design Technology • Drama • Engineering • English • Fashion • Film and Media • Health and Social Care

• History • Law • Music • Nursing and Midwifery • Occupational Therapy • Operating Department Practice • Pharmaceutical Science • Photography • Psychology • Psychotherapy and Counselling • Public Services • Policing • Physiotherapy • Social Work • Sport

EXPLORE OUR NEWLY UPDATED SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND OUTREACH PAGES TO DISCOVER EVERYTHING WE OFFER. FROM INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE SESSIONS TO A WIDE RANGE OF BOOKABLE, SUBJECT-SPECIFIC TASTER DAYS, THERE’S PLENTY TO SUPPORT YOU AND YOUR LEARNERS. YOU CAN ALSO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WIDENING PARTICIPATION PROGRAMMES, STAY UP TO DATE WITH OUR TEACHERS' AND ADVISERS' CONFERENCE AND AWARDS, AND FIND OUT WHICH MEMBER OF OUR TEAM IS THE DEDICATED OFFICER FOR YOUR SCHOOL OR COLLEGE.

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:

CSI: BEHIND THE TAPE (FORENSICS) Dates: 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: CHIROPRACTIC

CRIME SCENE TO COURT

Date: 4 February 2026 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: 17 June, 8 July 2026 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) Dates: 25 March, 17 June 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: 18 March, 15 April, 24 June 2026 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 Dates: 25 February, 18 March, 10 June 2026 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: 4 February, 11 March, 17 June 2026 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: 21 January and 4 March 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: 21 January and 4 March 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 Date: 25 March 2026 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 Date: 25 March 2026 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

ACCOUNTING FOR GLASTONBURY (ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE)

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: 6 February 2026 So, you think that you can manage the finances of a music festival? We take a deep dive into one of the biggest festivals in the world to see what generates the income and costs, and the business risks that festival organisers face. You’ll then get to apply this knowledge to an up-coming festival.

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

FRAUDBUSTERS! (ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE) Date: 20 March 2026 Enter the murky world of financial fraud. Learn about unbelievable scams and heists, corporate collapses and Covid fraud. Gain hands-on experience of working as a forensic accountant to solve and prevent financial crime. 7

CREATIVE AND THERAPEUTIC ARTS: SUPPORTING WELLBEING THROUGH CREATIVITY

GET INTO: CYBER SECURITY Dates: 21 January and 6 February 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 your students build essential skills and gain insight into the exciting roles shaping the future of online safety.

Date: 15 April 2026 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.

GET INTO: BIOSCIENCE Dates: 4 February and 25 March 2026 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

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES “GET INTO” SERIES:

MULTIMEDIA CREATIVE TASTER DAY – THE QUIZ

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

Date: 17 March 2026 Want your students to see the range of careers available to them in the creative industries? They’ll get hands-on experience across creative subjects like Media Production, Performance, Graphics, Marketing, and Set Design—all in one visit. Students will produce their very own quiz show, watch it in the cinema, and take home a recording of their work. It’s a great way for students to explore university-level creative courses, collaborate with others, and see what studying at USW is really like. Spaces are limited, so book places for your group today!

To arrange a date to suit you and your students, email us: schoolsandcolleges@southwales.ac.uk

BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT – A HYDRA SIMULATION CENTRE TASTER DAY Dates: 4 March, 22 March, 6 May, 3 June, 8 July 2026 Are you interested in studying business? Using our immersive Hydra Suite at the University of South Wales, we put you in the shoes of an entrepreneur starting a new business and consider some of the challenges and decisions you might need to make in that role. The session will combine themes of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and decision making, and introduce you to some of the topics you would consider if you enrolled on a Business and Management degree at the University of South Wales.

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

HYDRA WORKSHOPS Our Hydra suite events are an excellent opportunity for students to have an immersive learning experience which will develop their critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills. There are a wide variety of activities available at our Hydra suite that align with the teaching of several areas of the curriculum including Criminology, Public Services, Policing, Psychology, Health and Social Care and many more. To arrange a date to suit you and your students, email us: schoolsandcolleges@southwales.ac.uk

UNIVERSITY GUIDANCE WORKSHOPS

DATES ON REQUEST

STUDENT FINANCE

WHY HIGHER EDUCATION?

Suitable for year 12 or equivalent students This session answers three basic questions: Is university worthwhile? Is it achievable? Is it affordable? This session also highlights the different approaches to researching and discovering the right university and course.

Suitable for students, advisers, parents and carers The session provides essential information for prospective and current students about funding options available for their studies. Participants will learn about tuition fees, student loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries, as well as budgeting tips to manage their finances effectively. The session also includes guidance on the application process for financial support.

NETWORK75  WORK, EARN, LEARN.

NAVIGATING UNIVERSITY OFFERS

Suitable for year 12 and 13 or equivalent students Students can find out how they can gain a degree, 5 years’ work experience and no student debt through our sponsored degree programme. With degrees in Accounting, Business, Computing, Engineering, Law and Surveying, students can apply their academic knowledge to real-life work within a company. The session takes approximately 30 minutes. We are also able to attend Parents' Evenings, Open Evenings and Careers Fairs hosted by your school or college.

STUDY SKILLS

Suitable for year 12 and 13 or equivalent students This workshop will outline some of the skills that are essential for level 3 study and beyond. Students will consider a wide range of study skills, including revision techniques, referencing, plagiarism and time management.

WELLBEING AND RESILIENCE (EXAM PREPARATION)

Suitable for year 12 and 13 or equivalent students This interactive, discussion-based workshop equips learners with strategies to ensure a positive well-being.

APPLYING FOR NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

We offer a range of bespoke activities suitable for those students applying for nursing, midwifery or healthcare related courses. From writing the personal statement, and preparing for an interview, to navigating the NHS funding options, our team of experts will provide impartial advice and guidance to assist students through the application process.

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

Suitable for year 13 or equivalent students who have applied for university. This interactive session guides students through what different types of offers mean - including conditional, unconditional, firm, and insurance choices - and how to manage key UCAS deadlines and next steps. Students will gain practical advice on how to compare offers, choose the best options for their goals, and prepare for possible outcomes such as results day and Clearing. The workshop also encourages reflection on personal priorities, course fit, and transition to university life.

IMPRESSING AT INTERVIEWS

Suitable for year 12 and 13 or equivalent students Through real-life examples, this session aims to prepare students to impress at their university and job interviews.

WELLBEING AND RESILIENCE

Suitable for year 12 and 13 or equivalent students This interactive, discussion-based workshop equips learners with strategies to ensure a positive well-being.

GETTING READY FOR UNIVERSITY

Suitable for year 13 or equivalent students who have applied for university. This session helps students prepare for the transition to university, covering key topics like replying to offers, applicant days, budgeting, accommodation, and settling into university life. Packed with practical advice, it’s ideal for students planning their next steps and getting ready for their university career.

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.

Widening participation success stories

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THANK YOU FOR ARRANGING SUCH A FABULOUS OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM, I REALLY HOPE WE CAN CONTINUE TO WORK TOGETHER AND DEVELOP THE PROGRAMME EACH YEAR. THE TEAM AND THE YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SO POSITIVE ABOUT THE COURSE AND FELT THAT THEY ALL GAINED SO MUCH FROM ATTENDING.

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 e-mail: 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.

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COURTNEY TOOK PART IN THE PROGRAMME LAST YEAR AND HAD SUCH A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE. FOLLOWING ON FROM LAST YEAR’S COURSE SHE SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION FOR ADULT NURSING TO FIVE DIFFERENT UNIVERSITIES AND HAS RECEIVED FIVE CONDITIONAL OFFERS AND IS SO, SO PLEASED!

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 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 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 the 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 £2,000 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 Specific Learning Difficulties assessment with support from the Diagnostic Testing Bursary. 14

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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

UNIVERSITY OF , SOUTH WALES, TEACHERS AND ADVISERS CONFERENCE 2026 PROGRAMME We’re delighted to invite you to our annual Teachers’ and Advisers’ Conference. The Conference is free and will be held in person at our Newport Campus. The event will provide insightful updates to the sector, allowing you to inform students about their HE choices and the career landscape.

BOOK NOW! , TEACHERS, AND ADVISERS CONFERENCE

Arrival and Refreshments

10:00

Welcome to USW Dr James Gravelle, Interim Vice Chancellor, University of South Wales

10:15

Delegates are invited to choose one of the following workshops:

A) Beyond ChatGPT: What Purpose-Built Educational AI Actually Looks Like Gareth Milton-Griffiths, Athro AI

11:00

TO BOOK YOUR PLACE, SCAN THE QR CODE:

www.southwales.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges

B) Student Finance England Update Stacey-May Fox, Funding Information Services Account Manager, South West & South Wales, Student Loans Company

C) Student Finance Wales Update Rhian Jones, Funding Information Services Account Manager, North Wales, Student Loans Company

D) Accounting in Everything: How Accounting Skills Have Shaped Many Real-Life Situations Jared Davies, Head of Subject, Accounting and Finance, USW

Delegates are invited to choose one of the following workshops:

A) How Your Students Can Explore Universities with Limited Budget Jon Cheek, Director of UniTasterDays Ltd

WEDNESDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2026