University of South Wales

The origin of the University of South Wales can be traced back to the founding of the Newport Mechanics’ Institute in 1841. The institute went through several changes before attaining University status in 1992 and became the University of Glamorgan and in 2013 the University of South Wales was created. The University is part of the South Wales Group with the mission of changing lives and becoming a leading UK University. The University has three main campuses in South Wales: Cardiff, Pontypridd, and Newcastle, the University previously had campuses in Caerleon, Dubai, and London.

The University of South Wales has three campuses each hosting several different schools each offering a number of undergraduate and postgraduate courses:

• Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and Science comprising of the School of Computing and Mathematics, School of Engineering, and School of Applied Sciences.
• Faculty of Creative Industries comprising of the Film and TV School Wales, School of Drama and Music, School of Art and Design, and South Wales Business School.
• Faculty of Life Sciences and Education comprising of the School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, School of Education, Early Years and Social Work, School of Health, Sport and Professional Practice, and School of Care Sciences.

The student population of the University is about 30,000 out of which around 3500 are international students coming from over 120 different countries. It has an International Student Advice team to provide help and guidance to international students on any issues they might have regarding funding, Visa, and lodging.

• The University of South Wales ranked 90th in the Times University Guide 2021 and 66th in the Guardian University Guide 2021.
• The University is 15th in the UK for world-leading research in sports and exercise science.
• It has partnerships with a number of leading industries ensuring that has the advantage of securing placements and employment in these industries.
• South Wales has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and students have the chance to explore the city, culture, beaches, and countryside and all the campuses are easily accessible by road, rail, and air.
• The faculty consists of professional and experienced people who can impart the best education to students and introduce them to potential employers.

The University of South Wales has a clear purpose which is to help students adapt to the fast-changing world and equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and experience which is required to increase their potential as well as to expose them to numerous employment opportunities. The academic disciplines taught in the University are designed in such a way that they focus on student and employer needs. USW Careers is the career portal of the University that provides a range of services to its students including employment and work experience and offers help and assistance in job-hunting, making effective career choices, and increasing employment prospects. 95% of graduates from the University are in employment or further study six months after graduation, even after graduating, students still have access to USW Careers services.

Some notable alumni of the University are:

• Leanne Wood (Member of the Senedd)
• Emma Darwin (English fiction writer)
• Nigel Walker (Welsh rugby union player)
• Jill Evans (Former member of the European Parliament)
• Ben Green (Actor)

Student services:

The University of South Wales offers numerous services to look after the welfare of their students while they are pursuing their degrees in the University and provides support on a range of issues from health and wellbeing to funding and finance. It guarantees scholarships that apply in all years of study to students and they can also avail the benefits of Sports scholarships. Students are also encouraged to take up part-time jobs and internships so that they can some extra money and gain work experience.

Accommodation:

USW offers on-campus accommodation in Pontypridd and private student residences in Cardiff and Newport. There are a number of accommodation options for students to choose from which are designed for their safety and convenience.

Medical services:

The University Health Service provides medical services to students, staff, and visitors; it is Nurse-led and provides advice on several issues however students can also register with a GP on certain medical issues. Impartial and confidential counseling service is available to USW students who are experiencing any kind of emotional or mental distress. Besides these, disability services are also available for students with any kind of disability like autism, dyslexia, etc.

Sports facilities:

The University of South Wales offers a range of sports degrees as well as impressive sports facilities for students. The Sports Park is designed to train and develop students interested in sports as well as those who want to stay fit and healthy. Students can join sports clubs like football and rugby that provide training as well as the required facilities.

Clubs and societies:

At USW there are a number of Student societies, Teams, and Clubs that students can join like Poker, Cricket, LGBT, and several others. All the societies are run by the students themselves and are a great way to meet new people and share their interests.