USW enters the top 50 in Guardian University Guide

The University of South Wales (USW) has recorded its best ever results in the Guardian University Guide.

We have been ranked 43 of the 123 institutions in the 2026 Guide, beating our ranking of 51 in last year’s table, which was the University’s previous high. USW remains the third-placed University in Wales on the list.

USW has seen a large rise in a number of rankings, including now being top in Wales and rising 31 places to 19th in the UK for ‘value added’ – which is a measure of how the University’s teaching and support enables students to exceed  their expected  academic performance during their time with us – whilst ‘career after 15 months’ ranking has improved 28 places from 87th to 59th, and ‘spend per student’ has moved up from 45th to 31st.

A number of subjects – Midwifery, Law, Marketing and Public Relations, Civil Engineering, and Forensic Science - are top in Wales, whilst we have five subjects that are top 10 in the UK - Midwifery, Health Professionals, Law, Marketing and Public Relations and Fashion and Textiles. Seven further subjects are in the UK top 25  - Animation and Games Design, Sports Science, Mechanical Engineering, Earth and Marine Science, Civil Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Forensic Science.

Midwifery is the subject with the highest ranking, at first in the UK and Wales, while Accountancy, and Dance and Drama, are USW’s highest climbers, up 30 places to 61^st, and 30 places to 31^st, respectively.

Dr Ben Calvert, Vice-Chancellor of USW, said the ranking shows how the hard work of colleagues across USW is paying off. 

“Achieving our highest-ever ranking in the Guardian University Guide is an incredibly proud moment for USW,” said Dr Calvert.

“This recognition reflects the unwavering commitment and professionalism of colleagues across the university. Their dedication continues to shape an environment where students thrive and innovation flourishes.

“We’re delighted that USW has been recognised as a top 50 institution, leading the way in delivering outstanding education and creating opportunities for all.”

The results also come shortly after the University was shortlisted in two categories for this year’s Times Higher Education (THE) awards. USW has been shortlisted for Outstanding Entrepreneurial University and Outstanding Support for Students Award.