USW becomes first UK university to secure freelance education accolade

The University of South Wales (USW) has become the first university in the UK to achieve Silver Tier Accreditation under the Freelance Education Framework (FEF), recognising its established and co-ordinated approach to supporting students and graduates pursuing freelance, self-employed, and portfolio careers.

With more graduates building careers through freelancing, self-employment and portfolio work, the accreditation recognises USW's leadership in preparing students for the changing nature of work, and follows an independent assessment of the University's enterprise, entrepreneurship, and freelance support provision.

The accreditation highlights USW’s strong leadership, comprehensive enterprise offer, one-to-one coaching, partnership working across the institution, and curriculum activities - all of which help students develop the skills needed to succeed in independent careers.

The review also recognises the University's dedicated Careers Enterprise, and Startup Stiwdio teams, and the extensive programme of workshops, coaching, industry engagement, live briefs, external partnerships, and student support activities, which prepare learners for self-employment and freelance opportunities.

The achievement further strengthens USW's reputation as one of the UK's leading entrepreneurial universities. It has been ranked the top-performing higher education institution in Wales for supporting graduate start-ups for multiple years – earlier this year retaining its position as number one in the country for new graduate start-up businesses for the sixth consecutive year, according to the figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

Professor Osama Khan, USW Vice-Chancellor, said the accreditation is a significant milestone for the University, which was also one of the first institutions in the UK to contribute to the Freelance Framework and new Freelance Education Alliance.

“Today's students will enter a world of work that is increasingly flexible, entrepreneurial, and shaped by portfolio careers – it’s changing, and USW is leading the UK response” he said.

“We are committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to develop the confidence, skills, and networks needed to succeed, whether they choose freelancing, self-employment, employment, or business ownership.

“This accreditation reflects the dedication of colleagues across the University who work tirelessly to create opportunities for our students and graduates.

“It also reinforces our position as the Entrepreneurial University of Wales, professionalising the choice of becoming a freelancer within the world of graduate employment choices and supporting learners who want to turn their ideas, creativity, and expertise into sustainable careers that benefit communities, industries, and the wider economy.”

Matt Dowling, Founder and CEO of Freelancer Club, said, as the first UK university to achieve this recognition, USW is setting an important benchmark for the sector.

"Universities have traditionally been very good at preparing students for employment, but the world of work has changed, and higher education needs to evolve with it,” he said.

“Freelancing and self-employment are no longer alternative career paths; they are an increasingly important part of the graduate landscape. USW has demonstrated what’s possible when freelance education is taken seriously at an institutional level.”