Why choose USW for undergraduate study?

You will get hands on

We have a unique approach to teaching through hands-on experience and partnerships with industry leaders. It prepares you for where your chosen profession is heading in the future, and helps you to become part of that profession before you graduate. It’s why 95% of our graduates are in full time work or further study within 6 months. Learn more via our employability and careers page.

Three connected locations

The vibrant creativity of Cardiff… the start-up spark of Newport… the rugged nature surrounding Pontypridd, Glyntaff and Treforest… and everything in between. We have three locations, we are one University. Every campus is well connected, everywhere is open to you as a USW student. Whichever campus hosts your course, you get the best of South Wales to explore.

You’ll find you fit in

USW is as welcoming and down-to-earth as the place we call home. Our purposefully small class sizes, emphasis on collaboration and friendly staff mean that every type of student thrives here. Even though we’re one of the largest universities in the UK, you’ll find that our lecturers know each of their students by name. Whether you’re the first generation to attend university or continuing a family tradition, looking to study for the first time or part-time, you’ll find you fit in. View our student life pages to learn more.

Classrooms reimagined

The best way to be career-ready when you graduate, is to study using the same facilities, software and techniques that you will use in your career. All our facilities are purpose built and industry standard. And every course provides opportunities to undertake placements with leading companies. Studying at USW is as close as you can get to being in your industry whilst at university. It’s what gives employers such confidence in USW graduates.

Exclusive industry links

Success is not just about what you know, but who we know. We develop and deliver our courses in exclusive partnerships with employers, representing the leaders of industry, the public sector and national bodies. Your USW degree is 100% focused on what employers need in the future. Most of our courses also provide additional professional accreditations, giving you additional competitive advantage when you graduate.

Incredible support network

Every undergraduate student is assigned a Personal Academic Coach, independent of their course, to help them with their individual needs. They’re there to help you get the most out of study and life whilst at USW. You can also freely access professional support services for all aspects of life at university – including wellbeing, careers and employment, entrepreneurship, study support and clubs and societies.

Form lifelong friendships

USW is an open community of students, diverse and always welcoming, where life-long friendships are made. With the sheer variety of things to do, see and experience across our locations, there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re in the centre of Cardiff or in the hills of the National Park, you’re never more than 20 minutes away from something completely different. Whatever your interests, there’s a USW society or club where you’ll meet like-minded students. View our student life pages to learn more.

Life-changing research

Our research and our teaching is focused on the global challenges that will affect every community in the future. With 81% of USW’s research impact classed as world-leading or internationally excellent, our discoveries and collaborations are helping to practically change lives and our world for the better, from green energy, to criminal justice and medical advances.

For better tomorrows

At USW, we always aim higher and work harder. We have to. We’re a relatively young University, with a very different approach – partnering with industries and communities to prepare students to shape the future for better. Judging by results, our approach is working. In the last two years we’ve moved up 44 places in UK University rankings (The Guardian, 2021). Creating change needs momentum – join USW and benefit from ours.