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University of South Wales

Pontypridd, United Kingdom

  • Cost of Living£ 15,240
  • Tuition Fee From£ 11,267
  • Country Rank#97
  • Batch Strength15,310
  • Global Diversity9.6%
  • Gender Ratio45:55

Overview

About

The University of South Wales (USW) offers a vibrant, supportive environment to help you achieve your goals. With roots dating back to 1913, USW has built a solid reputation for providing career-focused education across a wide range of programmes.

 

This multi-campus university is located in South Wales, England. It has campuses in four different cities: Dubai, Newport, Pontypridd, and Cardiff. Notably, South Wales is a safe and affordable city with numerous entertainment options for students. The Pontypridd campus is the largest, with historic structures and modern infrastructure. The Cardiff Campus serves as the university's media hub. It is located near BBC Studios and Pinewood Studios. The Newport campus is conveniently located near the Hall of Residence. At this campus, students can pursue programmes in counselling, business, social work, and community service. The Dubai Campus is a modern campus that houses the university's Aviation Academy.

 

Sports Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, and Commonwealth Scholarships are available to students. Students are well-served by the university's placement services. It organizes various events to help them find networking opportunities. The university has collaborations with a variety of institutions to provide its students with exceptional opportunities and exposure. TATA Steel, leading engineering solutions company Ricardo, Football Association of Wales Trust, Screen Alliance Wales, and many more are among the partnerships.

Ranking

The University of South Wales, established in 2013, has quickly risen to prominence in the global higher education landscape. Located in Wales, United Kingdom, this relatively young institution has already made its mark among top universities both nationally and internationally. In 2025, the University of South Wales will hold the 94th position among UK universities in the Complete University Guide Ranking, showing a slight advancement from 101st place in 2024. The university also saw a notable decline in The Guardian Ranking, falling from 53rd in 2023 to 72nd in 2024. According to THE (Times Higher Education) rankings, the university consistently placed between 1001st and 1200th from 2022 to 2024. Overall, these rankings indicate varying performance across different assessments, with improvements in some areas and declines in others over recent years.

 

University of South Wales- QS Ranking 2024

In the QS World University Rankings of 2024, the University of South Wales is ranked 521st globally, marking a significant improvement from its position in 2023, where it was ranked 751st. Previously, in 2022, the university held the same rank of 751st, according to QS. 

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

World university

751

751

521

 

University of South Wales - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2024

According to THE (Times Higher Education) rankings, the University of South Wales consistently placed in the 1001-1200 range in 2022, 2023, and 2024. This indicates its position within the lower tier of global universities based on THE's criteria during those years.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

1001

1001

1001

 

University of South Wales - The Guardian Ranking 2024

In 2024, the University of South Wales is ranked 72nd according to The Guardian Ranking. This reflects a decrease from its 2023 position, where it held the 53rd spot. In 2022, the university was ranked 82nd by The Guardian, showing an improvement over the two subsequent years.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

82

53

72

 

University of South Wales - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025

In the Complete University Guide Ranking of 2025, the University of South Wales is placed 94th among UK universities. This marks a slight improvement from its position in 2024, where it ranked 101st. Previously, in 2023, the university held the 91st spot in the same ranking.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

UK University

91

101

94

 

Learn More About: University of South Wales’s Admission

 

University of South Wales - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2024

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Clinical and Health

601

601

601

Engineering

-

501

601

Psychology

-

-

501

 

University of South Wales - The Guardian Ranking 2024

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Accounting and Finance

17

42

71

Business and Management

70

59

106

Civil Engineering

41

36

35

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

56

48

53

Journalism

54

45

35

Law

33

46

50

Mechanical Engineering

61

-

-

Media and Film Studies

79

44

51

Sociology and Social Policy

82

84

89

 

University of South Wales - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Accounting and Finance

86

83

89

Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

30

29

27

Art and Design

39

40

44

Biological Sciences

62

69

85

Business and Management Studies UK

95

89

85

Civil Engineering

-

54

-

Communication and Media Studies

62

57

64

Computer Science

58

86

82

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

55

67

65

Law

45

59

62

Mechanical Engineering

68

74

-

Nursing

36

50

43

Psychology

78

75

69

Sociology

88

88

84

 

Course Rankings

B.A.

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

81

90

68

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

-

87

89

The Complete University Guide - Art and Design

-

54

53

 

B.E. / B.Tech

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Civil Engineering

26

18

17

The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering

62

59

58

The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering

67

63

47

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

-

56

48

The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering

-

60

52

The Complete University Guide - Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

-

33

29

The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering

-

50

52

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

-

73

78

 

B.J.M.C.

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Media and Film Studies

66

82

80

The Guardian - Journalism

42

30

48

The Complete University Guide - Communication and Media Studies

-

82

88

 

Learn More About: University of South Wales’s Courses

B.Sc.

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

96

99

97

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

99

102

98

 

BBA

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Business and Management

116

94

56

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

63

22

21

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

-

75

78

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

-

98

95

 

BSN

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Nursing

38

34

32

 

LL.B.

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Law

48

43

13

The Complete University Guide - Law

-

81

78

 

MS

Ranked by

2023

THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering

501-600

 

Others PG

Ranked by

2022

2023

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

601-800

601-800

 

Accounting & Commerce

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

63

22

21

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

-

75

78

 

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing )

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Art and Design

54

53

42

 

Business & Management Studies

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Business and Management

116

94

56

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

-

98

95

 

Engineering

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Civil Engineering

26

18

17

The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering

62

59

58

The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering

67

63

47

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

-

56

48

The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering

-

60

52

The Complete University Guide - Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

-

33

29

The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering

-

50

52

 

Humanities & Social Sciences

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

-

99

102

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

81

90

68

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

-

87

89

 

Law

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Law

48

43

13

The Complete University Guide - Law

-

81

78

 

Mass Communication & Media

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Media and Film Studies

66

82

80

The Guardian - Journalism

42

30

48

The Complete University Guide - Communication and Media Studies

-

82

88

 

Medicine & Health Sciences

Ranked by

2022

2023

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

601-800

601-800

 

Nursing

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Nursing

38

34

32

 

Science

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

96

99

97

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

73

78

71

 

Aeronautical Engineering

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

33

29

29

 

Biology

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

96

99

97

 

Civil Engineering

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Civil Engineering

26

18

17

The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering

-

50

52

 

Computer Science

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

73

78

71

 

Electrical Engineering

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

56

48

60

 

Electronics Engineering

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering

62

59

58

 

Mechanical Engineering

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering

67

63

47

The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering

-

60

52

 

Accounting

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

63

22

21

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

-

75

78

 

Journalism

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Journalism

42

30

48

 

Psychology

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

99

102

98

 

Sociology

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

81

90

68

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

-

87

89

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2024

-

#1501

2023

-

-

2022

-

-

2021

#44

#41

Facilities

With a 19% international student population, the university offers its students cultural diversity as well as an aesthetic life on campus. Its faculties of Business and Society, Computing, Engineering and Science, Creative Industries, and Life Sciences and Education provide undergraduate and graduate programmes. The following are the University of South Wales facilities- 

 

Housing Services: Students enjoy the friendly, community atmosphere that the university provides. It is not only convenient (only 2 hours from London), but also reasonably priced. There are nearly 1,200 different-sized rooms and 20 self-contained studio flats. Because all of the university accommodations are self-catering, each kitchen is fully equipped with microwaves, ovens, toasters, and refrigerators.

 

Library Services: The four campuses' libraries offer a wide range of print and electronic resources, including books, ebooks, journals, newspapers, theses, DVDs and CDs, statistics, and past exam papers. Students can manage loans and requests, save favourite items, and acquire items not held at USW libraries using the university’s simple online portal.

 

ICT Services: Many of the activities that help to enhance the student’s learning experience, such as online student account (which gives access to email, printing, and payments, among other things), Unilearn (your online learning environment), open access to computers on each campus, printing services, and media equipment, are all supported by IT Services.

 

Medical services: Every student's health and well-being are of utmost importance, and the university's comprehensive range of services ensures that students get the help they need while studying at USW. During the academic year, the university also provides regular courses, workshops, and events such as Mindfulness and Stress Control.

 

Sports facilities: The university's Treforest Sports Park is open all year and offers over 28 classes per week during the school year, ranging from hot Yoga to kettlebells. There are six badminton courts in the main hall, and the gym has over 50 cardiovascular exercise machines as well as weight training equipment. Squash courts, a climbing wall, a dance, and martial arts studio, and a strength room are all available.

Notable Alumni

Philip Gross
Philip Gross
Poet, Novelist, Playwright
Philip Gross
Philip Gross
Poet, Novelist, Playwright
Philip Gross
Philip Gross
Poet, Novelist, Playwright
Tine Wittler
Tine Wittler
German writer, TV presenter and actress
Tine Wittler
Tine Wittler
German writer, TV presenter and actress
Tine Wittler
Tine Wittler
German writer, TV presenter and actress

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate 

The University of South Wales acceptance rate is 74% for international students. This is a clear indication that the university is moderately selective and offers 74 out of 100 applications a green signal.

The University of South Wales has secured consistently low acceptance rates over the years. This rate indicates fierce competitiveness for securing admission. However, students should persevere and not abandon efforts to study at this prestigious institution. The university upholds a stellar reputation for top-notch education, evidenced by its 19th-place rank in the 2024 QS World University Rankings.

 

Learn More About: University of South Wales Acceptance Rate

 

Entry Requirements

The university has country-specific requirements. The university offers 48 undergraduate and graduate programmes. It provides 264 full-time undergraduate courses. Foundation Years programmes are designed for students who do not meet the academic requirements for direct admission to a bachelor's degree programme. Students with a good command of the English language, such as an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher, are eligible for foundation courses. Below are the University of South Wales entry requirements for undergraduate and graduate degrees-


 

Application Portal

UG: UCAS

PG: University website

Acceptance Rate

20%

English Language Requirement

IELTS: 6.0

TOEFL: 72

Standardised Test Score 

GMAT/GRE

Additional Documents

Transcripts

LOR

SOP

Certificate of Financial Stability
 

 

Fees

The University Of South Wale fees for courses beginning in 2022-23 are listed below. You should only use the university’s official tuition fee payment pathways and processes.

 

  • M.B.A - £15,850 /Yr
  • M.S Management - £16,000 /Yr
  • M.S Data Science - £16,000 /Yr
  • M.S Engineering Management - £16,000 /Yr
  • M.S Civil and Structural Engineering - £16,000 /Yr
  • M.S Aeronautical Engineering - £16,000 /Yr

 

Placements

95% of students who graduate from the University of South Wales find work with a reputable firm within 6 months of finishing their studies. It offers its students the opportunity to work part-time while attending university in order to gain work experience. This programme is known as Work Placement.


Internships, summer placements, Sandwich placements, work shadowing, and life experience are all part of the University of South Wales placements programme. Students in this programme can participate in Work Placement as well as part-time studies, allowing them to earn while studying or vice versa. The University Network 75 programmes have a 100% employability rate, making them highly desirable and useful to employers.

Scholarship

These are the various scholarships available to students at USW:

 

  • International Office Scholarships: Worth up to £2,000 and available to self-funding international students.
  • Chancellor's International Development Scholarships: Worth £2,500 and available to students from developing countries who are studying for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at USW.
  • Sport Scholarships: Available to talented athletes who are studying at USW. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on the sport and the level of the athlete.
  • USW Undergraduate Ethnicity Equality Bursary: Worth £1,000 and available to Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) students who are studying for an undergraduate degree at USW.
  • USW Postgraduate Ethnicity Equality Bursary: Worth £1,000 and available to Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) students who are studying for a postgraduate degree at USW.

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the university. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

 

Accommodation

There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend the University of South Wales. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

 

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodation near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

 

Cost of Living

The University of South Wales (USW) in Newport provides students with great value for their education, considering that the overall cost of living in the region tends to be lower compared to other parts of the UK. Here’s a breakdown of the cost of living.

 

Particulars

Cost (Monthly)

Off-Campus Accommodation 

£ 656

On-Campus Accommodation

£ 572

Transportation

£ 28

Food Cost

£ 383

Entertainment

£ 28

Groceries

£ 112

Clothes

£ 63

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

£ 1270

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

£ 1186

Annual Cost of Living

£ 15240

 

Studying at the University of South Wales (USW) in Newport provides an excellent opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills while enjoying a vibrant student life. University of South Wales – Newport offers students a unique and unforgettable university experience that will set them up for success in their future careers.

 

Don't just take our word for it - come and see for yourself why University of South Wales – Newport is the perfect choice for your higher education journey.

 

FAQs