Key Stats:
The roots of the University of South Wales go back to 1841 with the founding of the Newport Mechanics institute
The university educates over 23,000 students
The University was named Cyber University of the Year for four consecutive years
The University of South Wales (USW) works to build better futures for students, communities, and partners economically, socially, and culturally.
Partnership working is at the heart of everything that the University does. The University works with businesses, the public sector and third sector to achieve the best outcomes for learners and organisations. They are researching and innovating to tackle some of the biggest global challenges, from energy and health to security and sustainability.
There are a range of study options at USW, offering flexibility and supporting life-long learning. USW is proud to be Wales’s leading widening participation university and is committed to addressing social inequalities, supporting and enabling their students to achieve the best life outcomes possible.
Students learn by doing with learning spaces that reflect the industries in which they will work after graduation. The curriculum is co-created with employers, to provide a skilled and relevant workforce for local, national, and international industries.
The University is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can flourish. They are a University of Sanctuary, recognising their commitment to creating a welcoming culture for people seeking sanctuary within, and beyond, their campuses.
USW has three main campuses in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd. The University works closely with their partner colleges, and has two wholly owned subsidiaries, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and The College Merthyr Tydfil.
The University is a key part of the local economy – generating £1.1billion to the UK economy every year (Biggar Economics Report, 2019/20). For every £1 that USW receives in income, £5.30 is generated to the wider economy. There are more than 23,000 students and 2,700 staff at USW (HESA 2021/22).
USW was shortlisted for the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year award in 2023.