University of South Wales: Ranking, Scholarship, Courses

The most notable characteristics of USW include:

• High Graduate Employability: Around 96% of USW graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, reflecting the strong industry links and practical teaching approach.
  
  
• Industry-Led Courses: Many programs are developed in collaboration with employers and are accredited by professional bodies, ensuring graduates are workplace-ready.
  
  
• Modern Facilities: From aircraft simulators and forensic labs to film studios and clinical simulation centres, USW provides hands-on environments that mirror real-world industries.
  
  
• Global Student Community: With students from over 120 countries, USW fosters cultural diversity and global networking opportunities.
  
  
• Affordable Education: Living costs in Wales are generally lower than other UK cities, making it an economical study destination.
  
  
• Scholarship Opportunities: International scholarships of up to £2,500 per year are available to support talented students.

USW provides comprehensive support services tailored to student success. These include:

• Student Support Services: Advice on visas, finances, and accommodation for international students.
  
  
• Wellbeing and Counselling: Confidential support for health, mental wellbeing, and personal issues.
  
  
• Academic Services: Study skills workshops, personal tutoring, and library resources.
  
  
• Careers and Employability: Career advice, internships, placements, and networking opportunities with industry partners.
  
  
• Disability Services: Guidance and tailored support for students with disabilities or specific needs.

Life at USW is vibrant, inclusive, and balanced between academics and leisure. The campuses host a variety of student clubs and societies, sports teams, and cultural organisations. Cardiff, the Welsh capital, offers thriving nightlife, shopping, theatres, and music venues, while Pontypridd provides a green, community-focused setting. On-campus housing is modern and safe, with facilities such as gyms, cafés, and social hubs, ensuring students enjoy both comfort and connection.

2025 University of South Wales Rankings

• Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings: 1201–1500th band globally
  
  
• Guardian University Guide 2025: Strong subject rankings in Health Professions, Law, and Creative Industries
  
  
• Consistently recognised for employability and professional accreditation in courses such as Accounting, Business, and Engineering.
  
  

These rankings highlight USW’s commitment to applied learning and its growing global presence.

USW offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across business, law, engineering, health, computing, and the arts. Popular courses include:

• BSc (Hons) Business and Management – September / February intakes – Undergraduate
  
  
• MBA (Global Master of Business Administration) – September intake – Postgraduate
  
  
• MSc Cyber Security – September / February intakes – Postgraduate
  
  
• LLB Law / LLM Legal Practice – September intake – Undergraduate / Postgraduate
  
  
• BA (Hons) Film and Television Production – September intake – Undergraduate

The University of South Wales provides several scholarships for international students, including:

• International Undergraduate Scholarship – Up to £2,500 per year
  
  
• International Postgraduate Scholarship – Up to £2,500 per year
  
  
• Chancellor’s International Development Scholarship (for selected regions)
  These scholarships ease the financial burden and reward academic excellence.

Undergraduate (UG):

• Completion of Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) / A-Levels (or equivalent) with good grades.
  
  
• English language requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each band).
  
  

Postgraduate (PG):

• Recognised Bachelor’s degree (UK 2:2 equivalent or higher).
  
  
• English language requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in each band).
  
  
• Pre-Master’s and English foundation programs are available for those not meeting direct entry requirements.

USW has strong links with employers across industries, offering practical placements, internships, and networking opportunities.

• Part-time work: International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks.
  
  
• Graduate jobs: Average starting salaries for USW graduates range from £24,000 to £32,000 depending on the field.
  
  
• Industry connections: Graduates often find roles in business, engineering, healthcare, IT, and the creative industries, both in the UK and internationally.