The University of South Wales was established in 2013 following the merger of the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport.
Both the institutions that have come together to create the University of South Wales have a rich and varied history, and can each trace their roots back more than 170 years.
We’re a modern, industry-focused University that will broaden your horizons and prepare you for your chosen career. The four faculties of the University are:
At USW our research provides solutions to the challenges faced by our society and the economy. Our researchers work across disciplines to help businesses, communities and policy makers benefit from our research.
The University has a thriving research culture. We believe that all our researchers from the most junior to the most senior should be supported to achieve their full potential.
As a USW student, USW Careers provides you with a range of support both during your studies and after graduation. Our careers team are here to help you with:
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
By Times Higher Education
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| - | 1201 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By TopUniversities
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | 1201 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By U.S. News & World Report
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 1501 | - | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
South Wales provides a friendly, community atmosphere that our students love. Not only is it convenient (just 2 hours from London) but is affordable too. Cardiff was announced the most affordable city in the UK for Students (2022 Natwest Student Index).
There are nearly 1,200 rooms of different sizes, and 20 self-contained studio flats. All our accommodation is self-catering, so each kitchen is well-equipped with microwaves, ovens, toasters and fridges.
The libraries at each of our four sites provide access to a wide range of print and electronic resources, including books, ebooks, journals, newspapers, theses, DVDs and CDs, statistics and past exam papers. With our easy-to-use online portal, you’ll be able to manage loans & requests, save favourite items, and acquire items not held at USW libraries
IT Services are a common thread behind many of the activities which help to enhance your learning experience, such as your online student account (giving you access to email, printing and payments and more), Unilearn (your online learning environment), open access to computers on each campus, printing services, and media equipmen
Your Health & Wellbeing are important to us, and our wide range of services ensures that you will receive the right support when studying with us at USW.
Throughout term-time we also offer regular courses, workshops and events such as Mindfulness and Stress Control.
We have campuses located across South Wales’ vibrant cities and inspirational countryside. Visit our website for a virtual tour of our 5 campuses:
Our Treforest Sports Park is open throughout the year and offers over 28 classes a week during term time, ranging from hot Yoga to kettlebells. The main hall has six badminton courts, and the gym has over 50 cardio vascular exercise machines plus weight training equipment. There are squash courts, a climbing wall, a studio for dance and martial arts, and a strength room.
As a mark of quality and high standards, many of our courses are accredited by professional bodies, which can also grant you exemption from some professional exams.
Based on 95 reviews
I am currently studying MSc Finance and Investment at the University of South Wales, and my experience has been positive overall. The course is practical and relevant, with supportive lecturers and good interaction due to smaller class sizes. The location near Cardiff is also a plus, offering affordable living and job opportunities. However, as the university is not highly ranked, students need to be proactive in building skills and finding career opportunities. Overall, it�s a good choice for a practical and affordable finance degree.
My uni was always on top of my interest and I really appreciate the strong administrational support from the student union and teachers. There is an amazing team, more helpful than expected. Very few things can be modified like canteen facilities and ensure more spots events .
It it affordable and also I don't need to go to the campus everyday, what I like most is that I can study at comfort of my own home and go to the campus whenever I feel like going. The lectures there ate supper kind then make one feel at home and alot of student been saying that. You really can have both fun and learn at the same time .
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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