The University of South Wales (USW) stands out as one of Britain’s most dynamic and ambitious universities. Known for its innovation, thriving community, and commitment to sustainability, USW is dedicated to creating better futures for students, communities, and partners on economic, social, and cultural fronts.
At the core of USW’s mission is engagement, collaboration, and partnership. We work closely with business, industry, and the social economy to meet identified needs and achieve optimal outcomes for both learners and organizations. By partnering with various industries, USW conducts research and drives innovation to tackle significant global challenges, from energy and health to security and sustainability.
USW’s focus is heavily vocational, preparing students to support key industries both now and in the future. Employers actively collaborate with USW to co-create curricula that align with their future needs, ensuring a pipeline of skilled graduates ready to enter the workforce. This approach generates a workforce that meets employers’ demands and supports industry needs.
As a multi-disciplinary institution with a strong history of successful partnerships, widening access, and student achievement, USW excels in making education accessible. Nearly half of USW students come from the bottom two quintiles of the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD), significantly above the average for higher education institutions in Wales and the UK.
With three campuses located in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd, USW offers staff and students easy access to the rich cultural and recreational opportunities of South Wales. The university supports lifelong learning with a range of inclusive study pathways and flexible options. USW collaborates with partner colleges and operates two wholly-owned subsidiaries: the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and The College Merthyr Tydfil.
USW is on a journey to create equitable spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging, tackling stigmas and removing barriers inspired by our students and community. This mission is achieved through shared experiences and co-production as part of the USW family.
USW provides extensive services and facilities across its campuses, including state-of-the-art sports pitches, free legal advice, counseling, business support, and health services. USW Exchange is the gateway for business engagement, offering personalized diagnostics and access to the university’s expertise, funding signposts, and a blend of on-site networking opportunities and virtual briefings designed to foster growth and support business challenges.
The Exchange hubs in Pontypridd and Newport offer free meeting and co-working spaces equipped with the latest technology, serving as the starting point for building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships. These hubs encourage knowledge exchange, innovation, and address global challenges.
USW’s campuses feature a variety of cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops open to the public, students, and staff. From handcrafted coffee and homemade desserts to healthy salads, sandwiches, and international dishes, there’s something for everyone. A Click and Collect service is also available at Stilts restaurant and Crawshays coffee shop on the Treforest Campus.
The USW Sport Park in Treforest is a 30-acre site with top-notch facilities, including an indoor FIFA-standard 3G football pitch with a Catapult ClearSky Indoor GPS System, a notational analysis suite, strength and conditioning room, all-weather pitch, outdoor 3G pitch, and multi-use grass pitches. This campus serves as a training base for local sports clubs and professional clubs such as Cardiff City Academy, Cardiff Blues, and the Women’s Football Association of Wales.
Join the University of South Wales and become part of a vibrant community where opportunities for personal and academic growth are abundant. Discover your potential in an environment that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity!