University of South Wales

The University of South Wales (USW) is the largest university in Wales, with campuses in Pontypridd, Cardiff and Newport. Whatever you choose to study at USW, you get the best of South Wales to explore and experience - the capital, the coast, the mountains and valleys.

USW’s Cardiff campus is in the creative centre of the capital. From our purpose-built hub, our creative industry courses contribute to the energy and productivity of this unique city. Cardiff is vibrant, friendly, diverse and down-to-earth. It has everything you might expect from a capital, but always with something unexpected around the next corner.

Cardiff is a major centre for media and TV production in the UK. The campus is overflowing with specialist facilities, study spaces, a library and Students’ Union. It’s big enough to discover, and small enough to make it your own.

USW’s striking modern campus in Newport is at the centre of a city on the up. Independent in spirit, proud of its industrial heritage and rich in contemporary culture, it’s a city that’s alive with ideas. Famous for a historic political uprising, Newport is the place for upstarts and start-ups.

Newport is a compact city with a can-do attitude, and one that’s in the running for UK City of Culture 2025. On the riverfront, USW’s Newport campus hosts a community of learning dedicated to people, technology and business. From youth work to counselling, from therapy to cyber security, and from AI to MBAs.

From Newport, you can access all areas. Microbreweries and independent venues, cafes and stores sit alongside a regenerated city centre. And what’s more, Cardiff, Bristol, London and the nature reserves of South Wales are within easy reach.

USW Pontypridd is our largest campus and made up of Treforest and Glyntaff. At Pontypridd you’ll discover state-of-the-art facilities in friendly, authentic market towns, surrounded by beautiful, wild nature. Framed by green hills and with easy access to the awe-inspiring Brecon Beacons National Park. Ponty is the ideal place to feel connected to a community, to nature and to your subject.

You’ll have space to focus and lots of new horizons to explore. Try hiking, biking, climbing or swimming, or join team sports at our incredible Sports Park. There’s also plenty of cosy and award-winning pubs and cafes and the student union to help you unwind, and leisure, library and living spaces all in one place. Cardiff and Newport are just 20-25 mins by train or taxi when you want a night out in the city.

While studying at our campuses around Pontypridd, you’ll be part of a great, diverse community of staff and students from subjects including engineering, sciences, psychology, nursing, business and sports.

We offer an outstanding network of support and advice for our students. Our Advice Zones, based on all campuses, are easily accessible and a first point of contact for any issues. Students will be connected to a wealth of services, including wellbeing, disability, money advice, health clinics, chaplaincy and USW Careers.

USW Careers prepares students for success. Employability is part of our curriculum, and teaching is informed by real-world practical experience. We help with all stages of the job hunt, from CVs and interview skills to job applications. Students can even search live job vacancies, work placements, and attend career workshops and networking events.

The university works with employers across all industry sectors. We link students with opportunities and help their CV stand out. Our students take part in our Grad Edge Award, and we can even support them to develop business ideas through Student Enterprise.

Our courses ensure students get the practical experience to prepare them for the workplace. Students gain essential skills by using industry-standard equipment, from our Moot Courtroom and Clinical Simulation Centre, to Film & TV School Wales, Crime Scene Facilities and our Sport Park.

The recent extension to USW Cardiff includes dance and drama spaces, design and photographic studios, fashion facilities and creative spaces on all floors for collaborative working.

With a library on each campus, students can access a range of services and resources. There are different types of study spaces, from social to silent, as well as access to books, journals, PCs and Wi-Fi.

For sport enthusiasts, there are over 65 teams that compete in the BUCS league, ranging from tennis and mountain biking, to golf, surfing and rugby. USW Sport has some of the most impressive facilities in the UK. USW Sport Park is one of the best university sport coaching and training venues in the country.

Students can register for an online open day at the University of South Wales. There are no deadlines, and no set times. Prospective students can access welcome talks, campus tours, and helpful finance and accommodation talks at their leisure.