Exploring Student Population At University Of South Wales

The University of South Wales (USW) is a public university in Wales, with campuses in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd. It is the second-largest university in Wales in terms of student numbers, with over 33,500 students from 122 countries at its formation in 2013. The university offers a diverse range of courses and a welcoming community, ensuring that every type of student thrives. With its focus on collaborative and interdisciplinary teaching, USW prepares its students well for their future careers.

Student population: 15,001–25,000

The University of South Wales (USW) is a public university in Wales, with campuses in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd. It was formed in 2013 through the merger of the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport. At its formation, the university had more than 33,500 students from 122 countries, making it the sixth-largest in the UK and the largest in Wales. However, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), there has been a decline in student numbers since. For the academic year 2022/23, the University of South Wales was ranked 36th in the UK and second in Wales by student population.

The university offers a diverse range of courses and is known for its high-quality teaching and facilities. With over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate courses across three main faculties, USW ensures that its degrees are focused on what employers need in the future. The university achieves this through partnerships with employers, industry leaders, national bodies, and the public sector. USW also offers competitively priced accommodation options, including on-campus halls of residence and private halls near its campuses.

While exact figures for the current student population are not readily available, recent rankings indicate that the University of South Wales has a student population of 15,001-25,000. This information is supported by the Complete University Guide 2024/25, which ranks the university 95th in the UK. The university's ranking and student population reflect its position as one of Wales' major universities, offering a wide range of educational opportunities to its students.

The University of South Wales is committed to providing a supportive and collaborative community for its students. With purposefully small class sizes, the university ensures that every type of student thrives. Additionally, USW offers various financial support options, including loans, grants, bursaries, and scholarships, to help students with their tuition fees and living costs. Cardiff, where one of the university's campuses is located, was ranked as the most affordable UK city for students in 2019 by the NatWest student living index.

Student loans and grants

The University of South Wales (USW) is a public university in Wales, with campuses in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd. It is the second-largest university in Wales in terms of student numbers, with over 33,500 students from 122 countries enrolled.

The University of South Wales offers a range of student loans and grants to help students with the cost of their studies. Here is some information on the types of financial support available:

Undergraduate Student Finance

Full-time and part-time undergraduate students at the University of South Wales may be able to access financial support to help pay for tuition fees and living costs. The amount of funding available depends on various factors, including where the student lives, their income, and their household income.

#### Tuition Fee Loans

Eligible students can apply for Tuition Fee Loans, which are non-means-tested. Students can borrow up to the maximum amount to cover their fee charge each academic year.

#### Maintenance Funding

Maintenance funding is available to help students with their living costs, including accommodation, food, books, and travel. The amount of maintenance support received depends on the student's household income and where they live during their studies.

#### Additional Support

Extra means-tested support may be available for students with dependent children or other adults who are financially dependent on them.

Postgraduate Fees and Funding

There are several ways to fund postgraduate studies at the University of South Wales, including student finance, bursaries, grants, trusts, and charities.

#### Postgraduate Loans

Postgraduate loans are available for Masters and Doctoral courses. For example, Welsh-domiciled students starting a Masters course in 2019/20 or 2020/21 could access up to £17,000 in 2019/20 or £17,489 in 2020/21 as a mixture of loans and grants.

#### University Scholarships and Bursaries

The University of South Wales offers various scholarships and bursaries to support students financially. For instance, the USW Postgraduate Alumni Discount offers a 20% reduction in tuition fees for USW graduates starting a taught MA or MSc course.

Alternative Funding Sources

In addition to student loans and grants, there are other sources of funding that students can explore. These include:

• Grants, Trusts, and Charities: These organizations can be a great source of funding, offering partial funding for studies. Each will have its own criteria, eligibility requirements, and application methods.
• Student Discounts: Various student discounts are available, helping students save money and enhancing their student experience.
• Private Loan Providers: Private companies like Future Finance offer loans to assist with tuition fees and living costs, with variable interest rates depending on the applicant's credit history.

The University of South Wales provides detailed information on its website about the different types of student loans and grants available, as well as application processes and eligibility criteria. Students can refer to this information to understand their options and plan their finances effectively.

Student accommodation

The University of South Wales has campuses in Cardiff, Newport and Pontypridd. The university is the second-largest in Wales in terms of student numbers, with over 33,500 students from 122 countries enrolled.

On-Campus Accommodation

The University of South Wales offers on-campus accommodation for students at its Pontypridd campus. The Mountain Halls and Glamorgan Court are modern halls located just two minutes' walk from the campus.

Students at the Cardiff campus have access to private halls of residence, which are shared with the other universities in the city. The Newport City campus building also has nearby private student halls of residence.

Off-Campus Accommodation

There are numerous off-campus student accommodation options in Cardiff, some of which are offered by Amber. These include budget-friendly residence halls, studios, student dorms, shared rooms, and reasonably-priced individual houses.

Some of the most popular and affordable options include Collegiate Crown Place, The West Wing, and Zenith. Other well-known private student accommodation options in Cardiff include Newport Student Village, Howard Gardens, Arofan House, Zenith Apartments, and The Fitzalan.

Cost of Living

The average cost of living in Cardiff for a single student is estimated to be around £800 to £1200 per month. This includes rental costs, transportation costs, grocery/meal expenses, medical costs, and other essential costs.

Finding Accommodation

University Living is a platform that helps students find the best student accommodations in Cardiff according to their needs. Their Cost of Living Calculator can also help students sort their budgets according to their chosen university.

Student living costs

The University of South Wales (USW) is a public university in Wales with campuses in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd. It is the second-largest university in Wales in terms of student numbers, with over 33,500 students from 122 countries at its formation in 2013. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with faculties in Computing, Engineering, Science, Business & Creative Industries, and Life Sciences and Education.

When it comes to student living costs at the University of South Wales, there are several factors to consider. Here is a detailed breakdown to help you plan your finances:

Accommodation:

USW offers high-quality student halls of residence on campus in Treforest, and they also partner with accommodation providers in Cardiff and Newport. The cost of on-campus accommodation can vary depending on the location and facilities. Weekly prices for university-managed accommodation in Wales typically range from £75 to £190, while off-campus private accommodation can be slightly cheaper at around £80 to £90 per week. Cardiff, in particular, is known for having the second-lowest monthly rent of all UK university cities, making it an attractive option for students on a budget.

Food and Groceries:

The cost of food and groceries will depend on your dietary preferences, how often you eat out, and whether you take advantage of student discounts. Generally, Wales offers great value for money when it comes to food, and you can expect your grocery bill to be lower than in many other parts of the UK.

Utilities:

Utilities such as electricity, gas, phone, and internet will depend on your accommodation type and usage. If you live in a shared house, these costs can often be split between roommates, making them more manageable.

Transportation:

Consider the cost of transportation to and from campus, especially if you plan to live off-campus. Public transportation in Cardiff and the surrounding areas is generally affordable, and you may be eligible for student discounts with your student ID card.

Entertainment and Social Activities:

Socialising and entertainment are an important part of student life, but they can also add up financially. Look out for student discounts at cinemas, restaurants, and other entertainment venues. The National Union of Students card and the International Student Identity Card offer a range of discounts in the UK.

Textbooks and Educational Resources:

Textbooks and educational resources can be borrowed from the university library, or you can choose to purchase them. The cost of textbooks will depend on your course and the number of required readings.

Health and Wellness:

When studying in the UK, international students are typically required to pay a health surcharge of around £470 per year, which gives them access to the National Health Service, including free prescriptions in Wales.

Scholarships, Loans, and Grants:

There are various scholarships, loans, and grants available to help with living costs. The University of South Wales offers scholarships, and the government provides maintenance loans and means-tested grants to cover day-to-day living expenses. These financial support options can make a significant difference in managing your overall living costs.

Overall, the University of South Wales provides a range of options and support to ensure students can manage their living costs effectively. Wales is known for its affordable living costs compared to other parts of the UK, making it an attractive destination for students from all backgrounds.

Student satisfaction

The University of South Wales (USW) is a public university in Wales, with campuses in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd. It is the second-largest university in Wales in terms of student numbers, with over 33,500 students from 122 countries at its formation in 2013. The most recent data from the 2022/23 academic year places USW as the 36th largest university in the UK and the second-largest in Wales by student population.

USW offers a diverse range of courses and is committed to ensuring that its degrees are 100% focused on meeting the future needs of employers. The university achieves this through partnerships with employers, industry leaders, national bodies, and the public sector. USW also offers a variety of placement and internship opportunities to enhance students' employability and life skills.

To ensure students' basic needs are met, USW offers high-quality and competitively priced accommodation options. On-campus halls of residence are available at the Treforest campus, and private halls are located near the Cardiff and Newport campuses. The Student Accommodation Team also provides support for students seeking approved private sector accommodation or those who prefer to live off-campus.

Financial support is another critical aspect of student satisfaction. USW provides clear guidance on fees and funding options, including tuition fee and maintenance loans, grants, bursaries, and scholarships. The university emphasises that no eligible student is required to pay fees upfront, and various means-tested grants are available to assist with living costs. Cardiff, where USW's Cardiff Campus is located, was ranked as the most affordable UK city for students in 2019 by the NatWest student living index.

In summary, the University of South Wales prioritises student satisfaction by offering a supportive and diverse community, ensuring degree relevance to future employment, providing high-quality and affordable accommodation, and offering comprehensive financial support and guidance. These factors contribute to a positive student experience and enhance overall satisfaction.

Frequently asked questions