The University of South Wales has roots dating back to 1841 and is one of the UK’s largest universities. It is home to over 23,000 students and each year it welcomes 3,000 learners from over 180 countries around the world.
Amongst its other achievements, the University of South Wales ranks in the Top 10 in the UK for Health Professions (Guardian University Guide 2023).
The pathway programmes offered by the University of South Wales are designed to enable students to build the essential knowledge required to undertake an undergraduate degree, while also developing other core skills such as research and English.
Teaching for the pathway programmes takes place at the Pontypridd campus in South Wales, which is based near Cardiff – the capital of Wales and the most cost-effective city in the UK for students (Student Living Index 2022, NatWest).
Pontypridd is the largest of the university’s three campuses with a warm community atmosphere, open green spaces and support services for students. Students will have access to Pontypridd’s two sites: Treforest and Glyntaff, which offer additional facilities including guidance on careers and work placements, extracurricular activities such as student societies and groups, and fun social events.
Off campus, students can explore the sights and sounds of Cardiff easily by train – it’s just 20 minutes away. Cardiff is recognised as a safe city with a safety travel index of 64 (Travel-Safe Abroad) and has been awarded The Purple Flag by the Association of Town and City Management for offering entertaining, safe and diverse nightlife for all. It is known for its vibrant and diverse culture and offers a variety of exciting things to do and see including historical sites, live sports, shopping, bars and restaurants, concerts and so much more.
The University of South Wales continues to innovate and iterate in order to provide all students with the best possible education.
This is reflected in the wider perception of the university, which rose 29 places in the Guardian League Table for 2023 and is now ranked as the fourth-best university in Wales and 53rd overall in the UK.
Recognition goes beyond league tables, as the university also wins regular awards for its work in various fields. In late 2022 it was named the Cyber University of the Year at the National Cyber Awards for the fourth year in a row.
The university continues to invest in its resources and facilities, giving all students - including those on a pathway programme – access to the latest technology and resources needed in order to be best equipped for their future careers.
£12,920 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
£12,000 Living costs Source: Top Universities
£8,034 To live on campus Source: Top Universities
QA and the University of South Wales Pathway have scholarships and bursaries available that support international students with their tuition fees. Students do not need to apply for these, as they are automatically considered for an award when admitted to a programme.
Scholarships are normally awarded to students for their academic achievements, and their extra-curricular activities. While bursaries are more targeted to students applying from specific countries.
When paying for their tuition fees, students can do so via bank transfer or over the telephone. The university accepts the following cards for payment:
Staff are more than happy to discuss and explore funding options. Students or their families can get in touch to find out more.
International Foundation Programmes (IFP) are at NQF Level 3. They prepare students for undergraduate-level study at university.
To successfully join the programme, students need:
They also need to meet the English language requirements:
The 3-term IFP includes an extra English and academic skills module. This helps international students to further develop their skills and be fully prepared for the next level of study.
This programme is at NQF Level 4 and is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate programme at the university’s Business School.
To enrol on an International Year One course, students will need:
To meet any relevant country-specific requirements
Led by staff with years of experience in supporting international students, pathway programmes are tailored to help international students prepare for undergraduate study and adjust to life in the UK.
On a pathway programme, students will:
After successfully completing a pathway programme, students can progress on to a variety of undergraduate degrees in subjects such as:
The University of South Wales Pathway is a partnership between the university and QA Higher Education. Programmes are designed to help international students prepare for undergraduate study in the UK. They are taught by QA academic staff, who are highly experienced in teaching and supporting students from overseas.
Throughout their programmes, students are provided with all the specialist support they need to enhance their English language and academic skills and they gain transferable skills that will continue to benefit their development and careers.
Students can expect to spend approximately 16–20 hours per week in seminars and lectures. In addition to weekly group sessions, students meet with tutors on a one-to-one basis. They are also expected to spend around 15–20 hours per week on self-study, which may include:
This can vary depending on the students’ chosen course.
At the Pontypridd campus, facilities are spread over two sites: Glyntaff and Treforest. Students study, live and learn here, and can access:
Student halls of residence on the Pontypridd campus provide comfortable and friendly communities for students to live in with:
Alternatively, students can privately rent a house. These are usually with three to five other students and are cheaper but do not include bills. For more information about finding private housing, please contact the university.