University of South Wales - QA Higher Education

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 53^rd 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.

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:

• Build their core English language (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and academic abilities
• Gain detailed knowledge of a chosen subject area, whilst working independently and collaborating with other students
• Progress on to a chosen undergraduate degree after passing their pathway programme
• Be part of a welcoming, collaborative environment with other international students
• Access careers and work placement support from the university's on-site careers team

After successfully completing a pathway programme, students can progress on to a variety of undergraduate degrees in subjects such as:

• Applied Science
• Business
• Computing
• Engineering
• Creative Industries
• Sports Science

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.

Classes

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:

• Reading for seminars
• Researching for assessments
• Revision quizzes
• Class discussions
• Preparing for presentations
• Writing tasks

This can vary depending on the students' chosen course.

International Foundation Programmes

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:

• GCSE/IGCSE – 5 passes at grade C and above
• UCAS tariff – equivalent of 30 UCAS points, if applicable
• To meet any relevant country-specific requirements

They also need to meet the English language requirements:

• Students with an IELTS score of 5.0 and no band below 4.5 (or equivalent) join the 2-term IFP
• Students with an IELTS score of 4.5 with no band below 4.0 (or equivalent) join the 3-term IFP

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.

International Business Year One

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:

• Good high school grades (or equivalent)
• GCSE/IGCSE – 5 passes at grade B or above
• IELTS score of 5.5 with no band below 5.5 (or equivalent UKVI SELT)

To meet any relevant country-specific requirements

At the Pontypridd campus, facilities are spread over two sites: Glyntaff and Treforest. Students study, live and learn here, and can access:

• The library and student centre
• Food and drink vendors
• Students' union
• USW sport park
• The train station with trains to Cardiff and other destinations

Student accommodation

Student halls of residence on the Pontypridd campus provide comfortable and friendly communities for students to live in with:

• A private room, shower, and toilet
• A shared kitchen and dining facilities
• High-speed internet
• 24/7 security
• Laundry facilities
• All bills included

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.

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:

• Mastercard
• American Express
• Visa Debit
• Visa Credit
• Visa Electron

Staff are more than happy to discuss and explore funding options. Students or their families can get in touch to find out more.