The University of South Wales is one of the largest universities in Wales, with campuses in Pontypridd, Cardiff and Newport. It is best known for engineering, computing, cyber security, health and nursing, policing, creative industries and business, with a practical, industry-linked approach. Choose it for an affordable applied degree in south Wales, close to Cardiff.
Pontypridd, United Kingdom
Official website: southwales.ac.uk
Around 20,000 students — one of the largest universities in Wales
National Cyber Security Centre-certified degrees
Pontypridd, Cardiff and Newport
2013 from the merger of Glamorgan and Newport universities
£14,500 – £17,000
International students, undergraduate and taught Master's
£9,000 – £11,500
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on southwales.ac.uk before you apply.
MSc Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 72
MSc Cyber Security
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 72
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MSc Engineering Management
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 72
MSc Public Health
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
BSc Nursing (Adult)
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
Cyber security — NCSC-certified degrees and a national cyber research centre.
Creative industries — the Cardiff campus trains film, animation and games students.
Policing and forensics — one of the UK's largest providers of police education.
Three campuses across south Wales, linked by train to Cardiff.
Graduates join Airbus, GE Aerospace, Admiral, the BBC in Cardiff and NHS Wales.
Cyber security alumni work at Airbus, Thales and UK government agencies.
Nursing and health graduates enter Welsh health boards.
Graduates can work in the UK for two years on the Graduate visa.
Undergrad
14 Jan 2027
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Rolling
The Pontypridd campus in Treforest is the largest site, with engineering, science and halls, while the Cardiff campus holds the creative industries and the Newport campus business and teaching.
South Wales has some of the lowest rents in the UK, with Cardiff's shops, sport and nightlife 20 minutes by train from Pontypridd, and the Brecon Beacons and coast nearby.
CAS from the University of South Wales
Proof of funds for fees and living costs
English test at B2 level or above
TB test certificate, if required
Immigration Health Surcharge payment
Valid passport with blank pages
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS with an equal-consideration deadline of 14 January 2027 for September 2027 entry. Taught Master's courses accept applications on a rolling basis, with most closing in July for September and November for January.
September is the main intake for all courses. USW also runs a January intake for many taught Master's programmes, including computer science, cyber security, the MBA, engineering management and public health. Nursing is September only.
You need a Student route visa. USW issues your CAS once you accept an unconditional offer and pay the deposit. Apply online up to six months before your course starts, showing proof of funds, and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge with the application.
Computer science, cyber security, the MBA, engineering management and public health are the most applied-for programmes. Most Master's courses ask for a 2:2 or above and IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5; the MBA and public health need IELTS 6.5. Undergraduate offers typically range from BCC to CCC.
Yes. USW offers international scholarships that reduce tuition for undergraduate and Master's applicants, including awards for students from India and South Asia, usually assessed automatically from your application. Check the university's scholarships page for current amounts.
