Swansea University
Swansea University
Swansea University is ranked 29th in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2025).
Swansea University, established in 1920, is a prestigious Welsh institution located in the scenic coastal city of Swansea, in southwest Wales. With two beautiful campuses overlooking the sea, it offers a truly inspiring setting for students from around the world. The university provides a broad selection of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across disciplines, including STEM, Medicine, Law, and Management.
Swansea is widely respected for its excellence in both research and teaching, securing a position among the top 300 universities globally and within the top 100 in Europe (QS World University Rankings 2025). Known for its outstanding student support and impressive graduate outcomes, 95% of Swansea graduates are in employment, further study, or other activities (HESA 2023). In addition to academic excellence, Swansea provides a safe and friendly atmosphere, ranking as the 7th safest city in the UK (Complete University Guide 2024).
By completing the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) or International Year One (IYOne) at UFC, students can progress seamlessly to Swansea University and gain access to world-class education and career opportunities.
Life at Swansea University
Experience vibrant student life at Swansea University, where a diverse community of students from over 130 countries thrives against a stunning coastal backdrop. With two campuses, Swansea offers the perfect combination of academic excellence and a dynamic social experience. Its prime location ensures easy access to the lively city centre, where you can enjoy a thriving music scene, sample local cuisine, and engage with a rich arts and cultural offering. Swansea’s welcoming atmosphere is reflected in its array of galleries, museums, and friendly community.
Swansea University also nurtures a strong sense of belonging through its campus-based student life. With over 200 clubs and societies, from aerospace engineering and anatomy to book club and gospel, there is something to suit every interest. And if not, students are encouraged to create their own. Getting involved is a fantastic way to meet like-minded people, build lasting friendships, and feel at home during your time at Swansea.
Swansea University is committed to supporting students in building successful and rewarding careers through its teaching, extracurricular activities, and dedicated support services. The Swansea Employability Academy plays a key role in connecting students with industry by offering networking opportunities, internships, and graduate placements.
Students benefit from personalised one-to-one career advice from professionally qualified advisors, access to specialist employability software and AI tools such as CV checkers and interview simulators, as well as a tailored Career Development Course designed specifically to meet the needs of international students and strengthen their professional skills.
The university also provides a variety of initiatives to boost employability, including paid and unpaid internships, bursaries to assist with job search activities, and a digital jobs board featuring part-time roles, internships, and graduate opportunities. Students can also participate in faculty-specific employability programmes, annual careers fairs with local and national employers, targeted employer workshops, networking events, and a part-time job fair.
Additionally, Swansea University offers lifelong career support through its Graduate Support Programme, ensuring that alumni continue to receive guidance and resources long after graduation to help them achieve continued career success.
Swansea is a welcoming, cosmopolitan city that provides a vibrant setting for student life. Beyond the two scenic campuses, you will discover a dynamic mix of cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and a lively social scene. From watching Swansea City AFC in action to exploring galleries, museums, live music venues, and sampling local cuisine, there is always something to enjoy.
The city is constantly developing, with exciting new additions such as a 3,500-seat arena and expanded arts and cultural spaces. The annual Swansea Fringe Festival celebrates fresh talent in music, comedy, and performance art. For nature lovers, the nearby Gower Peninsula – the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – offers stunning beaches, coastal trails, and spectacular landscapes.
Rich in history, Swansea is also closely associated with renowned poet Dylan Thomas, whose legacy is woven into the fabric of the city. With its warm, friendly community and wide variety of activities, Swansea promises an unforgettable student experience.
Swansea University offers a wide-ranging network of support services to help students excel both academically and personally. The dedicated Student Enterprise Team fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, equipping students with essential business skills valuable for aspiring business owners, CEOs, and future leaders.
For academic development, the Centre for Academic Success provides workshops, tutorials, and personalised support to help students strengthen their study skills and boost their confidence—skills that are vital whether pursuing further academic study or entering the professional world.
The university also places a strong emphasis on student wellbeing through its Pastoral Care services, which offer guidance on welfare, disability support, financial advice, and mental health resources. International students benefit from the tailored services of International@CampusLife, receiving expert immigration advice, practical help settling into university life, and access to social activities organised by student volunteers.
This holistic and inclusive approach ensures every student has the tools and support they need to succeed and thrive throughout their university journey.
Swansea University offers a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual needs and preferences. You can live at the heart of campus life in Singleton Park or Bay Campus residences, with a choice of fully furnished en-suite or standard rooms with shared facilities. All accommodation includes free Wi-Fi, access to social spaces, and 24-hour laundry facilities.
The university also provides tailored options to meet diverse requirements. Beck House offers quieter living with 51-week tenancies, making it an ideal choice for postgraduate and international students. Dual occupancy options are available at both Bay Campus and Beck House, and adapted rooms are provided for students with disabilities.
Throughout your time in university accommodation, Residence Life Assistants are on hand to offer guidance and support, while Hall Reps, a team of student volunteers, ensure your voice is represented. Living on campus is a great way to immerse yourself in university life, helping you build connections and a strong sense of community.
Swansea University offers a wide range of facilities designed to support both academic success and an enriching student experience. Its libraries serve as key learning hubs, providing 24/7 study spaces, IT suites, and access to over one million printed books and e-journals. For downtime, students can enjoy a coffee at Starbucks Café, a meal at JC’s, or grab a bite at the Bay Campus Restaurant.
The university is also home to specialist facilities tailored to a variety of disciplines. The School of Law features a dedicated Law Clinic and a mock courtroom, while Engineering students have access to the IMPACT research institute, equipped with advanced technologies such as 3D printers. The Zienkiewicz Centre provides high-performance computing resources, and the Materials Research Centre features electron microscopes for cutting-edge research. Electrical Engineering students benefit from purpose-built labs for electronics and power systems, while the Medical School is equipped with modern research laboratories, including high-content imaging technology and DNA sequencing facilities. Media students can take advantage of fully equipped recording studios and soundproof podcast rooms.
No matter which subject students choose to pursue, Swansea University’s state-of-the-art facilities ensure they gain valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to engage in innovative research.
Swansea University offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities, supported by an extensive range of sports facilities at both Swansea Bay Sports Park sites, located near Singleton Campus and Bay Campus. Both locations feature top-quality health and fitness amenities, including state-of-the-art gym equipment, fitness studios, basketball, squash, and tennis courts, as well as playing fields and a wide selection of fitness classes.
For elite athletes and sports teams, the university provides access to The Shed, a high-performance strength and conditioning facility. University football teams also benefit from training at the world-class Fairwood facility, which is shared with Swansea City Football Club. Swimmers can take advantage of the nearby Welsh National Pool, featuring a 50-metre, 8-lane Olympic-standard pool.
Beyond sports facilities, students can get involved in over 205 societies, 58 sports clubs, and a year-round calendar of events, making for a lively and engaging campus life. One of the highlights is the famous Welsh Varsity, the second-largest student sporting event in the UK, where Swansea University competes against Cardiff University in a week of thrilling competitions. This highly anticipated event unites the student community and creates lasting memories.
Swansea University is dedicated to sustainability and proudly ranks 8th in the People and Planet University League. Its Sustainability and Climate Emergency Strategy drives initiatives across key areas such as climate action, environmental conservation, and sustainable travel, including a city-wide cycling scheme with bike hire available directly from campus.
Students are encouraged to participate in initiatives led by the Students’ Union, such as the “Switch Off” campaign, which raises awareness of how simple, everyday actions can contribute to meaningful environmental change.
From university leadership to student-led projects, the entire Swansea community is actively working towards sustainable practices and environmental targets. The university also supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, fostering wellbeing and collaborating with its research community to shape a more sustainable future. This shared commitment creates a greener, more eco-friendly campus for all students, including those joining Swansea from around the globe.
RANKING
Ranked 29th in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2025)
Placed in the Top 300 Universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025)
Search Programmes at Swansea University
Discover a wide range of undergraduate degrees at Swansea University, an NCUK partner university. Use the NCUK University Course Finder to explore programmes by subject area and find the perfect course for your academic and career goals.
How to Apply
We have an experienced team of admissions staff waiting to talk you through your options at University Foundation College and beyond, helping you to make decisions today which will positively influence your education and career.
We will provide you with personal counselling and support as you make the transition from high school to University Foundation College and then to your university degree programme.