In April 2023 I was invited by the Study In Wales consortium to spend a week visiting institutions all across this beautiful country. Aberystwyth was one of my personal favourites. Yes, it is a little bit more isolated, but for a student who is seeking a study experience away from the big cities and with easy access to a stunning natural environment then Aberystwyth offers something special.
- Small-medium sized public research university located in a historic Victorian town by the beach
- Founded 1872
- Around 7,000 students – 6,000 undergraduates
- Students from 100+ countries
- Strong staff/student ratio
- In 2019, the first university to be named “University of the Year for Teaching Quality” by The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide – two consecutive years.
- The first university in the world to be awarded Plastic Free University status (for single-use plastic items)
Location
- Very safe, friendly and community-focused coastal town in west Wales
- The university has a significant presence in the town and a positive relationship has been built between the ‘town and gown’
- Birmingham airport – 3 hours. Direct train service.
- Manchester airport – 1 change
- Free airport shuttle service from Birmingham Airport at start of each term
- London train – 4.5 hours
- Once on campus, everything is very close
- Town centre – 15 minutes downhill
- Great for students who like the outdoors and water activities
Academic
- Three academic faculties: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Business and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences
- 300 undergraduate programmes on offer with many joint programmes and module flexibility
- All programmes start in September
- Very strong in international relations and sciences, particularly biological sciences, and marine science
- Politics and International Relations – department founded in 1919 as a response to WW1 and was the first department of its kind in the world. 22 academic staff encourage students to be curious about the world, to challenge established ideas and practices, and to develop new and innovative ways of thinking. Purpose built building where the department offers 7 single honours undergrad courses and many joint honour pathways.
- NEW programmes – vet science and nursing (both limited for international student numbers)
- Integrated Foundation Year and International Foundation Certificate (30 week and 15 week fast track – for students needing to build up English then go onto a bachelors pathway)
- Both a year abroad and a year in industry are on offer for many courses
- A lot of money has been invested in recent years to create a very robust careers service with six staff – systems are in place to engage students from 1st year. Students lifelong access to the service.
Application
- Apply via UCAS, Common App or the direct route for international students (if not applying to other UK universities)
- Usually there will be spaces through clearing for many programmes
- Entry Requirements: A levels – BBB-CCC/BBB – BCC and IB – 30-26 / 30-28
- IELTS: Business and Computer Science – 6.0 / All other 6.5
Finances
- Tuition for Arts/Social Science: £15,375 (2023)
- Tuition for STEM: £17,525 (2023)
- Very generous accommodation awards
- Additional scholarships are available through the optional Entrance Exams (taken in Wales or in school) – sit two written papers – 90 minutes per paper, award of up to £1,000 per year. Does’t impact the possibility of an offer. A separate exam.
Accommodation
- Just behind the main campus (university managed) – all within walking distance
- Various options on offer to suit different budgets – from traditional catered residences to self catering
- International Accommodation Award – gives students the option of their university accommodation with a £2,000 discount or entirely free of charge. Only if you live in university managed accommodation.
- All on-campus rooms are inclusive of utility bills and Wi-Fi, with residents also benefiting from free of charge Platinum gym membership at the University’s Sports Centre.
Activities
- Over 100 student societies – academic and careers, faith and culture, film, media, literature and fashion, and sport
- The main campus is also home to Wale’s largest Art Centre with a boutique cinema, theatre and live music venue as well as exhibitions, classes, cafes and a bar – Aberwystyth is often referred to as the Cultural Capital of Wales
- The town is surrounded by a beautiful natural environment – nestled between the Cambrian Mountains and Cardigan Bay. The famous national parks, of Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire, sit a short distance north and south. The location is ideal if you’re interested in outdoor pursuits.
Visit the Aberystwyth University website
international@aber.ac.uk
ug-admissions@aber.ac.uk
