Aberystwyth University

Aberystwyth University is committed to continuing to deliver world-class learning and training in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The university has taken a number of initiatives to ensure that both prospective and existing students are able to continue their studies, achieve academic and career success, or secure a place at the university. These include innovative online open days, effective online learning for current students, a well-prepared, socially distanced campus, support during quarantine if needed, and dedicated wellbeing and academic support in multiple languages.

Inclusive Accommodation Offer Eligible international (non-UK/EU domiciled) students starting an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the academic year 2020-21 can see their accommodation costs included in their tuition fees. Terms and conditions apply.

The University has recently been the recipient of an almost GBP 10 million investment in its historic Old College from the National Lottery. This fund will be used to revitalise the iconic facility and develop it into a future centre of learning, culture and business enterprise for the student and wider community. The facility will host a number of new venues including galleries, an entrepreneurial centre, studios, community rooms and large events spaces. As a result, students at the university will have a new focal point for national and international dialogue, innovation and community on their doorstep.

Aberystwyth University’s is privileged to regularly receive awards and accolades from various agencies and assessors due to its dedication to providing outstanding research and teaching outcomes. They take pride in their history of academic excellence, which began in 1872, and continue to develop stimulating and innovative degree programmes taught by research-led experts.

Supported by superb facilities and resources, the University’s faculties carefully develop excellent programmes of study and focus their Teaching and Research approach to provide study programmes that make use of each lecturers’ disciplinary research, allowing students to access the latest developments in their specific fields.

Aberystwyth is committed to delivering a varied and engaging learning environment to challenge and encourage students to grow their knowledge, critical thinking, and research skills by using a wide range of learning techniques. The ultimate goal is to prepare each student for a successful career path in an increasingly competitive, variable, and international jobs marketplace.

Aberystwyth University has three faculties, which between them contain 17 Academic Departments. They include:

Faculty of Art and Social Sciences

• School of Art
• School of Education
• Department of English and Creative Writing
• Department of History and Welsh History
• Department of International Politics
• Department of Law and Criminology
• Department of Modern Languages
• Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies
• Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies

Faculty of Business and Physical Sciences

• Aberystwyth Business School
• Department of Computer Science
• Department of Information Studies
• Department of Mathematics
• Department of Physics

Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences

• Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences
• Department of Geography and Earth Sciences
• Department of Psychology

International English Centre

Aberystwyth University also supports a specialist International English Centre (IEC) offering a range courses to international students as well as general support for their English language development. International students can benefit from English language tuition which is rated among the highest quality in the UK, with the IEC ranked 3^rd in the official league table of university English language centres in the UK (EL Gazette, 2018). The IEC offers a range of comprehensive programmes and courses, including International Foundation Certificates, pre-master’s and pre-sessional courses, summer courses and general English courses for a number of levels.

Every department at the university works to deliver a holistic, combined approach to teaching, research, and service staff in order to support students throughout their studies.

In order to secure a place at Aberystwyth University, international and EU students will need to supply evidence of adequate English knowledge before formal acceptance of their application can be completed. The university accepts IELTS or TOEFL results, but also recognises other suitable qualifications, including the SELTs and tests where Aberystwyth University will make its own assessment.

IELTS score requirements for undergraduate courses

• Score of 6.5, with minimum 5.5 in each component for science courses
• Score of 6.0 overall, with minimum 5.5 in each component, for computer science and Business School courses
• Score of 6.5, with minimum 5.5 in each component, for arts and social sciences courses.

IELTS score requirements for postgraduate courses

• 6.0, with minimum 5.5 in each component for programmes under computer science physics mathematics and management and business (MSc and MBA)
• 6.5, with minimum 5.5 in each component for courses in art biological, environmental and rural sciences education lifelong learning history and Welsh history information studies law and criminology (taught LLM courses) management and business (PhD and MPhil) modern languages, and Welsh
• 6.5, with minimum 6.0 in each component for programme under international politics
• 7.0, with minimum 6.0 in each component, for courses in geography and earth sciences law and criminology (PhD, MPhil and LLM by Research) psychology and theatre, film and television studies
• For English and creative writing courses, students require a score of 7.5, with minimum 7.0 in each component for masters, and 7.5 in each component for PhD.

Scholarships are available to international students studying either undergraduate, postgraduate or research programmes.

International Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship

This excellent scholarship opportunity presents international students with the possibility of receiving a GBP 8,000 discount to their tuition fees over three years. This award is provided on a merit basis to international students who are studying full-time. Applicants will need to provide evidence of significant academic excellence and ability.

There are also a number of scholarships which students do not even need to apply for, as they will be automatically assessed for eligibility upon registration with the University. European Union applicants are eligible for a large range of EU Scholarships ranging greatly in the amount awarded and covering various elements of lifestyle costs, including tuition and accommodation costs. Students are encouraged to verify the details and criteria for various funding opportunities by consulting the University website or contacting the institution directly.

Inclusive Accommodation

Aberystwyth University is unique in being able to include the cost of accommodation on campus in the tuition fees for international (non-UK/EU) students. This is valid for the duration of study at Aberystwyth and saves students thousands of pounds. More details about inclusive accommodation can be found on the University webpages.

Students at Aberystwyth have access to outstanding academic and non-academic facilities during their studies, including:

Aberystwyth Arts Centre

The university hosts the most expansive arts centre in Wales, found at the main Penglais Campus and featuring extensive artistic facilities including cinema, theatre, comedy, music, dance, art gallery, café, bar and shop.

Sports Centre

This modern facility hosts fitness suites, a variety of exercise classes, free weights room, swimming pool, sauna, spinning room, climbing wall, running track, sports cage, 3G all-weather artificial pitches and playing fields.

Library and Learning Resources

The university library will meet the learning needs of every student. It boasts quality lecture halls, hi-tech labs, an expansive central library, 24-hour library service, a number of computer rooms, and Wi-Fi throughout. Learning hubs and quiet spaces can be found across the University to assist students in their studies.

Students’ Union

The Aberystwyth Students’ Union (Aber SU) contains 50 sports clubs, 80 societies, various volunteering initiatives, shop, bar, and nightclub. The building also acts as a hub for all welfare and support services and is supported by the Students’ Union and its committee, meaning that students are able to pursue their interests in an organised and rewarding manner.

National Library of Wales

The National Library of Wales, based next door to Penglais Campus, is one of only five legal deposit libraries in the UK providing access to a huge collection of reading materials.