Aberystwyth University, Welsh university of the year (Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2020), is a historic institution, with modern facilities and a reputation for high-quality teaching and international research.

With a global reach for research quality and impact, 95 per cent of the research submitted by Aberystwyth is of an internationally recognised standard or higher (Research Excellence Framework, 2014). The university is also renowned for its quality of teaching, having been awarded gold accreditation (Teaching Excellence Framework, 2018), and voted for two consecutive years as the &lsquoUniversity of the Year for Teaching Quality&rsquo (Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2019 & 2020).

This commitment to providing a first-class education to students, delivered by expert academics, with industry-standard facilities has culminated into great student satisfaction and employability figures. A high score of 91 per cent overall student satisfaction (National Student Survey, 2019) and an impressive 96.8 per cent of first degree students were either in work or further study six months after graduating (Higher Education Statistics Agency, 2018).

The university provides a wide range of modern facilities, most of which are conveniently located on one main Penglais Campus. These include:

• Aberystwyth Arts Centre
• Aberystwyth University Sports Centre
• Library and Learning Resources
• Students&rsquo Union
• National Library of Wales
• International English Centre

The town of Aberystwyth is located in west Wales, situated between the Cambrian Mountains and Cardigan Bay coast, providing a stunning destination for student life. With over 9,000 students both the university and town come to life forming a vibrant, close-knit and safe community with much to explore.

Aberystwyth is a warm and welcoming place which actively invites international students from all around the world, and offers a range of initiatives to ensure students who travel from abroad settle in quickly.

Aberystwyth University, is a historic institution which has provided world-class education since 1872. The University is known as a prestigious, safe and exciting place to study, with beautiful surroundings, modern facilities and a reputation for high-quality teaching and international research.

With a global reach for research quality and impact, Aberystwyth University is a rising star in terms of internationally reputed research and is renowned for its quality of teaching, having been awarded gold accreditation (Teaching Excellence Framework, 2018), and ranked for two consecutive years as the ''University of the Year for Teaching Quality'' (Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2018 and 2019).

With a commitment to providing a first-class education to students, expert academics, and industry-standard facilities, the University enjoys unbeatable student satisfaction and employability figures. The University has recently received a high score of 91 per cent overall student satisfaction (National Student Survey, 2019) and found that an impressive 96.8 per cent of first-degree students were either in work or further study six months after graduating (Higher Education Statistics Agency, 2018). Students receive support from the careers service team, to help them gain employable skills.

The University provides a wide range of modern facilities, most of which are conveniently located on the main campus in the town of Aberystwyth. Aberystwyth is situated in west Wales, between the Cambrian Mountains and Cardigan Bay coast, providing a stunning destination for student life. With over 8,000 students, both the University and town come to life to form a vibrant, close-knit, and safe community with much to explore.

Aberystwyth is a warm and welcoming place which actively invites international students from all around the world and offers a range of initiatives to ensure students who travel from abroad settle in quickly.

Award Winners

Aberystwyth University has been awarded the prestigious ‘University of the Year for Teaching Quality’ accolade in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019. It makes it the first Welsh institution to be ranked number one for the award, whilst the league table also propels Aberystwyth into the U.K.’s overall top 50.

The university is also included amongst the top five in the U.K. for student experience, first place in Wales. It has maintained a top 50 spot amongst 131 higher education institutions, and was recognised with a gold award in the 2018 Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF).

The editor of the Sunday Times Good University Guide, Alastair McCall, said, “Aberystwyth University had taken strides in recent years to improve the student experience.”

“Students at Aberystwyth know they are on to a good thing and have been swift to acknowledge it. The university has secured some of the most remarkable scores in the U.K. from students for the quality of teaching it offers. It is one of a very few universities to increase its student satisfaction scores in this area from last year, against a backdrop of a much tougher National Student Survey.”

Award Winners

Aberystwyth is the Welsh university of the year and has been awarded the prestigious ‘University of the Year for Teaching Quality’ accolade for two consecutive years (Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2018 & 2019). This makes the university the first Welsh institution to be ranked number one for the award and also has helped them to climb into the top 50 in the official UK league table.

The editor of the Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide, Alastair McCall, said, “Twice a winner of our award for University of the Year for Teaching Quality, Aberystwyth this year scoops the national prize for Wales. This will come as no surprise to its students, who have rated it the best in Wales for teaching quality and the wider student experience for the past four years. It was the standout candidate to be the Welsh University of the Year for 2020.”

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 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 gold award in the TEF demonstrates its commitment to providing outstanding teaching. It takes pride in a history of academic excellence dating back to 1872, and continues to develop stimulating and relevant degree programmes taught by research-led experts.

Supported by the superb facilities and resources, Aberystwyth faculty align teaching and research to provide programmes of study that make use of the lecturers’ disciplinary research to educate students on the latest developments in their specific fields.

Aberystwyth aspires to provide a varied and engaging learning environment to challenge and encourage students to grow in knowledge and research skills by using a wide range of learning techniques.

The overall league table of the 2019 Good University Guide ranks Aberystwyth fourth across the U.K. for reaching quality, reflecting the results of the 2018 National Student Survey which placed it second in the U.K. for quality of assessment and feedback.

Through a combination of experienced tutors, innovative learning techniques and excellent facilities, Aberystwyth gives students access to a high-quality education.

Aberystwyth University’s gold award from the Teaching Excellence Framework demonstrates the institution’s commitment to providing outstanding teaching. They take pride in their history of academic excellence dating back to 1872 and continue to develop stimulating and relevant degree programmes taught by research-led experts.

Supported by superb facilities and resources, the university’s faculties align their Teaching and Research to provide study programmes that make use of each lecturers’ disciplinary research to educate students on the latest developments in their specific fields.

Aberystwyth aspires to provide a varied and engaging learning environment to challenge and encourage students to grow in knowledge, critical thinking and research skills by using a wide range of learning techniques. The ultimate goal is to prepare each student for their future career path.

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.

Three distinct faculties made up of 17 academic departments make up Aberystwyth University:

Faculty of Art and Social Sciences

• School of Art
• School of Education
• Department of English and Creative Writing
• Department of History and Welsh History
• International English Centre
• 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

Aberystwyth is also home to the award-winning Aberystwyth Arts Centre and the University Music Centre.

Faculty of Business and Physical Sciences

• Aberystwyth Business School
• Department of Computer Science
• Information Management, Libraries and Archives
• 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

For the postgraduate students, the university offers programmes on Information Management, Libraries and Archives.

International English Centre

Aberystwyth University also provides a specialist International English Centre (IEC) offering various courses to international students as well as general support for their English language development. International students can enjoy English language tuition rated amongst the highest quality in the U.K., with the UEC ranked third in the EL Gazette’s 2018 league table of university English language centres in the U.K. The IEC offers a range of comprehensive programmes and courses, including International Foundation Certificate, Pre-Masters and Pre-Sessional courses along with general English courses of a number of levels.

All departments combine teaching, research and service staff to support students throughout their studies.

Three distinct faculties made up of 17 Academic Departments make up Aberystwyth University:

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 provides a specialist International English Centre (IEC) offering various courses to international students as well as general support for their English language development. International students can enjoy English language tuition, 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.

All departments combine teaching, research and service staff to support students throughout their studies.

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.

International and EU applicants will be required to provide evidence of sufficient English knowledge, which they must provide before being formally accepted to commence study. The university accepts IELTS or TOEFL results, but also has other suitable qualifications recognised, such as 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 BSc 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 and Lifelong Learning, History and Welsh History Information Studies Law and Criminology (Taught LLM courses) Management and Business (PhD and MPhil) Modern Languages, and Welsh.
• 7.0, with minimum 6.0 in each component, for courses in Geography and Earth Sciences, International Politics, 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.

International and EU applicants will be required to provide evidence of sufficient English knowledge, which they must provide before being formally accepted to commence study at the university. The university accepts IELTS or TOEFL results, but also has other suitable qualifications recognised, such as 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 & Business (MSc and MBA).
• 6.5, with minimum 5.5 in each component for courses in Art Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences Education Lifelong Learning History & Welsh History Information Studies Law & Criminology (Taught LLM courses) Management & 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 & Earth Sciences Law & Criminology (PhD, MPhil and LLM by Research) Psychology, and Theatre, Film & Television Studies.
• For English & 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.

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.

A generous range of scholarship packages are available to international students studying either undergraduate, postgraduate or research programmes.

International students are offered the following scholarships:

Aberystwyth International Scholarship

Students will be automatically considered and assessed for this GBP 2,000 per year scholarship towards full-time tuition fees.

International Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship

Provides a discount on tuition fees worth GBP 8,000 over three years on a merit basis to international students studying full-time who have demonstrated significant academic excellence.

Students do not need to apply for scholarships as they will be automatically assessed upon application. EU applicants are eligible for a much wider range of scholarships ranging greatly in the amount awarded.

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

International Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship

Offers a discount on tuition fees worth GBP 8,000 over three years on a merit basis to international students studying full-time who have demonstrated significant academic excellence and ability.

Students do not need to apply for scholarships as they will be automatically assessed upon application. EU applicants are eligible for a much wider range of EU Scholarships ranging greatly in the amount awarded and covering various costs of study, such as tuition and accommodation. Students are encouraged to verify the details and criteria for various funding opportunities by consulting the university website or contacting the institution directly.

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

There are 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.

International Accommodation Award

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

Excellent academic and non-academic facilities are offered to students at Aberystwyth University, including:

Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Largest arts centre in Wales, situated on the main Penglais Campus and featuring extensive artistic programme in music, drama, dance, film, visual arts and more.

National Library of Wales

National Library based next door to Penglais Campus, providing access to a huge collection of reading materials.

Sports Centre

Modern-fitted gym, free weights room, various exercise classes, swimming pool, climbing wall, running track and 3G all-weather artificial pitches are amongst the excellent sports facilities.

Students’ Union

Over 50 sports clubs, nearly 100 societies and various volunteering initiatives and support services are all based from, and supported by, the Students’ Union, allowing students to pursue interests in an organised and rewarding manner.

Learning resources

Modern lecture halls, hi-tech labs, large computer rooms and learning hubs are all around the university to assist students in their studies.

Excellent academic and non-academic facilities are offered to students at Aberystwyth University, including:

Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Largest arts centre in Wales, located on the main Penglais Campus and featuring extensive artistic facilities: cinema, theatre, comedy, music, dance, art gallery, café, bar and shop.

Sports Centre

Modern fitness suite, various exercise classes, free weights room, swimming pool, saunarium, spinning room, climbing wall, running track, sports cage, 3G all-weather artificial pitches and playing fields are among the excellent sports facilities.

Library and Learning Resources

Modern lecture halls, hi-tech labs, recently refurbished central library, 24-hour library service, large computer rooms, Wi-Fi, learning hubs and quiet spaces are all around the university to assist students in their studies.

Students’ Union

Over 50 sports clubs, 80 societies, various volunteering initiatives, shop, bar, nightclub and welfare & support services are all based from, and supported by, the Students’ Union, allowing students to pursue 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.

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, cafe, 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.