Overview of University of South Wales Rankings

The University of South Wales (USW) is a dynamic and forward-thinking institution located in Wales, UK, known for its strong emphasis on practical, industry-focused education. Established in 2013 through the merger of the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport, USW has quickly risen in prominence. Its rankings reflect a commitment to student satisfaction, employability, and innovative teaching. While not always in the top tier of ancient universities, USW excels in applied subjects and regional impact, making it a top choice for career-oriented students.

Rankings are compiled by various organizations using metrics such as teaching quality, research output, student satisfaction, graduate employability, and international outlook. USW performs particularly well in vocational fields like engineering, business, and creative industries. Below, we break down its performance across national, international, and subject-specific categories, based on the latest available data from 2023-2024.

National Rankings in the UK

In the UK, university rankings are dominated by publications like The Guardian University Guide, The Complete University Guide, and The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. These focus on factors relevant to UK students, including entry standards, student satisfaction from the National Student Survey (NSS), and graduate prospects.

• The Guardian University Guide 2024: USW ranks 81st overall out of 121 UK universities. It scores highly in student satisfaction (87%) and value-added metrics, which measure how much the university improves student outcomes beyond their entry qualifications. In teaching quality, it achieves a score of 4.2 out of 5.
• The Complete University Guide 2024: Positioned at 95th in the UK. This guide emphasizes research quality and graduate employability, where USW shines with 92% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating. Its student-to-staff ratio is favorable at 18:1, supporting personalized learning.
• The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024: USW is ranked 101st. It receives praise for its modern facilities and industry partnerships, particularly in South Wales' economic hubs like Cardiff and Newport.

Regionally, USW is a standout in Wales. It ranks 3rd among Welsh universities in the Guardian Guide, behind only Cardiff and Swansea. This positioning highlights its role as a key player in Welsh higher education, contributing to local economic development through programs aligned with industries like aerospace and digital media.

International Rankings

On the global stage, USW appears in several prestigious rankings, though as a teaching-focused university, it prioritizes practical outcomes over research volume. International rankings consider factors like citations per faculty, international student ratio (USW has about 10% international students), and global reputation.

Ranking Body	Year	Global Rank	Key Strengths
QS World University Rankings	2024	1001-1200	Strong in employer reputation (top 30% globally) and international faculty ratio.
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings	2024	1001-1200	Excels in teaching (score of 28.5/100) and industry income (reflecting partnerships with companies like Airbus and BBC).
Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai Jiao Tong)	2023	Not ranked (top 1000)	USW's research focus is more applied, so it doesn't feature here, but it leads in patent filings among Welsh universities.

USW's international profile is bolstered by collaborations with over 200 global partners, including exchange programs in Europe, Asia, and the US. Its ranking in the QS Employability Rankings 2022 was 301-500 globally, underscoring its graduates' appeal to international employers. For students seeking a UK degree with global recognition, USW offers affordability (tuition around £9,250 for UK students) without compromising quality.

Subject-Specific Rankings

USW truly distinguishes itself in specialized fields, where its hands-on approach and industry ties yield top results. Subject rankings often place it in the UK top 50 or higher, making it ideal for students in creative, technical, or business disciplines.

• Engineering and Technology: In the Guardian Guide 2024, USW ranks 28th in the UK for Mechanical Engineering. Its Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering program is top 20, thanks to facilities like the National Cyber Security Academy and partnerships with Rolls-Royce. Globally, QS ranks its Engineering subjects in the 501-550 band.
• Business and Management: Ranked 44th in the Complete University Guide 2024. The Business School holds AACSB accreditation, a mark of excellence held by only 6% of business schools worldwide. Employability here is 95%, with alumni at firms like PwC and Deloitte.
• Arts and Design: A powerhouse area for USW, ranking 15th in the UK for Graphic Design (Guardian 2024). The Cardiff School of Art & Design features state-of-the-art studios, and its Animation program is top 10 nationally, attracting talents who work on projects for Disney and the Olympics.
• Computing and IT: 32nd in Computer Science (Complete University Guide 2024). USW's focus on cybersecurity and software development aligns with booming sectors, with 98% student satisfaction in NSS for these courses.
• Health and Social Care: Nursing ranks 21st (Guardian 2024), supported by clinical placements in NHS trusts. Social Work is top 30, emphasizing community impact in Wales.

These rankings are driven by USW's investment in facilities, such as the £14 million USW Sport Park and the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching. Student testimonials often highlight how real-world projects, like simulating media productions or engineering prototypes, prepare them for immediate employment.

Employability and Student Satisfaction Metrics

Beyond traditional rankings, USW excels in outcomes that matter most to students: getting a job and enjoying the experience.

• Graduate Employability: According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), 94% of USW graduates are in work or study 15 months post-graduation, above the UK average of 92%. In the QS Graduate Employability Rankings, it's recognized for strong alumni networks.
• Student Satisfaction: The NSS 2023 gives USW an overall satisfaction score of 82%, with peaks in teaching (85%) and academic support (84%). It's particularly high in creative subjects, where collaborative learning environments foster innovation.
• Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021: 78% of USW's research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent, especially in allied health and education. This places it in the top 50 UK universities for research impact in these areas.

USW's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its ranking as a top 10 UK university for social mobility (Times Higher Education 2023), helping underrepresented students succeed through scholarships and mentoring.

Why Rankings Matter and How USW Stands Out

Rankings provide a snapshot, but USW's strength lies in its holistic approach. With campuses in Pontypridd, Cardiff, and Newport, it offers urban access without the high costs of London. Tuition for international students is competitive at £14,000-£15,000 annually, and scholarships up to £2,000 are available.

In summary, while USW may not top global lists, its practical, student-centered education delivers real value. For those prioritizing employability in dynamic fields, it's a rising star. Prospective students should visit open days to experience its vibrant community firsthand.

(Note: Rankings can vary yearly; always check the latest from official sources for the most current data.)