Aberystwyth University

Aberystwyth University (Prifysgol Aberystwyth) is located on the beautiful coast of mid Wales, surrounded by breath-taking scenery of rolling hills and sea. The university, part of the local town affectionately known as “Aber”, forms a vibrant cosmopolitan cultural hub and is the safest place in Wales and amongst the safest in the UK to study (The Complete University Guide 2016).

Aberystwyth University won Gold in the Postgraduate category in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2018 and for the second year running Aberystwyth also picked up a silver award in the International category. They also placed 5th in the University of the Year category.

Students love its location and social life, while it’s internationally renowned for the quality of its teaching and research.

Aberystwyth University has six institutes:

• Institute of Arts and Humanities
• Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences
• Institute of Business and Law
• Institute of Geography, History, Politics and Psychology
• Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science
• Institute of Professional Development

It has new student accommodation along with a £35m UK Innovation and EnterpriseCampus at Gogerddan. It also plans to refurbish its Old College, which sits on Aberystwyth’s seafront.

Our student reviewers were very positive about studying at Aberystwyth, with almost all celebrating the high-quality learning environment and sense of community at the university and in the town. Students also voted it in eighth place in the university of the year category at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2017.

Aberystwyth University students on Whatuni say:

“I’ve felt very supported and I’ve loved my course. There are heaps of opportunities and you never feel lost in a crowd. Everything is affordable and it’s just really great.”

“Amazing. Best experience of my life. Lots of opportunities to meet new people. Learn new things and enjoy life here in general. Staff and union people are very friendly and helpful.”

“It’s a unique place where everyone is in one big family. I love the fact I’ve met the best friends and had an amazing experience so far. I don't really want to leave.”

“I absolutely love this university and have had the best experience possible. Aber is incredible and I wish I could spend more time here. I can't recall a bad day here.”

With excellent support services, Year in Industry degree options and AberForward Internships, the University is passionate about giving students “real-world” experience in preparation for their future careers. 92% of the University’s graduates are either in employment or further education within 6 months of graduating (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education 2015).

The high number of events organised by the careers service is mentioned by a number of our student reviewers.

Aberystwyth University students on Whatuni say:

“I used the Go Wales scheme to gain work experience which has really helped my resume. The careers dept is very friendly and active within the university and there are a lot of opportunities.”

“Aber connections helped me to find two part time jobs and we get lots of emails about opportunities.”

“Lots of career events and plenty of chances to meet with professionals.”

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate courses and the flexibility to study joint honours or major minor combinations in the following subject areas:

• Accounting and Finance
• Agriculture
• Animal Behaviour
• Wildlife Conservation and Zoology
• Art and Art History
• Biochemistry
• Genetics and Microbiology Biology
• Human Biology
• Health Business and Management
• Computer Science
• Countryside Conservation
• Ecology and Plant Biology
• Criminology
• Drama
• Theatre, Film and Television Studies
• Economics
• Education and Childhood Studies
• Engineering
• English and Creative Writing
• Equine Science
• Geography
• Earth and Environmental Sciences
• History
• Information Studies
• Law
• Marine and Freshwater Biology
• Marketing
• Mathematics
• Modern Languages
• Physics and Astronomy
• Politics and International Politics
• Psychology
• Sport and Exercise Science
• Tourism
• Veterinary Biosciences and Animal Science
• Welsh and Celtic Studies

Aberystwyth has been named University of the Year for Teaching Quality by The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018.

95% of research activity submitted by Aberystwyth University was of internationally recognised standard or higher (Research Excellence Framework 2014).

Their continued research-led approach to teaching and investment in campus facilities and resources means the University continues to thrive academically: Top in Wales and 10th in the UK for Teaching Excellence (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2017).

You can find out about course entry requirements and further details on their website.

The very high quality of communication on the part of lecturers was something many of our student reviewers commented on, and they ranked 10th in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards in this particular category. 

The very high-quality teaching and supportive lecturers was something many of our student reviewers commented on, and the university placed 6th at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2018 in this particular category.

Aberystwyth University students on Whatuni say:

“I like how personal the lecturers are and I feel very comfortable going to them if I have any problems, either with the course or more personally. I genuinely can’t find fault with the teaching.”

“They are always available when you need them.”

“The lecturers are friendly and informative.”

“We've got really good lecturers who are very passionate about the module which makes it great to learn from.”

Aberystwyth University’s Students’ Union is led by students for students with the aim of giving you the best student experience possible.

Made up of five full-time officers and seven part-time officers, as well as liberation and section officers, this is a student union that’s well equipped to help its students. Elected by the students and independent from the University, they support students and stand up for their rights.

Open all year-round, the Students’ Union offers a sociable and relaxing space to study, unwind or actively participate in activities. You can also find two bars, including fresh Starbucks coffee and Stone Willy’s food, along with a student shop.

The entertainments team ensure a busy and full programme of events for the year, and organise the annual May Ball. During Welcome Week, a whole host of events and activities run, to enable you to explore everything on offer.

The Union also runs the Advice Centre, providing independent support and representation, whether academic, welfare or financial, for students who may find themselves needing extra support while at university. Students are also given a platform to get their voices heard, whether it be on aspects of their course or on university issues.

As in many other areas of the University, our student reviewers spoke of the friendly, welcoming environment that can be found at the SU.

Aberystwyth University students on Whatuni say:

“I think they’re great.”

“The students’ union is good, they work and help societies a lot and care about the students.”

“Students’ Union is very helpful and the societies are awesome!”

There’s plenty of both university and private housing available, and prices are seen as reasonable. One of reviewer says that Fferm Penglais halls are like “a miniature hotel”.

Best of all, the University will guarantees accommodation for your first year and also include a platinum gym membership worth £125, if you choose to live in university-based accommodation.

There are seven self-catering residences, including wonderful sea-front residences on the Victorian promenade to Pentre Jane Morgan, a student village situated on top of Penglais hill. If you prefer to live in a Welsh-medium halls Pantycelyn-Penbryn caters to this very need. Current information on accommodation costs are viewable here.

Many student reviewers found the university provided pleasant, comfortable accommodation for students to live in, and they ranked the university 7th for accommodation at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2018.
 

Aberystwyth University students on Whatuni say:

“It’s very good and I have help 24 hrs”

“It is on the seafront and it is very beautiful. My room is big and bright. There are 2 bathrooms and big kitchen. Moreover, my flatmates are really good.”

“Really nice! Great kitchen, nice desk space and my bathroom is great.”

“Accommodation is well looked after, issues dealt with simply and quickly. Decent storage space and many different options to choose from.”

Being a campus university everything is within easy walking distance, meaning little to no travel costs.

Campus facilities include start-of-the-art lecture rooms, practical labs, three libraries along with a range of cafes, restaurants and coffee shops. For the more active there’s a floodlit 3G pitch, a gym, weights room, dance studio, climbing wall and 50 acres of playing fields.

There’s also the award-winning Aberystwyth Arts Centre, featuring theatres and a cinema.

Students also have access to the National Library of Wales, which is one of only five copyright libraries in the UK.

Aberystwyth University students on Whatuni say:

“Top quality.”

“They're great. We have had a new library and lecture rooms are big and spacious.”

“Always refurbishing and modernising, no complaints.”

Aberystwyth is a vibrant, cosmopolitan town and our reviewers love its location and social scene. Students and locals get on well in a close-knit community, and it’s recognised as one of the safest towns in the UK. Nightlife is well-rated and if you want to shake off the night before, there are plenty of places to go walking with amazing views over the sea.

Aberystwyth University students on Whatuni say:

“Amazing, safe and quiet. Just the perfect place.”

“Beautiful”

“It's brill, I enjoy the fact that we can go out at night with only a tenner and have a really good night out. Everything is pretty cheap and everyone is really friendly.”

There are over 100 sports clubs and societies, with groups including the Debating Society and the Film Society. Sporting activities include football, rugby, hockey, equestrian, hiking, sailing, surfing and more – giving you the chance to get out and enjoy one of Aberystwyth’s greatest assets.

Our student reviewers found the clubs and societies at Aberystwyth to be inclusive and easy to get involved with, giving them such high ratings that they placed 7th in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2018 in this particular category.

Aberystwyth University students on Whatuni say:

“Very social and caring community.”

“Loads available, cheap to join and great fun.”

“Amazing, and as a society you get to partake in super teams, where all societies and clubs compete against each other, and is really fun. Being part of a society here really helps with meeting new people too.”

Aberystwyth’s support services are generally highly rated, from academic help to emotional and practical support in times of crisis. Support includes health and wellbeing, study advice and financial help.

Student reviewers were incredibly complimentary about the support services at Aberystwyth, calling the teams approachable, friendly and accessible.

Aberystwyth University students on Whatuni say:

“Excellent. There are lots of people who you can turn to if you have any problems and you always feel like you're supported. The student support dept was also completely fantastic in arranging for me to see an educational psychologist and in providing the support that followed this.”

“Very good from all areas.”

“The tutors are amazing, I have had some issues related to my dissertation and have been helped loads, in order to direct me better. They listen well and as we are a small uni we get to know everyone in the department.”

UK students per year: £9,000

International Students per year:

• Full-time arts/social sciences: £13,450*
• Full-time science: £15,000*

 *Aberystwyth International Scholarships, worth £2,000 each year towards tuition fees, are available for International (non-EU) students commencing a full-time undergraduate programme in September 2018. See here for details and conditions. 

The university offers a generous package of Scholarships and Bursaries.The package of awards, worth in excess of £15,000, is in addition to any loans or grants and the best thing about them is that you don’t need to repay them!

Entrance Scholarships and Merit Awards
Around 70 Scholarships worth £1,000 or £2,000 a year may be awarded to applicants who excel in two 1.5-hour exams set by the University. Around 250 Merit Awards are also available, worth £1,000 for the first year of study. All Scholars and Merit Award holders also receive an unconditional offer

Aberystwyth Bursary
A means-tested award to support students from lower income families

Sports Scholarships
£500 per year, free Platinum Club Sporty membership and guaranteed accommodation for students who can demonstrate recent achievement of a high standard in sport and a commitment to develop their progress at university

Music Scholarships
£500 per year, free use of practice and library facilities, and guaranteed accommodation for experienced musicians who can actively contribute to the University’s orchestras and bands. You’ll need to pass an audition

Departmental awards
Up to £500 per year from the mathematics, physics and computer science departments

Bursaries for Care Leavers, Young Carers and related groups
Up to £1,500 per year for qualifying students

Rashid Domingo Bursary
Value of up to £12,000 over 3 years. Open to applicants for any of our undergraduate courses in IBERS or the Department of Physics, who have attended a secondary school/college in Wales for a period of at least 3 years. Find out more here

Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Scholarships
Up to £5,000 over 3 years for students studying a certain number of credits through the medium of Welsh

Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences

World class courses delivered by the award-winning Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS). IBERS and Aberystwyth University has a long-established global reputation for teaching and research in agriculture and rural science.

IBERS provides a unique base for research in response to global challenges such as food security, bioenergy and sustainability, and the impacts of climate change. IBERS' scientists conduct research on genes and molecules, whole organisms and the environment. Become a student of IBERS and become part of the largest and best-resourced university department of its kind in the UK.

Department of Mathematics

Aberystwyth was the first University to teach Mathematics in Wales. Teaching methods have certainly changed since then yet their aim is still to provide the highest quality education in a friendly and supportive environment.

The university’s mathematics courses is accredited by the Institute for Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), and the curriculum enables students to take joint courses with other departments in the university and to specialise in areas such as mathematical physics.

Department of International Politics

The period following the end of the First World War saw the establishment of the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth University, the first department of its kind in the world. A lot has changed since 1919 but the study of International Politics remains indispensable for understanding the changing world in which we live. In times of revolutions, hunger, turmoil and terrorism our teaching and research remain true to the department’s founding ideals: to strive for a safer and more just world order.

Entry requirements will vary depending on your course and the university considers each student on an individual basis. For more information on other entry requirements, head to the university’s website.

Biology Entry Requirements

A Levels BBC-BBB with B in Biology or Human Biology. Candidates taking a science A level with an associated practical skills assessment will also be required to pass the practical component. GCSE requirements (grade C min): English or Welsh, Mathematics and a Science subject BTEC National Diploma:

DDM INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS International Baccalaureate: 30 points overall with 5 points in Biology at Higher Level European Baccalaureate:65-70% overall with 75% in specified subject

Mathematics Entry Requirements

A Levels ABC with A in Mathematics or BBB with B in Mathematics GCSE requirements (grade C min): English or Welsh, Mathematics BTEC National Diploma: DMM-DDM with A/B in A level Mathematics

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS International Baccalaureate: 28-30 points with 4-5 points in Mathematics at Higher Level European Baccalaureate: 70% overall with 75% in Mathematics

International Politics Entry Requirements

A Levels BBB with B in any subject GCSE requirements (grade C min): English or Welsh BTEC National Diploma: DMM-DDM INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall European Baccalaureate: 70-75% overall