Swansea University
Swansea University is a public research university in Wales, chartered in 1920, offering a broader academic reputation than many low-entry-requirement universities while still accepting HND certificates and Third Class degrees for several master’s programmes.
Institution size
Large
Min. CGPA floor
2:2 (Lower Second)
Tuition / yr
£16k–£19k
Type
Public research university
Key Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom |
| Type | Public research university |
| Institution size | Large |
| Rankings | Featured in the QS World University Rankings, generally in the 500-700 global band; consistently ranked among the UK’s top institutions for student satisfaction. |
| Notable feature | Research university status combined with HND and Third Class acceptance on select programmes |
| Official website | swansea.ac.uk |
Admission Requirements for Low CGPA and Backlog Applicants
- Standard postgraduate entry: 2:2 (Lower Second) honours degree
- HND certificates and Third Class degrees accepted for entry into several master’s programmes
- Requirements vary meaningfully by department; confirmation recommended
Tuition and Fees
| Item | Approximate Range |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate tuition (international) | £16k–£19k per year |
| Living costs (Swansea) | Below London; coastal Welsh city |
Figures are indicative and reviewed annually by the institution. Confirm current rates directly with the university before budgeting.
Programmes Offered
- Engineering
- Business and Law
- Computer Science
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Environmental Science
- Psychology
- Materials Science
- Mathematics
This list covers the primary subject areas available; it is not the full course catalogue. Confirm the complete, current list of programmes directly on the university’s official course finder.
Degree Levels Offered
- Diploma / Certificate: Offered
- Undergraduate (Bachelor’s): Offered
- Postgraduate (Master’s / MSc / MA): Offered
- Doctorate (PhD): Offered
- Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Offered
- Short Courses: Offered
Availability of Short Courses and Post-Doctoral Fellowship positions can vary by department and is not always centrally advertised; confirm current openings directly with the relevant faculty.
Scholarships and Funding
- International merit scholarships available on a competitive basis
- Confirm current award terms with Swansea’s international admissions office
Application Process
- Confirm the specific CGPA, GPA, or classification requirement for the target programme directly with the admissions office
- Complete required English proficiency testing (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) if applicable
- Prepare transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters or references, and a resume or CV
- Submit the application through the university’s official admissions portal and pay the application fee
- Await the admission decision and, once accepted, pay any required deposit
- Apply for the relevant student visa or study permit using the offer letter and financial documentation
Admission Outlook
Swansea offers a meaningfully stronger research reputation than most universities accepting HND or Third Class qualifications, making it a genuinely strong option for applicants whose specific programme falls under its accessible-entry list.
Campus Life
Swansea is a coastal Welsh city with lower living costs than London, combining research-university academic standing with a smaller-city cost of living.
International students generally have access to a dedicated international student office, orientation programming, and student clubs and societies. Housing options typically include on-campus or university-affiliated accommodation alongside private rental options; applicants should apply for housing as early as possible after accepting an offer, since availability varies by intake and city.
Other Essential Information
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical intakes | September is the primary intake for most postgraduate programmes; some universities also offer a January intake with reduced course availability. |
| English language requirement | IELTS overall band 6.0-6.5 (with no component below 5.5-6.0) is typical for postgraduate admission. |
| Student visa type | Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) |
| Post-study work options | The Graduate Route visa allows up to 2 years of post-study work in the UK (3 years for PhD graduates). |
Official Resources
- University homepage: swansea.ac.uk
Compare Swansea University against other accessible universities on our Find a Course page, or contact us for help confirming eligibility.