University of South Wales

The University of South Wales, formed from the merger of the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport, operates across Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd, and is notably transparent about accepting Third Class degrees and HND qualifications for postgraduate entry.

Institution size

Large, multi-campus

Min. CGPA floor

2:2 (Lower Second)

Tuition / yr

£14.5k–£17.5k

Type

Public university

Key Facts

Admission Requirements for Low CGPA and Backlog Applicants

• Standard postgraduate entry: 2:2 (Lower Second) honours degree
• Third Class and HND qualifications accepted for several programmes, particularly management and engineering
• Entry requirements vary by campus and specific course

Tuition and Fees

Figures are indicative and reviewed annually by the institution. Confirm current rates directly with the university before budgeting.

Programmes Offered

• Management and Business
• Engineering
• Policing and Criminology
• Computing and Data Science
• Nursing and Health
• Sport Science
• Art and Design
• Journalism

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: Not offered at this institution
• 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 scholarships available on a competitive basis across campuses
• Confirm current award terms with the university’s international office

Application Process

1. Confirm the specific CGPA, GPA, or classification requirement for the target programme directly with the admissions office
2. Complete required English proficiency testing (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) if applicable
3. Prepare transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters or references, and a resume or CV
4. Submit the application through the university’s official admissions portal and pay the application fee
5. Await the admission decision and, once accepted, pay any required deposit
6. Apply for the relevant student visa or study permit using the offer letter and financial documentation

Admission Outlook

South Wales’s explicit transparency about Third Class and HND acceptance, combined with Wales’s generally lower living costs than England, makes it one of the more straightforwardly accessible and affordable UK options on this list.

Campus Life

Spread across Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd, the university offers Welsh-city living costs that are consistently below equivalent English cities.

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

Official Resources

• University homepage: southwales.ac.uk

Compare University of South Wales against other accessible universities on our Find a Course page, or contact us for help confirming eligibility.