Aberystwyth University

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.

The quality of the teaching at Aberystwyth is regarded as some of the best in the UK. Within the latest Research Excellence Framework results (2021), 98 percent of the research carried out by the university was at an internationally recognised standard or higher. Students learn using the very latest information, from genuine experts in their respective fields.

As a result, students report excellent satisfaction with the overall experience of learning at Aberystwyth University. In the National Student Survey 2024, the university was rated top in Wales for student satisfaction, an award that it has won for nine years in a row. It's also placed top 3 for Teaching Quality & Student Experience in the Good University Guide 2024.

The latest Graduate Outcomes Survey (June 2023, HESA) also shows that 92 percent of graduates are either in work or further study upon completion of their degree, which compares favourably with other institutions around the UK.

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.

Aberystwyth University is privileged to regularly receive awards and accolades from various agencies and assessors due to its dedication to providing outstanding research and teaching outcomes. It takes pride in their history of academic excellence, which began in 1872, and continues 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, focusing its teaching and research approach to provide study programmes that make use of each lecturer's 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 job marketplace.

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

The university also has its own International English Centre (IEC) that offers a selection of course options for international students, alongside other support for students who wish to develop their English language skills. A range of options are available, including certificates, summer courses and more.

Every department at the university works to deliver a holistic, combined approach to teaching, research, and service staff to support students throughout their studies.

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 a minimum 5.5 in each component for science courses
• Score of 6.0 overall, with a minimum 5.5 in each component, for computer science and Business School courses
• Score of 6.5, with a minimum 5.5 in each component, for arts and social sciences courses

IELTS score requirements for postgraduate courses

• 6.0, with a minimum 5.5 in each component for programmes under computer science; physics; mathematics; and management and business (MSc and MBA)
• 6.5, with a 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 a minimum 6.0 in each component for programme under international politics
• 7.0, with a 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 a minimum 7.0 in each component for masters, and 7.5 in each component for PhD.

The course fees for study at Aberystwyth vary depending on students' home country, their chosen level of study programme, and some other factors. Students are advised to check the individual course pages on the university's website to find out more about the fees when they apply.

Scholarships are available to international students studying either undergraduate, postgraduate or research programmes. Eligibility criteria can vary, and students should also look to get the latest information from the university's website. International students will still need to provide proof of funds when applying for study at the university.

International Accommodation Award

Aberystwyth University is unique in being able to offer zero-cost accommodation on campus for international students. This is valid for the duration of study at Aberystwyth and saves students thousands of pounds across the length of their study programme. More details about zero-cost accommodation can be found on the university webpages.

Students at Aberystwyth have access to outstanding academic and non-academic facilities during their studies, including:

Aberystwyth Arts Centre

The university hosts one of the most expansive arts centres 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

The university's sports centre offers a wide range of facilities to students, allowing them to enjoy many different sporting activities. Alongside a general-purpose sports hall there's speciality facilities such as a sports cage, swimming pool and a climbing wall. A new sports dome is home to the latest cardio and resistance equipment.

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 university's students' union (SU) has its own shop, bar and nightclub, and it acts as a central hub for many of the services provided by the university and the SU team. Alongside this, it runs over 100 sports clubs and societies, helping students make new friends and pursue new and existing interests.

National Library of Wales

The National Library of Wales, based next to the Penglais Campus, is one of only five legal deposit libraries in the UK, providing access to a huge collection of reading materials.

All international fee-paying students starting an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the academic year of 2025/26 are eligible for the university's International Accommodation Award, which gives students the option of their university accommodation being entirely covered by the tuition fee or with a GBP 2,000 discount. Terms and conditions apply.

The university has recently had almost GBP 10 million investment in its historic Old College through the National Lottery. This fund will revitalise the iconic facility and develop it into a future centre of learning, culture and business enterprise for students and the wider community.

The facility will host several new venues including galleries, an entrepreneurial centre, studios, community rooms and large event 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, reflecting the ongoing push by the university to offer the best facilities possible.