Overview

Founded in 1872, Aberystwyth University was the first university institution in Wales. The university has a long history of ‘Excellence’ in Teaching and Research within a unique learning environment. Aberystwyth University offers extensive educational provision for undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students, as well as a dedicated International Language Centre, offering pre-sessional language & study skills support

Aberystwyth University has more than 8,000 students studying in a stunning campus location overlooking Cardigan Bay on the West coast of Wales. Aberystwyth consistently ranks highly for student satisfaction in the UK and was voted best in the country in 2009. It is home to one of the 5 UK copyright libraries, the National Library of Wales, has the largest Arts Centre in Wales and boasts a lively social scene.

The three main faculties are the Faculty of Arts; Faculty of Science; and Faculty of Social Studies, which are sub-divided into various academic departments. Aberystwyth University is particularly strong in theatre, film & television studies; biological sciences; geography & earth sciences; law and criminology; history and Welsh history; management and business studies including an AMBA accredited MBA; Celtic studies; and computer science.

The Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth University was the first department of its kind in the world. Founded in 1919, the department was rated 4* in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. It has one of the largest graduate schools for international relations in the world, with over 150 Master’s and PhD students.

The Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) is a world class research and education centre researching issues including sustainable land use, climate change and the security of food and water supplies.

Aberystwyth University’s main library seats over 1,700 students and houses over one million titles. In 2007 Aberystwyth University opened its new Centre for Visualisation which has created some of the finest virtual reality facilities in the UK. There are over 900 PCs available to students and most can be used on a 24-hour open-access basis for word processing, databases and design. Further facilities include a gallery and studios for the School of Art, scientific laboratories, and materials to support practical work in theatre, film and television studies. The language laboratory helps students learn languages including English, German, Spanish and Welsh, among others.

There are brand new buildings on campus that house the Departments of Sport and Exercise Science and Theatre, Film and Television Studies, which includes radio and television studios and International Politics.

Ranking

Aberystwyth is ranked 43rd in the in The Times Good University Guide 2012. 

Services for International Students

Aberystwyth University has a dedicated International Office www.aber.ac.uk/en/international which is able to answer most students’ questions on topics such as visas and the new Points Based System. Aberystwyth's International Student Adviser is part of both the International Office and Student Support. The advisor is on hand to assist with any study or working while studying related questions. Staff from the International Office travel overseas on a regular basis to meet with students in their home countries. The International Office is also responsible for overseeing the provision of English Language courses for international students. These include pre-sessional courses; an International Foundation Programme (IFP); a pre-masters Programme; summer courses; the Study Year Abroad (SYA/JYA) programme; and the Trinity College Cert. TESOL course. In addition, the International Office is responsible for managing Aberystwyth's European and International student exchange programme.

Aberystwyth offers a wide range of international scholarships for undergraduate, post graduate taught and post graduate research students. Over 170 clubs and societies cover most sports, and there is also a well-equipped Sports Centre on campus. Surfing and water sports are also on offer and the coast was awarded the EU blue flag for its rubbish-free environment. Aberystwyth's Student Union or Guild provides entertainment with several catering outlets and three bars, and also looks after the International Buddy Scheme.

Aberystwyth University’s Arts Centre underwent a £4.5million expansion in 2005 and regularly holds events. There are practice rooms for musicians, and the University runs its own radio station, Bay Radio, involving students in all aspects if they are interested. There are similar media opportunities at the university newspaper, The Courier. The Students’ Union actively supports minorities through campaigns and support groups, and organises a number of community action projects. Aberystwyth University has active alumni associations worldwide.

Accommodation

Aberystwyth University has five halls of residence on the main campus, four on the seafront, one in town, and an extensive student village housing some 3,000 students. Places are guaranteed for all international students. Most rooms are single study and many have spectacular views. The cost of living in Aberystwyth is amongst the lowest in the UK with university hall prices ranging from £68 per week.

It is estimated that over 52 per cent of Aberystwyth University students reside on campus. For those wishing to find alternative arrangements, the Accommodation Office maintains a regularly updated register of addresses, covering traditional lodgings and self-catering accommodation in a range of shared houses, flats, bedsits and single-study bedrooms. The staff are familiar with all aspects of housing in Aberystwyth and are happy to advise students on relevant issues.

Student halls prices:
Catered:  £100 - 5 evening meals / 2 weekend lunches

Self-catering: £67 to £95 per week                           

Private sector: £50+ per week

Campus

The main campus of Aberystwyth University is situated on Penglais Hill, overlooking the town of Aberystwyth and Cardigan Bay. The Penglais Campus is the site of 12 of the University's 17 departments, as well as most of the student halls of residence. Just below the Penglais Campus is the National Library of Wales, one of Britain's five copyright libraries. A BBC article suggests the library is "considered to be one of the world's greatest libraries".

The original Aberystwyth University building, next to the sea, known as "Old College", is the site of most of the University's administration as well as the Departments of Welsh and Education. The Llanbadarn Campus is located approximately one mile to the east of the Penglais Campus, and hosts part of the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rurual Sciences (IBERS) and the Department of Information Studies. The School of Art is located between the Penglais Campus and the centre of Aberystwyth, and offers courses including Fine Art, Art History, Museum and Gallery Studies.

Location

Aberystwyth offers a range of academic, social and cultural facilities within a compact and convenient setting. The central part of town covers an area of little more than a quarter of a square mile, so there are no additional daily traveling costs for students. In this busy shopping centre students will find banks, building societies, a post office, national stores and shops, doctors, dentists, opticians and many other shops. The area has the lowest crime rate in the UK, making it a safe and pleasant environment for students.

The town is dominated by the vast expanse of Cardigan Bay, and the beach is enjoyed by students as a place of relaxation in the summer, and at other times of the year the sea is ideal for surfing and sail boarding.

Arrivals at London, Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and other airports are linked by a national bus service to Aberystwyth. In addition, arrivals at Birmingham International Airport can easily get to Aberystwyth by a direct train in under three hours.

For further information please contact:

International Collaboration & Recruitment, ABERYSTWYTH UNIVERSITY

The Student Welcome Centre, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales, UK, SY23 3FB

Tel: +44 (0)1970-622367       Fax: +44 (0)1970-622063

E-mail: internationaloffice@aber.ac.uk          http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/international/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top of Page