University of South Wales

The University of South Wales (USW) is a public university in Wales, formed on 11 April 2013 through the merger of the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport. It has campuses in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd, making it the second largest university in Wales in terms of student numbers. USW offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate courses and is organized into three main faculties spread across its South Wales campuses. The university’s roots trace back to 1841 with the founding of the Newport Mechanics’ Institute, which later evolved into the University of Wales, Newport. Another significant origin is the South Wales and Monmouthshire School of Mines, established in 1913, which eventually became the Polytechnic of Wales before gaining university status as the University of Glamorgan in 1992. The name "University of South Wales" was announced in December 2012 after a research process involving stakeholders, and Julie Lydon became the first Vice-Chancellor, serving until her retirement in 2021. In 2020, USW entered a strategic alliance with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David to work collaboratively on boosting innovation and economic regeneration in Wales, while maintaining their separate identities. Despite these achievements, the university has faced challenges. In 2019, a significant data breach affected 30,000 students and led to the temporary shutdown of its student record system. The university has also undergone campus changes, closing its London campus in 2015, the Caerleon campus in 2016, and the Dubai campus in 2020. Notable milestones in its history include the appointment of Rowan Williams as Chancellor in 2014. USW continues to play a major role in higher education in Wales, drawing on a rich legacy that spans nearly two centuries and evolving to meet the modern demands of students and the wider community.