Pack a Dry Robe as well as your books. The campus at this seaside university, affectionately known as “Aber”, is within walking distance of the mid Wales coast. Many courses can be studied wholly or partially in Welsh at the bilingual university where King Charles learnt Welsh in 1969. It’s quite a trek from most other parts of the country but when they get there, students find a sense of safety on a small-town campus and more than 100 clubs and societies in which to further an interest or try something new. 

What is Aberystwyth University’s reputation?

Last year Aberystwyth was The Times and Sunday Times Welsh University of the Year and continues to receive positive feedback from students. Aberystwyth holds on to its prized No 2 spot in the wider student experience rankings based on our National Student Survey analysis, and for teaching quality ranks 7th, a slip from 3rd place last year.

Overall, three quarters of the university’s research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). Food science, geology, sports science, and Celtic studies were prominent but it was agriculture that produced some of the best results. The School of Veterinary Science — the first in Wales — has welcomed its fourth cohort of students taking a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) degree in collaboration with the Royal Veterinary College. 

What degree courses have been discontinued and what new courses are available?

Twelve degree options have been removed from a slimmed-down curriculum, including combined qualifications with Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Tesol). 

The first students of foundation degrees in veterinary nursing and in animal health began courses in 2024.

A BEng is also being introduced, with or without a year in industry, as well as a BSc in psychology with counselling, with a year in industry. One-year top-up courses are beginning in accounting and finance, and business and management.

What are Aberystwyth University’s entry requirements – and my chances of getting in?

Excluding foundation degrees, the bar for entry ranges from 96–120 Ucas tariff points to 136–144. Contextual offers are typically at the lowest point or up to 16 Ucas points lower for those who qualify for enhanced contextual offers. More than 2,000 new undergraduates were accepted in 2024, about ten per cent through clearing. About a quarter of those accepted were based in Wales, the remainder from the rest of the UK and abroad.

What are the graduate prospects?

The university has jumped just one place year-on-year to finish 90th in our analysis of the Graduate Outcomes survey, assessing how many recent leavers find highly skilled work or return to study within 15 months. Each academic department has links with employers in the relevant sector. More than 40 undergraduate programmes across the faculties include an integrated year in industry or professional practice. The university also offers opportunities to study abroad.

What is Aberystwyth University’s campus like?

The gothic Old College building on the seafront was the original campus from 1872 until operations moved up the hill to Penglais, a 32-hectare site perched between Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains.The three-floor Hugh Owen library has been refurbished and the National Library of Wales on the site is one of the UK’s few copyright libraries. The university is investing in improving its flexible learning environments, research facilities, collaborative spaces and accessibility, and has plans to turn the Old College building into a cultural and creative centre. The Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus (AberInnovation), a £40.5 million facility providing world-leading facilities in food, biorefining and agric-tech, is at the university’s Gogerddan site.

Everything you need to know about Aberystwyth University’s student life and wellbeing support

A self-powered gym opened in January where 130 fitness stations with bikes, rowing machines and treadmills are run on energy produced by users — rather than mains electricity. Aberystwyth’s excellent sports facilities also include a 40m x 23m air dome, 48 acres of pitches, a pool with sauna and sundeck and stabling for students’ horses. The local beaches, rivers and mountains provide the backdrop for plenty more activities. 

Participation in an online module on sexual consent is mandatory and an induction programme covers bystander intervention, tolerance and community, and free speech on campus. A drug and alcohol service is on hand and support is in place for  mental health including one-to-one and daily drop-in sessions.

What do the students say?

“Aberystwyth offers a great university experience. Lecturers really get to know the students and there’s a feeling of each individual being important. There’s a great sense of community. The location is also fantastic, right on the coast and surrounded by countryside.”
Bayanda Vundamina, student union president and biochemistry graduate 

What about student accommodation at Aberystwyth University?

First-years are guaranteed one of more than 3,000 places and students can choose mixed or gender-specific flats. A revamp of facilities throughout the university has brought in energy-efficient systems and created residential environments designed to celebrate diversity and support for underrepresented student populations.

How diverse and inclusive is Aberystwyth University?

Still comfortably in our top 50 for social inclusion, Aberystwyth’s efforts to broaden its intake include the Access All Aber residential visit for year 12 students from Wales who meet the criteria. Those who successfully complete the programme receive enhanced contextual offers.

Everything you need to know about scholarships and bursaries at Aberystwyth University

About 30 per cent of new undergraduates receive financial aid. There are bursaries available for care leavers, young carers and estranged students worth £1,500 per year of study. Subject-specific awards include the Emily Price Scholarship of £500 for a female maths or physics applicant and the university offers assistance for Welsh speakers. Entrance scholarships and merit awards of up to £3,000 come with an unconditional offer, based on exams.