Aberystwyth University
Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
Aberystwyth University
Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
Founded
1872
Institution Type
Public
Total Students
8,000+
Acceptance Rate
94%
Aberystwyth University: The First University in Wales
Aberystwyth University: The First University in Wales
Founded in 1872, Aberystwyth University is the oldest university institution in Wales and holds a distinguished place in British higher education history. The university opened its doors with just 26 students in a half-finished hotel building on the seafront, funded by public and private subscriptions from across Wales and beyond.
Today, Aberystwyth University is home to more than 8,000 students and 2,000 staff across three academic faculties and 17 departments. The university has built a global reputation for teaching excellence and ground-breaking research, with 98% of its research rated as internationally recognised or higher in the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
Located on the stunning west coast of Wales, the main Penglais campus overlooks the historic market town of Aberystwyth and the Cardigan Bay coastline. The university was the first in the world to achieve Plastic Free University status and was named University of the Year for Sustainability in the Good University Guide 2026 by The Times and Sunday Times.
Key Milestones
- 1872: University College of Wales opens with 26 students in the Old College building on the Aberystwyth seafront.
- 1893: Incorporated by Royal Charter and becomes a founding member of the University of Wales.
- 1919: Department of International Politics founded, recognised as the first of its kind in the world.
- 2007: Aberystwyth gains independent university status as the colleges of the University of Wales enter a new phase of existence.
Academic Structure and Faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
Aberystwyth University organises its academic programmes across three main faculties encompassing 17 departments. The university offers over 300 undergraduate programmes and approximately 100 graduate programmes, covering a broad range of disciplines from arts and humanities to the biological and physical sciences.
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
This faculty brings together departments in the arts, humanities, languages, and social sciences. It is home to the renowned Department of International Politics, established in 1919 as the world's first department of its kind.
- International Politics
- English Literature and Creative Writing
- History and Welsh History
Faculty of Business and Physical Sciences
This faculty covers business, management, computer science, mathematics, and the physical sciences. It is recognised for its programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Business Management.
- Business and Management
- Computer Science
- Mathematics and Physics
Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences
This faculty encompasses the biological, environmental, and rural sciences as well as geography and earth sciences. It includes the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), a major research and education centre.
- Geography and Earth Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Agriculture and Veterinary Science
Department of Law and Criminology
Founded in 1901 and housed in the Hugh Owen Building, this department offers programmes in law, criminology, and related fields. It includes the Centre for Welsh Legal Affairs, a specialist research centre.
- Law (LLB)
- Criminology
- Law with Criminology
Department of Modern Languages
The Modern Languages department offers programmes in European languages alongside Welsh and Celtic Studies. Aberystwyth is ranked highly in the UK for student satisfaction in Languages and Linguistics.
- Modern Languages
- Welsh and Celtic Studies
- Translation Studies
Department of Psychology and Education
This department offers programmes in psychology, education, and related disciplines. It provides both single and joint honours psychology degrees along with PGCE teacher training courses.
- Psychology
- Education (PGCE)
- Childhood Studies
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admissions
- Application RouteVia UCAS (institution code A40)
- A-Level RequirementCCC or equivalent (varies by programme)
- International Baccalaureate28 points or equivalent
- IELTS Requirement6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 per component)
- TOEFL iBT80 overall
Postgraduate Admissions
- Taught Masters (minimum)Lower second class honours degree (2:2) or equivalent
- Research Degrees (PhD/MPhil)Upper second class honours degree (2:1) or above
- IELTS Requirement6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 per component)
- TOEFL iBT88 overall
- Application RouteDirect via Aberystwyth Online Application Portal (no fee for most PG programmes)
Undergraduate applications submitted by this date receive equal consideration from the university.
Final deadline for undergraduate applications through UCAS for the September intake.
Applications accepted year-round, but international students should apply at least three months before the course start date.
Recommended deadline for PhD/MPhil applicants seeking funded research places such as AberDoc Scholarships.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Aberystwyth University offers competitive tuition fees, particularly for a UK institution. For international students, fee levels are frozen at the level of entry for subsequent study years, providing cost certainty throughout your degree.
| Fee Category | UK / Home Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (per year) | GBP 9,790 | GBP 15,200 - 20,715 |
| Postgraduate Taught (per year) | Contact university for current fees | GBP 14,700 - 21,220 |
| MBA Programme (per year) | Contact university for current fees | GBP 18,500 - 20,500 |
| Foundation Year (classroom-based) | GBP 5,760 | GBP 15,200 |
| Total | GBP 9,790 per year (standard UG) | GBP 15,200 - 21,220 per year |
International Excellence Scholarship
A merit-based scholarship available to self-funded international undergraduate students, providing a tuition fee reduction spread across the duration of study.
- Award Value: Up to GBP 8,000 over three years
- Eligibility: International fee-paying, self-funded undergraduate students
- Criteria: Based on academic merit and entry qualifications
International Accommodation Award
A unique scholarship that includes on-campus accommodation costs within tuition fees or provides a GBP 2,000 discount for international students throughout the taught element of their programme.
- Award Value: Accommodation included in fees or GBP 2,000 discount
- Eligibility: New international students on foundation, bachelor's, or master's programmes
- Duration: For the full duration of the taught element of study
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
Aberystwyth University's main Penglais campus is set on a hillside overlooking the town and Cardigan Bay, offering one of the most scenic university settings in the UK. The campus combines modern academic buildings with extensive green spaces, and was the first university campus in Wales to achieve a Green Flag Award.
The iconic Gothic revival building on the seafront where the university first opened in 1872, now undergoing major refurbishment.
The main campus on Penglais Hill houses most academic departments, the Students' Union, libraries, and student residences.
Wales's largest Arts Centre, located on campus, featuring a boutique cinema, theatre, live music venue, exhibitions, and cafes.
Housing and Dining
Student Accommodation
Aberystwyth offers six accommodation residences within a short walk of campus. First-year students are guaranteed a place in university accommodation, and residents receive free Platinum gym membership.
- Self-catered and catered halls available
- En-suite rooms and self-contained studios
- Fees include utilities, Wi-Fi, insurance, and 24/7 security
Campus Facilities
The campus features two libraries including the Hugh Owen Library (open 24/7 during term time), a sports centre with swimming pools and gym, and multiple restaurants and cafes.
- Hugh Owen Library with 24/7 access during term time
- Sports Centre with pools, gym, squash courts, and climbing wall
- Adjacent to the National Library of Wales (a UK copyright library)
Student Life at Aberystwyth
Student Life at Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth offers a vibrant and close-knit student community in one of the UK's most unique locations. The university has been rated top in Wales for student satisfaction for ten consecutive years in the National Student Survey, reflecting the exceptional student experience on offer.
Aberystwyth: A Seaside University Town
Aberystwyth: A Seaside University Town
Life in Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth is a vibrant university and seaside town on the west coast of Wales, awarded the title of Greatest Town by the Academy of Urbanism in 2015. In 2025, it became the first Welsh place to be designated a UNESCO City of Literature. With a population of around 14,640, the town offers an intimate, safe, and welcoming environment with some of the lowest living costs in the UK.
Cardigan Bay Coastline
The town sits on the stunning Cardigan Bay coast, offering beautiful beaches, a Victorian promenade, and opportunities for dolphin watching and water sports.
Cambrian Mountains
The surrounding Cambrian Mountains provide spectacular scenery, hiking trails, and access to wilderness areas including forests and meadows unchanged for centuries.
Heritage Attractions
Explore the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, a Victorian camera obscura on Constitution Hill, castle ruins, and the Vale of Rheidol steam railway to Devil's Bridge.
Cultural Hub
Home to the National Library of Wales, Wales's largest Arts Centre, two cinemas, diverse restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene centred around the town and university.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Notable Career Pathways
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
A British Council accredited centre offering pre-sessional English courses, International Foundation Certificates, summer courses, and ongoing language support throughout your studies.
The International Office provides guidance on student visa applications, CAS issuance, and compliance throughout your studies. International applicants should be aware of deposit and CAS deadlines detailed in offer letters.
The Students' Union runs an international buddy scheme to help new international students settle in, alongside a comprehensive orientation programme during the first days of term.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Aberystwyth University World Rankings
Aberystwyth University World Rankings
Aberystwyth University is ranked among the top universities globally and nationally, with particular strengths in student satisfaction, teaching quality, and sustainability. The university holds a strong position across multiple international and UK ranking systems.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| International Politics | The Guardian | Top 20 in the UK |
| Agriculture and Forestry | QS World Rankings | #301-350 |
| Business and Management | The Guardian | #36 in the UK |
| Mathematics | The Guardian | Top in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction |
Features
Over 100 clubs and societies offer a wide variety of things to do away from study, and there is a Sports Centre on campus offering a range of activities. Students living in university-managed accommodation benefit from an inclusive sports membership, giving access to the gym, fitness classes and swimming pool.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
Penglais, Aberystwyth SY23 3FL, United Kingdom
Map not found.
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
