University of Wales Trinity Saint David
United Kingdom
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Swansea, United Kingdom
Founded
1822
Institution Type
Public University
Total Learners
25,000+
Campuses
5 UK Locations
Discover the University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Discover the University of Wales Trinity Saint David
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) traces its origins to 1822 with the founding of St David's College in Lampeter, making it the birthplace of higher education in Wales. The university's 1828 Royal Charter is the oldest in Wales and England after the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, reflecting a heritage spanning over two centuries of academic excellence.
In its current form, UWTSD was created in 2010 through the merger of the University of Wales Lampeter and Trinity University College Carmarthen, followed by the merger with Swansea Metropolitan University in 2013. Today it is a multi-campus institution with locations in Swansea, Carmarthen, London, Birmingham, and Cardiff, offering over 300 programmes across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.
UWTSD is recognised for its career-focused, applied learning approach with strong industry partnerships and small class sizes. King Charles III has served as Royal Patron of the university since 2011, and the institution is ranked highly for student satisfaction with teaching and feedback in national league tables.
Key Milestones
- 1822: St David's College founded in Lampeter by Bishop Thomas Burgess, establishing the first higher education institution in Wales.
- 1828: Royal Charter granted, the oldest in Wales and England after Oxford and Cambridge.
- 2010: University of Wales Trinity Saint David formally created through the merger of the University of Wales Lampeter and Trinity University College Carmarthen.
- 2018: New GBP 350 million SA1 Swansea Waterfront campus opened, housing the Faculty of Architecture, Computing and Engineering and the Institute of Education.
Academic Faculties and Schools
Academic Faculties and Schools
UWTSD organises its academic provision across several faculties and schools distributed among its campuses. The university offers career-focused programmes in fields ranging from the creative arts and humanities to engineering, business, and education, with a strong emphasis on practical, applied learning.
Faculty of Architecture, Computing and Engineering
Based at the SA1 Swansea Waterfront campus, this faculty delivers cutting-edge programmes in built environment, computing, automotive engineering, and related technical disciplines.
- BSc (Hons) Computing
- BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering
- BSc (Hons) Software Engineering
Faculty of Art and Design (Swansea College of Art)
Founded in 1853, the Swansea College of Art is one of the oldest art schools in Wales, offering programmes that blend traditional methods with state-of-the-art technology across fine art, design, and media.
- BA (Hons) Fine Art
- BA (Hons) Graphic Design
- BA (Hons) Surface Pattern Design (Textiles)
Faculty of Business and Management
Offering programmes at both the Swansea and London campuses, this faculty focuses on developing entrepreneurial skills and industry-ready graduates in business, management, and related fields.
- BA (Hons) Business Management
- MBA Master of Business Administration
- BA (Hons) Tourism Management
Yr Athrofa: Institute of Education
Rooted in a tradition of teacher training dating back to 1848, the Institute of Education delivers initial teacher education, early years, and education studies programmes across Welsh and English medium.
- BA (Hons) Education Studies
- PGCE Primary Education
- MA Education
Faculty of Humanities and Performing Arts
Covering a broad range of disciplines including history, theology, classics, English, creative writing, and performing arts, this faculty carries forward the university's deep roots in the liberal arts tradition.
- BA (Hons) History
- BA (Hons) Performing Arts
- BA (Hons) Theology and Religious Studies
Faculty of Health, Well-being and Sport
Delivering programmes in sport, health, psychology, social inclusion, and youth work, this faculty focuses on developing professionals who support individual and community well-being.
- BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
- BSc (Hons) Psychology
- BA (Hons) Youth and Community Work
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admissions
- Academic QualificationsA-Levels, International Baccalaureate, or equivalent secondary school qualifications recognised by UWTSD
- IELTS ScoreMinimum 6.0 overall (or equivalent TOEFL/PTE score)
- Application MethodApply via UCAS or directly through the university website
- Personal StatementRequired as part of the UCAS application
- ReferenceOne academic reference required
Postgraduate Admissions
- Academic QualificationsA recognised bachelor's degree (minimum 2:2 or equivalent for most programmes)
- IELTS ScoreMinimum 6.0-6.5 overall depending on programme
- Application MethodApply directly through the university website or via an authorised agent
- Supporting DocumentsAcademic transcripts, personal statement, and CV/resume
- ReferencesTypically two references (academic and/or professional)
Standard UCAS deadline for undergraduate applications for September entry.
Late undergraduate applications may be considered through UCAS Extra and Clearing.
Postgraduate applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Early application is recommended to secure a place.
Deadline for international exchange and study abroad students for the Autumn/Fall semester.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
UWTSD offers competitive tuition fees compared to many other UK universities, particularly for international students. The cost of living in South West Wales is also generally lower than in larger UK cities, making UWTSD an affordable choice for studying in the United Kingdom.
| Fee Category | UK / Home Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (per year) | GBP 9,000 | GBP 15,525 |
| Postgraduate Taught (per year) | Contact university | GBP 16,800 |
| Online Postgraduate (per year) | Contact university | GBP 10,500 |
| Estimated Living Costs (per year) | GBP 9,000 - GBP 11,000 | GBP 9,000 - GBP 11,000 |
| Total | Contact university for full cost breakdown | Approx. GBP 25,000 - GBP 28,000 per year (tuition + living) |
Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship
An external scholarship worth GBP 10,000 for international students from the USA, Canada, India, Vietnam, and EU countries applying to a full-time Master's programme in Wales.
- Value: GBP 10,000
- Eligibility: International students from USA, Canada, India, Vietnam, and EU countries
- Level: Full-time Master's programmes
UWTSD Wales Global Academy Scholarship
An automatic scholarship for eligible international students applying for on-campus full-time courses. No separate application is required; students are assessed upon receiving a conditional offer.
- Value: Up to GBP 5,000
- Eligibility: Self-funded international students on full-time on-campus courses
- Application: Automatically considered upon receiving a conditional offer
Campuses and Facilities
Campuses and Facilities
UWTSD operates across multiple campuses in Wales and England, each offering distinct environments from modern waterfront developments to historic rural settings. The university's facilities include modern teaching spaces, specialist laboratories, art studios, libraries, sports centres, and student residences.
The flagship GBP 350 million campus opened in 2018, housing the Faculty of Architecture, Computing and Engineering and the Institute of Education with cutting-edge facilities.
Centred around the original 1848 Old Building of Trinity College, the Carmarthen campus is surrounded by sweeping gardens and offers programmes in education, humanities, sport, and social sciences.
Founded in 1853, the Swansea College of Art provides specialist studios and workshops for fine art, graphic design, textiles, and other creative disciplines.
Housing and Dining
Student Accommodation
All three main campuses provide halls of residence, with rooms often prioritised for first-year students. Options include standard and en-suite rooms in both catered and self-catered formats.
- On-campus halls at Carmarthen, Lampeter, and Swansea
- Over 300 rooms across five halls at the Swansea campus
- Purpose-built private accommodation near city campuses
Dining and Campus Services
Each campus features cafeterias, student union facilities, and nearby local shops and restaurants. The relatively low cost of living in South West Wales makes daily expenses manageable.
- Campus cafeterias and coffee shops
- Student union social spaces on each campus
- Libraries with extensive digital and print collections
Student Life at UWTSD
Student Life at UWTSD
Life at UWTSD is shaped by a close-knit, supportive community where students value being known by name rather than number. The Students' Union organises a variety of activities, events, and clubs throughout the year, while the university's multi-campus structure offers diverse social environments from vibrant city life in Swansea to peaceful rural settings.
Location: South West Wales and Beyond
Location: South West Wales and Beyond
Swansea and South West Wales
UWTSD's main campuses are located in Swansea, Wales' second-largest city, as well as in the historic market towns of Carmarthen and Lampeter. South West Wales offers a beautiful mix of coastline, countryside, and vibrant town centres, with a comparatively low cost of living and excellent access to three National Parks.
Coastal Living
Swansea Bay and the Gower Peninsula, the UK's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, provide stunning beaches and outdoor recreation opportunities.
National Parks
Three Welsh National Parks are within easy reach: Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Eryri (Snowdonia), and the Pembrokeshire Coast.
Cultural Heritage
The region is rich in archaeological and historical sites, including the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Aberglasney Gardens, and the Cistercian abbey at Strata Florida.
Transport Links
Swansea is well connected by rail to London (approximately 3 hours) and other major UK cities, with easy access to Cardiff and Bristol airports.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Support and Employers
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
UWTSD provides comprehensive support for every step of your UK student visa application, including CAS issuance and guidance on documentation requirements.
English language support in academic writing, note-taking, and critical analysis is available on all main campuses. The university accepts IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE scores.
New international students receive a dedicated orientation programme, airport welcome service from London Heathrow, and access to a cultural programme featuring weekend trips across Wales and the UK.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University Rankings
University Rankings
UWTSD is consistently recognised for its teaching quality and student satisfaction in UK national league tables. The university has been ranked highly for student satisfaction with teaching and feedback, and its research was rated 4th in Wales for impact in the REF 2021.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Art and Design | Guardian University Guide | Top 20 in UK |
| Fashion and Textiles | Complete University Guide | #2 in UK |
| Student Satisfaction (Teaching) | Guardian University Guide 2026 | 3rd in UK |
| Student Satisfaction (Feedback) | Guardian University Guide 2026 | 1st in Wales |
Features
Historic university with origins dating back to 1822\n\nCampuses in both urban and rural areas\n\nStrong focus on employability and practical skills\n\nSmall class sizes and personal academic support\n\nAffordable cost of living (especially in Carmarthen & Lampeter)\n\nOffers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational programs\n\nBusiness, education, computing, design, and humanities are key strengths\n\nInternational campuses in London and Birmingham\n\nOffers foundation years, online learning, and placement opportunities\n\n
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
College St, Lampeter SA48 7ED, United Kingdom
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