Swansea often feels like home, even if you’re continents away from the place you were raised in. This city in southwestern Wales is warm and inviting, sunny yet cool. It’s where you can indulge in equal parts urban living and the natural coast. Perhaps, even catch a musical at the golden Swansea Arena, or take up windsurfing with your friends in the nearby town, Port Talbot.
For staff and students from over 130 countries, the best part of the city is Swansea University — a research-led institution with a 100-year heritage. Established in 1920, its two campuses are located close to the city centre and a short walk from the beach.
There, you’ll feel the bond of a smaller community, but find that opportunities are broad. Last year alone, Swansea University ranked #9 in the UK for the percentage of graduates who are employed, in further study, or both, just one year after graduation. Supported by a large international community and degree programmes designed to build lifelong career skills, you’ll find that you’re exactly where you need to be.
“Relocating to a new country can be overwhelming,” says student Morayo Olayiwade Kudehinbu. “This wasn’t the case when I moved to Swansea. The international student department assisted me in integrating into the system without issues.”
A survey by UniCompare revealed that 100% of students would recommend Swansea University. Source: Swansea University
Kudehinbu is from Nigeria and holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Management (Enterprise and Innovation). She decided on Swansea University due to its high ratings in academic teaching excellence and multicultural community, but found more than she’d ever hoped for. The people welcomed her and enabled her to flourish.
This January, you could experience an education just like that. The university is offering a wide range of MSc programmes that are flexible, industry-focused, and led by renowned faculty. That includes Business Management, Computer Science, Health Data Science, Aerospace Engineering, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Medical Physics, and Mechanical Engineering.
“Swansea University is an ideal university for anyone who wishes to pursue their dreams,” says Swapnil Bharat Pandhare, a MSc Health Informatics graduate from India. “The university provides a variety of scholarship programmes, which help students like me to fulfil our goals and get financial support.”
Pursuing a master’s programme is neither easy nor highly affordable. A 2022 survey even found that nine in 10 students in England were concerned about the cost of living, which led to a strain on their mental health. Knowing the common struggles that students face, Swansea University takes active steps to ensure they aren’t alone.
In a recent study by Resume.io, Swansea University was ranked as the happiest university in Wales and the third happiest in the UK. Here’s why.
According to the Complete University Guide 2024, Swansea is the seventh safest city in the UK, and the safest in Wales. Source: Swansea University
The ways Swansea University supports you
Swansea University provides scholarships and bursaries for international students. You can apply for the International Excellence Scholarship, which covers up to US$8,196.72, the Thrive Bursary, which is valued at US$3,512.88, and more. These scholarships give you exclusive access to events like specialist senior networking events – opportunities that are priceless to international students.
What’s more, the cost of living in Swansea is lower than in many large cities in the UK. Rent is on average 64% lower than in London, and 17.6% lower than in Cardiff. You can focus on your degree and enjoy the pleasures of food and entertainment.
On campus, it’s easy to make new friends. The Students’ Union is an organisation led by students, run by students. Throughout the year, SU hosts events like the annual Summer Ball and campaigns like Black History Month, ensuring the campus stays lively, connected, and informed. Through SU, you can join over 150 societies and more than 50 sports clubs to find a tight-knit group of like-minded individuals.
“You feel like you know everyone here in Swansea,” says Basma Al Aufi, who’s pursuing the Law with Criminology, LLB (Hons). “Swansea is a very safe place to be, and it’s one of the best cities for students. Everyone treats you like you’re a part of their family.”
When it comes to your future, Careers and Employability is an award-winning service that can help you meet your goals. Their vast network of employers who know the value of a Swansea degree. The team offers employability workshops as well, where you can listen to talks from employers and attend career fairs. They’ll assist you through the job search process, interview practice, writing a CV — you name it.
“I have attended some career guidance sessions managed by the careers team at the university,” says Pandhare. “I personally found them very effective as they helped me to land my first part-time job in Swansea.”
Even after you graduate, Swansea University will continue to empower you. The Graduate Support Programme provides you one-on-one career advice, even as you become part of their 160,000 alumni network. Apply to Swansea University today.
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