About Aberystwyth University
As the first University in Wales, we have a long-standing reputation for delivering academic excellence, an exceptional student experience and world-leading research.
Our mission
To deliver inspirational education and research in a supportive, creative and singular environment in Wales. Building on our historical strengths and our reputation for excellence, we will contribute to society in Wales and the wider world by applying our knowledge to local and global challenges. Working within a welcoming and bilingual community, we will use our expertise to cultivate critical thinking, independent questioning and skills that equip our learners for their future lives.
A reputation for exceptional teaching quality
Over the past 150 years, Aberystwyth University has developed into a strong academic community of over 2,000 staff and 6,000 students from across the globe. We have 19 academic departments, organised into three faculties across the sciences, social sciences, and arts and humanities. We have sterling reputation for teaching excellence. At the heart of our mission is effective and impactful teaching; this is why we are consistently ranked amongst the best universities in the UK for teaching quality and student satisfaction.
Inspiring and impactful research
We are a research-led university that celebrates knowledge creation and exchange, impact and innovation. Our research underpins and informs our teaching which enhances our students’ learning experience. Our research has benefits for wider society and impacts upon the economy, the environment, on public policy and upon cultural life in Wales and beyond. Ranging from combatting climate change, improving food quality and food production, promoting human and animal health, to developing artificial intelligence and helping to advance space exploration, our researchers are at the forefront of innovation and the impact of our research has far-reaching international benefits. In the recent Research Excellence Framework assessment, 98% of the University’s research is of an internationally recognised standard or higher (REF 2021).
Exceptional Student Experience
Aberystwyth University provides an exceptional student experience. On the west coast of Wales, our location provides the perfect setting for learning and for life. Surrounded by the sea, rivers, mountains and forests, we make the most of our natural environment in our teaching and research, whilst our students enjoy socialising in the great outdoors. Aberystwyth itself is an inclusive and friendly student town, where students are welcomed from across the globe and invited to make Aberystwyth their home. We have over 100 clubs and societies, where students can pursue lifelong passions or discover new interests, and one of Wales’ largest Arts Centres and our own Sports Centre at the centre of our campus. At the heart of our student experience is recognition that this is a place to be yourself, supported by like-minded people in an environment that encourages individuality and exploration.
Investing in our facilities
The University continually invests in facilities in order to ensure our students have access to modern, accessible and world-class resources. This is reflected in our consistently high student satisfaction rates.
In addition to subject specific and specialised resources within departments, the University has two libraries on-campus, one of which is open 24/7, and a dedicated workspace in the town centre. We have over 800 open access computers across our network and provide fast, reliable wifi across our site. The University also has a range of dynamic study spaces, including informal study lounges (which are ideal for group work) and bookable private rooms.
Our Blackboard virtual learning platform means that students can access course material anywhere, anytime. Students can also borrow equipment, such as laptops, E-book readers, photography and video equipment free of charge, and printers, scanners and photocopiers are available across our campus.
We have invested over £50M on improving our student accommodation, and offer a range of options including en-suite rooms and studios, catered and self-catered residences, and accommodation specifically for Welsh-speaking and postgraduate students. With social and learning spaces on-site, our accommodation offers the perfect home from home.
Welsh-medium provision
We pride ourselves on our long history of Welsh-medium teaching and research. In fact, our level of provision for students who want to study through the medium of Welsh is one of the highest in Wales. We offer opportunities for students who are fluent in Welsh in addition to those who are less confident or learners across a wide range of subjects from agriculture to childhood studies, and politics to animal science.
