About Aberystwyth University
Aberystwyth University is a historic Welsh university in a stunning seaside location on Cardigan Bay. Known for research excellence in agriculture, geography, and international politics, Aberystwyth offers an intimate campus experience, exceptional student satisfaction, and one of the UK's most affordable and safest student towns.
Key Information
Student Statistics
- • 8,500 total students
- • 1,500 international students
- • 120 student societies
Location
- • Located in Aberystwyth
- • Public university
- • Established 1872
Subject Rankings
Academics & Faculties
Degrees Offered
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Foundation, Integrated Masters
Popular Subjects
International PoliticsAgricultureGeographyLawPsychologyComputer ScienceEnglish LiteratureWelsh StudiesVeterinary Science
Student-Staff Ratio
14 : 1
Faculties & Departments
Faculty of Business and Physical Sciences
Aberystwyth Business School, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics
Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences
Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Geography and Earth Sciences, Psychology
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Education, English and Creative Writing, History and Welsh History, International Politics, Law and Criminology, Modern Languages, Theatre, Film and Television Studies, Welsh and Celtic Studies
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
Academic: AAB - CCC depending on programme
Alternatives: IB: 26-34 points depending on programme, BTEC: DDD-MMM depending on programme, Welsh Baccalaureate accepted
IELTS: 6
R 5.5 / W 5.5 / L 5.5 / S 5.5
TOEFL iBT: 72
Personal statement • Interview for some programmes • DBS check for education programmes
Postgraduate
Minimum Qualification: UK Honours degree (2:1 or 2:2 depending on programme)
GPA: 2.7
IELTS: 6.5
R 6 / W 6 / L 6 / S 6
TOEFL iBT: 85
Two references • Research proposal for PhD • Writing sample for humanities
Fees & Funding
Tuition (International)
- Undergraduate: £14,000
- Postgraduate: £15,000
- Foundation: £14,000
Living Costs (Annual)
- Accommodation: £4,000
- Food: £1,900
- Transport: £300
- Entertainment: £900
- Other: £500
- Total: £7,600
Scholarships
Aberystwyth International Excellence Scholarship
MeritMerit-based scholarship for outstanding international students.
Value: £5,000 (Partial)
International students • Strong academic achievement
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship
MeritPremium scholarship for top international applicants.
Value: £8,000 (Partial)
Exceptional academic record • Outstanding applicants
Aber Fund Bursary
Need-basedEmergency financial support for students in need.
Value: £1,000 (Partial)
Students in financial hardship • All students eligible
Campus & Facilities
Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth SY23 3FL
Hillside campus overlooking Cardigan Bay with stunning sea views. Self-contained campus with all academic buildings, accommodation, and facilities within walking distance. Beach and town centre just minutes away.
Size: 200 acres
Facilities
Academic
Hugh Owen Library, Physical Sciences Building, IBERS laboratories, Arts Centre, School of Art gallery
Research
Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, National Library of Wales (partner), Centre for Glaciology, International Politics research centres
Student Life
Aberystwyth Students' Union, The Undeb (student bar), Arts Centre (cinema, theatre), Campus cafes
Libraries
Hugh Owen Library
Modern library with 24/7 access, extensive digital resources, and sea views.
24/7
National Library of Wales
One of the UK's copyright libraries, adjacent to campus with student access.
09:00-18:00
Sports Facilities
Sports Centre
Modern gym, sports halls, climbing wall, and fitness studios.
Water Sports
Sailing, kayaking, and surfing on Cardigan Bay.
Playing Fields
Football, rugby, hockey, and cricket pitches.
Student Services
Student Support
Academic support, financial advice, and welfare services.
studentsupport@aber.ac.uk
Wellbeing
Counselling, mental health support, and disability services.
wellbeing@aber.ac.uk
Careers
Career guidance, placements, and graduate support.
careers@aber.ac.uk
Accommodation
Pentre Jane Morgan
University-ownedModern en-suite accommodation with sea views.
Cost: £115 - £145 (per week)
En-suite rooms • Shared kitchens • Common rooms • Sea views
Distance: On campus
Contract: 40 weeks
Fferm Penglais
University-ownedSelf-catered accommodation close to academic buildings.
Cost: £100 - £130 (per week)
Standard and en-suite rooms • Kitchens • Social spaces • 24/7 support
Distance: On campus
Contract: 40 weeks
Seafront Residences
University-ownedTown centre accommodation on the seafront.
Cost: £95 - £120 (per week)
Standard rooms • Shared facilities • Beach location • Town centre
Distance: 15-minute walk
Contract: 40 weeks
First-year undergraduates guaranteed accommodation. Apply through Aberystwyth accommodation portal after receiving offer.
International welcome programme, airport collection from Birmingham, ongoing support.
Student Life & Support
Clubs & Sports
Clubs: 120
Teams: 50
Cultural Activities
- Aber Arts Centre — Daily
- Welsh Language Events — Throughout the year
- Beach and Outdoor Activities — Weekly
International Support
- Visa support: Yes
- Language support: Yes
- Orientation: Yes
- Buddy program: Yes
- Contact: international@aber.ac.uk
Health & Wellbeing
- Medical centre: Yes
- Counselling: Yes
- Disability support: Yes
- Emergency: +44 (0)1970 622900
Careers & Outcomes
Employability Rank
350
Graduate Outcomes
Employed: 79%
Further study: 13%
Unemployed: 5%
Average Salary
£24,000
per year (graduate)
Top Employers
Welsh GovernmentForeign OfficeUnited NationsNFU (agriculture)Environmental agenciesSchoolsMedia organisationsLaw firmsResearch institutes
Career Services
- Careers and Employability: One-to-one appointments, CV help, and employer events.
- Aber Forward: Graduate employability programme with placements and work experience.
- Enterprise: Support for student entrepreneurs.
Location & Transportation
Nearest Airport
Birmingham Airport
180 km • 3 hours by train
Public Transport
- Train: Aberystwyth station with scenic Cambrian Line to Birmingham (3 hours) and Shrewsbury. • From £35 to Birmingham (advance)
- Bus: TrawsCymru buses to other Welsh cities; National Express to major cities. • From £1 local
Local Area
Aberystwyth is a charming Victorian seaside resort town on Cardigan Bay, known for its pier, beach, excellent pubs, and stunning Welsh countryside.
Cost of Living: Very Low
Attractions: Aberystwyth Pier and Promenade, Constitution Hill (cliff railway), National Library of Wales, Cardigan Bay beaches, Cambrian Mountains
Shopping: Aberystwyth town centre, Independent shops, Weekly farmers' market, Welsh crafts
Entertainment: Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Local pubs, Beach activities, Live music venues, Outdoor activities
Additional Information
Accreditation
Royal Charter, BPS (Psychology), RICS (Geography), Law Society (Law), Royal Veterinary College (partnership)
Partnerships
- Research: National Library of Wales — Unique research access and collaboration.
- Veterinary: Royal Veterinary College — Pre-veterinary and veterinary nursing programmes.
- Government: Welsh Government — Research and policy partnerships.
Research Highlights
- Plant and Crop Research (IBERS) — World-leading research in plant genetics, sustainable agriculture, and bioenergy. (2024)
- International Politics — Founded the first Department of International Politics in the world (1919). (2024)
- Glaciology — Leading research on climate change and polar ice dynamics. (2024)
Notable Alumni
- Prince Charles — King Charles III (studied Welsh at Aberystwyth) (1969)
- Jan Morris — Travel writer and historian (1953)
- Nicola Sturgeon — Former First Minister of Scotland (honorary degree) (2019)
Metadata
Source: Aberystwyth University official website, QS Rankings 2025, HESA data 2023/24
Last Updated: 2025-12-03T00:00:00Z
Verified: Yes
Contact Email: profiles@ukuni.io