Set of the shores of Cardigan Bay in mid-Wales, Aberystwyth University, established in 1872, was the first university institution in Wales. For this reason the University has always enjoyed a certain prestige, a tradition all its own. The University opened in September 1872, with 27 students and 2 members of staff. Since those pioneering days, the University has expanded to over 7,500 students. Until 2007, Aberystwyth University was a constituent part of the federal University of Wales. In 2007 constitutional changes resulted in the establishment of the University as an independent institution under the title Aberystwyth University.
There has been a substantial investment in the academic infrastructure in recent years. In 2005, a £5m extension to the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies opened, as did the £5m new building for International Politics. In October 2007, a new £12m Visualisation Centre opened on the University’s campus. This major investment is tangible evidence of the University’s links with industry and commerce.
The majority of the University is located on Penglais campus, which enjoys spectacular views over the sea. Departments are also centred on the campus at Llanbadarn and the School of Art. The University’s administration is based in the Old College, the historic core of the Institution, which is located on the promenade.
The teaching and learning facilities at the University are outstanding. In the summer of 2007, the University’s Information Services updated over 600 public area work-stations, available on 24-hour access, to faster and environmentally friendlier products. The University’s Hugh Owen Library, houses over 1,000,000 titles and provides access to a wide range of printed materials and electronic databases. In addition, Aberystwyth is home to the National Library of Wales, one of only 5 great copyright libraries in the UK. Aberystwyth scholars are exceptionally fortunate in having this superb repository on their doorstep.
Aberystwyth University’s Arts Centre is the largest venue for the arts in Wales. It offers an active and extensive programme of music, film, drama and exhibitions of the highest quality, graced both by local performers and artists and international stars. There are several galleries located around Aberystwyth, providing a strong artistic identity to the town. As a major tourist venue, the town is also home to a number of musical, theatrical and film festivals.
The University has an impressive range of sports facilities available to all staff and students, and provides an active programme of fitness and recreational courses. Naturally, its location greatly enhances the range of sports available. The coast provides opportunities for surfing, sailing, canoeing, wind-surfing, whilst inland there are facilities for ramblers, walkers and mountain biking. The coastal paths around Aberystwyth provide superb scenic walks. Just 5 miles to the north of the town is the coastal nature reserve of Borth and Ynyslas, which has miles of sandy beaches.
PG fees and funding can be found here: www.aber.ac.uk/en/postgrad/funding-fees
UG fees and funding can be found here: www.aber.ac.uk/en/undergrad/finance
PG Application details here: www.aber.ac.uk/en/postgrad/howtoapply
UG application is through UCAS: www.ucas.ac.uk
Please visit Aberystwyth University's website for further details.
