Founded in 1920, Swansea is a vibrant, research-led university at the forefront of academic and scientific discovery. Set in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the breathtaking Gower Peninsula, the University's location is captivating.

(Take a look at our picture gallery to see why Swansea enjoys one of the best university locations in the UK.)

Swansea University has over12,000 students and offers more than 500 undergraduate and 130 postgraduate courses in a wide range of subject areas, from American Studies to Zoology, complemented by an extensive continuing education programme. A full range of social, cultural and sporting amenities complements the campus lifestyle and contributes to the strong sense of community that the University embraces.

Recent surveys and league tables have consistently placed Swansea among the top 20 Universities in the UK for teaching quality and student satisfaction. The results reflect the University's aim to deliver an outstanding student experience alongside teaching of the highest quality.

"...a strongly campus-based lifestyle; a stylish campus, near the sea, or city, or mountains; generous accommodation either on campus or in a student community close-by; a wealth of cultural activity on campus; lots of high-quality sports provision - and a sound academic reputation! An impossible dream? Well without going too far over the top, we have to say that Swansea has it all..."

 - The Potter Guide to Higher Education in UK Universities & Colleges

Going from strength to strength

As an internationally respected, research-led university, Swansea offers an exciting and stimulating environment in which to live and study. Not only was Swansea awarded the 2005 Times Higher Award for the UK’s best student experience, and was shortlisted for the award in 2006, but the Sunday Times University Guide has again placed us in the top 20 academic institutions in the UK for teaching quality; the National Student Survey showed that 65% of the University’s subjects were rated in the top 25% across the country, whilst a league table prepared by the BBC from the recent National Student Survey also puts us in the top 20 for student satisfaction.

Innovative Research

Our research activity plays an essential role in attracting investment, securing jobs and generating income for the local economy. Our world-class research activities enable us to play an increasingly important role in the economic regeneration of Wales, including the attraction of hi-tech industry to work alongside the University.

Recent events include establishment of the (IAT), the opening of the £50 million Institute of Life Science, the Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Research and the Multidisciplinary Nanotechnology Centre. More exciting initiatives are in the pipeline. These developments strengthen our academic profile, add real value to our teaching and ensure that we remain at the forefront of scientific discovery. They also enhance the “Swansea experience”.

We continue to forge strong links with industry and other organisations to ensure that our research has real commercial value and that our graduates are equipped for distinguished personal and professional achievement. We take immense pride from the fact that 94% of our graduates find employment or are in further study within six months of graduating.

For further information, please visit our research pages, news centre, or business and innovation pages.