Swansea University is an independent corporation whose legal status derives from a Royal Charter originally granted in 1920.

The University operates within a constitutional framework established by its Charter and Statutes, which are supported by detailed Ordinances. The University's Governing Body is the Council which conducts its business in accordance with the seven principles of Standards in Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

The governance reporting for Swansea University is outlined within the Committee Structure