Accessibility statement
This accessibility statement applies to https://swansea.ac.uk
This website has been developed by Swansea University. We want as many people as possible to be able to use the website, feel welcome and find the experience rewarding. For example, that means you should be able to
- Zoom in up to 200% without the text spilling off the screen.
- Use consistent navigation across the website.
- Navigate the majority of the website using just a keyboard.
- Use ReciteMe Application to provide an array of accessibility tools.
AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.
How accessible swansea.ac.uk is?
The website has been evaluated by our internal specialist and they certify that swansea.ac.uk is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard.
We know some parts of swansea.ac.uk aren't as accessible as they should be:
- Some pages misuse headings or have missing headings
- Image descriptions are available but need to be improved.
- Course pages tab behavior does not match the page flow and aria is not implemented properly to announce states correctly on some components.
- Third-party developed areas such as Virtual Tours, Prospectus flipbook and forms are not as accessible as required.
- Some videos do not have audio descriptions when they are needed.
- Our site uses focus rings, but they are inconsistent in style and need improvement.
- Some pages have minor HTML issues so do not pass WS3 Validation.
Feedback and contact information
If you need information on swansea.ac.uk in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille you can contact our Transcription Centre:
Email: braille@swansea.ac.uk
Twitter: @SUTranscription
Swansea University Transcription Centre Amy Dillwyn Building, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
How to find the transcription center: SUTC-Accessible-Guide
We'll consider your request and get back to you in 7 days.
Reporting accessibility problems with swansea.ac.uk
We're always looking to improve the accessibility of the website. If you find any problems not listed on this page or think we're not meeting accessibility requirements:
Email: customerservice@swansea.ac.uk
Call us: +44 (0)1792 295500
Enforcement procedure
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the 'accessibility regulations'). If you're not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS)
Contacting us by phone or visiting us in person
The university aims to provide professional information and guidance services for disabled students, students with specific needs and/or medical conditions. We can provide support if you would like to visit us or phone us.
Please contact the disability service:
Telephone: +44 (0)1792 60 6617
Email: disability@swansea.ac.uk
Technical information about the website’s accessibility
Swansea University is committed to making all its websites accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
Compliance status
swansea.ac.uk is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA/A standard, due to the non-compliances listed below.
Non accessible content
Swansea University is committed to sustaining Level AA accessibility. The following information explains any areas of the website that to our knowledge are not conformant and what we're doing to make that happen.
The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.
1.1.1 Non-text Content
Pages with poor image descriptions provided by content editors
Some pages of the website have poor descriptions of images that do not give important information, for example an award might state just its name rather than the level attained.
Image descriptions on Virtual Tours
The site uses a third-party product called virtual tours, which gives a visual 3D tour of the campus and accommodation room walkthroughs. No alternative format in the form of text and descriptions is provided for users with visual impairments.
Pages with Unique Graphical Content and Third-Party Embeds have poor alternative text
Pages on the site such as “How far is Swansea” and “Virtual Open Day” use SVG graphics which limit image description or have none. The site also has an externally developed "Virtual Tour" which has no image descriptions.
1.2.1 Audio only & Video only alternatives
No Transcription for Podcasts
Some pages feature podcasts without any transcription to support a range of users who want to access this content in an alternative way.
Some Videos have visual only content
Some pages feature tutorial videos on university systems that do have captions or transcribed instructions.
1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative
Student Life Videos
Some pages feature YouTube videos that use captions, but do not provide audio descriptions for content that is purely visual such as students engaging in sports and other activities.
1.3.1 Information and Relationships
Headings Hierarchy
A number of pages have headings that have been misused or missing that impact hierarchy. This includes the landing page, Jobs, press office pages, virtual tour and course page on mobile.
Module Tables on Course Page
Table headers are missing on the table's column "Module Name". This results in the Module name not being announced in the context of duration, credits and module code.
Table Captions on Course Page
Table captions are missing from all tables on the course page. This includes module tables and key details table.
Lists with Mega Menu
The mega menu is a pattern used across the site and has a number of links and lists. The component features 2 dropdown lists with a section in each, the section headers are announced correctly as a list (e.g. 1 of 8) but the contents are not and just stated as "list".
ARIA usage on Key Course Details Tabs
An ARIA role of "tablist" has been used, but the specification has not been implemented correctly as it is missing the correct child roles of "tab".
Landmarks not used in virtual tours
Landmarks have not been used on the third-party developed "Virtual Tours" website.
1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence
Reading order is not reflective of page flow
The course page reading order in assistive technology is not reflective of the page order and jumps to sidebar content halfway through the page.
1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum)
Carousel Dots, Chevrons, Headings and third-party forms
The website uses some controls (chevrons, dots and search filter button) which do not meet contrast (minimum). Some headings on the "do you Swansea" pages do not meet contrast (minimum).
1.4.5 Images of Text
Text with images
The website features some limited use of text in imagery for news cards.
1.4.12 Text Spacing
Keep in touch form
A third-party form is used on the "Keep in touch" form. This cannot be overridden to add spacing or change the typeface.
2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap
Prospectus Flipbook
A third-party "flipbook" product is used on the Prospectus pages. This can be interacted with via keyboard tabbing and direction keys (for prospectus navigation). However, it does not support users moving backward with tabbing after moving to certain controls such as pages and notes.
2.4.2 Page Titled
Virtual Tours Page titles are not unique
Each page is titled Virtual Tours, regardless of which campus or building you are currently viewing.
2.4.3 Focus Order
Tab order not reflective of reading order
The tab order on the course page shifts to secondary sidebar content after “Course Overview” instead of moving to “Modules” section directly below.
Virtual Tours
The virtual tour's website can be used with a keyboard but when residence content is interacted with, new content is shown and previous content is visually hidden. However, the hidden content still requires to be tabbed through so breaks focus order.
2.4.4 Link Purpose
Generic naming used in Links
The current vacancies page uses the link name "Details" multiple times and the DSA page uses "please follow this link", which could impact the experience for a range of users.
Virtual Tours Links names unavailable to assistive technology
A third-party developed "virtual tour" showing students virtually around campus does not state a discernable link title or any text other than “Void”.
Search Result Numbered Page Links
The search returns paginated search results. The page links (1,2,3,4,5) are only described as numbers with no heading to set context to users.
2.4.6 Headings and Labels
Heading Misuse
Some pages use headings for styling content such as phone numbers or statements as opposed to a meaningful way to section content.
Heading H1 duplication
The accommodation page use two H1 headings.
2.4.7 Focus Visible
Inconsistent focus rings
Focus rings are present on many components and pages, but are inconsistent and sometimes not meeting contrast guidelines. Third-party products such as virtual tours have difficult-to-see focus rings.
2.5.3 Label in Name
Cookie Banner uses a generic accessible name
A third-party cookie management product "Cookiebot" does not use a clear, accessible name as its uses "Open Widget" as an aria-label.
Podcasts Logos
Podcast pages use Spotify or apple logos as call to actions. These logos have a blank alt tag or unhelpful content such as "apple_logo".
3.2.1 On Focus
Sign up form triggered
The prospectus page has a sign-up form triggered after some interactions (move through 2 pages) with the flipbook.
3.3.1 Error Identification
No error is stated when a blank site search is entered
The site search allows a blank submission, this presents an empty page with no advice or error identification in what happened to the end user.
Errors identified by color alone
The "keep in touch" and "flipbook" forms present errors in color alone, with no use of icons.
3.3.3 Error Suggestion
Form Errors are generic
The "keep in touch" and "flipbook" forms error messages are not specific about the error the at has occurred.
Prospectus Forms do not give detailed error messages
The Prospectus request form does not give detailed error messages or highlight the problem field.
4.4.1 Parsing
WS3 Validation Errors
A number of pages were submitted to WS3 external validator and reported some minor issues to be addressed.
4.1.2 Name, Role, Value
Key Details Tabs
The Key Details Tabs are not stated as tabs to screen readers (e.g. 1 of 2) and do not support arrow keyboard interactions. Focused is also not applied on the tab panel after selecting a tab.
Accordion States
Many pages including the course pages use an accordion to show and hide content. The states of collapsed and expanded are not announced so no users of screen readers will be aware of the information available. They are announced as “Clickable Heading, Link” which implies a page link not an expander with information.
Flipbook
Flipbook is a third-party product embedded on the page. The product allows users to virtually browse a prospectus. Unfortunately, the content of the prospectus is not available to assistive technology via Flipbook. The university has tried to address this by creating a transcript version of the prospectus and including it on this page.
Third-party Forms
We use forms from a third-party provider that does not use an accessible name on the iframe that is used to embed the form on the page. This affects the "Keep in touch" and "Register your interest" forms.
4.1.3 Status Messages
Refine Job Searches
The "Current Vacancies" page supports filtering jobs but does not announce when a filter has been applied to screen readers. The page requires users to focus on a tag to understand if it has been applied.
How we will address non-compliance
Over the last year we have addressed a number of accessibility issues, undertaken training with an external agency in accessibility testing and auditing. However, we know we need to do more!
The above criterion failures will be addressed through the following:
- Building an empathy lab to raise awareness with content editors and across the organisation.
- Contact third-party vendors and request fixes to the accessibility issues we found.
- Assigning designated time for the Web Development Team to address these issues.
- Investigate ways to automate accessibility testing within our development process.
- Re-audit the website to assess the fixes within next 12 months.
Disproportionate Burden
An assessment has been made taking into account the size and resources available to the organization, any content that is judged a disproportionate burden are stated in this section.
Navigation and accessing information
No issues or not applicable.
Interactive tools and transactions
No issues or not applicable.
Interactive tools
No issues or not applicable.
Content that’s not within the scope of the accessibility regulations
An assessment has been made taking into account the size and resources available to the organization, any content that is judged out of scope of the regulations are stated in this section.
PDFs and other documents
A sample selection of PDF's have been accessibility tested and some minor errors were reported. We will work with content editors to ensure they have the training and resources to address any errors found.
The accessibility regulations don’t require us to fix PDFs or other documents published before 23 September 2018 if they’re not essential to providing our services. Any new PDFs or Word documents we publish will meet accessibility standards.
What we’re doing to improve accessibility
Our Accessibility Roadmap shows how and when we plan to improve accessibility on swansea.ac.uk.
Preparation of this accessibility statement
This statement was prepared on 24/10/2022. This statement was last reviewed on 25/10/2022.
The website swansea.ac.uk was last tested on 20/10/2022. The test was carried out by our internal usability and accessibility specialist that works externally to the web team that develops this site.
We used a consistent process and approach to deciding on a sample of pages to test. This is available in How we tested the website
The full accessibility report is available on request.