Battle of the Universities: Swansea
Swansea is the second largest city in Wales with some Italian background which is evident in the amount of pizza places in the city. It is known for its natural views and attractions, the nightlife at Wind Street and the up and rising football team Swansea City FC. Swansea University and University of Wales Trinity Saint David are the two major universities in Swansea.
Swansea University (SU) is a public research university while University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) offers a range of courses including foundation, undergraduate degrees, taught and research postgraduate programs in hundreds of subject areas ranging from accounting to archaeology. Now while there has been no sense of rivalry between the two institutions these comparisons should help you come to a decision. Both universities are based in the safest region of the UK.
General Comparisons
Swansea university is a public research university. It consists of two campuses Singleton campus and Bay campus which has its own private beach. It offers various courses ranging from Engineering, Business, Law, Computer science, Zoology, and lots more. It caters to foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate taught degrees and recently ranked 307 by QS universities world rankings and ranks at 44th in the UK according to The Guardian University Guide 2022.
The University of Wales Trinity Saint Davids (UWTSD) which is also a public university offers over 300 courses across 3 institutes. The university is a multi-campus university with three main campuses in Carmarthen, Lampeter and Swansea. It also has a campus in London, as well as two learning centres in Cardiff and Birmingham. UWTSD offers a range of services and opportunities for students such as accommodation, sports facilities, clubs, and societies. UWTSD is ranked 101-150th in the UK according to The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022.
However, both universities are highly respected and have a good reputation.
Student Union
The UWTSD Students' union is an independent charity for all students no matter where or how they study. They work with the university to make sure students are being heard. They speak up for students, stand up for their rights, and empower them to make the most of their time at university.
Swansea University’s Student Union (SUSU) act as the voice of its student community as well as organising a lively timetable of events throughout the academic year. SUSU offers over 150 clubs and societies, as well as organising key annual events including the Welsh Varsity and Summer Ball. According to student beans they were recently ranked the most sober university in the UK. Swansea University offers free, impartial, non-judgemental advice and support services to all students in a relaxed, friendly, and confidential environment. They also have a range of virtual sessions running over two weeks in the Spring term, designed to prepare students for life at university. Swansea University has 120 societies, 50 sports clubs and 12 months of must-see events.
Student Living
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David offers a range of different types of accommodation offering a safe and secure, but independent, home away from home while you study. Living on campus puts you at the heart of student life, and there are a wide variety of on-campus services that you can benefit from. The university also has a dedicated and friendly team available to support international students every step of the way, from starting their application right through to helping them settle into student life.
The SU campus is situated in the heart of the city and is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The campus is home to a wide range of facilities including lecture theatres, seminar rooms, libraries, computer labs, sports facilities and more. The university also offers a range of accommodation options for students.
Conclusion
There’s no clear choice on which university you should choose because that decision is up to you. SU is the better known out of the two in Swansea and it sponsors a lot of events in the community and thrives on exploration and discovery as a research university. It offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life. UWTSD is more of an employment-focused university which makes instilling skills and knowledge into its students a priority.
For great student accommodation in Swansea search Accommodation for Students today. Check out our Battle of the Universities: Glasgow University vs Strathclyde University edition.
