About Aberystwyth University
Aberystwyth University first opened in 1872 with 26 students in the Welsh seaside town after which it is named.
It was a founding member of the former University of Wales, funded by donations from individual benefactors and members of the public. "The people’s university", as it came to be known, is now home to nearly 10,000 students across its faculties of arts, sciences and social sciences.
The Penglais Campus, the central teaching campus, is located a short walk from the town centre and seafront. Llanbadarn is home to the university’s equine teaching centre. Its Gogerddan campus houses the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, a world class research and teaching centre that addresses global challenges such as food security, sustainability and climate change.
Aberystwyth itself is an area of outstanding natural beauty, offering students easy access to the sea and unspoilt countryside via Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains.
The university’s Penglais campus was the first in Wales to achieve a Green Flag Award for the high quality of its environment, while Aberystwyth itself was awarded the title of "Greatest Town" by the Academy of Urbanism in 2015 for its shops, restaurants, nightlife and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
In the middle of a major campus redevelopment project, Aberystwyth invested £45million for new student residences, teaching spaces and an arts centre – one of the UK’s largest – with further investment planned for campus enhancements over the next three years.
Despite continuing expansion, the university prides itself on having retained an intimate, friendly atmosphere where students pursue active social lives and high academic standards.
Explore these featured universities
Explore rankings data for Aberystwyth University
Compare universities on their key stats
Key statistics
- 16.3No. of students per staff(1)
- 24%Percentage of International Students(1)
- 52 : 48Student Ratio of Females to Males(1)
- 6,180Number of FTE Students(1)
Subjects taught at Aberystwyth University
Physical sciences
- Geology, Environmental, Earth & Marine Sciences
- Mathematics & Statistics
- Physics & Astronomy
Social sciences
- Sociology
- Geography
- Politics & International Studies (incl Development Studies)
- Communication & Media Studies
Education
- Education
Life sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Veterinary Science
- Sport Science
Arts & humanities
- Art, Performing Arts & Design
- History, Philosophy & Theology
- Languages, Literature & Linguistics
Law
- Law
Computer science
- Computer Science
Engineering & technology
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Business & economics
- Economics & Econometrics
- Business & Management
- Accounting & Finance
Psychology
- Psychology
Clinical, pre-clinical & health
- Other Health