The Higher Education Review

It was indeed a historical moment when two of the oldest higher education institutions in Wales - the University of Wales, Lampeter and Trinity University College, Carmarthen merged to form an eminent educational entity, University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) in the year 2010 under Lampeter’s Royal Charter of 1828. UWTSD is privileged to hold the oldest Royal Charter in England and Wales after the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Adding more feathers in its cap, in 2011, HRH the Prince of Wales became its Royal Patron, and in 2012, Swansea Metropolitan became an integral part of the UWTSD Group. Operating as a dynamic and ambitious institution, UWTSD has earned several positive rankings and recognition, including achieving joint 36th position in the UK in The National Student Survey, multiple rankings for varied aspects by The Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018, being awarded ‘First Class’ status in the People & Planet University League Table 2017 and many more.

UWTSD has three main campuses in South West Wales i.e. Carmarthen, Lampeter and Swansea along with a campus in London and learning centers in Cardiff and Birmingham. “Each campus of UWTSD offers a different kind of student experience while all share a friendly and community atmosphere. We have placed in higher education, which significantly contributes to the University’s culture of openness and respect where barriers to employment and learning are identified and removed. The University offers a wide range of Bachelor, Masters, Certificate and Doctorate programme across numerous disciplines.

“We also offer a range of Business and other programmes exclusively for international students at our

London campus. However, the popular courses usually favoured by our Indian students are mainly in the Business, Engineering and Computing fields,” pinpoints Prof. Haslett. The University maintains a cordial relationship with India, given which UWTSD enjoys collaborations and partnerships with organizations such as TATA Steel and TATA Technologies. “We feel proud to state that in 2017, the UK’s first female British-Indian Professor Meena Upadhyaya OBE received an Honorary Fellowship at our University. She has served as a Mentor on Dame Rosemary Butler’s Women in Public Life scheme and is a trustee for Women’s Equality Network for Wales, Race Equality First, Race Council Cymru, Governor for the India Centre,” says Prof. Haslett. Moreover, this year, UWTSD is looking forward to welcoming Father John Joseph of the WSS Organic Farmers Fair trade Association, who will be presenting on his work with organic farmers in Kerala, India, bringing a sense of diversity in the University.

Helping to Overcome Barriers

The rate of students flocking to foreign countries for higher education is high, but the uncertainties on the rewards against such huge investment remain a priority for most of the students. However, international students of UWTSD may be reassured that the University strives to provide opportunities for its students, both in terms of career and campus life.

The University offers a great deal of support to international students, such as airport pickup, orientation, accommodation, English Language Support and so on. “Our Senior International Support Officer is responsible for providing support and guidance for students on a number of issues including practical advice on issues such as finance, accommodation and dealing with homesickness. However, we also provide professional counseling and welfare services, located within the Student Services Department, that are available to all students, and are founded on the principle that no problem is too big or too small to share,” states Prof. Haslett.

On financial assistance as well, the University puts great emphasis on affordability and providing various bursaries and scholarships to deserving candidates. “From

International Postgraduate Study Scholarships to International Masters Progression Awards. For non-EU International students who require assistance with course-related costs to Exceptional Circumstances Fund – Assistance for students experiencing unexpected financial costs, we have introduced many schemes” states Prof. Haslett. Over the course of their stay at UWTSD, the overseas students will be a part of vibrant organisations like, International and Exchange Students’ Society, Weekly Conversation Club, Celebrating Diwali with the Welsh Government and many more. Given the exemplary support and quality of education, the students of UWTSD are able to transfer the acquired skills in their respective work places.

“With approaches like small-class size, constant monitoring, backed up with proficient faculty members, industry-relevant course curriculum, hands-on training and a suitable environment to study, according to the data released for 2016/17 leavers shows that 96.8 percent of UWTSD full-time first degree graduates are in employment or further studies within six months after graduation,” mentions Prof. Haslett. Buildingon its vision of transforming, shaping and developing futures, UWTSD has plans of developing and offering programmes through which blended learning and distance learning routes in a range of disciplines, which will reach out to students from around the world. Taking a leap forward, UWTSD is also exploring new collaborative partnerships and joint ventures with other institutions in identified countries such as the International University of Malaya - Wales in Kuala Lumpur.

Prof. Simon Haslett, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International and Enhancement)
Professor Simon Haslett is Pro Vice-Chancellor (International and Enhancement) and is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He has over 25 years of experience working in higher education with an excellent international reputation for research, learning and teaching, and international education. He leads the Wales Global Academy and the Enhancement Unit across the transformed University. He is a Professor of Physical Geography.