Aberystwyth University is a leading UK higher education institution, based on the coast of mid-Wales. The university's roots go back to 1872, when University College Wales was founded to provide students with impactful higher level education. It has continued to flourish ever since, and today ranks top in England and Wales for student experience (Good University Guide 2025, The Times and Sunday Times), as well as being a Top 10 UK university for Teaching Quality (Good University Guide 2026, The Times and Sunday Times).
The university's campus is located on the outskirts of the town and overlooks the beautiful Welsh coastline. It's known across the UK for the quality of its campus environment, with spacious planning, modern facilities and green spaces coming together to form a learning space perfectly suited for postgraduate study. The campus also boasts the largest arts centre in Wales, bars, cafes, restaurants and a highly rated students union.
Students will find the National Library of Wales just moments from the campus, while in nearby Aberystwyth a range of food, drink and entertainment options are available, along with stunning walks along a Victorian promenade and easy access to the quintessentially Welsh hills that surround the town.
Aberystwyth is renown as a student town, combining a fun nightlife with a safe, comfortable and convenient lifestyle where nothing is far away and the air is fresh, at the place where the hills meet the sea.
Postgraduate students who have accepted an offer of study from Aberystwyth University will be able to start applying for accommodation immediately. The university provides postgraduate students with a range of living options in university owned or managed accommodation, as well as help finding a place in private halls or privately rented accommodation if preferred.
New students on postgraduate courses are guaranteed an accommodation place in university-owned or managed halls for their first year, as long as the application is received by the specified deadline. Many students choose university accommodation due to its convenient location, high quality and consistent, single price throughout the year.
Students can choose from a variety of room types and halls, available on a catered or self-catered basis. En-suite rooms, shared bathroom rooms, or studio apartments are all available at various prices. Welsh speaking accommodation is also available.
Many postgraduate students opt for privately rented accommodation, allowing them to live anywhere in the city and with who they prefer. Aberystwyth is a compact, welcoming coastal town that has many student lets available. As a university town, students will never be short of things to do whether it's day or night, and the town is on the doorstep of miles of stunning Welsh countryside.
Postgraduate students can access a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries during their time at Aberystwyth University. These awards are offered by the university to help students maximise their academic potential and avoid money worries. It's also an important way to reduce barriers to entry for postgraduate study, encouraging a diverse student community based around academic merit and enthusiasm.
Some of the funding options available are:
Eligibility criteria, application deadlines and the available awards may vary but students can check the university website for up-to-date information.
Aberystwyth University maintains a broad range of postgraduate programmes, all of which share a focus on equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to go out and make a difference in the world.
Postgraduate courses at Aberystwyth are developed and delivered by active researchers who operate at the frontline of their fields. These internationally recognised academics offer students access to the latest expertise in their field, theory linked to real projects, findings and debates, and relevant professional skills.
Postgraduate taught courses at Aberystwyth include master's courses in a wide range of subjects, from accounting to astrophysics. Students can pursue full master's degrees like MA, MBA, MSc and LLM qualifications, or shorter ones such as the PGDip and PGCert, which are perfect for professionals or students looking to change their subject focus.
Research degrees are an important part of Aberystwyth's postgraduate offerings, with a range of courses including MPhil, PhD and professional doctorate qualifications available. The university has an influential research community, where students will be able to take part in internationally valued projects and pursue their own ideas and objectives with expert support and guidance.
Aberystwyth University appreciates the importance of postgraduate study for learners who are looking to become experts in their field and stand out in a modern, competitive jobs market. Along with successfully completing their advanced learning and research, students are encouraged to think about their future careers and make use of the various services that the university provides around enhancing employability.
Students will be able to access opportunities for practical and professional experience throughout their postgraduate studies. They'll be able to browse voluntary and part-time work opportunities through the university's website, access internships and industrial placements during their studies, or get involved in impactful research with leading academics or relevant employers.
The university's career services offer students a variety of helpful activities and services to help them boost their professional skills and help them secure work, ranging from CV workshops to one-on-one guidance sessions. There are even drop-in appointments available, and they run a number of valuable events throughout the year including employer-specific events and job fairs.
