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Overseas university spotlight: University of South Wales (UK)

Most students wanting to study film in the UK immediately think of London, but the University of South Wales deserves some serious consideration.

USW said they can't graduate students fast enough to go into full-time jobs in film or animation in Cardiff, where production is booming.

In fact, around 40 USW graduates worked on 'His Dark Materials', a series on HBO.

But it's not all about film at USW, a comprehensive university with three campuses and 26,000 total students.

Here are some of the highlights from my visit in April 2023!

Cardiff city

Cardiff is very much a young person's city.

With a population of 350,000, about 20 percent are students from across Cardiff's three universities.

It's often described as a big village - because it's very easy to bump into people you know wherever you are.

This helps make students feel at home and part of a community.

I have to say that the amount of green space in the city also really surprised me.

And whilst Cardiff is the capital of Wales, Wales just happens to be the castle capital of Europe.

In total, there are more than 600 castles, and many students will be delighted to know that there is a massive castle right in the heart of Cardiff as well.

This castle is not only just for tours though; it often hosts concerts or events in its grounds as well, getting a fair amount of modern-day use.

Cardiff is also famed for the iconic Principality Stadium, just a stones' throw from the castle, in the very centre of the city.

The stadium has played host to many a world-leading sporting event, including European Champions' League finals and WWE Wrestling clashes.

It has also been the venue for shows by artists including Beyoncé, Foo Fighters and Bruce Springsteen.

To me, Cardiff has a kind of cool, alternative vibe, and there are lots of nice pubs and coffee shops.

It's a lively city, but it's all on a manageable scale, and the people are approachable and welcoming.

One of my favorite aspects is just the walkability of the place; you can really get just about everywhere on foot.

Speaking of coffee, after trying a fair amount of places around the city, I have to say my favorite would be Uncommon Ground in the Royal Arcade.

It's also a great place to get some study or reading done, as they (deliberately) don't offer Wi-Fi!

Inside the Royal Arcade is also where you'll find a student-favorite sandwich shop called Fresh, but make sure to get there early to avoid the long lines at lunch!

In terms of industries, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that TV and film production is booming in Cardiff right now.

It's the second largest center for screen industries in the UK and one of the largest in Europe, with 32 major TV and film series currently being produced in the area.

If you've ever watched an episode of Dr. Who, you'll likely have seen some of Cardiff already - the show has been filmed there since its relaunch in 2005.

It also has the highest number of media jobs outside of London, attracting many London defectors on account of its livability.

University of South Wales

USW's creative campus (the Atrium) is in Cardiff, with 6,000 students studying everything from film to fashion to games and design.

Here, the emphasis is on practical experiences and preparing students for the workplace.

The actual classrooms are set up strategically.

For example, graphic design students sit at round tables because it's essential for students in this field to learn how to work collaboratively.

And with so many alumni who have stayed in Cardiff to work in the industry, USW is able to really leverage these connections with current students.

In fact, one of their most successful courses is TV & Film Set Design, which is one of only three in the UK.

Their facilities are also outstanding; they have one of the best green screens in the region, which is used by visual effects students.

Their philosophy regarding use of state-of-the-art equipment is that they don't want technical aspects to hold students back from maximizing their creativity.

This campus also houses the Gus Dudgeon Suite, named after the record producer who oversaw some of Elton John's most acclaimed hits.

After Dudgeon passed away tragically in a car accident in 2002, USW purchased his original mixing desk from the '70s, which students can now book out to use themselves!

USW's largest campus is in Pontypridd, about a half hour on the train north of Cardiff in the heart of the South Wales valleys.

It is green, mountainous and basically like a mini student village, with a sports centre, Students' Union and student housing, where every room has its own bathroom and shower.

There, students can study engineering, computer science, English, law, psychology, history and more.

It even has two aircraft hangers for its programs in aerospace and aeronautical engineering.

Finally, the third campus is in Newport, also a half hour on the train.

This campus is right in the heart of Newport city, and their program in cybersecurity is one of the highlights (USW was named Cyber University of the Year at the National Cyber Awards four years in a row).