The Validation Unit

While the majority of the University’s students study in Wales, there is also an important international dimension to its work. It has in place a very successful and highly regarded international validation operation, which enables overseas institutions to offer the University of Wales degree at an equivalent standard to the degree offered in Wales itself.

Validation is important in fostering links between Wales and other countries and many of the University’s graduates are now in positions of influence overseas. In 2008, more than 20,000 students were registered on validated courses of the University of Wales in 30 countries, covering a wide variety of academic disciplines.

The success of the operation (which is entirely self-financing) can also be measured in economic terms – it is a significant export, each year generating overseas earnings of well over £2 million. The maintenance of academic standards is of paramount importance for validated courses, as it is for courses offered within Wales.