Guide for New Students
Welcome to the University of Wales. You have joined a global community of over 80,000 students on University of Wales programmes delivered in Wales, the rest of the UK and overseas.
This brief guide aims to introduce you to the University and to explain the relationship between your Institution and the University of Wales.
It also highlights the services available to you and directs you to further information available on our website.
We hope you find it useful and wish you every success in your studies.
Mr Huw Flynn Hughes
Director of the Validation Unit
About the University of Wales
Founded in 1893, the University of Wales is the degree-awarding body for higher education students at its accredited and affiliated institutions across Wales as well as over 130 collaborative centres in over 30 countries.
The University also comprises the acclaimed CAWCS| research centre, the University of Wales Press|, the Global Academy| and a conference centre| set in the Welsh countryside.
What is a validated programme?
A validated programme is one that has been designed by your collaborative centre and submitted to the University of Wales for approval. Validation means that your programme is equivalent in level and standard to similar programmes offered throughout UK higher education.
What is my relationship to the University of Wales?
Your main relationship will be with the collaborative centre delivering your programme of study. They will process your application (including any visa requirements). They will provide you with a student handbook and course material. Your collaborative centre will deliver your programme and assess your studies. They will provide the facilities you need to study effectively and will support you through your studies.
At the start of your validated programme, your collaborative centre will register you with the University of Wales. As a University of Wales student you will:
• Study under University of Wales Regulations and Procedures|
• Know that your programme is quality assured| by the University of Wales
• Have access to a range of University of Wales services
What University of Wales services are available to me?
As a University of Wales student you will be able to:
• Network with students all over the world through the University’s website
• Use the University of Wales Online Library| of high quality electronic databases, eJournals and eBooks
• Meet academics of the University of Wales when they visit your collaborative centre
• Take part in a Graduation Celebration to celebrate your achievement
• Become a member of the University’s Alumni| association
• Apply for University of Wales’ bursary awards to cover tuition fees
• Complete an International Student Survey on your study experience
• Apply to act as Student Representative on University of Wales committees
What should I do if I want to make a complaint or appeal?
The University of Wales has specific procedures for students wishing to make a complaint or lodge an academic appeal.
Student Appeals
Appeals| against academic judgement cannot be accepted, however, the Verification and Appeals Procedures may be used:
• when assessment results published contain arithmetical or other errors of fact;
• when there were exceptional personal circumstances reported by you prior to an Examining Board(s) and which might in your opinion have had an adverse effect on academic performance;
• when you believe there were defects or irregularities in the conduct of the examinations or in written instructions or in related advice, and that this had an adverse effect on your performance.
Student Complaints
Whenever possible you should aim to resolve any difficulties directly with your Institution. If this is not possible, the University’s Student Complaints| procedure may be used if you wish to complain about aspects of your study experience that do not relate to assessment or examinations.
Fitness to Practice – does it apply to me?
If you are registered on a programme which leads directly to, or which satisfies a condition of, a professional qualification and/or which gives the right to practise in one or more professions, you should make yourself aware of the Fitness to Practice Procedure|
What happens when I successfully complete my course?
When your final results have been ratified by a University of Wales Examining Board they will be recorded on the University’s student records system. You will be admitted to your award in absentia and your certificate and Diploma Supplement| will be sent to your Institution of study.