You may have seen in the press that the University of Wales, which currently awards degrees to Newport, has announced that it is planning to stop awarding degrees to Universities including Newport.
This is to reassure our students that this will not affect their studies in any way and answer any practical questions you may have.
Firstly, it is important to note that all current students will have their degrees awarded in the same way on graduation, unless they choose differently.
Following our excellent record of reviews from the Quality Assurance Agency, the body which makes sure that Universities do a good job in their work and that qualifications require the right level of achievement; Newport was given powers to award taught degrees in our own name. This is something that Newport can do in the future, so we will never be left in a position where we cannot award degrees.
Will this affect my degree?
No – all current students have the option to continue to study towards a University of Wales degree. It is likely that current students will also have the choice to complete a degree in the name of Newport instead.
I’m thinking about applying to Newport next year, what does this mean for me?
Students starting next year will either work towards a degree from Newport itself, or we will offer degrees from another institution like we do now.
If I have a University of Wales degree but they are not awarding them in the future, will this affect how my degree is seen by employers?
Not at all. University of Wales’ degrees have a strong history and will continue to do so. Lots of famous people including the First Minister of Wales have a University of Wales degree and they are widely regarded by employers and others.
Is the University of Wales and the University of Wales, Newport the same thing?
No. Despite the name, Newport is a completely different institution. The only link is through the degrees that we offer.
Does this mean that the name of the University will change its name?
It is too soon to tell at the moment but the name of your degree will definitely not change unless you choose to receive a degree in the name of Newport instead.
I’m studying a Postgraduate Research Degree. How will this news affect me?
As with taught degrees, including taught Masters degrees, the University of Wales has made it clear that it will honour all existing degrees so there will be no change for current students unless they wish.
I’m thinking of applying for a Postgraduate Research Degree at Newport. What does this mean for me?
The University of Wales Newport is currently developing proposals for a brand new university in South East Wales. As part of this, we will probably require a change in the awarding body for our research degrees anyway. We remain totally committed to research and in the interim there are a number of options available to us in selecting the most appropriate research degree awarding body. We will continue to have a system in place so that we can continue to offer research degrees at Newport. This does not affect taught master’s degree programmes.
I’ve heard that Glyndwr University has transferred its current students onto their own degree schemes instead of the University of Wales. Are we doing the same?
Glyndwr are actually offering their students the choice of a degree from Glyndwr or from the University of Wales. Because it is highly likely that we will deliver degrees in our own name in the future, once this happens, current students will have the option to either continue studying towards a University of Wales degree or to receive a degree solely in the name of Newport.
I’ve got more questions. What do I do?
You can find out more by emailing
Dominic.hannigan@newport.ac.uk