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{{short description|University in Wales}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox university
 | name                   = Aberystwyth University
 | native_name            = Prifysgol Aberystwyth
 | native_name_lang       = cy
 | image_name             = [[File:Shield_of_Aberystwyth_University.svg|175px]]
 | latin_name             = 
 | motto                  = {{langx|cy|Nid Byd, Byd Heb Wybodaeth}}
 | mottoeng               = A world without knowledge is no world at all
 | established            = {{Start date and age|1872}} (as ''The University College of Wales'')
 | former_names           = University of Wales, Aberystwyth
 | type                   = [[public university|Public]]
 | endowment              = £33.5 million (2023)<ref name="Aberystwyth Financial Statement 22/23">{{cite web|url=https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/media/departmental/corporateinformation/financialaccounts/Aber-Uni-Financial-Statements-FINAL.pdf|title=Annual Report and Accounts 2022-2023|access-date=1 February 2024|publisher=Aberystwyth University|page=30|archive-date=1 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201145219/https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/media/departmental/corporateinformation/financialaccounts/Aber-Uni-Financial-Statements-FINAL.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 | budget                 = £130.8 million (2022/23)<ref name="Aberystwyth Financial Statement 22/23"/>
 | vice_chancellor        = Jon Timmis<ref>{{cite web |title=New Vice-Chancellor appointed to Aberystwyth University |url=https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/news/archive/2023/10/title-267160-en.html |publisher=Aberystwyth University |access-date=9 October 2023}}</ref>
 | chancellor             = [[Nicola Davies (judge)|Dame Nicola Davies]]
 | academic_staff         = 700 (2021/22)<ref name="HESAStaff">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hesa.ac.uk/data-and-analysis/staff/working-in-he|title=Who's working in HE? |website=hesa.ac.uk}}</ref>
 | administrative_staff   = 1,100 (2021/22)<ref name="HESAStaff"/>
 | students               = {{HESA student population|INSTID=10007856}} (2022/23)<ref name="HESAStudents">{{cite web |title=Where do HE students study? {{!}} HESA |url=https://www.hesa.ac.uk/data-and-analysis/students/where-study#provider |publisher=[[Higher Education Statistics Agency]] |website=hesa.ac.uk}}</ref>
 | undergrad              = {{HESA undergraduate population|INSTID=10007856}} (2022/23)<ref name="HESAStudents"/>
 | postgrad               = {{HESA postgraduate population|INSTID=10007856}} (2022/23)<ref name="HESAStudents"/>
 | city                   = [[Aberystwyth]]
 | state                  = 
 | country                = [[Wales]]
 | campus_type            = Campus<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/universities/aberystwyth-university/facilities|publisher=Complete University Guide|title=Aberystwyth University|accessdate=2 September 2021}}</ref>
 | campus_size            = {{convert|1709|ha}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hesa.ac.uk/data-and-analysis/estates/table-1|publisher=Higher Education Statistics Agency|title=HE Provider Data: Estates Management|accessdate=2 September 2021}}</ref>
 | colours                = {{scarf|{{cell2|#060}}{{cell|#C00}}{{cell|#060}}{{cell|#C00}}{{cell2|#060}}{{cell|#C00}}{{cell|#060}}{{cell|#C00}}{{cell2|#060}}}}
 | affiliations           = {{hlist|[[Association of Commonwealth Universities|ACU]]|[[Association of MBAs|AMBA]]|[[Universities UK]]|[[University of Wales]]}}
 | website                = {{URL|https://aber.ac.uk}}
 | logo                   = Aberystwyth University logo.svg
}}
'''Aberystwyth University''' ({{langx|cy|Prifysgol Aberystwyth}}) is a [[Public university|public]] [[Research university|research]] [[university]] in [[Aberystwyth]], [[Wales]]. Aberystwyth was a founding member institution of the former federal [[University of Wales]]. The university has over 8,000 students studying across three academic faculties and 17 departments.

Founded in 1872 as '''University College Wales, Aberystwyth''', it became a founder member of the University of Wales in 1894, and changed its name to the '''University College of Wales, Aberystwyth'''. In the mid-1990s, the university again changed its name to become the '''University of Wales, Aberystwyth'''. On 1 September 2007, the University of Wales ceased to be a federal university and Aberystwyth University became independent again.<ref name="Three universities go independent">{{cite news|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/6972832.stm|title = BBC Mid Wales News – Three universities go independent|access-date =3 September 2007|publisher=BBC News| date=1 September 2007}}</ref> The annual income of the institution for 2022–2023 was £130.8&nbsp;million of which £22.2&nbsp;million was from research grants and contracts, with an expenditure of £127.8&nbsp;million.<ref name="Aberystwyth Financial Statement 22/23"/>

== History ==
[[Image:Old College Main Entrance.jpg|thumb|Old College]]
[[File:Aberystwyth University coat of arms.png|thumb|Coat of arms, including motto|125px]]
[[File:The University for Wales, Aberystwith.jpeg|thumb|The University for Wales, Aberystwyth, {{circa|1870}}]]
[[File:Old College Building, Aberystwyth University 2014-09-09 - 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Old College Building from the castle]]
In the middle of the 19th century, eminent Welsh people were advocating the establishment of a university in the [[principality of Wales]]. One of these, [[Thomas Nicholas (antiquary)|Thomas Nicholas]], whose book, ''Middle and High Class Schools, and University Education for Wales'' (1863), is said to have "exerted great influence on educated Welshmen".<ref>{{cite DNB |wstitle=Nicholas, Thomas (1820-1879) |first=John Austin |last=Jenkins |volume=40 |page=433 |no-icon=1}}</ref>

Funded through public and private subscriptions, and with five regional committees (London, Manchester, Liverpool, North and South Wales) guaranteeing funds for the first three years' running costs, the university opened in October 1872 with 26 students. [[Thomas Charles Edwards]] was the principal. In October 1875, chapels in Wales raised the next tranche of funds from over 70,000 contributors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/university/history/timelinepart1/ |title=Early Days |access-date=7 February 2015 |archive-date=21 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221095435/https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/university/history/timelinepart1/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Until 1893, when the college joined the [[University of Wales]] as a founder member, students applying to Aberystwyth sat the [[University of London]]'s entrance exams.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.senatehouselibrary.ac.uk/our-collections/historic-collections/archives-manuscripts/university-of-london-student-records-1836-1931/ |title=Lists of students |publisher=Senate House Library |access-date=11 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100914105055/http://www.shl.lon.ac.uk/specialcollections/archives/studentrecords.shtml |archive-date=14 September 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Women were admitted in 1884.

In 1885, a fire damaged what is now known as the [[Old College, Aberystwyth]], and in 1897 the first 14 acres of what became the main Penglais campus were purchased.<ref name=CADW/> Incorporated by [[royal charter]] in 1893, the university installed [[Edward VII|Albert Edward, Prince of Wales]], as chancellor in 1896, the same year it awarded an honorary degree to the former British prime minister, [[William Ewart Gladstone|William Gladstone]].

The university's [[coat of arms]] dates from the 1880s. The shield features two [[Y Ddraig Goch|red dragon]]s to symbolise [[Wales]], and an open book to symbolise learning. The crest, an [[eagle]] or phoenix above a flaming tower, may signify the college's rebirth after the 1885 fire.<ref name="CollegiateIdentity">{{cite web|url = http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/collegiate-identity/section-01.php|title = U.W.A. – Collegiate Identity|access-date =12 July 2007|publisher=University of Wales, Aberystwyth| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070126153310/http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/collegiate-identity/section-01.php| archive-date = 26 January 2007}}</ref> The motto is {{lang|cy|Nid Byd, Byd Heb Wybodaeth}} ('a world without knowledge is no world at all').

In the early 1900s, the university added courses that included law, applied mathematics, pure mathematics and botany. The Department for International Politics, which Aberystwyth says is the oldest such department in the world, was founded in 1919.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aber.ac.uk/interpol/en/welcome/HoDs%20welcome3.htm |title=Postgraduate Courses – International Politics |date=26 April 2009 |publisher=Aberystwyth University |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205182641/http://www.aber.ac.uk/interpol/en/welcome/HoDs%20welcome3.htm |archive-date=5 December 2008 }}</ref> By 1977, the university's staff included eight Fellows of the [[Royal Society]], such as [[F. Gwendolen Rees|Gwendolen Rees]], the first Welsh woman to be elected an [[Fellow of the Royal Society|FRS]].

The Department of Sports and Exercise Science was established in 2000. Joint honours psychology degrees were introduced in September 2007, and single honours psychology in 2009.

The [[Chancellor (education)|chancellor]] of the university is [[Nicola Davies (judge)|Dame Nicola Davies]], who took up the position in January 2025. The [[visitor]] of the university is an appointment made by the [[privy council]], under the [[royal charter]] of the university. Since July 2014, the holder of this office is Sir [[Roderick Evans]].

In 2011, the university appointed a new vice chancellor<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=414966 |title=Aberystwyth names new head |work=Times Higher Education|date=25 January 2011 |access-date=22 January 2013|url-access=subscription}}</ref> under whom the academic departments were restructured as larger subject-themed institutes.

In 2022, the university celebrated its 150th anniversary, being established in 1872 (known at the time as The University College of Wales).

==Organisation and administration==
===Departments and Faculties===
The university's academic departments, as well as the Arts Centre, International English Centre and Music Centre are organised in three faculties:
{{div col}}{{no col break|
; Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
* School of Art
* Arts Centre
* School of Education
* Department of English and Creative Writing
* Department of History and Welsh History
* International English Centre
* Department of International Politics
* Department of Law and Criminology
* Department of Modern Languages
* Music Centre
* Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies
* Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies
}}
; Faculty of Business and Physical Sciences
* Aberystwyth Business School
* Department of Computer Science
* Department of Information Studies
* Department of Mathematics
* Department of Physics

; Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences
* Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences
* Department of Geography and Earth Sciences
* Department of Psychology
{{div col end}}

====Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences====
The [[Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences]] (IBERS) is a research and teaching centre which brings together staff from the Institutes of Rural Sciences and Biological Sciences and the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER). Around 360 research, teaching and support staff conduct basic, strategic and applied research in biology.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/ibers/ |title=Aberystwyth About IBERS  |date=14 March 2012 |access-date=2 May 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100504195557/http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/ibers/| archive-date= 4 May 2010 }}</ref>

The institute is located in two areas; one at the main teaching Penglais campus and another rural research hub at the [[Gogerddan]] campus.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/ibers/facilities/ |title=Aberystwyth University - Facilities |access-date=2010-05-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323040941/http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/ibers/facilities/ |archive-date=23 March 2010 }}[IBERS New Building Developments]</ref>

====Aberystwyth Business School====
In 1998, the Department of Economics (founded in 1912), the Department of Accounting and Finance (founded in 1979) and the Centre for Business Studies merged to create the School of Management and Business. In 2013, the School joined the Department of Information Studies and the Department of Law and Criminology at a new campus at [[Llanbadarn Fawr, Ceredigion|Llanbadarn Fawr]]. The school was shortlisted for "Business School of the Year" in the ''Times Higher Education'' Awards (2014).<ref>{{cite web|title = THE Awards 2014|url = https://www.the-awards.co.uk/2022/en/page/archive-2014|website = The Awards|access-date = 26 October 2022}}</ref> In 2016, the institute, minus the Department of Information Studies, was renamed the Institute of Business and Law, the remaining departments being renamed Aberystwyth Business School and Aberystwyth Law School.

[[File:Aberystwyth University School of Economics - geograph.org.uk - 615036.jpg|thumb|Cledwyn Building, former home of the School of Economics]]

====Department of Computer Science====
[[File:Aberystwyth University Computer Science Department.png|thumb|The Llandinam Building]]
The [[Department of Computer Science, Aberystwyth University|Department of Computer Science]] (founded in 1970), conducts research in [[Artificial Intelligence|automated reasoning]], [[computational biology]], [[Computer Vision|vision graphics and visualisation]] and [[Robotics|intelligent robotics]].

[[AberMUD]], the first popular internet-based [[Multi-user dungeon|MUD]], was written in the department by then-student [[Alan Cox (computer programmer)|Alan Cox]]. [[Jan Pinkava]], another graduate, won an [[Academy Award|Oscar]] for his short animated film ''[[Geri's Game]]''.

====Department of Geography and Earth Sciences====
The Department of Geography and Earth Sciences (IGES) was formed, in 1989, from the former Departments of Geography (established in 1918) and Geology. It houses the [[E. G. Bowen]] map library, containing 80,000 maps and 500 atlases.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/iges/about/|title=About DGES|publisher=Aberystwyth University|access-date=31 May 2015|archive-date=2 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002014029/http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/iges/about/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Department of Information Studies====
[[Image:Thomas Parry Library, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth - geograph.org.uk - 558838.jpg|thumb|CLW Library, Llanbadarn – later named the Thomas Parry Library]]

The [[College of Librarianship Wales]] (CLW) was established at [[Llanbadarn Fawr, Ceredigion|Llanbadarn Fawr]] in 1964, in response to a recommendation for the training of bilingual librarians that was made in the Bourdillon Report on ''Standards of public library service in England'' (HMSO, 1962). The college grew rapidly, developing close links to the Welsh speaking and professional communities, acquiring an international reputation and pioneering flexible and distance learning courses. It claimed to be Europe's largest institution for training librarians.<ref>Coleg LLyfrgellwyr Cymru/College of Librarianship Wales (2004), p. 9</ref> The independent college merged with the university in August 1989 and the department moved to the Penglais campus a quarter of a century later. Following the merger, the new department took over responsibility for existing offerings in archives administration and modern records management.

====Department of International Politics====
[[File:International Politics Building, Aberystwyth University.jpg|thumb|International Politics building]]
The Department of International Politics is the oldest of its kind in the world. It was founded, shortly after the [[First World War]] in 1919, with the stated purpose of furthering political understanding of the world in the hope of avoiding such conflicts in the future. This goal led to the creation of the [[Woodrow Wilson]] Chair of International Politics, with Wilson having played a significant role in its creation.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/mid/sites/aberystwyth/pages/uwa_colinmcinnes.shtml|title = Aber's Interpol|access-date = 15 January 2009|publisher = BBC|archive-date = 13 November 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121113183407/http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/mid/sites/aberystwyth/pages/uwa_colinmcinnes.shtml|url-status = dead}}</ref> The department has over 700 students from 40 countries studying at undergraduate, masters and PhD levels. It achieved a 95% score for student satisfaction in the 2016 [[National Student Survey]], placing it as the highest-ranking politics department in Wales and within the UK's top ten.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/facts-and-figures/satisfaction/ |title=Aberystwyth University – Student Satisfaction |publisher=Aberystwyth University |date=2017-08-15 |access-date=2017-09-27}}</ref>

The department has hosted notable academic staff in the field including [[E. H. Carr]], [[Leopold Kohr]], [[Andrew Linklater]], [[Ken Booth (academic)|Ken Booth]], [[Steve Smith (academic)|Steve Smith]], [[Michael Cox (academic)|Michael Cox]], [[Michael MccGwire]], Jenny Edkins and [[Colin J. McInnes]].

====Department of Law and Criminology====
The Department of Law and Criminology (founded in 1901) is housed in the Hugh Owen Building on the Penglais campus, and includes the ''Centre for Welsh Legal Affairs'', a specialist research centre. All academic staff are engaged in research, and the ''International Journal of Biosciences and the Law'' and the ''[[Cambrian Law Review]]'' are edited in the department. In 2013, the department joined the Department of Information Studies and the School of Management and Business at a new campus at [[Llanbadarn Fawr, Ceredigion|Llanbadarn Fawr]], as part of a newly created Institute of Management, Law and Information Studies. In September 2018, the department moved back to the Hugh Owen Building, based in the Penglais campus, and its name changed from Aberystwyth Law School to the Department of Law and Criminology.<ref>{{cite web |title=Department of Law & Criminology |url=https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/lac/ |publisher=Aberystwyth University |access-date=19 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819105905/https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/lac/ |archive-date=19 August 2021}}</ref>

''The Guardian'' University Guide 2018 ranked the Law Department at 69th in the UK,<ref>{{cite news| title = University guide 2018: league table for law| url =https://www.theguardian.com/education/ng-interactive/2017/may/16/university-guide-2018-league-table-for-law| work=The Guardian}}</ref> and "The Times" Higher Education Guide ranks it as 300th globally.<ref>{{cite news| title = University guide 2018: league table for law| url =https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/aberystwyth-university#ranking-dataset/589595| work=Times Higher Education}}</ref>

====Department of Modern Languages====
Aberystwyth has taught modern languages since 1874. French, German, Italian and Spanish courses are taught at both beginners' and advanced levels, in a research-active academic environment. One of its research projects is the ''Anglo-Norman Dictionary'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anglo-norman.net |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040513010838/http://www.anglo-norman.net/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 May 2004 |title=The Anglo-Norman Online Hub |access-date=31 May 2015 }}</ref> based in Aberystwyth since 2001 and available online since 2005.

====Department of Physics====
Physics was first taught at Aberystwyth as part of [[Natural Philosophy]], Astronomy and Mathematics under N. R. Grimley, soon after the foundation of the University College.<ref name="archives.aber.ac.uk">{{cite web|url=https://archives.aber.ac.uk/index.php/university-of-wales-aberystwyth-department-of-physics-2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205201252/https://archives.aber.ac.uk/index.php/university-of-wales-aberystwyth-department-of-physics-2|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 February 2015|title=Aberystwyth University – Department of Physics|access-date=31 May 2015}}</ref> It became a department in 1877, under the leadership of F. W. Rudler.<ref name="archives.aber.ac.uk" /> The department was located in the south wing of what is now the [[Old College, Aberystwyth|Old College]],<ref name="archives.aber.ac.uk" /> but later moved to the Physics Building on the Penglais Campus. The first chair in Physics was offered to D. E. Jones in 1885.<ref name="archives.aber.ac.uk" /> Before the First World War, much of the early research in the department was undertaken in [[Germany]]. Early research in the 1900s was concerned with [[electrical conductivity]] and [[Old quantum theory|quantum theory]], later moving into [[thermal conductivity]] and [[acoustics]].<ref name="archives.aber.ac.uk" /> In 1931, the department hosted the [[Michael Faraday|Faraday]] Centenary Exhibition.<ref name="archives.aber.ac.uk" /> [[Evan James Williams|E. J. Williams]] was appointed to the Chair of Physics in 1938 where he continued his research into sub-atomic particles using a cloud chamber.<ref>{{cite web|title=National Library of Wales: From Warfare to Welfare 1939–59 |url=http://myglyw.org.uk/index.php?id=4368 |access-date=17 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118111733/http://myglyw.org.uk/index.php?id=4368 |archive-date=18 November 2015 }}</ref> Following the [[Second World War]], research was concerned with mechanical and [[nuclear physics]], later moving into the fields of [[air density]], experimental [[rocket]] launching equipment and [[radar]].<ref name="archives.aber.ac.uk" />
[[File:Aberystwyth University Studio.jpg|thumb|Arts Studio]]

====Department of Psychology====
In 2007, Aberystwyth established psychology as a "Centre for Applied Psychology" within the Department of International Politics. By 2011, psychology had moved into its current premises in Penbryn 5 on the Penglais Campus. The department has over 550 undergraduate students, with degrees accredited by the British Psychological Society and is home to an MSc in Behaviour Change.

==Campuses==
[[File:Aberystwyth University, East Entrance.jpg|thumb|Old College east entrance]]

=== Penglais ===
The main campus of the university is situated on Penglais Hill, overlooking the town of Aberystwyth and [[Cardigan Bay]], and comprises most of the university buildings, Arts Centre, Students' Union, and many of the student residences. Just below Penglais Campus is the [[National Library of Wales]], one of Britain's five [[legal deposit]] libraries. The landscaping of the Penglais Campus is historically significant and is listed at Grade II* on the [[Cadw/ICOMOS Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales]].<ref name="CADW">{{Cite web|url=http://orapweb.rcahms.gov.uk/coflein//C/CPG164.pdf|title=University of Wales, Aberystwyth: Plas Penglais, Penglais Campus and Llanbadarn Campus; The National Library of Wales|access-date=2021-08-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809222524/http://orapweb.rcahms.gov.uk/coflein//C/CPG164.pdf|archive-date=2020-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{NHAW|uid=110|num=PGW(Dy)47(CER)|desc=University of Wales, Aberystwyth: Plas Penglais, Penglais Campus and Llanbadarn Campus; The National Library of Wales|class=HPG|access-date=14 February 2023}}</ref> The [[CADW]] listing states, {{blockquote|"The landscaping of the University of Wales, Aberystwyth campuses, particularly the earlier Penglais campus, is of exceptional historic interest as one of the most important modern landscaping schemes in Wales...One section of the Penglais campus was designed by the well known landscape architect [[Brenda Colvin]] and is one of the very few of her schemes to have survived. A number of women have played a key role in the development and planting of the whole site."}}

=== Llanbadarn ===
The Llanbadarn Centre is located approximately one mile to the east of the Penglais Campus, near [[Llanbadarn Fawr, Ceredigion|Llanbadarn Fawr]], overlooking the [[Aberystwyth|town]] and [[Cardigan Bay]] to the west, with the backdrop of the [[Cambrian Mountains]] to the east. Llanbadarn Centre hosted Aberystwyth Law School and Aberystwyth Business School, which together formed the Institute of Business and Law. The Department of Information Studies is also based there. Additionally, the Llanbadarn Campus is the site of the Aberystwyth branch of [[Coleg Ceredigion]] (a further education college, and not part of the university).

=== Goggerddan ===
At [[Gogerddan]], on the outskirts of town is located the university's major centre for research in land based sciences and the main centre for the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Science.

=== School of Art, Edward Davies Building ===
[[File:University School of Art, Aberystwyth-geograph.org.uk-3639998.jpg|right|thumb|Edward Davies Building]]
The School of Art is located between the Penglais Campus and the centre of Aberystwyth, in what was originally the [[Edward Davies Memorial Chemistry Laboratories]].  A listed building, the Edward Davies Building is one of the finest examples of architecture in Aberystwyth.

=== Old College ===
{{main|Old College, Aberystwyth}}
The site of the original university is the [[Old College, Aberystwyth|Old College]], currently the subject of the "New Life for Old College" project which aims to transform it into an integrated centre of heritage, culture, learning and knowledge exchange.

=== Aberystwyth Mauritius ===
The university opened an international campus in [[Mauritius]] in 2015 operating as ''Aberystwyth University (Mauritian Branch Campus)'' and registered with the [[Tertiary Education Commission (Mauritius)|Tertiary Education Commission]] of Mauritius, but closed it to new enrolments two years later due to low enrolment numbers.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1 December 2017|title=Aberystwyth University's Mauritius campus set to close|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-42195845|access-date=21 May 2020}}</ref> Less than 200 students enrolled with the Mauritius campus, which had the capacity for 2,000 students,<ref>{{cite news |title=Aberystwyth University's Mauritius campus is 'madness' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-36360705 |access-date=7 September 2024 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> before its 2018 closure and the university lost more than a million pounds as a result of the venture.<ref>{{cite news |title=Aberystwyth University's Mauritius campus loses £1m |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-42951697 |access-date=7 September 2024 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref>

===Student residences===
Most of the student residences are on campus, with the rest in walking distance of the campus and Aberystwyth town centre.  Accommodation ranges from "traditional" catered residences to en-suite self-catered accommodation, and from budget rooms to more luxurious studio apartments.  All have wired access to the university's computer network and a support network of residential tutors.

====Penglais Campus====
*Cwrt Mawr (self-catered flats, single rooms, capacity 503)<ref>{{cite web|title = Aberystwyth University – Cwrt Mawr|url = http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/accommodation/types-accommodation/self-catered/cwrt-mawr/|website = aber.ac.uk|access-date = 2016-02-15|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160217162730/http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/accommodation/types-accommodation/self-catered/cwrt-mawr/|archive-date = 17 February 2016}}</ref>
*{{ill|Neuadd Pantycelyn|cy}} (Welsh speaking traditional catered hall, refurbished in 2020, capacity 200)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aberystwyth University – Accommodation : Pantycelyn|url=https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/accommodation/accommodation-options/catered/pantycelyn/|access-date=2020-11-23|website=aber.ac.uk}}</ref>
*Penbryn (Welsh-speaking traditional catered hall, capacity 350)<ref>{{cite web|title = Aberystwyth University – Penbryn|url = http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/accommodation/types-accommodation/catered/penbryn/|website = aber.ac.uk|access-date = 2016-02-15|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160315090308/http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/accommodation/types-accommodation/catered/penbryn/|archive-date = 15 March 2016|url-status = dead}}</ref>
*Rosser (self-catered en-suite flats, capacity 336), 
*Rosser G (postgraduate flats following 2011 expansion to Rosser, capacity 60)<ref>{{cite web|title = Aberystwyth University – Rosser|url = http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/accommodation/types-accommodation/self-catered/rosser/|website = aber.ac.uk|access-date = 2016-02-15|archive-date = 8 September 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170908015855/http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/accommodation/types-accommodation/self-catered/rosser/|url-status = dead}}</ref>
*Trefloyne (self-catered flats, capacity 147)<ref>{{cite web|title = Aberystwyth University – Trefloyne|url = http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/accommodation/types-accommodation/self-catered/trefloyne/|website = aber.ac.uk|access-date = 2016-02-15|archive-date = 27 September 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170927202259/http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/accommodation/types-accommodation/self-catered/trefloyne/|url-status = dead}}</ref>

==== Pentre Jane Morgan (Student Village)====
*Almost 200 individual houses arranged in closes and cul-de-sacs. Each house typically accommodates five or six students. The total capacity is 1,003.<ref>{{cite web|title = Pentre Jane Morgan|url = http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/accommodation/types-accommodation/self-catered/pentre-jane-morgan/|publisher = Aberystwyth University|access-date = 2016-02-15|archive-date = 27 September 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170927155544/http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/accommodation/types-accommodation/self-catered/pentre-jane-morgan/|url-status = dead}}</ref>

==== Fferm Penglais Student Residence====
* Purpose-built student accommodation with studio apartments and en-suite bedrooms (total capacity 1,000). An area of accommodation within the Fferm Penglais Student Residence is set aside for students who are Welsh learners or fluent Welsh speakers and who wish to live in a Welsh speaking environment.

==== Town accommodation====
*Seafront Residences (self-catered flats located on the seafront and Queen's Road, overall capacity 361). The original Seafront residences, Plyn' and Caerleon, were destroyed by fire in 1998.<ref>{{cite web|title=History of Aberystwyth|url=http://www.aberystwythguide.org.uk/history/to2000.shtml|access-date=17 June 2019|website=Aberystwyth Guide}}{{self-published source|date=June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Arson not ruled out in promenade fire |url=http://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/utilities/action/act_download.cfm?mediaid=30306&langtoken=eng|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929055629/http://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/utilities/action/act_download.cfm?mediaid=30306&langtoken=eng|archive-date=29 September 2011|access-date=26 October 2011}}</ref> 
*Seafront residences include Aberglasney, Balmoral, Blaenwern, Caerleon, Carpenter, Pumlumon, Ty Glyndwr, and Ty Gwerin Halls.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Accommodation : Seafront Residences|url=https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/accommodation/accommodation-options/self-catered/seafront-residences/#facilities-and-services|access-date=2020-11-23|publisher=Aberystwyth University|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127181427/https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/accommodation/accommodation-options/self-catered/seafront-residences/#facilities-and-services|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The university also owns several houses, such as Penglais Farmhouse (adjacent to Pentre Jane Morgan) and flats in Waun Fawr, which are let on an assured shorthold tenure to students with families. Disabled access rooms are available within the existing student village.

==Reputation and academic profile==
{{Infobox UK university rankings
| ARWU_N = 
| ARWU_W = 
| QS_N = 
| QS_W = 741–750
| THE_N = 39
| THE_W = 601–800
| LINE_1 = 0
| Complete = 45
| The_Guardian = 62
| Times/Sunday_Times = 42
<!-- British Government assessments -->
| TEF =Gold
}}

Aberystwyth University is placed in the UK's top 40 universities in the main national rankings. It is ranked 38th for 132 UK university rankings in ''The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide'' for 2023,{{citation needed|date=September 2023}} and the first university to be given the prestigious award "University of the year for teaching quality" for two consecutive years, in 2018 and 2019.<ref name="http://www.machynlleth-today.co.uk">{{cite web |title=Aberystwyth University scoops teaching award for second year running |url=http://www.machynlleth-today.co.uk/article.cfm?id=124054 |access-date=2018-10-31 |website=Cambrian News}}</ref>

The ''Times Higher Education World University Rankings'' placed it in the 301—350 group for 800 university rankings, compared with 351—400 the previous year,<ref name="Aberystwyth University">{{cite web|title = Aberystwyth University|url = https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/aberystwyth-university|website = Times Higher Education (THE)|access-date = 2017-09-26}}</ref> and the ''QS World University Rankings'' placed it at the 432nd position for 2019, compared with 481—490 of the previous year.<ref>{{cite web|title = Aberystwyth University|url = http://www.topuniversities.com/universities/aberystwyth-university#wur|website = Top Universities|access-date = 2018-10-31}}</ref> In 2015, UK employers from "predominantly business, IT and engineering sectors" listed Aberystwyth equal 49th in their 62-place employability rankings for UK graduates, according to a ''Times Higher Education'' report.<ref>{{cite web|title = The best UK universities chosen by major employers|url = https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/news/best-uk-universities-chosen-major-employers|website = Times Higher Education | date=12 November 2015 |access-date = 2016-02-15}}</ref>

Aberystwyth University was rated in the top ten of UK higher education institutions for overall student satisfaction in the 2016 National Student Survey (NSS).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hefce.ac.uk/lt/nss/results/2017/|title=NSS Results 2016|access-date=26 September 2017}}</ref>

Aberystwyth University was shortlisted in four categories in the ''Times Higher Education'' Leadership and Management Awards (THELMAs) (2015).<ref>{{cite web|title = THE Leadership and Management Awards 2015|url = http://www.thelmawards.co.uk/thelma2015/shortlist|website = thelmawards.co.uk|access-date = 2016-02-16|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160224032411/http://www.thelmawards.co.uk/thelma2015/shortlist|archive-date = 24 February 2016|url-status = dead}}</ref>

Aberystwyth University has been awarded the Silver Award under the Corporate Health Standard (CHS), the quality mark for workplace health promotion run by Welsh Government.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://gov.wales/docs/phhs/publications/160205awardsen.pdf|title = Welsh Government website|access-date = 16 February 2016|archive-date = 24 February 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160224062535/http://gov.wales/docs/phhs/publications/160205awardsen.pdf|url-status = dead}}</ref>

The university has been awarded an [[Athena SWAN]] Charter Award, recognising commitment to advancing women's careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) in higher education and research.<ref>{{cite web|title = Athena SWAN members – Equality Challenge Unit|url = http://www.ecu.ac.uk/equality-charters/athena-swan/athena-swan-members/|website = Equality Challenge Unit|access-date = 2016-02-16}}</ref>

In 2007, the university came under criticism for its record on [[sustainability]], ranking 97th out of 106 UK higher education institutions in that year's [[The People & Planet Green League|Green League]] table.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://peopleandplanet.org/gogreen/greenleague2007/table |title=People & Planet Green League 2007 |access-date=12 July 2007 |publisher=People & Planet |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070710135819/http://peopleandplanet.org/gogreen/greenleague2007/table |archive-date=10 July 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2012 the university was listed in the table's "Failed, no award" section, ranking equal 132nd out of 145.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://peopleandplanet.org/green-league-2012| title = People & Planet Green League 2012| access-date = 1 July 2012| publisher = People & Planet}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In 2013 it ranked equal 135th out of 143, and was listed again as "Failed, no award".<ref>{{cite web| url = http://peopleandplanet.org/green-league-2013| title = People & Planet Green League 2013| access-date = 25 October 2013| publisher = People & Planet}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Following the university's initiatives to address sustainability,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/sustainability/news/articles/title-158957-en.html|title=Aberystwyth University – Articles|access-date=31 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914203830/https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/sustainability/news/articles/title-158957-en.html|archive-date=14 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> it received an EcoCampus<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ecocampus.co.uk/|title=EssentialMaintenance|access-date=31 May 2015}}</ref> Silver Phase award in October 2014.

In October 2015, the university's Penglais Campus became the first university campus in Wales to achieve the Green Flag Award.<ref>{{cite web|title = Where is your nearest Green Flag park?|url = http://www.itv.com/news/wales/2013-07-29/full-list-of-green-flags-parks-in-wales/|publisher = ITV News| date=29 July 2013 |access-date = 2016-02-16}}</ref> The Green Flag Award is a UK-wide partnership, delivered in Wales by Keep Wales Tidy with support from Natural Resources Wales, and is the mark of a high quality park or green space.

In 2013, the [[University and College Union]] alleged bullying behaviour by Aberystwyth University managers, and said staff were fearful for their jobs. The university president, [[Emyr Jones Parry|Sir Emyr Jones Parry]], said in a BBC radio interview, "I don't believe the views set out are representative and I don't recognise the picture." He also said, "Due process is rigorously applied in Aberystwyth." The economist John Cable resigned his ''emeritus'' professorship, describing the university's management as "disproportionate, aggressive and confrontational". The singer [[Peter Karrie]] resigned his honorary fellowship in protest, he said, at the apparent determination to "ruin one of the finest arts centres in the country", and because he was "unable to support any regime that can treat their staff in such a cruel and appalling manner".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2013/07/former-phantom-of-the-opera-star-resigns-fellowship-in-protest-over-aberystwyth-arts-centre-suspensions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820073723/http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2013/07/former-phantom-of-the-opera-star-resigns-fellowship-in-protest-over-aberystwyth-arts-centre-suspensions/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 August 2013 |title=Former Phantom star resigns fellowship in protest over Aberystwyth Arts Centre suspensions |last=Merrifield |first=Nicola |date=9 July 2013 |website=The Stage News |publisher=The Stage Media Co. Ltd. |access-date=21 March 2014}}</ref>

In Autumn 2024, students protested the reduction of opening hours at Hugh Owen Library, a cost-cutting measure. Students argued that the university had continued to promote their 24/7 Library until recent open days, and that they were going back on promises which had attracted many students to the University. The University initially met with students to discuss options to restore the library's original opening hours, but later rejected further requests for meetings, and refused to negotiate any further.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Luxon |first=Debbie |date=9 January 2025 |title=Students voice anger over reduced library hours at Aberystwyth University |url=https://www.cambrian-news.co.uk/news/education/students-voice-anger-over-reduced-library-hours-at-aberystwyth-university-753927}}</ref>

==Officers and academics==
'''Presidents and chancellors'''
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
*1872–95 [[Henry Austin Bruce, 1st Baron Aberdare|Henry Austin Bruce, 1st Lord Aberdare]]{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
*1895–1913 [[Stuart Rendel, 1st Baron Rendel|Stuart, Lord Rendel]]
*1913–26 [[Sir John Williams, 1st Baronet, of the City of London|Sir John Williams, 1st Bt]]
*1926–44 [[Edmund Davies, Baron Edmund-Davies|Edmund Davies, Lord Edmund-Davies]]
*1944–54 [[Thomas Jones (T. J.)]]
*1955–64 [[David Hughes Parry|Sir David Hughes Parry]]
*1964–76 [[Ben Bowen Thomas|Sir Ben Bowen Thomas]]
*1977–85 [[Cledwyn Hughes, Baron Cledwyn of Penrhos|Cledwyn Hughes, Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos]]
*1985–97 [[Melvyn Rosser]]
*1997–2007 [[Elystan Morgan, Baron Elystan-Morgan|Elystan Morgan, Lord Elystan-Morgan]]
*2007–17 [[Emyr Jones Parry|Sir Emyr Jones Parry]]
*2018–2025 [[John Thomas, Baron Thomas of Cwmgiedd|John, Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd]]
*2025–present [[Nicola Davies (judge)|Nicola Davies]]{{div col end}}

'''Principals and vice-chancellors'''
{{see also|Category: Vice-chancellors of Aberystwyth University}}
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
*1872–91 [[Thomas Charles Edwards]]
*1891–1919 [[Thomas Francis Roberts]]
*1919–26 [[John Humphreys Davies]]
*1927–34 [[Henry Stuart-Jones|Sir Henry Stuart-Jones]]
*1934–52 [[Ifor Leslie Evans]]
*1953–57 [[Goronwy Rees]]
*1958–69 [[Thomas Parry (author)|Sir Thomas Parry]]
*1969–79 Sir [[Goronwy Daniel]]
*1979–89 [[Gareth Owen (academic)|Gareth Owen]]
*1989–94 [[Kenneth O. Morgan, Baron Morgan|Kenneth, Lord Morgan]]
*1994–2004 [[Derec Llwyd Morgan]]
*2004–11 [[Noel Lloyd]]
*2011–16 [[April McMahon]]
*2016–17 John Grattan (acting)
*2017–2023 [[Elizabeth Treasure]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Aberystwyth University appoints new vice chancellor|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-38325875|publisher=BBC News|access-date=28 January 2017|date=15 December 2016}}</ref>
*2024– [[Jon Timmis]]<ref>{{cite web |title=New Vice-Chancellor appointed to Aberystwyth University |publisher=Aberystwyth University |date=9 October 2023 |url=https://aber.ac.uk/en/news/archive/2023/10/title-267160-en.html?bblinkid=272720226&bbemailid=49784128&bbejrid=-1490548171 |access-date=11 October 2023 }}</ref>
{{div col end}}

'''Academics'''
{{see also|Category:Academics of Aberystwyth University}}
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
<!-- Please add new names in Alpha order on Surname. Only add people who have an article page (WP:Nlist) that confirms they were staff at Aberystwyth University -->
*[[Henry Bird (artist)|Henry Bird]], Lecturer in Art History (1936–41)
*[[Ken Booth (academic)|Ken Booth]], Professor of International Politics
*[[Mary Brebner]], Lecturer in Modern Languages and Latin (1898–1919)
*[[E. H. Carr|Edward Carr]], Historian, [[Woodrow Wilson]] Professor of International Politics
*[[Henry Walford Davies|Sir Henry Walford Davies]], [[Master of the King's Music]]
*[[John Davies (historian)|John Davies]], Welsh historian
*[[Hannah Dee]], Lecturer in Computer Science
*[[R. Geraint Gruffydd]], Chair of Welsh Language and Literature (1970–79)
*[[Joanne Hamilton]], Professor of Zoology and Parasitology
*[[David Russell Hulme]], Director of Music (1992–), conductor, musicologist
*[[Bobi Jones|Robert Maynard Jones]], Chair of Welsh Language (1980)
*[[Gwenallt|D. Gwenallt Jones]], poet, Welsh Lecturer
*[[Leopold Kohr]], Economist, Political Scientist
*[[Dennis Lindley]], Professor of Statistics (1960–67)
*[[David John de Lloyd]], Gregynog Professor of Music, composer
*[[Alec Muffett]], Systems Programmer (1988–92)
*[[Charles Musselwhite]], Professor of Psychology (2021-)
*[[Lily Newton]], Professor of Botany
*[[Ian Parrott]], Gregynog Professor of Music (1950–83), composer, musicologist
*[[Joseph Parry]], Professor of Music, composer, conductor
*[[T. H. Parry-Williams|Sir Thomas Herbert Parry-Williams]], poet, Professor of Welsh (1920–52)
*[[F. Gwendolen Rees]] [[Fellow of the Royal Society|FRS]] Professor of Zoology
*[[Huw Rees]] FRS (1923–2009), Geneticist<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jones|first1=R. Neil|title=Biographical Memoires|url=http://rsbm.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/roybiogmem/56/359.full.pdf|publisher=Royal Society|access-date=28 May 2017}}</ref>
*[[William Rubinstein]], Professor of History
*[[Marie Breen Smyth]], Reader in Political Violence, International Politics
*[[Howard Thomas (scientist)|Howard 'Sid' Thomas]], Professor of Botany
*[[Richard Marggraf Turley]], Professor of Engagement with the Public Imagination
*[[Marjorie Williamson|Dame Marjorie Williamson]], Principal, [[Royal Holloway College|Royal Holloway]], [[University of London|London]] (1962–73)
*[[Richard Henry Yapp]], botanist
{{div col end}}

==Alumni==
{{see also|Category:Alumni of Aberystwyth University}}
{{unreferenced section|date=September 2024}}

'''Royalty'''

{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
<!-- Please add new names in Alpha order on Name listing British Royals first, followed by other Royals, then others. Only add people who have an article page (WP:NLIST) that confirms they attended Aberystwyth University -->
*[[Charles III]], King of the United Kingdom
*[[Tunku Muhriz]] Ibni Almarhum Tunku Munawir, 11th [[Yamtuan Besar|Yang Di Pertuan Besar]] (Grand Ruler) of [[Negeri Sembilan]], [[Malaysia]] (2008–present)
*[[Tunku Naquiyuddin]], Tunku Laksamana of [[Negeri Sembilan]], [[Malaysia]] (Regent: 1994–99)
*[[Ahmad Tejan Kabbah]], 3rd President of [[Sierra Leone]] (1996–7)

'''Academia'''
<!-- Please add new names in Alpha order on Surname, Only add people who have an article page (WP:NLIST) that confirms they attended Aberystwyth University -->
*[[E. G. Bowen]], geographer
*Sir [[Edward Collingwood]], mathematician, scientist
*[[Alan Cox (computer programmer)|Alan Cox]], programmer (major contributor to the [[Linux kernel]], 1980s)
*[[David James Davies|D. J. Davies]], economist, socialist, [[Plaid Cymru]] activist
*[[Natasha Devon]], writer, mental health activist
*[[Andrew Gordon (naval historian)|Andrew Gordon]], naval historian
*[[Harry Hallam (academic)|Harry Evans Hallam]], chemist
*Sir [[Deian Hopkin]], historian
*[[David Russell Hulme]], director of music (from 1992), conductor
*[[Rhiannon Ifans]], Welsh and Celtic medieval specialist, author
*[[Christine James]], first female [[Archdruid|Archdruid of Wales]]
*[[David Gwilym James]] vice-chancellor, [[University of Southampton]] 1952–65
*[[Emrys Jones (geographer)|Emrys Jones]], professor of geography, [[London School of Economics]]
*[[T. Harri Jones]], poet
*[[Roy Kift]], dramatist, writer
*[[Mary King (professor)|Mary King]], political scientist
*[[Michael MccGwire]], international relations specialist, naval commander
*[[Twm Morys]], poet
*[[Tavi Murray]], glaciologist, [[Polar Medal]]list
*[[Ernest Charles Nelson]], botanist
*[[David Hughes Parry]], [[vice-chancellor]], [[London University|University of London]] (1945–48)
*[[T. H. Parry-Williams]], poet, author, academic
*[[Frederick Soddy]], [[List of Nobel laureates in Chemistry|Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry]] (1921)
*[[Vaughan Southgate]] [[OBE]] [[Deputy lieutenant|DL]] [[Fellow of the Linnean Society|PPFLS]] [[Royal Society of Medicine|FRSM]] [[Royal Society of Biology|FRSB]] [[Zoological Society of London|FZS]] (born 1944), parasitologist<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ukwhoswho.com/view/10.1093/ww/9780199540884.001.0001/ww-9780199540884-e-253953|title=Southgate, Dr Vaughan Robert, (born 13 May 1944), OBE 2020; DL; FZS, FRSB; President, Linnean Society of London, 2009–12|website=WHO'S WHO & WHO WAS WHO|doi=10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.U253953|isbn=978-0-19-954088-4}}</ref>
*[[John Meurig Thomas|Sir John Meurig Thomas]] FRS, chemist, professor, author
*[[Paul Thomas (university administrator)|Paul Thomas]], founding vice-chancellor, [[University of the Sunshine Coast]]
*Sir [[Nigel Thrift]], geographer, vice chancellor, [[Warwick University|University of Warwick]]
*[[David John Williams]], writer
*Sir [[Glanmor Williams]], historian
*[[John Tudno Williams]], theologian
*[[Waldo Williams]], poet
*[[William Richard Williams (theologian)|William Richard Williams]], theologian
*[[Gladys Mary Wrigley]] (1885–1975) geographer and editor, ''Geographical Review''

'''Law'''
<!-- Please add new names in Alpha order on Surname, Only add people who have an article page (WP:NLIST) that confirms they were attended  Aberystwyth University -->
*[[Salleh Abas]], [[Lord President of the Federal Court]], [[Malaysia]] (1984–88)
*[[Belinda Ang]], judge, [[Supreme Court of Singapore]] (2003–)
*[[Alun Talfan Davies|Sir Alun Talfan Davies]], judge, publisher
*[[Sir Ellis Ellis-Griffith, 1st Baronet|Sir Ellis Ellis-Griffith, 1st Bt]], barrister, [[Liberal Party (UK)|Liberal]] politician
*[[Iris de Freitas Brazao]], first female prosecuting lawyer in the Caribbean
*[[Samuel Thomas Evans|Sir Samuel Thomas Evans]], barrister, judge, [[Liberal Party (UK)|Liberal]] politician
*[[Elwyn Jones, Baron Elwyn-Jones|Elwyn, Lord Elwyn-Jones]], [[lord chancellor]] (1974–79)
*[[John Morris, Baron Morris of Aberavon|John, Lord Morris of Aberavon]], [[Attorney General for England and Wales|attorney general]] (1997–99)
*[[Nor Hashimah Taib]], [[Attorney General of Brunei]] (since 2024)

'''Civil servants'''
<!-- Please add new names in Alpha order on Surname, Only add people who have an article page (WP:NLIST) that confirms they were attended  Aberystwyth University -->
*[[Timothy Brain]], [[Gloucestershire Constabulary|Chief Constable for Gloucestershire]] (2001–10)
*Sir [[Goronwy Daniel]], civil servant, academic

'''Politics'''
<!-- Please add new names in Alpha order on Surname, Only add people who have an article page (WP:NLIST) that confirms they were attended  Aberystwyth University -->
*[[Shaun Bailey (West Bromwich MP)|Shaun Bailey]], Conservative MP
*[[Joe Borg]], [[European Union]] [[European Commissioner for Oceans and Fisheries|oceans and fisheries commissioner]] (2004–10)<ref>{{cite book |last=Perraton |first=Hilary |date=1 October 2015 |title=Learning Abroad: A History of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CijXCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA168 |publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing |page=168 |isbn=978-1443880633 }}</ref>
*[[Roderic Bowen]], [[Liberal Party (UK)|Liberal]] MP, [[Speaker of the House of Commons (United Kingdom)|Commons deputy speaker]]
*[[Nick Bourne|Nicholas, Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth]], [[Welsh Conservatives|Welsh Conservative leader]] (1999–2011)
*[[Rehman Chishti]], [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]] (2010–), [[Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office|special envoy]] (2019–20)
*[[David Davies, 1st Baron Davies]], [[Liberal Party (UK)|Liberal]] politician, philanthropist<ref>{{cite book |title= Burke's Peerage, Baronetage & Knighthood|publisher=Burke's Peerage & Gentry |editor= Mosley, Charles |editor-link=Charles Mosley (genealogist) |edition=107 |year= 2003 |pages=1049–1050 |ref=Burke |isbn=0-9711966-2-1|title-link=Burke's Peerage }}</ref>
*[[Glyn Davies (British politician)|Glyn Davies]], [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]]
*[[Gwilym Prys Davies, Baron Prys-Davies|Gwilym Prys Davies, Lord Prys-Davies]], [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] peer (1982–2015)
*[[Gwynfor Evans]], first [[Plaid Cymru]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]]
*[[Vaughan Gething]], [[First Minister of Wales]] (2024)
*[[Steve Gilbert]], [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrat]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]] (2010–15)
*[[Siân Gwenllian]], [[Plaid Cymru]] [[Member of the Senedd|AM]]
*[[Neil Hamilton (politician)|Neil Hamilton]], [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]] and [[Member of the Senedd|AM]], barrister
*[[Sylvia Hermon]], [[Ulster Unionist]] politician
*[[Emlyn Hooson, Baron Hooson]], [[Liberal Party (UK)|Liberal]] politician
*[[Cledwyn Hughes, Baron Cledwyn of Penrhos]], [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] politician
*[[Hishammuddin Hussein]], [[Minister of Defence (Malaysia)|defence minister]], [[Malaysia]], (2021–)
*[[Dan Jarvis]], [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]]
*[[Bethan Jenkins]], [[Plaid Cymru]] [[Member of the Senedd|AM]] for [[South Wales West (Senedd Cymru electoral region)|South Wales West]]
*[[Carwyn Jones]], [[First Minister of Wales]] (2009–18), [[Member of the Senedd|AM]] for [[Bridgend]]
*[[Gerry MacLochlainn]] [[Sinn Féin]] politician
*[[John Morris, Baron Morris of Aberavon]], [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] politician
*[[Elystan Morgan, Baron Elystan-Morgan]], [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]]
*[[Roland Moyle]], [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]], parliamentary private secretary to [[Clement Attlee]]
*[[Zack Polanski]], [[Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=McNicholls Vale |first1=Julie |title=Former Aberystwyth student rejoins climate change protests following arrest |url=https://www.cambrian-news.co.uk/news/former-aberystwyth-student-rejoins-climate-change-protests-following-arrest-105352 |access-date=4 November 2025 |work=The Cambrian News |date=2 May 2019}}</ref>
*[[Will Quince]], [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]]
*[[Dan Rogerson]], [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrat]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]]
*[[Liz Saville Roberts]], [[Plaid Cymru]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]], and Westminster Leader (2017–)
*[[Molly Scott Cato]], [[Green Party of England and Wales|Green Party]] [[Member of the European Parliament|MEP]]
*[[Ahmed Shaheed]], [[Cabinet of the Maldives|minister for foreign affairs]], [[Republic of the Maldives|Maldives]]
*[[Virginijus Sinkevičius]], [[European Union]] [[European Commissioner for the Environment|environment commissioner]] (2019–)<ref>{{cite web|title=Biography|url=http://www.vrk.lt/2016-seimo/rezultatai?srcUrl=/rinkimai/102/rnk426/kandidatai/lrsKandidatasBiografija_rkndId-1102434.html|publisher=The Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Lithuania|access-date=10 October 2017|language=lt}}</ref>
*[[Bob Stewart (politician)|Bob Stewart]], [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]]
*[[Gareth Thomas (Welsh politician)|Gareth Thomas]], [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]]
*[[Gareth Thomas (English politician)|Gareth Thomas]], [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]]
* [[Liz Twist]] (born 1956), Labour MP [[Blaydon (UK Parliament constituency)|Blaydon]] 
*[[Mark Williams (politician)|Mark Williams]], [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrat]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]], [[Welsh Liberal Democrats|Welsh LD Leader]] (2016–17)
*[[Mike Wood (Conservative politician)|Mike Wood]], [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]]
*[[Steven Woolfe]], [[UK Independence Party]] [[Member of the European Parliament|MEP]]

'''Business'''
<!-- Please add new names in Alpha order on Surname, Only add people who have an article page (WP:NLIST) that confirms they were attended  Aberystwyth University -->
*[[Lance Batchelor]], [[Chief executive officer|CEO]], [[Domino's Pizza Group|Domino's Pizza]] and [[Saga Group|Saga]]
*[[Geoff Drabble]], [[Chief executive officer|CEO]], [[Ashtead Group|Ashtead]]
*[[Belinda Earl]], [[Chief executive officer|CEO]], [[Debenhams]] and [[Jaeger (clothing)|Jaeger]]
*[[Tom Singh]], owner and [[Chief executive officer|CEO]], [[New Look (store)|New Look]]

'''Sports'''
<!-- Please add new names in Alpha order on Surname, Only add people who have an article page (WP:Nlist) that confirms they were attended  Aberystwyth University -->
*[[Cath Bishop]], professional rower, civil servant
*[[John Dawes]], [[Rugby union|Rugby]] player, captain of Wales and British Lions
*[[Carwyn James]], Wales and British and Irish Lions [[Rugby union|Rugby]] coach (1949?–51)
*[[Wyn Jones (rugby union)|Wyn Jones]], Wales and British and Irish Lions [[Rugby union|Rugby]] player
*[[Leigh Richmond Roose]], international footballer
*[[Berwyn Price]], gold medal [[1978 Commonwealth Games|Commonwealth Games]] (1978)
*[[Angela Tooby]], silver medal, [[1988 IAAF World Cross Country Championships|World Cross-Country Championships]] (1988)

'''Arts and entertainment'''
<!-- Please add new names in alpha order on surname. Only add people who have an article page (WP:Nlist) that confirms they were attended  Aberystwyth University -->
*[[Dorothy Bonarjee]], Indian poet, artist
*[[Neil Brand]], writer, composer, silent film accompanist
*[[Harry Brewis]], British [[video essayist]], [[YouTube personality]]
* [[Seth Clabough]], American novelist, academic
*[[Shân Cothi]], operatic singer, actress
*[[Jane Green (author)|Jane Green]], author
*[[Sarah Hall (writer)|Sarah Hall]], writer, poet
*[[David Russell Hulme]], conductor, musicologist
*[[Aneirin Hughes]], actor
*[[Emrys James]], actor
*[[Eveline Annie Jenkins]] (1893–1976), botanical artist 
*[[Alex Jones (Welsh presenter)|Alex Jones]], presenter, [[BBC One|BBC One TV programme]], ''[[The One Show]]'' (2010–)
*[[Melih Kibar]], Turkish composer
*[[Alun Lewis (poet)|Alun Lewis]], Second World War writer, poet
*[[Caryl Lewis]], novelist
*[[Rick Lloyd]], musician (Y Blew, Flying Pickets)
*[[Hayley Long]], fiction writer
*[[Sharon Maguire]], film director, ''Bridget Jones's Diary''
*[[Matt McCooey]], actor
*[[Alan Mehdizadeh]], actor, ''[[Billy Elliot the Musical]]''
*[[Robert Minhinnick]], poet, essayist, novelist, translator
*[[Amy Parry-Williams]] (1910–1988), singer, writer
*[[Esther Pilkington]], performance artist
*[[Jan Pinkava]], Oscar-winning animated film director
*[[Rachel Roberts (actress)|Rachel Roberts]], actress
*[[Lisa Surihani]], Malaysian actress
*[[Richard Roberts (theologian)|Richard Roberts]], theologian, pacifist
*[[Harry Venning]], cartoonist, writer

'''Journalism'''
*[[Gareth Jones (journalist)|Gareth Jones]], journalist, publicised the [[Holodomor]] committed by the [[USSR]] against the Ukrainian people.
*[[David Nicholas (journalist)|Sir David Nicholas]], journalist and [[ITN]] chief executive and chairman
*[[Jonathan Moyle]], journalist, [[RAF]] pilot and alleged [[MI6]] agent.
*[[Ed Zitron]], technology writer and public relations specialist.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 11, 2012 |title=Jillian Knapp, Edward Zitron |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/11/fashion/weddings/jillian-knapp-edward-zitron-weddings.html |access-date=March 26, 2025 |work=[[The New York Times]] |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
{{div col end}}

==Gallery==
{{Gallery
|height=100
|title=
|align=center
| File:Aberystwyth University Old College 12.jpg
 |alt1=
 |[[Old College, Aberystwyth]]
| File:International Politics Building, Aberystwyth University.jpg
 |alt2=
 |International Politics Building
| File:Aberystwyth University, School of Art Museum & Gallery.jpg
 |alt3=
 |School of Art Museum and Gallery
| File:Aberystwyth Seafront.JPG
 |alt4=
 | [[Old College, Aberystwyth]]
| File:Neuadd Campfa Prifysgol Aberystwyth.jpg
 |alt5=
 | Sports Hall
| File:Aberystwyth University Studio.jpg
 |alt6=
 | University Studio
| File:Aberystwyth University - Penglais Campus.jpg
 |alt7=
 | Penglais Campus
| File:Thomas Parry Library, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth - geograph.org.uk - 558838.jpg
 |alt8=
 | [[Thomas Parry Library]]
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Wales}}
*[[Aberystwyth Arts Centre]]
*[[Armorial of UK universities]]
*[[List of modern universities in Europe (1801–1945)]]
*[[List of universities in the United Kingdom]]
*[[List of universities in Wales]]
*[[Thomas Parry Library]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*Iwan Morgan (ed.), ''The College by the Sea'' (Aberystwyth, 1928)
*E.L. Ellis, ''The University College of Wales, Aberystwyth: 1872–1972'', University of Wales Press {{ISBN|978-0-7083-1930-7}} (2004)
*Ben Bowen Thomas, ''"Aber" 1872–1972'' (University of Wales Press, 1972)
*J Roger Webster, ''Old College Aberystwyth: The Evolution of a High Victorian Building'' (University of Wales Press, 1995)
*Emrys Wynn Jones, ''Fair may your future be: the story of the Aberystwyth Old Students' Association 1892–1992'' ([[Aberystwyth Old Students' Association]], 1992)

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/ Aberystwyth University] – University official website
*[https://www.abersu.co.uk/ Aberystwyth Students' Union] – Students' Union website 
*[https://www.osaaber.org/about-the-osa Aberystwyth Old Students' Association] – Alumni Association website

{{Aberystwyth University}}
{{Universities and colleges in Wales}}
{{Universities in the United Kingdom}}
{{Ceredigion}}
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[[Category:Aberystwyth University| ]]
[[Category:Percy Thomas buildings]]
[[Category:Aberystwyth]]
[[Category:1872 establishments in Wales]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Aberystwyth]]
[[Category:Universities UK]]
[[Category:Registered historic parks and gardens in Ceredigion]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1872]]