| Updated On - Sep 15, 2025
Swansea University is a reputable public research university in Swansea, United Kingdom. It is a mid-range institution with around 15,000 undergraduate students. The admissions are very competitive, with an overall acceptance rate of around 14%. Major programs include Engineering, Medicine, Business, Law, and Environmental Science. The six-year graduation rate stands at around 81%, and Swansea graduates receive a median salary of about INR 6,50,000 (around £6,500 median income ten years after graduation).
Bournemouth University is a well-known public university located in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. The university is big, with approximately 16,000 undergraduate students. Admissions are relatively open, with an overall acceptance rate of around 50%. Typical majors consist of Media, Business, Tourism, Computing, and Health Sciences. The six-year graduation percentage is around 70%, and Bournemouth graduates get a median initial salary of approximately INR 5,50,000 (around £5,700 median income a decade after graduation).
| Swansea University | Bournemouth University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.3 Out of 10 | 4.2 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 32 The Guardian 2026 # 292 QS World University 2026 # 301 Times Higher Education 2026 | # 112 The Guardian 2026 # 401 Times Higher Education 2026 # 801 QS World University 2026 |
| Subject Strength | # 220 for Engineering by QS World University 2025 # 301 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 54 for Law by The Guardian 2026 | # 251 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2023 # 614 for Medicine by US News 2022 # 54 for Law by The Guardian 2026 |
| Programs | UG Programs -154 PG Programs -77 | UG Programs -102 PG Programs -44 Doctorate Programs -1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 14.0 % | 50.0 % |
| Exam Score | GMAT-590 IELTS-6 PTE-67 TOEFL-88 | IELTS-6.5 TOEFL-78 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 17649 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 29744 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 8325 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 17961.2 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 19267.4 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 8938 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: LLM: $53,000 Doctorate: $51,000 Masters in Management: $48,000 Bachelor of Science: $36,000 Masters in Science: $35,000 Bachelor of Arts: $30,000 | Some programs and the average salary:
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| application requirements | Submit English language proficiency scores Check program specific requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit English language proficiency Check program specific requirements |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.2/10 Read 13 reviews | 6.7/10 Read 2 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 54 for Law by The Guardian 2026 # 101 for Law by QS World University 2025 # 101 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 54 for Law by The Guardian 2026 |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6/9PTE - 67/90TOEFL - 88/120 | IELTS - 6.0/9PTE - 62/90TOEFL - 78/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -15706 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -17089.3 |
| application dates | Oct 30, 2024 (Application Deadline For January Intake) Aug 28, 2025 (Application Deadline For September Intake) | Jun 30, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) |
| ranking | # 93 for Business by The Guardian 2026 # 151 for Business by QS World University 2026 # 176 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 103 for Business by The Guardian 2026 # 300 for Business by QS World University 2026 # 201 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9 | IELTS - 6.5/9 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -19000 |
| application dates | Jun 30, 2025 (Application Deadline for University accommodation) Jul 30, 2025 (Application Deadline For September 2025 Intake) Aug 13, 2025 (Fee Deposit Deadline For September 2025 Intake) Aug 20, 2025 (Document Submission Deadline for September 2025 intake) Nov 26, 2025 (Application Deadline For January 2026 Intake) Dec 3, 2025 (Fee Deposit Deadline For January 2026 Intake) Dec 10, 2025 (Document Submission Deadline for January 2026 intake) | Sep 21, 2026 (Course Duration for September 2025-26 Intake) Jun 4, 2027 (Course Duration for January 2025-26 Intake) Sep 21, 2027 (Course Duration for September 2026-27 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Swansea University | Bournemouth University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1920 | 1992 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 17:1 |
| Male:Female | 55% Male, 45% Female | 43% Male, 57% Female |
| Location Facts | Swansea University has operated as a dual-campus university with the 'Park Campus' located in its traditional Singleton Park grounds, and the Bay Campus, at Crymlyn Burrows. | Bournemouth University has two campuses: Talbot Campus and Lansdowne Campus. The Talbot Campus is situated at Fern Barrow on the Poole side of the boundary with Bournemouth. The Lansdowne Campus is just outside Bournemouth's town centre, housing three teaching and administrative buildings, the students' union nightclub and various halls of residence located around Christchurch Road, Oxford Road and Holdenhurst Road. |
| Library | Swansea University Libraries and Archives provide high-quality information services for all students and staff, as well as the public, constantly developing these services to support the University's learning, teaching, research and corporate activities. All Libraries and Archives are open to all. Singleton Campus Library is the largest of the university Libraries, located at the Singleton Campus. The Library's collection is multidisciplinary, however it primarily serves the Colleges of Arts and Humanities, Science, Medicine, Law, and Human and Health Sciences. The other libraries are Bay campus library, South Wales Miners library, Banwen library and St. David’s library. | Library at the university provides various resources like e-books, journals, publications etc. |
| Campus Life | Swansea University Students' Union is the students' union for Swansea University. Known as the SU, it supports more than 170 student clubs including African-Caribbean, Chinese, Hellenic and Indian societies, among others. The Union runs student bars and nightclubs, a travel shop offering trips around the UK and Europe, a radio station, nursery, launderette and shops. Sport Swansea offers more than 50 sports clubs and has over 5000 active members, covering sports ranging from rugby and aikido, dodgeball, and hockey to tae kwon do. |
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| Hostel | #Rent - $8325 | #Room - $8146 |
| Famous Alumni | Ron Jones, Director of Tinopolis Peter Black, MS for South Wales West Shekhar Dutt, Former governor of the Indian state of Chhattisgarh | Bournemouth University has a comprehensive list of alumni. These alumni add to the value of the University ten times. Notable alumni include:
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| City Life | Swansea, in the south of Wales, is fast becoming one of the most popular places to live in the UK. It is both a city and a county, with a population of 244,500. This waterfront location is a vibrant and desirable modern city: offering a great urban lifestyle alongside beautiful coastline and beaches. Swansea is actually Wales’ second most populated city and county, offering all the benefits and amenities of a built-up urban environment, alongside a 5 mile stretch of pristine sandy coastline. Swansea is a proud Welsh city: much like the rest of Wales, there is a strong sense of patriotism. In fact, 13% of the population of Swansea county now speaks Welsh, and there’s been a resurgence of Welsh only speaking schools as a result. If you’re a fan of the performing arts and music, Swansea is for you. The city is home to multiple live music venues, showcasing everything from small gigs to orchestral performances. Annually, the city hosts a number of different festivals, attracting artists from across Wales and the UK. The city is lively and fun. with recent investment and development creating a sense of revived creativity. New regeneration is planned which will only increase the popularity of the city, the amenities, and modernity in Swansea. The city council has focussed on creating a culture of creativity and an emphasis on attracting tech led businesses. The Kingsway Digital Village will create workspaces designed for small businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs. | Poole is home to Europe’s largest natural harbour and some of the best beaches in the UK, located just three miles away from the main town. In the Old Town and Quayside you will discover a rich maritime history waiting to be explored. Poole is home to a thriving community of undergraduate students who connect with one another, enjoy their passions and build their resumes through student organizations, events, service opportunities, social activities and more. There’s a place for everyone here, and we can help you find it. |
Swansea University vs Bournemouth University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Swansea University and Bournemouth University are both reputable UK universities but vary in terms of global ranking and academic reputation. Bournemouth University is ranked in the 801–850 band in the QS World University Rankings 2026, whereas Swansea University is ranked 292 globally. In the US News Global Rankings 2026, Bournemouth ranks 797 globally, while Swansea ranks 427 globally. In THE World University Rankings 2026, Bournemouth University falls within the 401–500 category, while Swansea falls within the 301–350 band. Swansea is specifically well known for research in the fields of engineering, materials science, health science, and creative industries, while Bournemouth University is most famous for media, business, health sciences, and applied social sciences with emphasis on industry partnership and professional practice.
General Information
Bournemouth University was established in 1992 as a public university in Bournemouth, England, catering to approximately 18,000 students. It is particularly devoted to vocational and practical education, with a strong focus on industry collaborations, particularly in media, business, and health sciences.
Swansea University, established in 1920, is a public research-intensive university in Swansea, Wales, with around 20,000 students. It is renowned for research-led teaching, and it has famous programs in engineering, health sciences, and creative technologies, and a strong emphasis on applied research and innovation.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Bournemouth University has an acceptance rate of 50% and is thus moderately selective and open to a wide population of students, particularly those undertaking professional and vocational studies. Swansea University is more selective with a 14% acceptance rate and this is indicative of its emphasis on academic merit and research potential. Both institutions assess candidates on the basis of academic performance, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and other parameters, but Swansea would be more inclined towards assessing research potential whereas Bournemouth looks for practical competencies and alignment with industry.
Research Impact & Facilities
Swansea University is research-driven, with major research outputs in engineering, health science, and creative industries. It provides state-of-the-art research facilities and laboratories, emphasizing the integration of academic research with practical uses as well as collaborations with industries.
Bournemouth University has a strong focus on applied research, especially in media, business, health, and social sciences. It emphasizes real-world research projects with strong industry links to promote innovation and employability, although its research impact is narrower and less internationally acclaimed than that of Swansea's.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both universities present relatively competitive fees with private institutions, as international and domestic fees differ by program. Swansea University's fees are slightly higher as it is research-oriented, while Bournemouth University provides value for money through the provision of career-focused and industry-based programs. Both present multiple scholarships, grants, and financial aid, with the aim of targeting international students and academic performers.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Swansea University graduates perform well in the engineering, healthcare, creative industries, and research fields, typically thanks to strong academic reputation and industry links, which lead to employment within the UK and overseas.
Graduates of Bournemouth University excel in media, business, health science, and applied social science careers, facilitated by effective industry links and vocational courses. Employability is a focus at the university, and many graduates are employed in relevant professional and creative careers.
