The Institute, which has been serving the people of Swansea and the surrounding region for more than 150 years, has submited an application for university title following the recommendation for the award of Taught Degree Awarding Powers. "After a year-long and rigorous inspection from the Quality Assurance Agency we’re now able to apply for university title," said Principal Professor David Warner.

"We now wish to include ‘University’ in our title to better reflect the status we have held for many years now. We are delighted to be able to apply to become the UK’s newest university and Swansea’s second but in fact we have a long tradition of academic excellence stretching back more than 150 years. Our School of Art was established in 1853 and teacher education in 1872."

"This is an exciting development not only for the Institute, but for Swansea and the community at large," added Professor Warner.