Good progress on new strategy says Vice-Chancellor

Aberystwyth University’s Vice-Chancellor has said the University is making “good progress” on its plans to establish a sustainable operating model - building an institution that is protected from the challenges facing the higher education sector.

Professor Jon Timmis said that more than six months on from the launch of Strategy 2030s, the University’s vision for its long-term future, a path has been laid for it to build on its reputation for high quality teaching and research and to change lives for the better.

His comments coincided with the publication of the University’s Annual Report for the 2024/25 academic year. The Report details the University’s performance on a number of fronts including teaching, research, financial performance, environmental strategy and how the institution benefits wider society.

The University's financial performance for the year surpassed its targets. The size of its operational, underlying financial deficit was reduced from £8.1 million in 2023/24 to £2.4 million in 2024/25. This is ahead of the £3.0 million target deficit that was planned as the University works towards returning to surplus. Reductions were achieved through the implementation of its Transformation Programme to establish a sustainable operation model, and also an increase in income.

Professor Timmis thanked staff and students at the University for their achievements and hard work.

The University’s highlights for the 2024/25 academic year included:

• The National Student Survey recognising Aberystwyth University as the top institution in Wales for student satisfaction for the tenth year in a row.
• The Times and Sunday Times’ Good University Guide 2025 placing the University as top in Wales for Student Experience.
• Winning funding for research projects spanning climate change, treating diseases affecting more than 200 million people around the world, unlocking the secrets of Stonehenge and exploring broadcasting in a devolved UK.

Universities across the UK remain impacted by the historic freezes on tuition fees for UK-based students, the downturn in the international student recruitment market and lingering effects of high inflation.

Professor Timmis described the improvement in the University’s financial performance as encouraging but stressed that work will continue to ensure the University is a sustainable, flexible and future focused institution.

He said: “I continue to be extremely proud of the achievements and hard work of our staff and students. The 2024/25 academic year was one of many highlights; from us continuing to cement our reputation for high levels of student satisfaction, pushing the boundaries of innovation and knowledge through world-leading research, and promoting the vitality of the Welsh language.

“This has come in spite of challenges that continue to affect the entire higher education sector. Universities across the UK face challenges on a number of fronts from high levels of competition for both domestic and international students, the lingering effects of high inflation, and tuition fees not keeping pace with rising costs.

“We are making good progress on our financial plans and have made significant strides in the right direction on our journey to build a sustainable, flexible and future-focused institution. We continue to generate great benefits for Wales and the wider world – changing lives for the better. This has required a lot of hard work by our staff and I am grateful to them for their contributions.”

Meri Huws, Chair of Aberystwyth University’s Council, added: “The 2024/25 academic year was one of many achievements for Aberystwyth University and I would like to thank both staff and students for the important role they play. I would also like to thank our community of partners for their support and warmth towards us as a University.

“It is clear from the contents of the Annual Report that the plan that was put in place back in 2024 is working. This work is continuing into the current academic year and beyond but what gives me, and my fellow Council members, confidence is that the decisions being taken today will help us make a difference for the years ahead.”

AU1126

Share