These are exciting times at Newport's University - with a new name, a brand new look, and a host of exciting new courses due to start in September.

The University of Wales College, Newport (UWCN) officially changed its name to the University of Wales, Newport, in May, following official approval from the Privy Council. "Newport's University is now a full Constituent Institution of the University of Wales," explained Professor James Lusty, the University's Vice-Chancellor. "This enhanced status is clear recognition of the University's long-standing role in higher education in Wales, and takes us a step closer to realising our vision of making Newport a world-class university."

As part of the name change, the School of Business and Management became the Newport Business School and the School of Art Media, and Design became the Newport School of Art, Media and Design.

The new name comes at a time of expansion for the university, which has unveiled plans for an exciting new £60million city centre campus, which could effectively double the number of students and enable it to play a key role in the regeneration of the area.

The University has also achieved an enviable list of accolades in recent months, with the biggest rise of applications of any university in Wales. Figures from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) reveal that 17% more people are applying to be undergraduates at Newport.

It was also the top university in the UK for the number of students enrolling from state schools - and for the second year running, has been rated the best university in Wales for entrepreneurship education.

A host of new courses have been added for the new academic year - including degrees in the performing arts, computer game design, artificial intelligence and psychology.