Founded by Royal Charter in 1893, the University of Wales has played a substantial role in the development of higher education in Wales. Over the years the University has adapted in order to be in a position to respond to the needs of students, both in Wales and further afield. In October of 2011, the governing bodies of the University of Wales, Swansea Metropolitan University and the University of Wales: Trinity Saint David made a commitment to merge. The three institutions will work together to create a unified institution under the 1828 Charter of the University of Wales: Trinity Saint David.