Cardiff University

Address and Location

Cardiff University is one of the UK's leading research universities and ranked 5th in the UK Research Excellence Framework in 2014. Founded in 1883, the university is a member of the Russell Group and is the 12th largest university in the UK in terms of student numbers, with close to 30,000 students currently studying there.

Background and History 

Founded at the end of the 19th century, Cardiff University was originally named the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire and began life with just 13 academic staff and 102 full-time students. The university officially became known as Cardiff University in 1999.

Location and Accessibility 

Cardiff University operates across two campuses: Cathays Park campus and Heath Park campus. The Cathays Park campus is located around the Civic Centre of Cardiff city and is very easy to get to using many types of public transport. The Heath Park campus shares a 53 acre site with the University Hospital Wales, one of the largest hospitals in the UK. The campus is easily accessible as it is just one mile north of the city centre.

What's on Offer

There are a large number of course on offer at Cardiff University, with over 300 undergraduate courses to choose from. These include: Bachelors and Diplomas, as well as Foundation courses and part-time study and flexible options. There are also a wide range of options for postgraduate students wishing to study at Masters and PhD level.

Entry Requirements 

Entry requirements vary depending upon the course you wish to study. For more information visit the university website or contact them directly.

University Accommodation

Cardiff University has a wide range of options for students who wish to stay in Halls of Residence. The university has 17 different residences to choose from, at a range of different prices, styles and types. These include catered, part-catered and self-catered options, as well as rooms with ensuite bathrooms.  

Private Accommodation 

Cardiff University can provide students who wish to live in private accommodation with a list of university approved houses and flats within the city. This list is free of charge and as a result, students will not have to pay an administration fee for houses on the list. The Student Support Service also offers help to students looking for housing in the private sector.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile 

In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) 87% of Cardiff University's research was rated as world leading. In particular, their Civil and Construction Engineering department was ranked 1st in the UK, while Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience were ranked 2nd. The University is also very strong in Communication, Cultural and Media Studies and Library and Information Management all of which were also ranked 2nd in the UK in terms of quality.

Tuition Fees

All undergraduate courses currently cost £9,000 per year. Fees for postgraduate and international students vary, for more information visit the university website on contact them directly.  

Financial Support 

Cardiff University offers around 100 scholarships to students each year, with each one being worth £3,000. Many of the individual academic schools or also individual scholarships, contact the department you are interested in for more information.

Academic Facilities 

Cardiff University has 16 separate libraries spread over its two campuses, with a total of 3,000 individual study spaces on offer. Selected libraries across the campuses are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are also 25 computer rooms across the campuses and WiFi is available throughout the university. There are also 1.3 million books and journals available throughout the university to help you with your studies.

Other on-site Amenities 

Cardiff University has a wide range of sports facilities and over 60 practising sports clubs. Facilities include: 3 Fitness Suites, 10 football pitches, 6 squash courts,3 rugby pitches and a martial arts dojo. There is also a Day Care Centre for students with children aged 10 weeks to 5 years old.    

Medical and Social Care 

All students who attend Cardiff University must register with a local GP upon arrival at the university. The university also has a dedicated Student Support Centre, designed to assist students with questions regarding money, housing and employment issues. There is also a counselling service available for students and staff as well as a Chaplaincy service and quiet rooms for people of all faiths.

 

What's on in the Area

One of Europe's youngest capital cities, Cardiff is a bustling, metropolitan city, yet it is still small enough to navigate easily. Described by Lonely Planet as the 'epitome of cool', it has a vibrant student culture, with many places to eat, drink and socialise in Cardiff Bay. The Millennium Stadium, the home of Welsh Rugby is also a popular destination for sport and music fans alike.

Moving On 

Graduates of Cardiff University have good employment statistics, with 95% of students entering employment or further education shortly after graduating. 78% of these students obtain graduate level employment, placing the university as 16th in the UK in terms of graduate employment.

 

The Cardiff University building has appeared in Doctor Who, Torchwood and Sherlock.

Cardiff is one of the most affordable top universities in terms of tuition fees and living expenses in the UK.

University President, Professor Sir Martin Evans is a Nobel Prize Winner for Medicine.

Is Cardiff University the place for you?

Come to Cardiff if you want to study at a top research university in a young and compact city, with a vibrant social scene. As a member of the elite Russell Group, a degree from Cardiff University will steer you in the right direction.