Cardiff University

Cardiff University is one of the most famous universities in Britain. It combines scientific research, a modern powerful material base, innovative teaching technologies. The University of Cardiff is in TOP-15 of the best universities in England and among leading educational institutions of the world. University educational programs are recognized by more than 40 professional organizations.

The University is a member of the elite group of Universities Russell. It attracts foreign students with high quality of educational services, the level of teaching, and great opportunities for academic and professional development.

A leading Welsh university is considered to be international. Located in the intercultural city of Cardiff, it offers its students a multinational environment and the values ​​of cosmopolitanism.

Cardiff University is a public institution in Wales, one of the 24 best universities in the United Kingdom — Russel Group. The university occupies a leading position in many rankings of the country and the world due to many factors: the number of foreign students, a large-scale network of cooperation, research activities, the modernity of teaching methods, and others.

The history of Cardiff University began in 1883 with the founding of the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire. Over the next century, the institution has grown in size and number of students, and has undergone several mergers with other universities to represent today one of the best places for higher education in the UK.

Students come to Cardiff University to gain qualifications in undergraduate and postgraduate programs, to improve their level of English in special courses. The teaching staff of the university is represented by the best employees with high qualifications, extensive experience in teaching and research. Thanks to the mentoring project, small classes by the standards of universities are in a caring atmosphere in which they are not the only ones interested in their academic success.

Kevin McDonnell

Specialist in International Students of the University of Sussex

What advice do you have for those aspiring to attend top UK universities?

Thoroughly research your chosen university, including tuition fees, as these can vary widely. Prepare well for English proficiency tests like IELTS, which are essential for admission to any UK university. Focus on your preferred courses, checking their specific academic requirements, and ensure you are well-prepared in those areas.

International students of undergraduate programs can study abroad for one to two semesters, gaining a truly unique, international educational experience. Thanks to cooperation with higher education institutions in Wyoming, Xiamen, Bremen, Namibia, students have the opportunity to learn about the cultures of other countries, improve language skills, broaden their horizons, gain competitive knowledge and an international degree.

Cardiff University has three specialized colleges, each of which includes academic schools.

College of Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences:

• Business
• English, Communication, Philosophy,
• Geography, Planning,
• History, Archaeology, Religion,
• Journalism, Media, Culture,
• Law, Policy,
• Modern Languages,
• Music
• Social Sciences,
• Welsh language.

College of Biomedicine, Life Sciences:

• Biological Sciences,
• Stomatology
• Medical Sciences,
• Medicine
• Optometry, Vision Sciences,
• Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences,
• Psychology.

College of Physical Sciences, Engineering:

• Architecture
• Chemistry
• Informatics
• Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences,
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Physics, astronomy.

As part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), 90% of Cardiff University's research has been recognised as world-leading, internationally excellent, making it one of  the top 20 universities in the UK for overall research quality. The world's leading research community, with a strong, broad research base, boasts:

• Top 20 UK universities for overall research quality (19th), impact (11th), environment (16th),
• No. 14 in the country in terms of research capacity,
• Research grants and contracts awarded in 2019-2020 exceeded £150,000,000  ,
• The university has won seven prizes in honour of the Queen's anniversary,
• No. 3 in the UK for the success of spinouts for two years in a row,
• No. 5 in terms of the total number of intellectual property licenses,
• No. 17 in the UK in terms of turnover (£21,300,000  ) among all active alumni startups.

For all the years of teaching, the educational institution has produced two Nobel Prize winners: Professor Sir Martin Evans (genetics), Professor Robert Huber (chemistry).

Cardiff University is a Welsh institution with a global approach, in which the Welsh language is built into the teaching structure. It strives to promote and glorify the Welsh language in all its activities.

Cardiff is the capital, government and administrative centre of Wales' fledgling democracy, whose official languages are English and Welsh. It is a young, dynamic, global city, built by communities of immigrants from all corners of the world, from all corners of the UK and Wales. Welsh, English and a host of others are an integral part of its identity. 

Welsh's inclusive strategy, dubbed Yr Alwad/Embrace It, is both a commitment and an invitation, building on existing initiatives, networks, and campus activities. The main goals and achievements of the university:

• The Welsh Language Academy is an institute of Cardiff University that brings together those who study the Welsh language,
• There are more than 40 Welsh Language Champions among the staff. The role of Welsh Language Champion includes helping to develop a support manual, facilitating effective bilingual services for staff, students, the public,
• More than 1000 students study modules in Welsh,
• Up to 100 courses, some or all of which are offered in Welsh,
• Contributing to the improvement of the quality of research, teaching and employer relations, which are the basis for ensuring a skilled bilingual working environment in key areas in Wales,
• A large number of Welsh-speaking citizens study here. Students can choose a personal tutor who speaks Welsh and even take language exams. 

The university offers its students accommodation in residences not far from campuses. Residential buildings are equipped with single rooms with private facilities. It is also possible to accommodate in rooms without a bath. Facilities are located on floors, 1 block for 6 students.

No food is provided in the university. There is everything necessary for self-service in the residences. Students can also eat in cafes and canteens on campuses.

Subject list: Art, engineering, Medicine, physics

The social life of students at the University of Cardiff is rich and varied. There are more than 140 political, public, cultural societies (unions) working in the university. Attention of students during off-hour time is offered to Cardiff and other cities of Britain, creative electives, entertaining activities - from discotheques to large-scale show programs. Special attention is paid to sports in the university. Cardiff University has 60 sports sections and clubs.

Daily routine

Regular day of a student at Cardiff University includes:

• Academic studies
• Electives
• Self-study
• Sports and entertainment.

The schedule is made for each course and group at the beginning of the semester.

• Cardiff University is a highly ranked university with a wide range of educational programs. Here you can get a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree in public, humanitarian, biomedical, physical sciences, engineering.
• University diplomas are recognized by employers all over the world.
• Highly qualified pedagogical staff works with students at the university. Each of them is a specialist in the relevant field of activity. Teachers use traditional and author's teaching methods, practice an interdisciplinary approach to the transfer of academic knowledge.
• The institution is conveniently located. Multicultural Cardiff, spoken in 94 languages, is considered to be a tourist pearl of Wales. Here, every foreign student can feel at home.
• This is not only a high level of academic preparation, but also a rich social life. Extra-curricular programs are developed taking into account interests of modern students.

The infrastructure is represented by two campuses: the Heath Park and the Cateiz Park. On their territory there are educational buildings with modern auditoriums, laboratories, libraries, student unions occupying separate buildings, public, sports facilities. Also in the infrastructure of the University there are 14 residences. Each is not more than 2 km from the campus.

Studying season lasts from September to June.

The admission procedure consists of going through several stages:

• Choosing a course, checking the requirements for new students,
• Filling out the online application, providing the necessary documents,
• Payment of the registration fee,
• Receiving a response from the admissions committee, with the help of which you can apply for a visa,
• Visiting the campus to take possible entrance exams, get to know the teachers,
• Receiving an official invitation to start training.

Cardiff University is on the list of the best universities in the UK and the world, so the selection of new students is quite strict and selective. To enroll, candidates must fully pass the registration stages, successfully complete the interview, and entrance exams. Admissions are in order of ranking based on entry results and previous academic success.

Graduates of Cardiff University are more sought after by employers than students at most other major universities in the UK. In the Times Higher Education Global Employability Rankings, Cardiff University was ranked 12th. 95% of graduates start working or continue their academic journey within six months after completing the program. Today, Cardiff University's network of former students includes 205,000 professionals in 202 countries.

International applicants wishing to enroll in higher education programs must provide:

• Personal documents: passport, health insurance, UK visa or residence permit,
• Certificate of Upper Secondary Education/Bachelor's Degree/Master's Diploma in a Related Field, Grade Cards, Exam Results,
• Certificate confirming the level of English proficiency: IELTS (from 6.5) or equivalent,
• Individual achievements: letters of recommendation, certificates, research, grants, or more.

Depending on the specialization, the requirements may differ slightly, and preparation courses have less stringent entry requirements.

Admission of new students is organized in September.

The university supports its students in all aspects of their student life, including funding their success in studies, sports, scientific research and other areas. Some of the scholarships available are:

• The Chevening Scholarships are a global UK government programme aimed at developing world leaders. It is open to foreign nationals,
• The Fulbright Commission annually presents two awards that allow U.S. citizens to come to study, teach,
• Individual scholarships – increasing the creative and innovative potential of experienced researchers,
• Marshall Scholarships – funds young, bright students by helping them earn a PhD or Master's degree,
• Fundación de Universitarios de Santander – awards for outstanding projects and students, assistance in the implementation of entrepreneurial ideas.

These are just some of the options for supporting successful students: in addition, Cardiff University provides financial assistance to low-income students in difficult situations, as well as helps to obtain a grant, loan or credit from the UK.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision