All you need to know about Cardiff University

About Cardiff University

Cardiff University is a Welsh public research university in Cardiff. The University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire was founded in 1883 and became a founding college of the University of Wales in 1893. In 1988, the University of Wales College and Cardiff merged with the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology (UWIST). In 1999, it adopted the operating name Cardiff University, which became its legal name in 2005 when it became an independent university awarding its degrees.

Cardiff University is the only Welsh university in the Russell Group of British research universities. Three heads of state or government have attended the university, as have two Nobel laureates, 15 Royal Society fellows,  and 11 Royal Academy of Engineering fellows. Also, seven British Academy fellows, 21 Academy of Medical Sciences fellows, and 34 Academy of Social Sciences fellows were part of the university.

History

The university was founded on October 24, 1883, and formally established by the Royal Charter in 1884. The university was called the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire and was much smaller than it is now.

There were only

• 13 academic staff
• 12 departments
• 102 full-time degree students
• 49 part-time students.

Cardiff was one of the founding institutions of the University of Wales and began awarding degrees in 1893. By 1972, the university was known as University College, Cardiff.

Mergers

In 1988, the university joined the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology (UWIST). Cardiff University became the public name of the university in 1999.

Cardiff merged with the University of Wales College of Medicine in 2004. The College of Medicine was originally part of the University but split off in 1931, making this a reunification.

The Privy Council approved a new Supplemental Charter granting the institution a university status in December 2004. Cardiff University is now the legal name. The university no longer has affiliations with the University of Wales.

Cardiff awarded University of Wales degrees to students admitted before 2005.Since then, students have received degrees from Cardiff University from there on.

Coat of arms

Following the merger with the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology in 1988, the College of Arms granted Cardiff its coat of arms.

The arms include ‘supporters,’ which they rarely grant to universities in heraldry. The crests of the merged institutions inspired the angel and dragon in the university crest.

The prayer for the Church Militant in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer concludes with the motto ‘Gwirionedd, Undod a Chytgord.’ It stands for ‘Truth, Unity, and Concord.’

Campus

The Portland-stone buildings of the university are in the city’s civic center amidst parks and tree-lined avenues. The university draws students from around the world due to its international reputation and commitment to excellence. Cardiff University, established in 1883, combines impressive modern facilities with a dynamic approach to teaching and research.

The university’s academic facilities are centered on Cathays Park in central Cardiff, which houses the university’s grade II listed main building, administrative facilities, and the science library, formerly known as the Drapers’ library. Grade II listed the Bute building, which houses the Welsh School of Architecture, and grade I listed the Glamorgan building, which houses the Cardiff Schools of Planning and Geography and Social Sciences. 

The Redwood Building (named after the Redwood Family of Boverton near Llantwit Major by J. D. R. Thomas in 1978), which houses the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; the law building, which houses the Cardiff Law School; and the biosciences building, which houses both biosciences and medical teaching facilities.

The Queen’s Buildings off Newport Roadhouse the Schools of Engineering, Computer Science and Informatics, Physics and Astronomy, and Journalism, Media, and Culture, while 2 Central Square houses the School of Journalism, Media, and Culture.

The Heath Park campus, based at the University Hospital of Wales, houses several academic facilities. Cardiff University’s School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, School of Healthcare Sciences, and School of Optometry and Vision Sciences are all included.

Cardiff University has 16 libraries, 25 IT suites, and a wi-fi network. In recent years, significant investment has been made in the University estate to increase available facilities for students and staff. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh officially opened a new £44 million Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC) on the Innovation Campus in 2016. The university will spend a further £400 million to expand this innovation campus and build a new Student Life Centre.

Courses

Cardiff students have access to various unique opportunities during their undergraduate studies. Students can participate in international study, volunteering, and work placements through the Global Opportunities Team. Students can also learn a language for free as part of the languages for all initiatives. Welsh lessons also help students experience Cardiff’s diverse cultural environment. These extra services and a dedicated Students’ Union ensure that Cardiff University students have a fantastic time. 

Cardiff University supports undergraduate students throughout their course time. Cardiff University students have access to excellent careers, employability services, and facilities that support student wellbeing, such as the dedicated international Student Support team. 

Schools and colleges

College of arts, humanities, and social sciences

• Business
• English, Communication, and Philosophy
• Geography and Planning
• History, Archaeology, and Religion
• Journalism, Media, and Cultural Studies
• Law and Politics
• Modern Languages
• Music
• Social Sciences
• Welsh

Biomedical and life sciences

• Biosciences
• Dentistry
• Healthcare Sciences
• Medicine
• Optometry and Vision Sciences
• Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education (Wales Deanery)
• Psychology

Physical sciences and engineering

• Architecture
• Chemistry
• Computer Science & Informatics
• Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Physics and Astronomy

Cardiff also has a Doctoral Academy, which combines the work of four previous discipline-based Graduate Schools and the university’s postgraduate research activity.

Rankings

Cardiff is ranked in the top 50 for Architecture or Built Environment, Communication and Media Studies, and Psychology and in the top 100 for Accounting & Finance, Geography, English Language & Literature, Sports Related Subjects, and Pharmacy & Pharmacology courses, according to the most recent QS World University Rankings.

Other rankings

• QS World University Rankings – 166
• WUR Ranking By Subject – 170
• Sustainability Ranking – 25
• Graduate Employability Ranking – 191-200

Alumni

Nick Broomfield, Yehuda Bauer, Rhodes Boyson, and Kevin Brennan are among Cardiff university’s notable alums.

Key takeaways

• Cardiff University has made a significant economic and social impact in Wales and the UK. The University has supported employment, research, teaching, and learning. In 1999, the University adopted the operating name Cardiff University, which became its legal name in 2005.
• Cardiff University is equipped with 16 libraries, 25 IT suites, and a Wi-Fi network. Recently, significant investment has been made in the University estate to add facilities for students and staff.
• Cardiff students have access to various unique opportunities while completing undergraduate studies. The Global Opportunities Team helps students to participate in international study, volunteering, and work placements.

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FAQs

Q1. Is Cardiff University hard to get into?

Ans- Cardiff University is regarded as one of the more difficult universities to enter; however, the entry requirements for the courses offered at different education levels at Cardiff University vary depending on the individual academic programs and English language proficiency.

Q2. What is the acceptance rate for Cardiff University?

Ans- Cardiff University has an acceptance rate of 19.14%.

Q3. Is Cardiff University good for MBA?

Ans- The Cardiff MBA program is an excellent next step. Cardiff provides a challenging experience that will stretch and support you while developing your business knowledge, increasing your self-awareness, and sharpening your ability as an effective and inspiring leader.