Cardiff University
Cardiff, United Kingdom • Founded 1883 • World Rank #256
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1997, the Cardiff University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Cardiff (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Wales.
Officially recognized/chartered by the Privy Council, Cardiff University (CU) is a large-sized coeducational UK higher education institution. Cardiff University (CU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 27-year-old UK higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
CU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Address, contact details, and online presence for Cardiff University are summarised below. Cross-check with the official website if you intend to send documents or financial information.
Academic Details
Cardiff University's institutional metrics and recognition context. Recognition reciprocity matters for credential portability — check whether your home country accepts Cardiff University's qualifications.
Degrees
Pick your degree level at Cardiff University from the breakdown. Late-entry and transfer options vary by level and country — fewer universities accept mid-degree transfers at master's than at bachelor's.
Doctoral 58 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Accountancy
- Ancient Civilizations
- Applied Linguistics
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Astrophysics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Clinical Psychology
- Computer Science
- Cultural Studies
- Dentistry
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Psychology
- Energy Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- European Studies
- Finance
- Genetics
- Health Sciences
- Heritage Preservation
- History
- Immunology
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Journalism
- Law
- Management
- Marketing
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Media Studies
- Medicine
- Midwifery
- Music Theory and Composition
- Musicology
- Native Language
- Neurosciences
- Nursing
- Oncology
- Optometry
- Performing Arts
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Physical Therapy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Public Health
- Radiology
- Religious Studies
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Sound Engineering (Acoustics)
- Theology
- Translation and Interpretation
- Writing
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (College) 18 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Archaeology
- Business Administration
- Communication Studies
- Economics
- English
- Finance
- Geography
- History
- Law
- Modern Languages
- Music
- Native Language
- Philosophy
- Political Sciences
- Regional Planning
- Religion
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Biomedical and Life Sciences (College) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Dentistry
- Health Sciences
- Medicine
- Optometry
- Pharmacy
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Biomedical Engineer
- Medical Device Specialist
- Clinical Engineer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Physical Sciences and Engineering (College) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Engineering
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Mathematics
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Find a programme at Cardiff University by filter, or browse by degree level. Online and on-campus delivery modes differ in tuition, time commitment, and credential recognition — confirm which mode each programme runs in.
275 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom
Honours Degree 148 programmes
Showing 10 of 148.
Master of Business Administration 2 programmes
Master of Philosophy 1 programme
Master's Degree 92 programmes
Showing 10 of 92.
Doctorate 19 programmes
Showing 10 of 19.
Professional Doctorate 5 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 4 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 3 programmes
How to apply to Cardiff University
A practical five-step guide to applying to Cardiff University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Cardiff University offers 275 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at Cardiff University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Submit your application
Apply directly via Cardiff University's online portal at www.cardiff.ac.uk. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (29) 2087 4000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cardiff University
Frequently asked questions about Cardiff University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
How old is Cardiff University?
The institution opened in 1883 (approximately 143 years ago).
In which city is Cardiff University?
Cardiff University is based in Cardiff, United Kingdom.
What is Cardiff University's control type?
Cardiff University is a public institution.
How many students study at Cardiff University?
Cardiff University has approximately 25,000-29,999 students.
Where does Cardiff University stand in university rankings?
Cardiff University holds rank #256 globally and #19 in United Kingdom.
What qualification levels does Cardiff University offer?
Programmes at Cardiff University cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
Is Cardiff University officially recognised?
Yes, Cardiff University is recognised by Privy Council.
What is Cardiff University's official website?
You can find Cardiff University online at www.cardiff.ac.uk.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom
Top the United Kingdom universities often run international branch campuses. Cardiff University's international footprint compared to this benchmark signals global engagement scale.
Faculties at nearby universities
Regional language considerations matter when comparing universities near Cardiff University. Bilingual or minority-language regions may shape teaching, signage, and daily life consistently across the cluster.
Where Else to Study Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Industry partnership exclusives on Natural Sciences & Mathematics programmes vary — some the United Kingdom institutions hold sponsored chairs, others run rotating industry guest-teaching arrangements.
Universities Compared with Cardiff University
Endowment and financial peer comparison signals institutional resources and scholarship depth. Universities comparable to Cardiff University in this dimension often offer similar aid packages.
Studying in United Kingdom: guides and resources
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