Cardiff University

Cardiff University is recognised in independent government assessments as one of Britain's leading teaching and research universities.

Founded by Royal Charter in 1883, the University today combines impressive modern facilities and a dynamic approach to teaching and research with its proud heritage of service and achievement.

In 2005, the title 'Cardiff University' and a new Supplemental Charter was formally granted to the University by the Privy Council on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, meaning that Cardiff became a university in its own right, fully independent of the University of Wales. Cardiff University admits students to courses leading to Cardiff University degrees.

The University's breadth of expertise in research and research-led teaching encompasses: the humanities; the natural, physical, health, life and social sciences; engineering and technology; preparation for a wide range of professions; and a longstanding commitment to lifelong learning. The University is also home to three major new Research Institutes, offering radical new approaches to neurosciences and mental health, cancer stem cells and sustainable places.

From its outstanding central location amidst the parks, Portland-stone buildings and tree-lined avenues that form the city's elegant civic centre, the University's students and staff are drawn from throughout the world, attracted by its international reputation and commitment to innovation and excellence in all areas of activity.  Cardiff is a member of the Russell Group of Britain's leading research universities.

Having gained national and international standing, Cardiff University's vision is to be recognised as a world-leading university and to achieve the associated benefits for its students, staff and all other stakeholders.

The student population is drawn from a variety of backgrounds, with students attracted from throughout Wales, the rest of the UK and world-wide. International students comprise some 17 per cent of the total student population. Government performance indicators show that our students are more likely to succeed in their studies, with first-year completion rates considerably higher than national averages and also higher than some similar universities.

Many of the University’s degree schemes provide partial or complete exemption from relevant professional examinations and more than forty schemes of study benefit from accreditation and input from professional bodies. More than twenty per cent of Cardiff University students pursue postgraduate study.

Promoting health and welfare with special reference to the needs of Wales is an important role of the University and one which is fulfilled via a strongly inter-disciplinary and multi-partnership approach.  Central among our partners in this all-Wales role is the National Health Service (NHS) in Wales, with which the University is linked at all levels.