Cardiff University : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details | Top Universities
Ranking

# 186QS World University Rankings

PGicon

305Undergraduate programs

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190Postgraduate programs

Tuitionfee

19,700 GBPTuition Fee/year

About Cardiff University

Cardiff University is an ambitious and innovative university with a bold and strategic vision located in a beautiful and thriving capital city.

As a member of the Russell Group, Cardiff is one of Britain's top 24 leading research universities and we are proud of our long-standing reputation for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and high student satisfaction.  90% of Cardiff University's research has been confirmed as world-leading or internationally excellent by the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

The University’s Portland-stone buildings are centrally located amidst parks and tree-lined avenues in the city's civic centre. Students and staff are drawn from throughout the world, attracted by its international reputation and commitment to excellence. Founded in 1883, Cardiff University combines impressive modern facilities and a dynamic approach to teaching and research.

Through this blend of established tradition and cutting-edge innovation, Cardiff University offers a stimulating environment for study and research. The University's expertise in research-led teaching encompasses the humanities; the natural, physical, health, life and social sciences; engineering and technology and lifelong learning.

According to the latest QS World University Rankings, Cardiff is ranked in the top 50 for Communication and Media Studies and Dentistry, ranked in the top 100 for Architecture/Built Environment, English Language & Literature, Psychology, Nursing, Geography and Pharmacy & Pharmacology.

Cardiff University’s outstanding research community features 2 Nobel Prize winners, 17 Fellows of the Royal Society, 10 Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering, 7 Fellows of the British Academy, and 21 Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences.

The University’s global community, reputation, and partnerships are at the heart of its identity. With over 7,530 international students from 138 countries and agreements with more than 300 institutions around the world, international partnerships are an integral part of the University's work. Driven by creativity and curiosity, Cardiff University strives to fulfil its social, cultural and economic obligations to Cardiff, Wales, and the world.

About Cardiff University

Cardiff University is an ambitious and innovative university with a bold and strategic vision located in a beautiful and thriving capital city.

As a member of the Russell Group, Cardiff is one of Britain's top 24 leading research universities and we are proud of our long-standing reputation for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and high student satisfaction.  90% of Cardiff University's research has been confirmed as world-leading or internationally excellent by the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

The University’s Portland-stone buildings are centrally located amidst parks and tree-lined avenues in the city's civic centre. Students and staff are drawn from throughout the world, attracted by its international reputation and commitment to excellence. Founded in 1883, Cardiff University combines impressive modern facilities and a dynamic approach to teaching and research.

Through this blend of established tradition and cutting-edge innovation, Cardiff University offers a stimulating environment for study and research. The University's expertise in research-led teaching encompasses the humanities; the natural, physical, health, life and social sciences; engineering and technology and lifelong learning.

According to the latest QS World University Rankings, Cardiff is ranked in the top 50 for Communication and Media Studies and Dentistry, ranked in the top 100 for Architecture/Built Environment, English Language & Literature, Psychology, Nursing, Geography and Pharmacy & Pharmacology.

Cardiff University’s outstanding research community features 2 Nobel Prize winners, 17 Fellows of the Royal Society, 10 Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering, 7 Fellows of the British Academy, and 21 Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences.

The University’s global community, reputation, and partnerships are at the heart of its identity. With over 7,530 international students from 138 countries and agreements with more than 300 institutions around the world, international partnerships are an integral part of the University's work. Driven by creativity and curiosity, Cardiff University strives to fulfil its social, cultural and economic obligations to Cardiff, Wales, and the world.

Available programs

Cardiff University offers 350 degree programmes offering choice and flexibility. Our range of modules mean that you can effectively tailor your degree programme to suit your particular interests and career ambitions.

Our courses rank #40 in the world for Communication & Media Studies, #43 for Dentistry, in addition to Architecture/Built Environment, English Language & Literature, Psychology, GeographyNursing and Pharmacy & Pharmacology all ranking in the top 100 according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. 

Cardiff University’s undergraduate teaching has been recognised as excellent in the UK, with Electrical & Electronic Engineering as #1, Architecture recognised as #2, Midwifery as #3, Physics as #10, and Psychology as #12 by the The Guardian University Guide 2024. Cardiff's Optometry, Ophthalmics & Orthoptics ranked #3, Dentistry as #4 and Pharmacology & Pharmacy ranked #5 in The Complete University Guide 2024, and Nursing as #4, Communication & Media Studies as #9 by The Times University Guide 2024. Many of the University’s degree schemes are accredited by professional bodies and provide partial or complete exemption from relevant professional examinations.

Cardiff offers unique opportunities for its students during their undergraduate studies. Students can undertake 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 initiative – Welsh lessons are also offered to help students get a flavour for the unique cultural environment Cardiff provides. These extra services, as well as a dedicated Students’ Union (voted 2nd best in the UK two years in a row), ensure that students at Cardiff University thoroughly enjoy their experience. In the National Student Survey 2023, 72% of final-year undergraduate students reported that they were satisfied with their course.

Undergraduate students at Cardiff University are supported throughout their courses, right from day one up until graduation. In addition to having access to facilities supporting student wellbeing, such as the dedicated International Student Support team, Cardiff University students also have access to excellent careers and employability services. 95% of our graduates were in employment and/or further study, due to start a new job or course, 15 months after the end of their course.

A place in one of the University’s 5,543 student rooms is guaranteed to all first-year undergraduates entering the normal admissions cycle. The vast majority of student residences are single en-suite study bedrooms in self-catered flats. Students enjoy some of the lowest rents in the UK as Cardiff is the most affordable university city in the UK.

Archaeology (BA)

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Archaeology (BSc)

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Chinese (BA)

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French (BA)

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German (BA)

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History (BA)

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Italian (BA)

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Music (BA)

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Music (BMus)

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Spanish (BA)

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Translation (BA)

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Accounting (BSc)

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Medicine (MBBCh)

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Midwifery (BMid)

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Optometry (BSc)

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Pharmacy (MPharm)

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Psychology (BSc)

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Chemistry (BSc)

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Chemistry (MChem)

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Geology (BSc)

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Mathematics (BSc)

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Physics (BSc)

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Physics (MPhys)

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Criminology (BSc)

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Education (BSc)

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Law (LLB)

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Sociology (BSc)

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Study with us at Cardiff University and you’ll join a thriving community of 10,000 postgraduate students from more than 115 countries. We have more than 300 postgraduate study options for you to choose from, including full-time, part-time, blended learning and distance learning courses for balancing study with professional, financial or family commitments.. 

90% of research at Cardiff University is officially world-leading or internationally excellent according to the latest independent assessment of research quality across UK higher education institutions (REF 2021). 

We have a long history of providing outstanding research-led teaching. Our staff are experts in their fields, working at the forefront of their academic discipline – which means that you will too.

Bursting with culture, cuisine, architecture, entertainment and history, where beyond the buzz of the city, you will find incredible beaches, countryside and mountains. Cardiff was ranked the best city in the UK by Condé Nast Traveller in 2023. The city is also budget-friendly: Cardiff was recently ranked as the second UK’s most affordable university city (Natwest Student Living Index 2023).

We have a number of funding opportunities available, including our Master’s Excellence Scholarship scheme. Many courses are also eligible for government postgraduate loans for master’s programmes for UK and EU students. We want to help you make the most of your postgraduate experience, by ensuring you can access any additional help you may need. From money advice and confidential counselling to disability services and award-winning childcare, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our Students' Union is the 2nd best in the UK (Whatuni Choice Awards 2024). Home to over 200 student societies and 60 sports clubs, a free employment service and a number of social spaces, the Students' Union caters to every student's needs.

Our Languages for All programme gives you the chance to improve your language skills alongside your studies – for free. Our flexible choice of study options allows you to learn in a way that suits you, through weekly classes, intensive sessions or independent learning.


Archaeology (MA)

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History (MA)

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Music (MA)

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Philosophy (MA)

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Theology (MTh)

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Urban Design (MA)

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Computing (MSc)

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Psychiatry (MSc)

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Psychology (MSc)

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Radiography (MSc)

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Economics (MSc)

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Education (MSc)

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Law (LLM)

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Social Work (MA)

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University information

With over 300 undergraduate courses and postgraduate programmes to choose from, join us and benefit from our excellent facilities, a great student experience and as a graduate, be in demand by leading employers. 

We consider a range of international qualifications and entry requirements will vary based on the programme.
Most undergraduate courses require equivalent grades of A-level AAA-ABB or 30-36 points at International Baccalaureate.  For our postgraduate programmes we typically require a good undergraduate qualification in a relevant field of study. 
Please see our website for qualification and grade equivalencies in your country. 
All UK undergraduate applications are submitted through the UK's centralised admission services, UCAS. You can do this online at ucas.com All postgraduate programme applications are submitted directly to Cardiff University. You can do this online via our website

General

2.8+
590+
23+
1200+
85+
32+
176+
62+
90+
6.5+

Bachelor

1100+
80+
6.5+
90+
62+

Master

580+
2.8+
6.5+
90+
62+

Cardiff University is made up of two large, well-located campuses.

  • Cathays Park: with wide tree-lined avenues and elegant Portland stone buildings, it's an inspiring place to study.
  • Heath Park: our dedicated healthcare campus, with four Academic Schools on the same site as the University Hospital of Wales.

Both campuses are within a short distance of Cardiff city centre where you’ll find beautiful green spaces, modern shopping centres, historic indoor markets and our very own medieval castle.

We have more than 2,500 study spaces across our 10 libraries and 25 IT suites. In recent years, substantial investment has been made in the University estate to increase available facilities for students and staff. In 2016, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh opened our new £44m Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC) on the Innovation campus and the University's new £50m Centre for Student Life opened in October 2021, an iconic student building at the heart of the campus.

We provide our students with the opportunity to participate in both elite and recreational sports, across four main centres on campus. There are over 60 clubs for men and women to get involved in, ranging from traditional sports (such as rugby and cricket) to martial arts, motorsports and watersports. We also run a High Performance Programme that provides support for student-athletes, recognised as having outstanding potential.

Sport is a big part of the culture of Cardiff and going to see an event or match is a quintessential part of studying here. From world-famous sporting arenas like the Principality Stadium to Sophia Gardens and the international sports village in Cardiff Bay, there’s so many great venues offering a variety of sports at the heart of the Welsh capital. 

Whether you like watching rugby, football, ice hockey, cricket or more unusual sporting events, like monster trucks and speedways, Cardiff has plenty to offer you.

29,755
74%
26%
7,800
45%
55%
3,030
68%
32%

Student life

The city of Cardiff offers an excellent study location. Students benefit from the combination of a small, friendly, inexpensive city with the cultural and recreational amenities of an ambitious and progressive capital city.

Cardiff hosts numerous high-profile events, including the UEFA Champions League Final, the IAAF World Half Marathon, and concerts from stars such as Beyoncé, Harry Styles, and Coldplay. As the capital city of Wales, Cardiff is home to many of the UK’s national institutions including the National Museum of Wales and the commanding Principality Stadium. You can also find stunning national parks and beautiful beaches just 30 minutes from Cardiff.

Our Students’ Union is rated 2nd in the UK, according to WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2023. It is run by students, for students and is home to a whole host of live entertainment, diverse clubs and societies as well as presenting a range of exciting activities.

It also provides welfare and advice services to all students. The Students’ Union has several food outlets, shops and even a bank so you can find everything you need under one roof!

Cardiff University graduates are amongst the most sought-after in the UK. 96% of our graduates were in employment and/or further study, due to start a new job or course, or doing other activities like travelling, 15 months after the end of their course. 

We also have dedicated student support services who can help you map out your future plans. Our Student Futures team provides opportunities to boost your employability and can support you as you plan for life after university. 

Tuition fee and scholarships

Domestic Students

9,000 GBP
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International Students

19,700 GBP
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One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:
opportunities

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

how_to

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

list

A list of available scholarships around the world

checklist

A scholarship application checklist

banner
download_icon Download Scholarship Guide

We offer a range of prestigious scholarships for international students, worth over £2M at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships awards a £2,000 tuition fee discount to international students across undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels of study.

The Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships consist of 5 awards covering 100% of the tuition fee, and 5 awards covering 50% of the tuition fee for 3-year undergraduate programmes commencing in 2023.  

Visit our website to learn more about our international scholarships.

Rankings & ratings

Cardiff University is one of the top public universities in Cardiff, United Kingdom. It is ranked #186 in QS World University Rankings 2025.

QS World University Rankings

  • 2012
    #143
  • 2014
    #=136
  • 2015
    #=123
  • 2016
    #122
  • 2017
    #140
  • 2018
    #=137
  • 2019
    #145
  • 2020
    #154
  • 2021
    #159
  • 2022
    #=151
  • 2023
    #166
  • 2024
    #=154
  • 2025
    #186

Videos & media

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FAQs

Details of the funding that Cardiff University is aware of are available on international scholarship page.

You may also wish to contact your local educational advisor or British Council  for advice.   

Relevant information on application process, requirements, deadlines and advice on the next steps for undergraduate studies can be found in our detailed application guide.

Cardiff University has a wide range of courses on offer at Postgraduate level. After researching our postgraduate taught programmes, course structure, career opportunities and tuition fees, you can follow our step-by-step guide application guide.  


More information on our postgraduate research courses and ways to apply can be found on postgraduate research page..


You can also visit our  Academic School pages  for information about the facilities, courses and the most up to date news.

You may also require an English language qualification to study with us and we accept a variety of  English language qualifications . Please, be aware that for Clinical Postgraduate programmes in the School of Dentistry, and Postgraduate vocational programmes in the Law School, we can only consider IELTS.

We also offer a range of  English Language  courses for students looking to improve their English language level before starting their academic programme.

You can get in touch with student ambassadors though our live chat. You can also apply filters like levels and area of study if you have questions about a particular course, and set the origin of the student if you would like to speak to someone in your own language. 

There are a number of ways you can contact us and keep up-to-date with our international activities.


If you have a specific question or feedback, you can complete our online form or contact us via email. Please provide as much information as possible to help us with your enquiry.


If you have a question or would like to keep up-to-date with the latest news and events through our social media channels, you can:

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