Cardiff University

190th
World University Rankings 2024
=52nd
Impact Rankings 2023
176-200th
World Reputation Rankings 2020
Park Place, Main Building, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3AT, United Kingdom

Founded in 1883, Cardiff University combines a prestigious heritage with impressive modern facilities, on one of the most beautiful campuses in the UK. As part of the Russell Group, our students benefit from our outstanding research quality and reputation, while enjoying a wide variety of courses that can be tailored to any aspirations.

Cardiff University is ranked 2nd in the UK for research impact, is among the top 25 universities in the UK and is ranked 151st in the world. Our research expertise and facilities are used by industry and commercial partners, government bodies and other organisations internationally.  


A degree from Cardiff University opens doors across the globe. Graduates are in such high demand by employers that 84% enter highly skilled employment shortly after graduating.

The Students’ Union is one of the top 3 in the UK, and with more than 200 clubs and societies to choose from, everyone can find a place to call their own in Cardiff.

There are many reasons to love Cardiff: it is friendly, safe, and diverse capital city. Breath-taking beaches, national parks and mountains are all easily accessible, alongside a city scene renowned for its vibrant arts, culture and food, great shopping, and world-class sporting events.

From world-leading research and excellent teaching to fantastic career prospects and making friends for life from across the world, studying in Cardiff will give you the opportunity to shape your future in new and exciting ways.

 The city

Cardiff is one of the UK's most affordable university cities, with the 4th lowest student accommodation costs in the UK. A great city for foodies, Cardiff has plenty of independent restaurants and cafés to try, regular food festivals, pop-ups and markets.

 Cardiff is home to internationally recognised sports stadia, music venues, art centres, galleries, cinemas, and theatres and has a busy schedule of international fixtures and performances. Even if the national game of rugby doesn't hold your interest, you won't want to miss out on the buzzing atmosphere in the city on a match day!

 Prefer the arts and theatre scene? See a musical at the Wales Millennium Centre, watch fringe theatre at the Other Room or check out the some of the many galleries and museums both big and small, exhibiting art, photography, natural history and Welsh history.

 Student Support

Moving away for university can be a big change- our Student Support teams are here to help you every step of the way.

 Student Support Centres are provided on both the Cathays and Heath Park Campuses. They offer free, impartial, non-judgemental, and confidential advice on a wide range of matters, including:

  • Advice and Money
  • Careers and Employability
  • Counselling, Health and Wellbeing
  • Disability and Dyslexia
  • International Student Support

The University has recently invested £600 million into campus development. On top of our already comprehensive facilities, students can now enjoy access to the following:

The Centre for Student Life:

  • £50 million investment.
  • Modern and flexible social and learning spaces, consultation rooms, and a hi-tech showcase 550-seat lecture theatre.
  • Designed with sustainability in mind- features include photovoltaic cells, the use of natural ventilation, a green roof and energy efficient lighting.

Social Science Research Park:

  • Part of the £300 million investment into the Innovation Campus.
  • The world’s first Social Sciences Research Park, designed to nurture partnerships between entrepreneurs, business leaders, professional advisors, academics and students.

Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC):

  • £44 million investment.
  • This state-of-the-art Brain Research Imaging Centre brings together world-leading expertise in brain mapping with the very latest in brain imaging and brain stimulation.

Abacws

  • £39 million investment.
  • Housing the School of Computer Science and Informatics and the School of Mathematics, this building is designed to support innovation through interdisciplinary, flexible, and creative workspaces.

Hadyn Ellis Building:

  • £30 million investment.
  • Houses the flagship European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute and Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institutes.
  • There are laboratories for the MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics. The building also houses the Doctoral Academy, a 150-person theatre and a public exhibition space.

School of Journalism, Media and Culture

  • At No.2 Central Square, the School is located alongside local and national media companies including broadcaster BBC Cymru/Wales.
  • Students have access to specialist equipment as well as fully equipped TV and radio studios.

 

Explore rankings data for Cardiff University

All ranked institutions have an overall score and 4 pillar scores. However for each pillar, only institutions ranked in the top 500 overall or the top 500 in this pillar have a publicly visible score

Key statistics

  • 24%
    Proportion of ISR Publication
    (1)
  • 58 : 42
    Student Ratio of Females to Males
    (1)
  • 27%
    Percentage of International Students
    (1)
  • 15.0
    No. of students per staff
    (1)
  • 28,815
    Number of FTE Students
    (1)
Based on data collected for the (1) 2024 World University Rankings

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Subjects taught at Cardiff University

  • Social sciences

    • Communication & Media Studies
    • Sociology
    • Geography
    • Politics & International Studies (incl Development Studies)
  • Physical sciences

    • Mathematics & Statistics
    • Chemistry
    • Geology, Environmental, Earth & Marine Sciences
    • Physics & Astronomy
  • Arts & humanities

    • Architecture
    • History, Philosophy & Theology
    • Languages, Literature & Linguistics
    • Archaeology
    • Art, Performing Arts & Design
  • Business & economics

    • Economics & Econometrics
    • Business & Management
    • Accounting & Finance
  • Computer science

    • Computer Science
  • Life sciences

    • Biological Sciences
  • Engineering & technology

    • Civil Engineering
    • Electrical & Electronic Engineering
    • General Engineering
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
  • Clinical, pre-clinical & health

    • Medicine & Dentistry
    • Other Health
  • Law

    • Law
  • Education

    • Education
  • Psychology

    • Psychology

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