Cardiff University

Cardiff University is a leading UK university, offering postgraduate students a broad range of taught or research study pathways and strong graduate prospects. It’s a member of the UK’s prestigious Russell Group and continues to build on its reputation for academic excellence. 

Cardiff University was established in 1883 and has continued to develop into the 21st best in the UK according to Complete University Guide 2024. The university has two campus sites, one of which is found in the heart of Cardiff while the other is just a mile away, based next to the attractive Heath Park. 

Cardiff is a city filled with history, culture, architecture and entertainment. So much so, it was rated as the joint third best capital city across Europe in 2015. It’s an ever-popular student city due to its affordable cost of living, excellent educational prospects and good links to the rest of the country as well as the mountains and coastlines of rural Wales. 

Students completing a postgraduate degree at Cardiff will benefit from careers guidance, events and support during and well after their studies. Graduates will join thousands of alumni around the world and have access to various exclusive benefits. Notable alumni include Susanna Reid, Neil Kinnock and Adrien Chiles. 

Cardiff University is a world-leading research institution and, as a member of the UK’s Russell Group, attracts prominent academics from around the world. It offers students a huge range of postgraduate study options, including over 200 master’s courses ranging across certificates, diplomas and degrees. 

Available master’s qualifications include MArch, MChem, MEng, MESci, MMath, MPharm and MPhys qualifications, reflecting the diversity of subjects students can access at Cardiff. 

Conversion courses, part-time master’s programmes, and distance learning options at Cardiff allow a modern cohort of postgraduate students to gain a qualification without compromising on their existing obligations or needing to move to a new city. Distance learning options include fully online courses or blended programmes with some face-to-face elements. 

Students choosing to pursue a postgraduate research degree at Cardiff will have the opportunity to investigate their chosen topic in depth, developing impactful research that will further their field of study and set them up for a successful academic or professional career. 

Cardiff is a world-leading research institution and, as a member of the UK’s Russell Group, attracts prominent academics from around the world. 

Cardiff University welcomes applications from prospective postgraduate students of all backgrounds and subject areas. Entry onto a course at Cardiff is subject to various entry requirements, which may be academic or non-academic in nature. 

Entry requirements will vary between courses and levels of study. English language requirements apply for students who do not speak English as their first language. Academic criteria for postgraduate programmes can change over time, so students should consult the relevant course pages on Cardiff’s website before making their application. 

For example, students applying for the MSc in Accounting & Finance will need a 2:1 honours degree or higher in finance. Students will also need to have scores of 60% or more in management accounting, finance and corporate reporting modules (UK). 

Applicants for the LLM in Human Rights Law will need to demonstrate achievement of a 2:1 or higher grade in an honours undergraduate law degree, or international equivalent.  

Students applying to the MDA in Design Administration will need to have a 2:2 grade or higher at undergraduate level, in a relevant subject such as engineering, architecture, or other construction related disciplines. Relevant professional experience of at least three years is also accepted in lieu of an academic qualification. 

Cardiff University has a strong track record for graduate employment. The most recent HESA survey found that 96% of Cardiff graduates had found employment or were in further study within 15 months of finishing their university course. 

Cardiff achieves these outcomes for graduates through a variety of approaches. Postgraduate students at the university are able to access placements and internships with over 100 employers, ranging from small businesses to large multinationals. Cardiff cultivates a constructive range of partnerships with other universities, public institutions and businesses to offer these opportunities, as well as shape and inform its course programmes. 

The university also maintains a robust careers support service, offering advice and resources during students’ courses and for three years after graduation. Available services include: 

• Face-to-face appointments for advice 
• Career coaching 
• Interview training 
• CV and cover letter checking services 
• Other graduate resources 

Students at Cardiff can also get involved in a busy calendar of professional and networking events, ranging from careers fairs to employer presentations, as well as workshops for developing specific professional skills. 

Accommodation

Cardiff University provides students with a variety of accommodation to choose from, so all learners can find a living arrangement that suits their budget, preferences and preferred lifestyle. 

Cardiff provides students with a choice of postgraduate-only and mixed accommodation, and much of the university’s residences and apartments are centrally located near the heart of the city. Students choosing university accommodation will be able to get to classes and research facilities easily and will find themselves in the centre of the university’s social scene. 

Shared bathroom and en-suite options are available, as well as catered and self-catered choices. Cardiff offers various accommodation types to suit lifestyle preferences, including quiet and alcohol-free living arrangements. 

Some students may prefer to rent privately and live by themselves or with friends around Cardiff. The university’s students services can assist with finding and securing good quality accommodation. 

Cardiff is a vibrant student city that’s well-connected to England and the rest of Wales by road and rail. The city is surrounded by the stunning Welsh countryside, including the Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire Coast. Cardiff is rich with history, while offering students great nightlife and entertainment options. 

Postgraduate students at Cardiff University have many ways to fund their studies. Different scholarships and bursaries are available to students depending on their course type, subject of study or personal background. 

All graduates of Cardiff University who pursue an eligible master’s course will be able to access the Alumni Discount Scheme, which offers a £1,000 waiver of tuition fees for UK students or £2,000 for international students. 

Taught postgraduate students can also apply for master’s excellence scholarships, which are designed to support eligible students from a fund of up to £500,000. Successful applicants benefit from a £3,000 discount to their tuition fees. 

Subject or department specific awards may also be available. Students are encouraged to check their department or school’s page or course profile for specific details. 

Postgraduate research students can also access specific funding, ranging from studentships to scholarships and government doctoral loans. PhD studentships are frequently offered through doctoral training programmes, as well as funded PhD places on research projects.