2022 Cardiff University Undergraduate Prospectus cardiff.ac.uk 1 Welcome from a leading university . We are proud to be Wales’ only Croeso Russell (Croy-so - Welcome) Group University “Cardiff has a good reputation. I remember An international being amazed by the university, with facilities here and students from excited by the amount of choice you are more than given when it came to 120 countries selecting modules.” Phoebe, Biomedical Sciences, 2020 Driven by creativity and curiosity, Top 5 we strive to fulfil UK University our social, cultural and economic for research obligations to quality Cardiff, Wales Source: Research Excellence Framework, and the world. see page 18 2 Welcome Hello! I’m pleased to introduce you to Cardiff University. Choosing the right university is a major decision and it’s important that you choose the one that is right for you. Our prospectus describes what it is like to be an undergraduate at Cardiff University in the words of the people who know it best - our students, past and present, and staff. However, a prospectus can only go so far, and the best way to gain an insight into life at Cardiff University is to visit us and experience it for yourself. Whatever your choice, we wish you every success with your studies. Professor Colin Riordan 97% President and Vice-Chancellor of our graduates were in employment and/or further Contents study, due to start a new job or course, or doing Reasons to love Cardiff 4 Students from around the world 36 other activities such as A capital city 8 travelling, 15 months after Location – campus maps 38 A leading university 12 the end of their course.* Degree programmes Building a successful Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency, by Academic School 40 latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18, university 16 published by HESA in June 2020. Further information 144 * Please see page 40 Among brilliant minds 18 (including application and fee information) Research informed teaching 19 General index 154 “I chose Cardiff Graduate success 20 because it felt right. Degree subject index 154 It was the first open Careers and employability 22 day I attended and Start here, go anywhere 24 Due to the ongoing COVID-19 even on that first visit Living in Cardiff 26 pandemic, some of our teaching, I just really liked the learning, research and services Meet our students . 29 may need to change at short feel of the city, with notice to ensure we fully adhere to it already feeling like Student services 30 the relevant government guidance. home.” Students’ Union 32 Please consult our website for details on how any changes may affect your Ellie, Journalism, 2020 Sport 34 studies in the 2022-23 academic year. www.cardiff.ac.uk 31 . in a friendly, attractive capital city. “Cardiff is a Cardiff was thriving and ranked 2nd attractive capital for lowest city, widely monthly rental recognised as an outstanding costs in the UK Source: NatWest Student Living Index 2020 place to live.” Source: Complete University Guide 2019 “Cardiff really is surrounded by some scenic gems. It’s Cardiff University is in the middle of everything and is so committed to creating well connected with and sustaining a welcoming, transport links that you can get pretty inclusive, accessible and much everywhere and friendly environment anywhere you want.” Zoe, Biosciences, 2021 42 www.cardiff.ac.uk Welcome Open Days Since choosing a university is such an important decision, it is always Choose from advisable to visit the universities you are interested in before making your 240 final choices. The best way to do this is to attend an sports clubs Open Day where you can gain an insight into life as a student. Whilst we are currently and student unable to host any on-campus events, Cardiff’s Virtual Open Days enable you to societies meet and talk to staff and current students to get information on issues from courses to careers, facilities to finances and university accommodation to student life. Once restrictions allow, and it is safe for us to do so, we look forward to welcoming you in person so that you can see for yourself all that Cardiff has to offer. More information is available: www.cardiff.ac.uk/openday Tel: 029 2087 4455 Email: [email protected] When I first visited Cardiff for an open day, I instantly fell in love with the city. I knew it was somewhere that I could imagine myself living and studying. Everyone I met at the open day was so friendly and welcoming, and I loved the atmosphere across Compact campus. Cardiff University is and safe: Kate, BA English Language and Linguistics committed to creating all your study, and sustaining a welcoming, living and Student Bloggers Our student bloggers are a team of real students giving you their first hand experience inclusive, accessible and leisure needs of being a student at Cardiff. They cover everything from study tips to city guides, friendly environment within walking local hot spots and where to get your books. Don’t miss their latest blogs for the chance to find out more about what it’s like to distance study and live in Cardiff. www.cardiff.ac.uk/studentbloggers www.cardiff.ac.uk 53 Reasons to love Cardiff The capital is 01 our campus Cardiff University is at the heart of a thriving and growing capital city. “From the roar of the home crowds watching rugby at the Principality Stadium to the sunshine of Cardiff Bay, the Welsh capital is known as much for its national pride as its warm welcome for all visitors.” (Times Good University Guide 2018) Our students fall in love with Cardiff. So, what makes the Welsh capital so appealing? Discover more at: www.cardiff.ac.uk/reasons 6 64 www.cardiff.ac.uk Reasons to love Cardiff love to Reasons Jamie Roberts (MBBCh 2013) Our star Susanna Reid 03 alumni (PgDip 1993, Hon 2015) From politicians and journalists to scientists and innovators 02 – many well-known faces have been through Cardiff’s corridors. Our alumni include BBC broadcasters Huw World-leading Edwards, Jason Mohammad and Susanna Reid, former research National Poet of Wales Gillian Clarke, Money Saving Expert founder and journalist Martin Lewis OBE, academic, writer Cardiff is in the top tier of Britain’s and broadcaster Professor Alice Roberts and many more. research universities and is Martin Lewis a member of the prestigious Our Honorary Fellows include the likes of Sir Patrick Stewart, (PGDip 1998) Russell Group. It’s ranked second Stephen Fry and Carol Vorderman. nationally for research impact, and in the top five universities for research excellence in the UK. We’ve been awarded seven 05 Bute Park Queen’s Anniversary Prizes (which 04 A 130 acre recognise world-class excellence in back garden UK Higher Education) and are home Top teaching to a huge cohort of distinguished and employability Bute Park lies in the heart of Cardiff behind staff, including two Nobel Prize King Edward VII Avenue. With the River Taff winners and 13 Royal Society Stepping into a university that provides flowing alongside, it is the perfect mixture of Fellows. innovative, exciting teaching across the tranquillity and wide open space, ideal for disciplines, it’s hard not to feel the buzz. relaxing (or running) on a summer’s afternoon. A Cardiff education is unique and personable; students are taught and mentored by committed and enthusiastic tutors and lecturers, many of whom are world-leading experts. Our graduates are amongst the most sought after by employers. 06 Vibrant social scene! From our bustling independent food and drink outlets, to our vast selection of unique live music venues, Cardiff offers an incredible social setting for its students. West End shows, creative workshops and up-and-coming comedy are available to enjoy in abundance, while annual festivals such as Tafwyl celebrate the Welsh arts and our growing language. AUTUMN 2016 7 www.cardiff.ac.uk 75 Reasons to love Cardiff 07 A wealth of treasures lie just beyond Cardiff’s On the borders, a unique part of the world asking to be explored. A trip to Barry Island is a must, a destination for ‘Gavin and Stacey’ fans doorstep and beachgoers alike. The rugged Brecon Beacons offer incredible walks, views and to wild outdoor pursuits. Wales National Park Brecon Beacons Pen y Fan Gower Cardiff Barry Island 86 www.cardiff.ac.uk Reasons to love Cardiff love to Reasons 08 International days Rugby is part of the lifeblood of Cardiff; you can’t miss it. A festival atmosphere descends during the annual Six Nations tournament, as Wales’ visiting rivals take them on in their home town. The city also hosts international football and cricket matches. 09 Students’ Union Community ranked third Action 10 in the UK Student volunteering is a way of life with It’s official – according to What Uni Student many student-led projects serving the Choice Awards 2020, Cardiff is ranked third community. Further afield, the Phoenix best the UK. Home to over 240 sports clubs Project is making a difference in Africa, and student societies, a free employment working with the University of Namibia service and, of course, the beloved Taf pub, to embed quality education in focused the Students’ Union caters for every student’s projects, enabling better health and less needs across the board, from studying to poverty. socialising. 11 Rich culture and history From the internationally renowned Wales Millennium Centre on the waterfront, to the National Museum in Cathays Park and the 2,000-year-old Cardiff Castle, Cardiff is a city steeped in heritage and culture. 12 A city that loves running Many elite athletes, including the likes of Mo Farah, compete in world-class events in Cardiff.