find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses
Cardiff University
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.
Academic excellence and global reputation
Ranked 22nd in the UK (The Complete University Guide 2026) and 181st in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026), Cardiff University is recognised for its outstanding teaching and research. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 90% of our research was classed as world-leading or internationally excellent. Cardiff University has consistently met the highest standards in QAA Institutional Reviews, confirming our strong quality of teaching and student experience.
Our academic community includes two Nobel Prize winners and numerous Fellows of prestigious academies, contributing to a vibrant and intellectually rich learning environment.
Cardiff is proud of its global notable alumni network, which includes renowned figures such as BBC presenter and journalist Emma Barnett, former First Minister of Wales Vaughan Gething, and Booker Prize-winning author Bernice Rubens.
January 2026 intake
Cardiff University is offering a January 2026 intake for selected Postgraduate Taught programmes, giving students greater flexibility to start their studies at the beginning of the year. Applications are open for:
- Business Management (MSc), ranked in the world’s top 100 for Business Administration
- Data Science and Analytics (MSc), an industry-focused programme taught by experts from Mathematics and Computer Science
- Marketing (MSc), CIM-accredited and ranked in the global top 100 for Marketing
- Physiotherapy (MSc), ranked among the UK’s top five physiotherapy courses.
Students starting in January are supported by tailored academic and professional guidance, and housing advice.
Scholarships and funding
Cardiff University offers international students scholarships worth over £2 million each year. These typically include:
- The Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships, worth between 3,500 and £10,000
- The Cardiff University India Scholarship worth £5,000
- The Red Dragon Scholarship, worth £10,000
- The MBA Public Value Scholarship worth £7,500
- GREAT scholarships worth £10,000
- Cardiff University graduates staying on for eligible Master’s programmes can take advantage of the 20% Alumni Discount.
In addition to Cardiff University’s scholarships, students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities such as Chevening Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, Beacon Scholarship, and Women in STEM Award.
Some scholarships are awarded automatically to eligible students, while others require a separate application.
Our Student Funding and Advice team is available to help students explore funding options.
A leading campus experience
Located in the heart of Cardiff, the University’s striking Portland stone buildings sit within the city’s civic centre, surrounded by parks and tree-lined avenues, creating a welcoming and inspiring environment for study and research. It has been voted one of the top 10 most beautiful campuses in the UK. Our facilities include 16 libraries, over 2,500 study spaces, two postgraduate zones, dedicated Postgraduate Teaching Centre, and specialist resources such as Europe’s most powerful brain scanner and Wales’s largest stock exchange trading floor.
International postgraduates are guaranteed a place in university accommodation if they apply by the deadline, with a variety of self-catered and catered residences available close to campus. Students starting in January are supported in finding private accommodation, with advice available from the University and Cardiff Student Letting – a student-focused, no-fee letting agency run by the Students’ Union.
Cardiff University’s Students’ Union is ranked 2nd best in the UK by WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2025, fourth year counting! There are over 270 clubs and societies available providing every student with the opportunity to find their community and explore new interests. There are also dedicated postgraduate and international student societies, creating a welcoming environment for networking and support.
Students can take a virtual tour to explore Cardiff’s state-of-the-art facilities, accommodation, and the vibrant city of Cardiff.
Career-focused education
We equip our students with the tools and confidence to succeed in global job markets. Cardiff ranks 12th in the UK for graduate employability (Times Higher Education Global University Employability Ranking 2025). Our students benefit from personalised careers advice, employer connections and fairs, skills workshops, and job opportunities with more than 1,000 registered employers.
Cardiff University’s strong employability record is reflected in its graduate outcomes—85% of the university’s full-time international postgraduates working in the UK were in highly skilled employment 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23).
Our graduates have gone on to successful careers at leading organisations such as the BBC, Microsoft, Deloitte, and the NHS. As alumni, they benefit from tailored careers support for up to three years after graduation, including personalised advice, coaching, and job application guidance.
A student-friendly city
Cardiff – one of the UK’s most welcoming, affordable, safe, and student-friendly cities – offers students a vibrant environment in which to live and study. With students making up around 20% of the city’s population, Cardiff has a youthful, inclusive feel and a strong sense of community.
Beyond campus, the city boasts world-class sporting events, arts and culture, excellent shopping, and a thriving food scene. Beaches, national parks, and mountains are all within easy reach, offering students a unique balance of urban and outdoor living.
Cardiff is exceptionally well connected, with excellent public transport links and direct train services to London and other major UK cities – all just around two hours away – making it an ideal base for international students.
Supportive and inclusive student experience
With over 2,200 postgraduates from more than 115 countries, Cardiff University offers a truly global experience.
Cardiff offers a supportive environment through personalised academic mentoring, free IT tools and software, and extensive student services. The Centre for Student Life offers a wide range of services to support students. These include financial advice, visa and immigration guidance, career support for international students, and help with health and wellbeing. Additionally, students can access disability support, mentoring, academic skills coaching (including English and maths), and residence support. Assistance with settling into university is also available. For students with families, the university offers childcare services, providing essential support for those balancing studies and parenting.
Postgraduate students benefit from tailored services including exclusive events, social opportunities, postgraduate-only study areas, and networking opportunities through the Postgraduate Association.
The Doctoral Academy provides additional resources and tailored support for research students, while all students are assigned a personal tutor to guide them through academic matters.
For those interested in learning more about life in Cardiff, prospective students can chat online with current Cardiff University students to get firsthand insights about living and studying here.
Contact details
International Office
Cardiff University
sbarc|spark
Maindy Road
Cardiff
CF24 4HQ
Wales, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 29 2087 4432
international@cardiff.ac.uk
https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international
Departments
- Cardiff Business School
- School of Biosciences
- School of Chemistry
- School of Computer Science and Informatics
- School of Dentistry
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
- School of Engineering
- School of English, Communication and Philosophy
- School of Geography and Planning
- School of Healthcare Sciences
- School of History, Archaeology and Religion
- School of Journalism, Media and Culture
- School of Law and Politics
- School of Mathematics
- School of Medicine
- School of Modern Languages
- School of Music
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- School of Physics and Astronomy
- School of Psychology
- School of Social Sciences
- School of Welsh
- Welsh School of Architecture
Postgraduate Bursary Opportunity with Postgrad.com
Are you studying as a PG student at the moment or have you recently been accepted on a postgraduate program? Apply now for one of our £2000 PGS bursaries.
Click here