Cardiff University

Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
Switchboard: +44 (0)29 208 74000
Website: www.cardiff.ac.uk

Recent news

Mixed-race marriage
TXT Outside
Cameras in Court
Thyroid screening in pregnancy
Cutting ‘unnecessary' antibiotic prescriptions

Cardiff University

Rankings

  • QS 2010: 122
  • QS 2009: 135
  • QS 2008: 133
  • SJT 2010: 151-200
  • SJT 2009: 152-200
  • SJT 2008: n/a

About Cardiff University

Founded by Royal Charter in 1883, Cardiff University today combines impressive modern facilities and a dynamic approach to teaching and research with its proud heritage of service and achievement. Cardiff University is recognised in independent government assessments as one of Britain's leading teaching and research universities.

Landmark buildings

The grade 2 listed Main Building, one of the most impressive pieces of architecture in Cardiff, is a thriving focal point of the University. Along with other key University buildings, it is located amidst the parks and tree-lined avenues that form the city's elegant civic centre.

In recent years, there has been major investment in new buildings and equipment, and extensive refurbishment. Campus Horizons, the University's programme of ambitious capital projects, will see major new development projects, including an entirely new campus for research, as well as the upgrading of the existing campus.

International Partnerships

An international focus runs throughout our activities including global research collaborations tackling major challenges from degenerative brain disorders such as Alzheimer's to renewable energy sources. We also have strong collaborations with academic, business and other partners of strategic importance to the University's international ambitions.

We are partners with 'Santander Universities' and the Fulbright and Marshall Commissions, allowing for teaching and other collaborations to flourish with North and South America.

Our strong relations with China continue to flourish. The Confucius Institute at Cardiff University was set up by Xiamen University in association with Cardiff University, with the support from the Office of Chinese Language Council International (Hanban). The Confucius Institute offers a wide range of language courses and programmes for adult learners.

Famous Academics

Cardiff's President is Professor Sir Martin Evans. Sir Martin was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2007 in recognition of his breakthrough in the discovery of stem cells.

Professor Robert Huber, awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1988.

Notable research areas

The University's breadth of expertise in research and research-led teaching encompasses: the humanities; the natural, physical, health, life and social sciences; engineering and technology; preparation for a wide range of professions; and a longstanding commitment to lifelong learning.

The University is also home to three major new Research Institutes, each offering a new approach to a problem of global importance. Combining academic talents from across a range of disciplines, the Research Institutes will create world-leading expertise in the fields of neurosciences and mental health, cancer stem cells and sustainable places.

Cardiff is a member of the Russell Group of Britain's foremost research intensive universities.

Most significant research breakthrough in the last 12 months

  • Archaeologists from Cardiff University made a major new discovery at Caerleon in South Wales, one of the UK's most important Roman sites. The discovery of a complex of monumental buildings is likely to completely change the way we think about how Britain was conquered and occupied by the Roman army almost 2,000 years ago.
  • In 2011, Professor Julie Williams, Cardiff School of Medicine, uncovered five new genes which increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. This was not that first such significant gene discovery from Professor Williams who has previously led the largest genetic investigation of Alzheimer's ever conducted. This study uncovered two genes closely linked to Alzheimer's and was recognised by TIME Magazine as one of the top 10 medical breakthroughs in 2009.
  • A team from the University's School of Medicine, led by Professor Anita Thapar, revealed the first direct genetic link to attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Mission

Our Mission is to pursue research, learning and teaching of international distinction and impact.

Vision

Our vision is to be one of the world's leading universities with an academic community recognised for its international distinction and impact. Academic excellence rooted in world-leading research and scholarship is an absolute priority. From this excellence we will continue to demonstrate the impact of our work for the advancement of knowledge, for our students and for our communities.

Student Profile

  • Total number: 28,850 students, including over 3,300 from over 100 different countries
  • Undergraduate numbers: 21,243
  • Postgraduate numbers: 7,597