One of the UK’s major teaching and research universities, in its 2014 University Guide the Sunday Times described Cardiff as “the acknowledged leader of higher education in Wales”. The previous year it hailed it as a “powerhouse of academic and research excellence”.
Cardiff is a member of the Russell Group, made up of 24 leading UK research intensive universities and, at the last count, had 28,540 students representing more than 100 countries, making it the 12th largest in Britain.
The winner of five prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prizes, awarded every two years for work of outstanding excellence, in 2014 Cardiff was ranked fifth among UK universities in the Research Excellence Framework for quality and second for impact.
The university is split over two campuses, Cathays Park and Heath Park. Cathays Park is home to most of the academic schools and is less than half a mile from the city centre. With wide tree-lined avenues and elegant Portland stone buildings, it is close to several halls of residence, has a number of libraries, a large students’ union and a dedicated centre for postgraduates.
Next to 100 acres of parkland and playing fields, Heath Park caters for students on healthcare-related courses. A mile from the city centre and shared with the University Hospital of Wales, the campus is home to world-famous research faculties, a students’ union and extensive sport and fitness facilities.
