Study Master’s degrees in Cardiff, United Kingdom

Cardiff at a glance

Cardiff, UK, is small enough to be a friendly city, and big enough to offer top class living conditions of a major city. Studying in Cardiff you will be able to choose a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD programme in your subject of interest and meet other students from all over the world. Cardiff is less expensive than other large cities in UK, enabling you to make the most of your study abroad experience. Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and one of the largest cities in England, located in the south of the country, at the mouth of the River Severn. Wales is said to be the land of mythical Kind Arthur and has a fascinating history spanning over 2,000 years.

310K

Population
628 - 1070 GBP/month

Living Costs
5

Universities

Studying

Studying in Cardiff

Students in Cardiff appreciate the module choice system offered here, as well as the teaching methods focused on class practice. Many degrees benefit from a significant vocational and professional academic content. Education in Cardiff is largely based on interaction between the lecturers and students, as they organise seminars based on conversations on different themes.

Degree options include the whole spectrum of study courses: Bachelor’s degrees, undergraduate Masters (MEng, MPharm, MChem, etc.), taught and research Masters, MBAs and DBAs, PhDs, undergraduate or postgraduate certificates and diplomas, professional certificates, part-time courses, distance learning programmes, short courses, and combined studies degree programmes.

Foreign students can attend international foundation programmes, combining work-based learning and academic studies. These courses are ideal if you don’t have the right qualifications to start a three year degree in a university in UK.

The breadth of expertise offered by universities in Cardiff encompasses a wide range of disciplines: accounting, economics and finance, business administration and management, marketing, tourism and hospitality, IT, mathematics, mechanical and electrical engineering, bioscience, medicine, natural sciences, nursing and midwifery, architecture, communication, modern languages, media studies, psychology, history, etc.

Career

Career opportunities in Cardiff

Cardiff is a thriving attraction for foreign investment and the principal finance and business services centre in Wales. Some of the strongest industries in Cardiff include electronics, automotive components, food processing, healthcare, financial and professional services, media products, retail and distribution, and the tourism sector.

Cardiff is headquarters to many large multinational companies, offering opportunities for students who wish to take a part-time jobs or an internship during their studies. Some of the notable corporations in Cardiff include Ford, Sony, Panasonic, Northern Telecom, ING Direct, Admiral Group, HBOS, SWALEC Energy, BT Group, BBC Wales, Apple, Nokia, Shell, etc.

Life

Cardiff city life

Cardiff claims to have more castles than any other city in the world. Cardiff Castle is the most iconic for the city, but other famous castles include Barry Castle, Caerphilly Castle, Cadleston Castle, Castell Coch (Red Castle), Castle Machen, Kenfig Castle, etc.

Other major tourist attractions in Cardiff are the Wales Millennium Centre, the National Museum and Art Gallery, Pierhead Building, the Senedd (home of the National Assembly for Wales), the Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff Bay, St Fagans National History Museum, Dr. Who Cardiff Bus Tour, The Norwegian Church, the Mermaid Quay, among many more.

Cardiff is known for having more green space than any other UK core city. You can relax and take long walks in the Bute Park, the Roath Park, the Victoria Park, or the Thompson's Park.

Cardiff is also a major sports centre, hosting major international events. Sporting venues in the city include the Millennium Stadium, SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff City Stadium, and more.

One of the best cities in UK for shopping, Cardiff has many shopping streets, like the Queen Street, St. Mary Street and Duke Street, and three main shopping centres: St. David's Centre, Queens Arcade and the Capitol Centre.

Cardiff has a strong nightlife and is home to many bars, pubs and clubs. Most clubs and bars are situated in the city centre, on St. Mary Street, across Cardiff Bay, and on Charles Street.

International atmosphere in Cardiff

Cardiff has a diverse population due to its trading history, post-war immigration, and the large numbers of international students who attend universities here every year. The cosmopolitan atmosphere is also enhanced by millions of tourists visiting the city each year, for the shopping, sights, museums and culture.

International students in Cardiff come mostly from China, Bangladesh, Nigeria, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Ireland, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Cardiff has speakers of almost 100 languages, with Somali, Urdu, Bengali and Arabic being the most commonly spoken foreign languages.

Weather Cardiff

Cardiff experiences a maritime climate and with changeable weather. Winters in Cardiff tend to be fairly wet and windy, but temperature usually stays above freezing, with an average of 2°C (36°F). Summers are generally warm and sunny, with average temperatures of 21°C (70°F).

Universities in Cardiff

Cardiff University

Located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, Cardiff University is the only Russell Group university in Wales and is recognised globally for academic excellence, world-leading research and outstanding student support. Ranked 17th (The Center for World University Rankings 2026) in the UK and 179th in the world (QS World University Rankings).

See 174 Masters

Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama

The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, the National Conservatoire of Wales, and part of the University of South Wales Group, competes alongside an international peer group of conservatoires and specialist arts colleges for the best students globally, enabling students to enter and influence the world of music, theatre and related professions.

See 25 Masters

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff Metropolitan University delivers professionally recognised degrees, together with impactful research and innovation, in art and design, business and management, education and public services, sport and health sciences, and technologies and engineering. International students are valued and respected for the unique experiences and perspectives that they contribute to university life.

See 85 Masters

University of South Wales

The University of South Wales is a diverse academic community of many nations and beliefs, brought together by a shared commitment to the transformation of lives through knowledge and education.

See 120 Masters