It’s a student-favourite city to study in for lots of reasons, one of which is its choice of universities. If you know that’s where you want to go but need a little help, we can tell you how many universities are in Cardiff and what they are.
Often, students know what city they want to study in but not what university. You can have visited often and really loved it, or something about it appeals to you. A capital city with everything still within walking distance, not too far from the sea, the country and the social hubbub, Cardiff is a great choice.
Now you need to decide where to study, and there is more than one choice.
What Universities Are In Cardiff?
Cardiff is home to four universities, including one Russell Group. They are:
- Cardiff University
- University of South Wales
- Cardiff Metropolitan University
- Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
The top three offer a broad range of subjects, with the latter specialising in the arts. That being said, you could study music, drama and more at any of the above.
Looking at the rankings of the universities, Cardiff University is top in Wales. Next up is Cardiff Metropolitan, followed by the University of South Wales. RWCMD is without a ranking. However, this isn’t the be-all and end-all. It all depends on what you’re looking for.
Cardiff University
Cardiff University is the only Russell Group university in Wales and is ranked 26 out of 130, so is highly regarded. It’s only the oldest university in the country, being founded in 1883.
Right in the city centre, it has great links to whatever you need in the city, with public transport close by. With walking distance between the university, unions and student accommodation, it’s very accessible.
It’s also second in the UK for psychology, psychiatry and neuroscience. If any of those subjects interest you, then Cardiff University could be the choice for you.
Cardiff Metropolitan University
The oldest university, it’s ranked 72 in the UK and offers practical-focused degrees. Specifically, they offer courses in education and social policy, management, sports and health sciences, and technologies.
Cardiff Metropolitan has three different campuses spread across the city, with one by the famed Llandaff Cathedral. However, with good train links, they shouldn’t be difficult to get to. On a nice summer’s day, you could easily walk to any of them if you’ve got an afternoon lecture.
University Of South Wales
A former polytechnic university, USW is ranked 91 in the UK and is vocationally focused. This university has three campuses, one in the heart of Cardiff, another in Newport and another slightly further out in Pontypridd.
With accommodation on campus or right next to it, you can definitely wake up a little later than planned for your morning lecture and still make it in time.
With lots of clubs, events and societies, there’s more than enough to pass the time in between studying.
Royal Welsh College Of Music And Drama
Last up is the Royal Welsh Colleg of Music and Drama, one that should be on your list if you’re interested in the performing arts.
Helping students into professions on screen, theatre and music, there’s no need to clarify what they specialise in.
Alumni from here include Rob Brydon, Eve Myles, Jo Joyner and many more, so you’d be in good company!
The Complete University Guide doesn’t have a ranking for it, because of how different it is from the others. However, it is considered one of the most prestigious arts universities in the UK.
Decide what you want to study and then match it up to the university! You’ve made the first difficult choice in picking where! If you’re still unsure about the city, then here are our favourite things about Cardiff.