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Cardiff University Postgraduate Prospectus 2020 www.cardiff.ac.uk/postgraduate
www.cardiff.ac.uk
Contents
Why study a postgraduate course? 2
About us
Why Cardiff University? 6
Welcome to Wales 8
Cardiff: a capital city 10
A global outlook 14
Accommodation 16
Teaching excellence 18
My Cardiff story: Niki 19
Groundbreaking research 20
Supporting you
Student support and wellbeing 24
Careers support 26
First-class facilities 28
My Cardiff story: Olivier 30
Sport 31
Doctoral Academy 32
Funding your study 34
Students’ Union 36
Studying with us
Choosing your course 40
Conversion courses 42
Studies to suit your lifestyle 43
My Cardiff story: Anisa 44
Academic schools 45
How to apply 78
Getting here 80
Contents
Course directory Inside back cover
www.cardiff.ac.uk 1
2 www.cardiff.ac.uk
Why study a
postgraduate course?
Whether you’re looking to boost your
prospects after graduation, change direction
to follow a new career path or make sure you
get ahead of the competition in a challenging
jobs market, a postgraduate course can help
you achieve your goals.
Our programmes allow you to gain the skills,
knowledge and expertise you need to really
stand out from the crowd.
Enhance your career prospects
Undertaking a postgraduate course is one of the most effective ways
to advance your career to a higher level. The variety of skills and
expertise gained from your course can significantly improve your job
prospects, maximise your chance of securing work in a specific field
and increase your earning potential.
Achieve professional accreditation
If you need to gain professional accreditation to reach the next stage of
your career, a postgraduate course can help you achieve this. We offer
a variety of courses leading to professional accreditation, some of
which can be studied part-time alongside your employment.
Change your career path with a conversion course
If your undergraduate degree is not the field you want to work in, a Why study a postgraduate course?
conversion course allows you to upskill in a different area so that you
can follow a new career path. We provide a wide range of conversion
courses in subjects including business, computer science and law,
where no prior knowledge or degree in the subject is required. You’ll
find all of our conversion courses within the course directory.
Further explore a subject you are passionate about
If you’re coming to the end of your undergraduate studies but you still
have the desire to learn or carry out research, a postgraduate course
can satisfy your intellectual curiosity by allowing you to explore a
subject in more depth.
Develop expert knowledge in a specialist area
Postgraduate study gives you the chance to really specialise in your
field and advance your knowledge of a particular subject area.
www.cardiff.ac.uk 3
4 www.cardiff.ac.uk
Ab out Us www.cardiff.ac.uk 5
Why Cardiff University?
World-leading 95%
research The most recent DLHE* survey shows that
Cardiff is in the top tier of Britain’s 95% of our postgraduate research students
research universities and is a member of and 93% of our postgraduate taught stu-
the prestigious Russell Group. We are ranked dents progressed to employment or further
second nationally for research impact, and in study within six months of graduation.
the top 5 universities for research excellence *Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (2016/17)
in the UK.
£500,000
We invest up to £500,000 in our Master’s
300
Excellence Scholarship scheme to support We have more than 300 postgraduate study
our most talented UK and EU students with options for you to choose from, including
their postgraduate studies. Each scholarship full-time, part-time, blended learning and
is worth a discount of £3,000 off your distance learning courses.
tuition fees.
Top 10 Top 4
Cardiff is recognised as one of the 10 most Students’ Union in the UK
beautiful universities in the UK (Times (Times Higher Education
Higher Education 2018). Student Experience Survey 2018).
6 www.cardiff.ac.uk
7 2,500
We’ve been awarded seven Queen’s
With more than 2,500 study spaces spread
Anniversary Prizes, which recognise
across the University – including a number of
world-class excellence in UK Higher
dedicated areas for postgraduate students
Education. We’re also home to a large cohort
– you’re never far from somewhere
of distinguished staff, including two Nobel
comfortable to get your work done.
Prize winners and 13 Royal Society Fellows.
An international £600 million
community We’re undertaking our biggest campus
With over 7,900 international students from upgrade for a generation by investing £600m
more than 130 countries, you’ll be part of a to improve and develop our facilities and
vibrant community that celebrates its diverse infrastructure.
culture.
60 380
Our Students’ Union offers more than Our Doctoral Academy provides a
60 Athletic Union clubs to get involved in central source for doctoral students to
throughout your postgraduate studies, and access a comprehensive range of support.
we’re consistently ranked among the UK’s top This includes hosting 380 workshops,
universities for sport in the annual British conferences and networking events across
Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) the year to help you progress your project and
rankings. develop your career.
www.cardiff.ac.uk 7
8 www.cardiff.ac.uk
Small country.
Big heart.
Great ambition.
Croeso
That’s Welsh for ‘welcome’, and you’ll feel it
everywhere you go in Wales.
Welcome to a country of breathtaking natural beauty, where every day
a new experience awaits. Around every corner, a hidden gem: colourful
fishing villages and cosy inns, mountain vistas and cliff-top trails,
sandy bays and bustling cities.
Here you can discover 640 castles; more than any other country in
Europe. This is the land of magic and myth, of princes and dragons.
A land that has created writers and poets, musicians and athletes,
architects and engineers, scientists and philanthropists. A land that
has inspired generations to achieve their dreams.
This magical land is our home – and your home too. Croeso.
Welcome to Wales
www.cardiff.ac.uk 9Cardiff:
a capital city
Dynamic. Friendly. Affordable.
Cardiff is a thriving and attractive city which is widely recognised as an outstanding place in which to
live, work and study. Cardiff caters to all tastes, offering everything from the excitement of the city to the
peace and tranquillity of the nearby coast and countryside.
Contemporary, welcoming and easy to get around, the Welsh capital is a city with character, heritage and
ambition. Cardiff combines all the advantages of a compact, friendly and affordable location with the
cultural and recreational facilities of a modern capital city.
10 www.cardiff.ac.ukCardiff: a capital city
‘With an exhilarating mix of heavyweight cultural sights,
exciting regeneration projects, world-class sport, a prolific
music scene and some seriously banging nightlife, it’s easy to see
why Cardiff now ranks alongside London and Edinburgh as one
of the UK’s most compelling destinations.’ Rough Guides, 2018
www.cardiff.ac.uk 11As you’d expect from a capital city,
As one of the UK’s major sporting centres, Cardiff is one of the UK’s leading retail
Cardiff is home to the iconic 74,500-seat destinations. Designer boutiques and
Principality Stadium. The city hosts high street names can be found within the
professional football at the Cardiff City St David’s Shopping Centre, which stands
Stadium, rugby at the famous Arms Park and alongside local independent shops,
international cricket at Sophia Gardens. numerous indoor and outdoor markets and a
Cardiff also boasts an Olympic-sized fascinating network of glass-canopied
swimming pool, a white water rafting and Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades.
canoe centre, ice rink and facilities to play a
range of other sports.
In the mood for some culture? Cardiff is
well-equipped, with entertainment to suit all Cardiff is a compact city, best explored on
tastes. Cardiff Bay’s world-class Wales foot or by bicycle. The city’s new Next Bikes
Millennium Centre regularly plays host to scheme has cycle racks located all over the
touring West End musicals, as well as city – and the first half hour of every journey
concerts, drama and ballet. The city is also is free to all Cardiff University students!
home to the acclaimed Welsh National Excellent transport links also make it easy to
Opera, two thriving theatres, several multi- travel across the city, south Wales and
screen cinemas, comedy clubs and a well- beyond, with London less than two hours
established arts centre. away by rail.
12 www.cardiff.ac.ukBoasting some 330 parks and gardens,
Cardiff benefits from an abundance of green
Following an investment of £2.4bn, spaces. Our parks reach right into the heart
Cardiff Bay is regarded as one of the most of the city centre, making the capital a green
successful regeneration projects in the haven for exploring, relaxing and taking some
UK. The Bay boasts a modern development time out.
of homes, shops, bars, restaurants, offices,
and entertainment and sport facilities.
Want to escape the hustle and bustle of
city life? The easily-accessible Brecon
Beacons National Park offers outstanding
scenery and wildlife, alongside ample opportu-
nity for all kinds of outdoor pursuits including
Cardiff is a truly cosmopolitan city and its
hiking and rock climbing. If it’s sea air you
multicultural vibe is reflected in its diverse
crave, take a wander along our stunning
range of cafes, restaurants and bars.
coastline by following the 870-mile Wales
No matter your preference, you’re sure to
Coastal Path: the only path in the world that
find plenty to suit your taste and budget.
follows a country’s coastline in its entirety.
“Cardiff is a great place to be a student. Although it’s the capital of Wales,
Cardiff: a capital city
it isn’t a large city, which means most things are within walking distance.
The centre is very compact and filled to the brim with bars, restaurants,
cafes and shops. I also love Cardiff because of its surrounding areas:
within half an hour I could either be looking out to sea in Penarth or
climbing a mountain in the valleys.” David, MSc Data Science and Analytics
www.cardiff.ac.uk 13A global outlook
Cardiff is a friendly, diverse and global university. We welcome over 7,900
students from more than 130 countries each year, who come to Cardiff to fulfil
their potential through our postgraduate taught and research programmes. We
understand that choosing to study abroad can be a big decision. That’s why
we’re here to help you every step of the way.
14 www.cardiff.ac.ukAs an international student, you can benefit from a range of specialist
support services designed to make your move to Cardiff as
straightforward as possible:
Application guidance
Our international team offers a dedicated advice service to help guide
you through the process of applying to study at Cardiff. You can contact
our international team at any point before, during and after the
application process, and we’ll answer any questions you may have.
A warm welcome
We offer an airport collection service from both Cardiff and Heathrow
airports before the academic year starts. Once you arrive in Cardiff, we
will provide you with a comprehensive induction programme and
arrange activities to help you settle in to your new home.
Guaranteed accommodation
Cardiff is one of only a small number of universities that guarantees
high quality, conveniently located accommodation for single
international students (conditions apply). See page 16-17 to find out
more about our wide range of student accommodation.
Expert advice
Alongside the support provided by your academic school, our
international student advisers are on hand to assist you with issues
such as visas, immigration and finance.
International student societies
Our award-winning Students’ Union houses a number of societies
specifically for international students. The societies host regular
activities for our international students to come together and socialise,
as well as annual events such as the Festival of Culture and Diversity.
English language programmes
Our English language teaching centre offers a variety of courses which
cater for most language levels and abilities. Our students come from
all over the world to improve their English language skills before
starting university. Classes are taught on campus by our experienced,
fully qualified English language tutors. There is also an IELTS Test
Centre at Cardiff University offering regular test dates throughout
the year.
• Summer Pre-sessional Programmes: 8, 10, 12 or 20-week intensive
courses are available for international students holding conditional
offers.
• English for University Study Programme: an academic year
programme with entry in September, January and April.
• In-sessional Student Support: we provide assistance with academic
writing, exam techniques, listening and speaking, pronunciation,
notetaking and seminar skills.
A global outlook
cardiff.ac.uk/international
e: international@cardiff.ac.uk t: +44 (0)29 2087 4432
cardiffinternationalstudents
youtube.com/cardiffinternational
www.cardiff.ac.uk 15Accommodation
Whether you choose to live in a University residence or private accommodation,
we want you to feel at home here.
16 www.cardiff.ac.ukUniversity residences
Dedicated postgraduate flats are available in University residences,
allowing you the opportunity to meet, live and work alongside
like-minded people who understand the demands of postgraduate
study.
International postgraduate students are guaranteed a single-
occupancy place in University residences for the full duration of their
studies, and EU students for the first year of their studies. If you’re a
UK student, University accommodation is not guaranteed but may still
be available: see cardiff.ac.uk/accommodation for more information.
Options to suit everyone
We offer a range of high quality student residences to suit individual
preferences and budgets, including:
• Single or mixed gender accommodation
• Private or shared bathrooms
• Self-catered, part-catered or fully catered (with vegetarian options)
• A variety of social and sporting facilities
• A limited supply of residences suitable for couples or families
(please note that this cannot be guaranteed).
Affordable
Cardiff is the second most affordable city for students in the UK*,
and this is reflected in our budget-friendly University accommodation.
A self-catered residence costs between £111 and £156 per week,
whilst a room in part-catered residences typically costs £153 per week
(2019/20 prices for single occupancy residences). Residence fees
and associated charges are payable by Direct Debit in three
instalments across the year.
Private accommodation
There is a plentiful supply of accommodation available from private
landlords in Cardiff. We run a residential househunting event in August,
allowing you to meet other postgraduates and look for private rented
accommodation as an individual, or as part of a group. Our Students’
Union also operates its own professional letting agency, Cardiff
Student Letting, which provides student houses suitable for a range of
budgets and does not charge agency fees.
*NatWest Student Living Index 2018
Accommodation
www.cardiff.ac.uk/accommodation 17Teaching excellence
Cardiff University has a long history of providing outstanding
research-led teaching:
• We are ranked among the top 40 universities in Europe for teaching
excellence (Times Higher Education Europe Teaching Rankings, 2019)
• Ranked 154th in the QS World Rankings 2020, we are Wales’ highest
ranked university and remain amongst the UK’s best
• Our teaching has received robust endorsement from the Quality Assurance
Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
Our staff are experts in Whether you’re a complete in a European country for 2-12
their fields, working at the beginner or a linguistic ace, we months as part of your
cater for all abilities. Our flexible postgraduate degree, subject to
forefront of their academic
choice of study options allows agreement from your academic
discipline – which means you to learn in a way that suits school. The Erasmus+
that you will too. you, through weekly classes, programme is an exciting
Teaching and learning at Cardiff intensive sessions or opportunity to become immersed
take place in a stimulating study independent learning. in a different culture, make new
environment. As a postgraduate Courses are currently offered at friends and improve your
student, you will be encouraged a variety of levels in: language skills.
to develop a wide range of both • Arabic
Continuing Professional
subject-specific and transferable • French Education
skills, enhancing your
• German We offer a diverse range of
employability and equipping you
with the capabilities you need to • Italian part-time courses in a variety of
excel in your chosen discipline. • Japanese subject areas, which take place
in the daytime, evening and at
• Mandarin Chinese
Languages for All weekends to fit around your
• Portuguese lifestyle. Our Continuing
Looking to learn a new language
or develop your expertise in an • Russian Professional Education courses
existing one? Our Languages for • Spanish are ideal in helping you enhance
All programme gives you the your CV, improve your business
• Welsh
chance to improve your language and project management skills
skills alongside your studies – for Erasmus+ and broaden your learning
free. experience.
Erasmus+ is an exchange
programme which allows you to
receive a grant to study or work
18 www.cardiff.ac.ukStudying part-time for an MSc
whilst working in clinical
practice within the NHS gave
me the best of both worlds.
The course ignited my passion
for learning once more and
helped me take huge steps in
my personal and professional
development.
I enjoyed studying with a wide
range of other therapy and
healthcare students from
around the world. The MSc
provided me with a depth of
knowledge which enhanced my
clinical reasoning, leadership
and patient management
within my practice, and I
particularly enjoyed the
opportunity to undertake a
research project in my chosen
area of specialty.
Since completing my MSc,
I have been employed in a
number of leadership roles
focusing on stroke service
developments at Cardiff and
Vale University Health Board.
I have been able to use my
experiences in my studies and
research to inform my current
role, developing a new
Hyperacute Stroke Unit for Teaching excellence / My Cardiff story
Cardiff.
Studying as a postgraduate
has ignited my interest in
further academic study and
research in clinical practice.
My ambition now is to take on
a therapy clinical leadership
role within the new hyperacute
stroke service, and even one
day to complete a PhD.
Niki, MSc Physiotherapy
www.cardiff.ac.uk 19Groundbreaking
research
From advancing our understanding of dementia to
discovering the chemical composition of the Earth’s New hope for world’s
mantle, our researchers are helping to create a stronger, most endangered
healthier and more sustainable world. mammal
Researchers at the School of
We are a member of the Russell Our nine flagship Research Biosciences carried out new
Group – the UK’s ‘Ivy League’ of Institutes bring together genetic analysis of white rhino
leading research universities. academic talents from across a populations and found that it
We were ranked fifth among UK range of disciplines to tackle could be possible to rescue the
universities when judged on some of the biggest challenges critically endangered northern
research quality and second on facing society, the economy and white rhino from extinction,
research impact in the most the environment. The impact of using the genes of its less
recent Research Excellence our research continues to reach threatened southern cousin.
Framework (REF 2014). far beyond the journals in which
it is published. Analysing genetic samples from
87% of our submitted research 232 rhinos, researchers found
was rated as world-leading (4*) Our expertise puts us in demand that despite the northern and
or internationally excellent (3*) with policy-makers, non- southern populations of white
– the top two categories of governmental organisations and rhinos splitting from each other
assessment. This national industry alike. one million years ago they have
assessment exercise, occasionally shared genes
Here’s an insight into just a few
undertaken periodically by the during cold and arid periods, as
of the projects that our
UK funding bodies, confirmed recently as 14,000 years ago.
researchers have been working
our place as a world-leading
on this year:
centre of research excellence.
20 www.cardiff.ac.ukGiant meteorite crater
found beneath
Greenland’s ice sheet
Researchers at the School of
Earth and Ocean Sciences were
part of a team that uncovered a
giant crater, deep below the ice
sheets in Greenland, left over
from the catastrophic impact of
a meteorite crashing into Earth
between 3 million and 12,000
years ago. As a result of
detailed chemical analysis
performed at Cardiff University,
the team were able to paint a
picture of the type of object
capable of causing such
monumental destruction.
Prehistoric Britons rack
up food miles for feasts
near Stonehenge
Researchers at the School of
History, Archaeology and
Religion unearthed evidence of
the earliest large-scale
celebrations in Britain – with
people and animals travelling
hundreds of miles for
prehistoric feasting rituals.
Groundbreaking research
These gatherings could be seen
as the first united cultural
events of our island, with
people from all corners of
Britain descending on the areas
around Stonehenge to feast on
food that had been specially
reared and transported from
their homes.
www.cardiff.ac.uk/research 2122 www.cardiff.ac.uk
Sup port n iy g ou www.cardiff.ac.uk 23
Student support
and wellbeing
Cardiff University offers more than just outstanding taught courses and
research opportunities. We want to help you make the most of your experience
as a postgraduate student, by ensuring you can access any additional help you
may need.
24 www.cardiff.ac.ukFrom enrolment to graduation and beyond, we’re here to
support you every step of the way.
Money advice assessment process for students
Our Student Funding and Advice who think they may have a
team offers free, impartial, specific learning difficulty.
non-judgemental and confidential
advice. Whether you’re a current
World faiths
or prospective student, you can Our multi-faith University
contact us over the phone, by Chaplaincy offers advice,
email or face-to-face for expert support and care to students of
advice on issues such as funding, all faiths and none. Our
access to government benefits, Chaplains provide a range of
housing matters, academic services including confidential
processes and general welfare pastoral listening, quiet spaces
issues that may be affecting your for prayer or meditation,
ability to study. opportunities for worship and
communal prayer, information
Our Scholarships, Bursaries and about local faith communities
Money team supports students and places of worship, as well as
who may be experiencing social inter-faith events to
unexpected money issues, as encourage dialogue between
well as administering and members of different religions.
awarding most of the University’s
bursaries and scholarships. Support for
Emotional support international students
Our International Student
Our Counselling, Health and
Support team offers confidential
Wellbeing team offers
advice and support for students
confidential counselling and
from outside the UK on a wide
emotional support to students
range of issues including
who wish to discuss matters of a
immigration and visas.
personal or emotional nature.
Help is provided on an individual Award-winning childcare
or group workshop basis,
Our award-winning Day Care
supported by self-help material.
Centre provides full day care
The service works to the British
facilities to students with
Association for Counselling and
children aged 10 weeks to five
Psychotherapy ethical
years. Located in the heart of the
framework.
Cathays Park campus, the Centre
Student support and wellbeing
Disability support offers care through the primary
medium of English, alongside
Our Disability and Dyslexia team
basic Welsh. Early application is
offers information, advice and
advisable.
specialist support services to
current and prospective disabled
students on all disability related
matters. We can help to identify
your support needs, and will
liaise with your academic school
and other departments to put
any reasonable adjustments
which are required in place.
We also offer a screening and
www.cardiff.ac.uk 25Careers support
Whatever the stage of your career journey, our team of professional careers
advisers is here to help you achieve your goals. We offer a wide range of
services to support you with your career development during your time at
Cardiff University and beyond.
26 www.cardiff.ac.ukPreparing you for We have hundreds of employers
on campus throughout the year Cardiff University ranked
your future
that are actively looking to recruit within the top 25 for
Our expert careers professionals our talented students.
are all linked to academic universities targeted by
schools and can provide you with Our postgraduates have secured the largest number of top
personal, subject-specific employment with a wide range of employers in 2018-19,
guidance on everything from high profile organisations according to Graduate
skills development and job including Admiral, BAE Systems, Market 2019.
searches to interview BBC, Bloomberg, Cap Gemini,
preparation and practical help. Citibank Group, Deloitte, We are ranked 15th in
We will work with you to help you Eversheds, GE Healthcare,
the UK in the Times
plan your career and prepare you HSBC, IBM, Microsoft, the NHS,
the Office for National Statistics,
Higher Education Global
for the recruitment process in
PwC, Sky News, TATA Steel and University Employability
your desired industry.
the UK Government. We also Ranking 2018.
Our online platform provides have strong links with a wide
24/7 support to help you with variety of third sector and SME 95% of our UK, full-time,
self-development, career organisations, providing you the Postgraduate Research
planning and research, and as a opportunity to engage with a students were in
postgraduate student, you will huge range of employers. employment and/or
have access to a careers
further study six months
account where you can book International students after graduation.
appointments and events, and Our careers advisers are
search for graduate employment (DLHE survey 2016/17)
on-hand to provide support,
opportunities with organisations resources and guidance to help
recruiting directly from Cardiff 93% of our UK, full-time,
you research career pathways
University. and opportunities in the UK and
Postgraduate Taught
your home country. students were in
Commercial start-ups employment and/or
Got an idea for a new business, further study six months
social enterprise or freelancing after graduation.
opportunity? Our enterprise (DLHE survey 2016/17)
team can help you unlock your
creativity and achieve your
potential. You can access
tailored personalised support to
help establish or grow your
business with 1:1 mentoring,
start-up workshops, skills
development sessions, funding
opportunities and online tools to
bring your ideas to life.
Employer connections
The Cardiff University jobs board
gives you direct access to more
than 2,000 registered employers.
Careers support
You will also have the
opportunity to attend our
frequent careers fairs, employer
presentations and specialist
panel events.
www.cardiff.ac.uk/careersadvice 27First-class
facilities
There’s never been a more exciting time to be a postgraduate student at Cardiff
University. We are currently investing hundreds of millions of pounds to provide
our students with world-class facilities as part of our largest campus upgrade
in a generation.
28 www.cardiff.ac.ukA massive £600m capital investment programme across
the University, including £260m in student facilities, will
help us ensure that we can give you the best student
experience possible.
Investing in your future Open Access IT rooms across the
From elegant Portland stone campus, some of which are open
buildings to contemporary study 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
centres, you’ll be learning in a are freely available for you to use.
dynamic and inspiring The IT Service Desk provides IT
environment. No matter what you help and support 24/7.
study as a postgraduate, you’ll
find everything you need to get
Libraries
the most from your course: Our modern libraries are
state-of-the-art recording studios welcoming, comfortable and offer
and performance theatres, a broad range of information
Europe’s most powerful brain resources in print and online.
scanner, a £2m dentistry We provide a flexible study and
simulation suite, Wales’ largest research environment, with study
stock exchange trading floor and spaces to suit all learning needs.
a range of outstanding new Extended opening hours –
research facilities as part of our including evenings, weekends
Innovation Campus. and 24/7 access in our two main
sites (the Arts and Social Studies
We are also building a £50m Library and Health Library)
Centre for Student Life to provide – enable you to work at times
a central hub for our student that suit you best.
support services as well as
There are more than 1.3m printed
offering modern, flexible social
books in the library collection and
learning spaces and a 550-seat
an extensive range of online
lecture theatre.
resources including eJournals,
IT facilities eBooks, indexes, databases,
statistical collections and full text
Our modern IT facilities enable
archives. Research students can
easy access to a range of
benefit from a wide array of
guidance, tools and resources to
specialist collections.
support your study and research.
The University-wide wireless
network covers University
buildings and our student
residences.
The University network provides
you with access to a wide variety
of software applications and
collaboration tools, as well as
First-class facilities
online resources and services
including email and networked
file storage.
You will also benefit from free
subscription to Microsoft Office
365 products for the duration of
your studies.
www.cardiff.ac.uk 29Spending another year at
Cardiff was a no brainer
for me.
The School of Journalism,
Media and Culture is one of the
top journalism schools in the
country that boasts a number
of Master’s courses credited as
leading in the UK. The
teaching, wide-ranging
modules offered and resources
available made it an easy
choice.
Currently, I’m a Strategic
Planner at Edelman, the world’s
leading communications firm.
I’m responsible for helping input
the overall strategy and creative
ideas into campaigns, adverts
and work the agency as a whole
is involved in. I’ve worked with
brands including Microsoft,
Xbox, Skittles, Nutella and
Nissan, and been a part of
award-winning work for the likes
of ASICS and Taco Bell.
My course helped provide me
with a strong base of core
communication skills, and an
understanding of the processes
involved with formulating digital,
social and integrated strategies
in earned media. The huge
diversity of people on my course
meant its emphasis on group
work enabled me to engage
with a broader set of opinions,
thoughts and suggestions that I
would have otherwise not had
the opportunity to engage with.
I’ve relied heavily on what I
learnt during my year of
postgraduate study in my
career, which has undoubtedly
made me better at my job as a
result.
Olivier,
MA, International Public Relations
and Global Communications
Management
30 www.cardiff.ac.ukSport
Cardiff is consistently ranked amongst the top UK
universities for sport. We offer an extensive range of
sports clubs, with opportunities to participate at an elite
or recreational level.
There are more than 60 Athletic The Fitness and Conditioning
Union clubs to get involved in Centre houses our state-of-the-art
throughout your postgraduate strength and conditioning
studies, ranging from hockey and provision, while you will also find
rugby to martial arts, motorsports further cardio, resistance and
and dodgeball. weights equipment alongside a
Many of our clubs compete in the range of outstanding indoor and
British Universities and Colleges outdoor sports facilities at the
Sport (BUCS) competition, where Sports Training Village. Our
My Cardiff story / Sport
teams travel all over the UK friendly and personal approach to
battling it out for BUCS points health and fitness includes have the necessary environment
against other universities. We fitness classes, personal training, to excel in their given sport. Areas
also have an extremely popular individual programme design and of support include lifestyle
intra-mural games (IMG) nutrition advice. management and academic
programme with over 100 teams Our High Performance support, physical preparation
competing weekly in netball, Programme provides elite such as physiotherapy, sports
football and rugby. sportsmen and women with a massage and strength and
comprehensive support conditioning coaching, as well as
programme to ensure that they the potential for financial award.
www.cardiff.ac.uk/sport
www.cardiff.ac.uk 31Doctoral
Academy
The Doctoral Academy is the hub of interdisciplinary workshops, wellbeing and
postgraduate researcher activities at Cardiff University. careers activities, online
learning, community events and
It is a central source for researchers to access personal,
student-led activity.
professional and research skills development workshops,
as well as a range of interdisciplinary community events Our programme is focused
around the iterative stages of
and funding opportunities, all within a dedicated space. your PhD journey.
Our aim is to help you, the runs ‘Starting Out’ induction • Transition (settling in and
researcher, to have an sessions in October and at each getting started)
outstanding student experience additional enrolment point.
• Acquisition (building skills and
and to benefit from being part of These events will introduce you
networks)
a postgraduate community to the nature of a research
where you can develop research degree, to the support available • Completion (staying on track
excellence and future for your research and career and finishing up)
employability. We work in development and to other • Employability (planning for
partnership with the University’s research students, who will your future)
Careers and Student Support become your friends, colleagues
This enables us to support you
services to ensure that you are and perhaps even collaborators.
on your journey as a new
fully equipped to succeed.
Supporting the researcher, helping build
Undertaking Doctoral Research confidence, skills, persistence
is intellectually stimulating,
Researcher Journey and a fulfilling career.
challenging and unlike any other We offer a comprehensive
form of university study. For that programme which encompasses
reason, the Doctoral Academy several elements: formal training
32 www.cardiff.ac.ukOur Community
Join a nurturing
community of postgraduate
researchers, helping you
develop links outside of your
specialism and with local
industry
Interdisciplinary and
Funding Opportunities Regular interdisciplinary The Doctoral Academy offers
In addition to courses, we enable activities offering a so many opportunities to
researcher development by stimulating research acquire new skills and
providing opportunities for environment and sharpen existing ones.
involvement in student-led opportunities to network I appreciate that the Doctoral
conferences, and offering with other researchers Academy is not just about
funding for student-led making us better scholars, but
interdisciplinary activities. Nearly Annual student-led genuinely more well-rounded
£8,000 has been awarded to conferences and other and happy individuals. The
this year’s researchers to enable research showcase events world of academia can be
them to gain experience and including our Images of harsh and isolating, but the
develop skills by running their Research exhibition and Doctoral Academy is an oasis
own events and initiatives. Three Minute Thesis where PhD students from
competition different academic
Access to backgrounds can come
GW4 Resources Regular Writers’ Retreats together and realise that we
offering support and aren’t alone in this, not by a
Cardiff University is part of the
encouragement for writing long shot. I have made
GW4 Alliance which enables us
your thesis friendships with people I
to offer you access to specialist,
flagship equipment and training cherish that I would have never
Dedicated space for PhD encountered had it not been
across the west including Bath,
students including seminar for the common ground of
Bristol and Exeter universities.
rooms, an IT suite and 40 hands-on workshops, inspiring
We are also a part of the GW4
allocated desk spaces for seminars and interdisciplinary
Doctoral Student Training
researchers in the writing up conferences.
Scheme, helping us to provide
stage
you with the opportunity and Adelle, School of History,
funds to develop discipline Archaeology and Religion
A vibrant Twitter community
specific training and innovative
offering a virtual space to
student support activities.
discover and engage with
Doctoral Training other researchers
Programmes
The Doctoral Academy Blog,
Doctoral Academy
As a world-leading, research where you can showcase
intensive university, we are your research and discover
involved in a range of dedicated the diversity of our
doctoral training programmes research community
which offer excellent fully funded
postgraduate research
opportunities, spanning many of
our areas of research excellence.
www.cardiff.ac.uk 33Funding
your study
We understand that advancing your education to postgraduate level is a
significant financial commitment. That’s why, if you’re considering a postgraduate
course, it’s a good idea to consider your funding options as soon as possible.
If you need help from the experts, our Student Funding and Advice team can
provide you with free, impartial advice on all aspects of funding your study.
34 www.cardiff.ac.ukMost funding sources are highly competitive and are Additional funding
subject to various conditions. You should research your sources
funding options early to ensure that you can meet • The UK’s seven Research
application deadlines. Even if you can’t find full funding Councils fund UK and EU
for your programme, you may be able to secure partial research students on a
funding from a number of different sources. competitive basis through our
doctoral training programmes
Master’s Excellence UK Government • Throughout the year, we
Scholarships postgraduate funding advertise a range of funded
Our competitive Master’s for master’s study PhD projects on our website
Excellence Scholarship scheme Postgraduate loans from the UK • If you’re an international
has been designed to support government are available to student, make sure you
high calibre UK and EU students support UK and EU students who investigate funding
in funding your postgraduate fulfil the eligibility criteria. opportunities offered within
study. We are investing up to a Different loans apply depending your home country via the
total of £500,000 in the scheme on where you are domiciled in British Council and other
for entry in September 2020, the UK – please see our website external funding providers
with each scholarship worth a for details. For entry in 2019, • Our Unistaff Jobshop can help
minimum of £3,000 tuition fee students from Wales and the EU you secure part-time, casual
discount. Conditions apply; could receive up to £17,000 of or regular employment within
please see our website for funding (comprising both a loan both the University and
details. and grants), while students from external organisations
England could receive a loan of • Numerous charities, trusts
International up to £10,906. Government and foundations may offer
scholarships funding amounts for entry in funding for postgraduate
We have a range of highly 2020 will be published on our study.
prestigious scholarship website as soon as they are
programmes to support confirmed.
exceptional international
students, including our Vice- UK Government
Chancellor’s International doctoral loans
Scholarship scheme. Awards Doctoral loans from the UK
from £2,000 are available to government are also available to
international students across a support UK and EU students who
wide range of subject areas and, fulfil the relevant eligibility
in many cases, you will criteria. For entry in 2019, all UK
automatically be considered and EU students could receive a
without having to submit a loan of up to £25,700. As with
separate application form. What does my
the UK Government funding for course cost?
Master’s study, different loans
apply depending on where you Tuition fees vary depending
are domiciled in the UK. on the course you choose
and whether you’re a UK,
EU or international student.
Funding your study
You can find full details of
the tuition fees for individual
“I applied for a Master’s Excellence Scholarship programmes on the course
and this cut my fees, which really helped relieve pages of our website.
financial pressure during my degree.”
Matilda, MSc Computing
www.cardiff.ac.uk 35Students’
Union
As soon as you enrol as a student, you automatically become a member
of Cardiff University Students’ Union, one of the biggest, best and most
active in Britain.
36 www.cardiff.ac.ukAs a student-led, independent part of the University, the chance to gain work experience
Students’ Union represents students and provides a while you study. If you’re looking
for temporary work to earn some
diverse and inclusive range of activities, services and
money while you study, the
facilities that enrich student life. Students’ Union and Cardiff
The elected full-time officer team student issues, including University run Jobshop, a
provides dedicated academic, housing and financial dedicated service for students
representation for postgraduate issues. They are there to support looking to find temporary work
students and researchers to you with any aspect of your life that fits around your studies.
support your needs. as a master’s or research
student. Shops and services
Eat, relax, study Within the Students’ Union
The Students’ Union has Societies and activities building, you will find a range of
undergone major redevelopment With more than 200 societies shops and services, including a
over the last few years, and 60 sports clubs to choose supermarket, bank, bookshop,
transforming it into a great place from, there’s plenty to keep you cafés, print shop, pub and a
to study, socialise and relax. We busy. If you don’t have time to hairdresser. The Students’ Union
have worked hard to strengthen fully commit to a club or society, also has its own letting agency
the postgraduate community in the ‘Give it a Go’ programme that specialises in letting student
Cardiff, including hosting events offers you the chance to try out a accommodation.
specifically for postgraduate whole host of activities.
students. From showcasing the Representation
research our talented PhD Student media The Students’ Union is the
students undertake through There are opportunities to get recognised voice of students at
recognising research events, to involved in our award-winning Cardiff University, joining
fun social events like wine media, which include the student students in campaigning about
tasting and quiz nights, and day newspaper ‘Gair Rhydd’, a the issues important to them,
trips for postgraduates to lifestyle magazine called including issues specific to
locations across the UK, it’s a ‘Quench’, as well as our own postgraduates. The Students’
great chance to get to know your radio and TV stations, ‘Xpress Union recruits and trains over
fellow postgraduate students. Radio’ and ‘Cardiff Union TV’. 1,000 Academic Reps each year,
who serve as a valuable link
Advice and welfare Jobs and skills between the University, the
The Students’ Union has its own The Students’ Union offers a Students’ Union and the student
Student Advice service offering range of courses to develop your body to ensure that the student
free, professional and skills, opportunities to volunteer voice is taken seriously at every
confidential advice on a range of in the community, and the level.
Top 4
Students’
Union in
the UK
Students’ Union
(Times Higher Education
Student Experience Survey
2018)
www.cardiff.ac.uk 3738 www.cardiff.ac.uk
t S ud ying with U s www.cardiff.ac.uk 39
Choosing
your course
40 www.cardiff.ac.ukPostgraduate taught or postgraduate research? Deciding which postgraduate
course is right for you will depend on a number of factors including your areas of interest,
current level of study and future career ambitions.
Taught programmes Research degrees
(including MA, MSc, MScEcon, MBA, MTh, LLM Research degrees involve the in-depth study of a
and MDA) specified field over an extensive period.
Taught master’s programmes enable you to The results of this research are written in the form
develop specialist knowledge and expertise of a of a thesis or dissertation, demonstrating an
specific subject area. original contribution of knowledge or practice to
their chosen discipline. Opportunities for supervised
The structured teaching programme is delivered
research are available in all our academic schools.
through a combination of lectures, seminars,
tutorials and directed reading, alongside We encourage you to explore opportunities in
independent and practical work. Teaching is academic schools outside your original degree
followed by the preparation and submission of an subject, as you may find that many of them offer
individual dissertation or final project. Some research areas that link with your area of interest.
courses may also include industrial or work-related The type of research you are engaged in and your
placements. A full master’s programme is usually experience of undertaking postgraduate research
studied across 12 months full-time or 24 months will differ depending on whether you are studying
part-time, and is comprised of 180 credits. for a lab-based research degree or one within the
arts, humanities and social sciences.
Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) and
Increasingly, institutions offer research degrees that
Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) contain some structured teaching, such as our
Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates are Master of Research (MRes) programmes,
postgraduate-level courses structured in a similar Professional Doctorates and our PhD in Economics.
way to Master’s courses but don’t normally involve a These programmes provide advanced research
written dissertation. These courses are often training and specialist knowledge before you
accredited and can be used to build credit towards embark on your specific research project.
a Master’s qualification.
A PgDip is usually studied across 9 months full-time
or 18-21 months part-time and is comprised of
120 credits. A PgCert programme is less extensive
than a PgDip and is normally studied across 6-9
months full-time or 12 months part-time. A PgCert
is comprised of 60 credits.
You can also choose to study a range of individual
modules on a standalone basis.
Benefits of a Taught Degree Benefits of a Research Degree
• Study a subject you enjoy in more depth • Make a valuable contribution to knowledge
and society in a subject area you love
Choosing your course
• Increase your career prospects by developing
a stronger academic and/or vocational profile • Develop more specialised knowledge and
• Change career path with a conversion degree expertise
• Develop your transferable skills to a higher • Increase your career prospects by developing
level a stronger research profile
• Develop your intellect
• Develop new skills and problem solving
abilities
www.cardiff.ac.uk 41Conversion
courses
Thinking of heading in a different direction, pursuing a We offer a diverse range of
new career or returning to study a different subject? conversion courses that allow
you to study a subject unrelated
Conversion courses can help you make this a reality.
to your undergraduate degree or
Undertaking a conversion course Pursuing a vocation that career, to support you with a
is one of the most effective ways matches your interests and change of direction. Subject
to fast-track a career change, or that you find more fulfilling areas include:
continue studying in a completely • Archaeology and
If you’ve developed an interest in
different subject area from your Conservation
a new area, a conversion course
undergraduate degree.
allows you to explore the subject • Business and Marketing
There are many benefits to in more depth. • Computer Science and
studying a postgraduate
Increasing your prospects of Informatics
conversion course:
securing employment in a • Creative Writing
Fast-tracking a career change specific field • Geography and Planning
If your undergraduate degree is
The variety of skills and expertise • Journalism, Media and
not the field you want to work in,
gained from your conversion Culture
a conversion course allows you
course could allow you to • Law
to upskill in a different area so
significantly improve your job
that you can follow a new career • Occupational Therapy
prospects and increase your
path. • Psychology
chance of securing work in a
Continuing your study at a specific field. • Social Work
higher level Growing your skillset There are also various
A conversion course allows you To help further your career programmes available which
to acquire additional skills to go aspirations, a conversion course accept undergraduate degrees
alongside those gained on your enables you to develop skills and from related fields of study or
undergraduate degree. knowledge in a new subject. relevant work experience.
All conversion courses are
clearly marked in our course
directory list.
42 www.cardiff.ac.ukStudies to suit
your lifestyle
We offer a wide range of postgraduate taught and Blended learning
research degrees, with flexible study options to fit your Some of our programmes are
individual circumstances. offered as blended learning,
combining face-to-face
As a postgraduate student, you qualifications earned through
Conversion courses / Studies to suit your lifestyle
classroom methods with
will be encouraged to develop a face-to-face learning and we
computer-mediated activities or
wide range of both subject- take the delivery of teaching
online provision.
specific and transferable skills, online just as seriously as we do
enhancing your employability on campus. The experienced Part-time study options
and equipping you with the academic team and your
Many of our academic schools
capabilities you need to excel in personal tutor will ensure you are
offer part-time postgraduate
your chosen discipline. fully supported in all aspects of
courses, which are ideal if you
your student experience.
Distance learning need to balance study with
Our distance learning courses professional, financial or family
We deliver flexible online provide you with the flexibility to commitments. Part-time
programmes to postgraduate study in a convenient location programmes offer greater
students around the world. and at a time, pace and intensity flexibility and a less intensive
Our dynamic e-learning that suits you. You will have workload whilst still providing all
programmes allow you to study access to our outstanding range the benefits and support enjoyed
with us no matter where you live, of online resources and become by full-time students.
alongside your work or other part of our thriving e-learning
commitments. community, bringing together
We offer a number of innovative students and tutors from across
online programmes spanning a the globe and enabling you to
broad range of subject areas. enjoy the Cardiff experience no
Our online programmes are matter where you live.
academically equivalent to
www.cardiff.ac.uk 43The MSc Catalysis course at
Cardiff was an excellent
opportunity for me to gain an
advanced understanding into
the various topics available in
the area of catalysis. I
enjoyed being surrounded by
enthusiastic and highly
skilled academics and
researchers from all levels
and backgrounds, working
within the prestigious Cardiff
Catalysis Institute.
The passion, support and
knowledge which I gathered
here ultimately led to the
decision of pursuing a PhD in
the area of heterogeneous
catalysis. It is an absolute
privilege to work amongst
world-renowned scientists
using state-of-the-art
equipment and to collaborate
with both industrialists and
researchers from around the
world.
The theory learnt throughout
my MSc has been regularly put
into practice, particularly
during my end of year research
project. The skills I acquired
during my course have been
essential throughout my PhD
and have given me significant
confidence in both bringing my
ideas to reality, and in
presenting my work to a wide
variety of people.
Anisa, MSc Catalysis
44 www.cardiff.ac.ukAcad
emic
c
So ho
ls Academic Schools
www.cardiff.ac.uk 45Architecture
The Welsh School of Architecture offers a
wide range of programmes that reflect the
School’s research expertise.
We are one of the top-ranked schools of architecture in the UK, as I chose to undertake my
indicated by our position in key league tables. We are listed as one of postgraduate studies at the
the top 40 schools in the world specialising in architecture and the Welsh School of Architecture
built environment (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019). as the course has an
excellent reputation for being
Our diverse programmes are linked by an aim to develop the key skills
the best in the UK. The course
that students will need to specialise in their field of interest and
was extremely thorough and
enhance their career opportunities. Through them, students acquire
varied, giving me an excellent
new knowledge but also the ability to be independent learners working
understanding of a wide
at the forefront of their disciplines.
range of professional practice,
Our programmes are designed to be of value to those wishing to contract administration and
undertake specialist study after an undergraduate degree, as well as other industry wide matters. I
to professionals who may already be involved in designing, managing, feel the course gave me the
enhancing and evaluating the built environment but wish to develop basis and confidence to start
new skills. Many of our programmes offer part-time or distance- and run my own architectural
learning study options, making them suitable for working professionals practice, as well as to launch
wishing to remain in practice while studying. a national design review
panel.
Our long-standing record of teaching excellence means that our
postgraduate programmes are popular and our graduates are in high Jonathan
demand. Postgraduate Diploma
Architecture: Professional
Practice
46 www.cardiff.ac.ukBiosciences
Our research spans the full range of
biological and biomedical sciences, and
seeks to deliver new solutions to global
challenges that have major economic,
societal and environmental impact. Whilst studying for my
undergraduate degree at
Based on our research, we are ranked 13th in the UK, with 98% of our Cardiff, Prof. Lynne Boddy’s
submitted research rated as internationally excellent, world-leading or lectures enthused me about
internationally recognised. 60% of our research has been deemed wood-decay fungi – so when a
‘outstanding’ for its impact in terms of its reach and significance PhD project came up on the
(REF 2014). topic, I jumped at the chance!
In the 2019 Academic Ranking of World Universities, Biological Cardiff University is a great
Sciences at Cardiff University was ranked in the top 25 worldwide, place to do a PhD, as there’s
and the top 4 in the UK. lots of interesting research
going on in the department
The School of Biosciences plays a lead role in several of the and a lively sense of
University’s specialist research institutes, including the European community amongst the
Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Water Research Institute, postgraduates.
Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Sustainable
Places Research Institute, and the Medicines Discovery Institute. I’ve had opportunities to learn
Architecture / Biosciences
a lot of techniques and travel
to interesting places, with
plenty of fun along the way!
Sarah
PhD Biosciences
www.cardiff.ac.uk 47You can also read
