2010 QICF Cardiff University

About Cardiff University A traditional university, founded by Royal Charter in 1883 One of the largest universities in the UK with 27,000 students including over 3,000 overseas students from 100 countries A member of the prestigious Russell Group - a collaboration of twenty leading UK universities Cardiff University has an international reputation for excellence in research Teaching is research driven, offering students interaction with researchers working at the frontier of their disciplines and offering a stimulating learning environment

Cardiff has a wide choice of taught programmes and research opportunities. Undergraduate and Postgraduate study is offered across 27 Academic Schools – encompassing the humanities, the natural, physical, health, life and social sciences, engineering and technology Undergraduate entry requirements: A-levels, International Baccalaureate or Foundation Programme plus a minimum of IELTS 6.5 Postgraduate entry requirements: A recognised first degree plus at least IELTS 6.5 (some courses may ask for higher IELTS scores) Courses and Entry Requirements

Cardiff University also runs a number of International Foundation Programmes. These are for high school students who want to study at undergraduate level Subjects offered are: Business, Law and Engineering (students who score a Merit in each module can automatically progress to undergraduate study without re- taking IELTS) Health and Life Sciences (onward application to subjects including Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry and Pharmacy) Students from Qatar will need Thanawiyah scores of at least 85% (higher for Medicine and Dentistry) plus at least IELTS 5.5 Courses and Entry Requirements

English Language Courses A full suite of English language courses is also offered at Cardiff University: The Bridge Programme is a 2, 6 or 9 month programme to develop students’ academic and professional English Entry requirements: IELTS 4.0 (9 months), IELTS 4.5 (6 months) and IELTS 5.0 (2 months) The Pre-sessional Programme is an intensive summer programme in English for Academic Purposes for students with an offer for Cardiff University. Courses are 5, 8 or 11 weeks in length Entry requirements: IELTS 5.5 (11 weeks), IELTS 6.0 (8 weeks) and IELTS 6.5 (5 weeks)

Accommodation – a wide range of residences ranging from traditional catered halls to modern self-catering flats. All full-session international students are guaranteed a place in University residences for the duration of their study Libraries - 18 library sites conveniently located close to the academic schools they support IT Facilities - one of the most up to date services in the UK, with 24-hour access in some locations. Internet access point in every room of every university hall of residence Sports and Recreation Facilities – a wide range of dedicated sports, fitness and recreation facilities across multiple locations Students’ Union – one of the biggest and best in the UK, offering student welfare services, entertainment, restaurants and clubs and social societies Student Facilities

In-sessional English Language Support Open access support is available to all students from outside the EU, and comprises of one-to-one tutorials and workshops. These provide language and study skills support Tailored support is also available within some academic schools International Office Acts as a point of contact for students and offers support and advice during and after the admissions process Has many staff with international experience Student Support Centre Provides confidential counselling services, welfare advice and financial advice Offers help with visa renewals and immigration issues Student Services

Cardiff is an affordable capital city where the cost of living is consistently lower than the south-east of England. The average cost of University accommodation is £80 per week Students should allow an average of £90 per week for food and other essential items, entertainment and travel within Cardiff. Minimum living costs for academic year are as follows: £6,120 For 9 months (Sept June 2011) £8,160 For 12 months (Sept Sept 2011) Living Expenses

A distinctive country within the UK. A country of stunning natural beauty including some of the UK’s highest and most rugged mountain peaks and hundreds of miles of unspoilt coastline and beaches. More than a quarter of the country lies within a national park or an area of outstanding natural beauty, making Wales a true haven for outdoor pursuits. Steeped in history - Wales is said to be the castle capital of the world. It has about 400 castles, of which over 100 are still standing, either as ruins or as restored buildings. Officially a bilingual country - the Welsh language is spoken by 20% of population; some international students choose to study Welsh and learn about Welsh culture. Population: Cardiff 320,000 Wales 2.9 million UK 58.7 million Location : Wales

Location: The City of Cardiff Capital City of Wales and one of Europe’s youngest capital cities A vibrant, cosmopolitan and culturally diverse city - nominated as European Capital of Culture Friendly and Safe Not too big! Population of 320,000 Cardiff University Security –24 hour helpline –Security patrols –CCTV Low cost of living – Cardiff has been named as one of the most cost-effective cities in the UK for students to study, reflecting a combination of relatively low living costs and rent and high weekly earnings from part-time work (RBS, 2006) World class infrastructure and facilities following major investment Accessible – 2 hours from London and 30 minutes from Cardiff International Airport