Cardiff Metropolitan University: Your Complete Guide to Courses, Campus, and Life

Planning to start university in 2025 and considering Cardiff Metropolitan University? You're not alone, and you're definitely in the right place. Whether you're a UK-based student weighing your options, or an international applicant dreaming of life in one of the UK’s most welcoming cities, this all-in-one guide has you covered.

From exploring top-rated courses and student life to navigating the best student accommodation in Cardiff, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about studying at Cardiff Met in 2025. You’ll get a clear picture of what it’s like to be a student here, including campus facilities, support services, career opportunities, and what makes this modern university stand out in the heart of Wales. 

Located in the lively capital city of Cardiff, known for its rich culture, buzzing student scene, and affordability, Cardiff Metropolitan University offers the perfect blend of academic excellence and real-world experience. Whether you're focused on future career goals or looking to make unforgettable memories, Cardiff Met is a place where you can do both.

So, if you're searching for the perfect uni experience, want to learn more about student accommodation in Cardiff, or are just starting your 2025 research, keep reading. This guide will help you make informed decisions and get a head start on your uni journey!

TL;DR: Cardiff Metropolitan University at a Glance

• Modern UK university with roots dating back to 1865
• Home to 11,000+ students, including 1,200+ international students from 143 countries
• 64% acceptance rate, accessible and inclusive
• Ranked #1 in the UK for international student support
• 96% graduate employment rate, career-ready degrees
• Two vibrant campuses in Cardiff, one of the UK’s most affordable student cities
• Offers industry-focused degrees in sport, art & design, business, education, health, and more
• Tuition fees: £9,250 (UK) | £13,500–£15,500 (international)
• English requirement: IELTS 6.0 or equivalent

Cardiff Met is known for delivering high-value education in a student-friendly city, combining academic quality, strong support, and real-world career outcomes. Wondering how it stacks up next to its famous neighbour? Take a look at Cardiff University, another standout in the Welsh capital with a very different vibe.

Why Cardiff Met Actually Rocks

Let’s be real, it’s not all about flashy rankings. Cardiff Metropolitan University focuses on what actually matters: preparing you for life after uni.

The Numbers That Count:

• 96% of grads employed within 6 months
• #1 in the UK for international student support
• 5,000+ industry partnerships
• £50 million invested in new facilities

Bottom Line:

Cardiff Met may not be in the global top 100,  but when it comes to getting students into jobs, it beats Oxford and Cambridge.

And that’s what really counts. 

What You Can Study at Cardiff Met

With 200+ courses across five specialist schools, Cardiff Met has something for every kind of student, whether you're a future artist, entrepreneur, healthcare professional, or Olympian in the making. 

Still exploring your options across the UK? Don’t miss our ultimate guide to UK universities, perfect for comparing courses, campuses, and vibes before you make your decision.

School of Art and Design

Founded in 1865, it’s one of the oldest art schools in the UK, and still one of the best.

Popular Courses:

• Fine Art
• Fashion Design (Julien Macdonald studied here!)
• Graphic Design
• Product Design

Why it rocks:

• Strong industry connections
• State-of-the-art studios and workshops
• Graduate exhibitions that get noticed

Want to see how Cardiff Met compares to other top creative schools? Don’t miss our in-depth guide to the best art universities in the UK, perfect if you’re serious about turning your passion for art and design into a career.

School of Health Sciences

Perfect for students who want to make a real impact in healthcare.

Top Courses:

• Nursing
• Physiotherapy
• Psychology
• Speech and Language Therapy

What makes it stand out:

• NHS partnerships
• Hands-on clinical experience from day one
• Guaranteed placements

School of Sport and Health Sciences

Cardiff Met is the university for sport in the UK. Full stop.

Courses include:

• Sport and Exercise Science
• Sports Coaching
• Sports Psychology
• Physical Education (PE Teaching)

Why it’s elite:

• Olympic-standard facilities
• Home to the National Indoor Athletics Centre
• Alumni include Olympic medalists, pro athletes and elite coaches

Cardiff School of Management

Launch your career in business with courses built for the real world.

Popular Options:

• Business and Management
• Marketing
• Event Management
• Tourism
• MBA

Perks:

• 5,000+ company links
• Live business projects
• Guest speakers from real industries

School of Education and Social Policy

For future teachers, youth workers, and changemakers.

Courses to check out:

• Primary Teaching
• Secondary Teaching
• Youth and Community Work
• Social Work

Why it’s a smart choice:

• Placement guaranteed for every education student
• Real classroom and community experience

No matter what you study, Cardiff Met blends academic theory with hands-on learning, so you graduate career-ready.

Campus Life at Cardiff Met: The Real Deal

Cardiff Met has two unique campuses, each with its own vibe, and both offering an awesome student experience.

Cyncoed Campus

Suburban, green, and built for sports lovers

What you'll find here:

• School of Health Sciences
• School of Education
• On-campus student accommodation
• Top-tier sports facilities and pitches
• Home to the National Indoor Athletics Centre

Vibe:

• Classic university feel
• Great community atmosphere
• Just 15 minutes from the city centre, close enough for nights out, far enough for a peaceful study environment

Llandaff Campus

Historic, creative, and full of character

Home to:

• School of Art and Design
• Cardiff School of Management
• Stunning historic buildings mixed with modern studios
• River views and leafy surroundings

Vibe:

• Creative energy everywhere
• Set in a charming village
• Chill river walks, cafes, and a slower pace, perfect for focused study and inspiration

No matter which campus you're on, you’ll get:

• A friendly student community
• Green spaces
• Great transport links
• Access to Cardiff’s buzzing city life

Think of it as the best of both worlds: vibrant city energy when you want it, peaceful campus life when you need it.

Student Life as Cardiff Met “Archers”

At Cardiff Met, all students are proud “Archers,” a name that stands for courage, skill, and hwyl (that’s Welsh for fun and passion!). Want to know what it’s REALLY like to live and thrive as a student in Cardiff? Our student life in Cardiff blog spills all the best spots, hidden gems, and can’t-miss experiences that’ll make your uni years unforgettable.

Ready to dive into campus life? Here’s the lowdown:

Students’ Union: Active, Organised, and Actually Useful

The Students’ Union is your go-to for:

• 100+ societies, from anime fans to environmental clubs
• Sports teams for every skill level, whether you’re a newbie or a pro
• Regular social and cultural events to keep things lively
• Academic help and job advice to support your career journey

Wondering which clubs will become your new family? Explore our ultimate guide to student societies in Cardiff and find your perfect crew!

Sports Culture: Cardiff Met’s Passion

Sport is a huge deal here, and in the best way! Whether you want to compete, train, or just have fun, you’ve got options:

• Elite performance programs for serious athletes
• Social teams to play and make friends
• Individual training and outdoor adventures
• Coaching qualifications if you want to lead

Facilities include:

• Fully equipped gyms
• Swimming pool
• Athletics track
• Climbing wall
• Outdoor pitches

Where You’ll Live: Comfortable and Convenient

With nearly 1,000 rooms across both campuses, you’ve got plenty of options:

All rooms include:

• Free WiFi
• Study desk
• Wardrobe and basic furniture
• Access to shared kitchens, common rooms, laundry
• 24/7 security

Guarantee: First-year international students get accommodation if they apply on time.

Why Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) is a Game-Changer

If you’re not sure what Purpose-Built Student Accommodation is all about, it’s basically a student’s dream come true. These modern pads are designed to fit your lifestyle, with perks like social lounges, study rooms, gyms, and even on-site support. It’s more than just a place to crash, it’s a community where you can thrive.

Ready to unlock all the insider secrets about PBSA and find your perfect student home? Check out our purpose-built student accommodation glossary for the full scoop, trust us, it’ll change how you think about student housing.

Thinking Beyond Uni Halls? Explore Private Housing Like a Pro

After your first year, you might want a bit more freedom, and Cardiff’s private housing scene has plenty of charm. Whether you want the buzzing student vibes of Roath, the city-centre convenience of Cathays, or the peaceful, leafy streets of Llandaff, there’s a neighbourhood to match your mood and budget.

Not sure which area fits your style? Our best areas to live in Cardiff guide breaks down the hotspots so you can find your perfect student neighbourhood.

Still Overwhelmed? We’ve Got Your Back

Choosing where to live can feel like a puzzle, but you don’t have to do it alone. From budget tips to navigating contracts, ourCardiff student housing guide has everything you need to make your housing hunt stress-free and successful.

And when it’s time to pick your place, dive into our handpicked list of best properties in Cardiff to discover top-notch rooms and flats that suit your lifestyle, because your uni home should feel just right.

Being an Archer means joining a community that supports your studies, passions, and social life, with plenty of fun along the way! Whether you’re settling into a uni hall, a slick PBSA, or your own flat, Cardiff offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and character to make your student years unforgettable.

Getting In: The Reality Check

Getting into Cardiff Met? It’s realistic but competitive. With a 64% acceptance rate, it’s not impossible, but it’s not guaranteed either. Here’s what you need to know to boost your chances.

What You Need: UK Students

• A-levels: Typically BBC to CCC, depending on the course
• BTEC: Usually DMM to MMM
• Scottish Highers: Between BBBCC and CCCCC

Course examples:

• Art courses: BBC + portfolio
• Health Sciences: BBB + relevant science subjects
• Business: BCC to CCC
• Sports: BBC + PE or science

International Requirements

• India: Minimum 50% in Class XII (55% for health courses)
• China: Around 70% in Senior High School
• Nigeria: WAEC with 5 passes at C6 or above

Note: Health courses usually require higher English scores.

How to Apply

• Undergraduate: Apply through UCAS by January 15 (application fee: £28.50)
• Postgraduate: Apply directly to Cardiff Met, no application fee!

What to expect:

• Undergrad decisions in around 48 hours
• Postgrad decisions within one week

No long waits, no unnecessary hassle, quick and straightforward.

Ready to take the leap? Now you know exactly what it takes to join the Archers!

Money Matters: Why Cardiff Met Is Great Value

Thinking about the cost? Cardiff Met offers excellent value for a top-quality education, especially in one of the UK’s most affordable capital cities!

Fun fact: Cardiff is the cheapest capital city in the UK for students, so your money really goes further here!

Want to go deeper? Use our cost of living calculatorto estimate your personal monthly budget or check out our detailed cost of living in Cardiff guide to see where you can save. Curious about how these numbers compare across the UK? Our UK student money guide breaks it all down, from tuition and rent to travel and savings tips, so you know exactly what to expect.

Financial Help and Scholarships

Cardiff Met offers plenty of ways to support your budget:

• Merit-based scholarships
• Country-specific funding
• Sports scholarships
• Foundation progression awards

Wondering what you might qualify for? Don’t miss our UK scholarships guide, it’s packed with tips and opportunities that could save you thousands.

Work Opportunities

Looking to earn while you learn?

• Part-time jobs available on campus
• International students can work up to 20 hours per week
• Cardiff’s strong local job market means plenty of options

Curious how a part-time job can boost more than just your bank balance? Discover the real perks in our blog on the benefits of part-time jobs for students, from extra cash to career-ready skills that’ll make your CV stand out.

International Student Support: #1 for a Reason

Cardiff Met is ranked #1 in the UK for international student support, and it shows:

Before You Arrive:

• Visa guidance
• Airport pickup
• Pre-sessional English courses
• Help with accommodation bookings

Once You’re Here:

• Dedicated student advisors
• English language and academic writing classes
• Cultural adjustment support
• 24/7 emergency assistance

Making Friends:

• International societies and cultural events
• Buddy schemes pair you with UK students
• Language exchange programs
• Faith facilities

Cardiff Met not only cares about your education but your entire experience, academic, social, and personal. That’s real support you can count on!

Planning your big move? Don’t miss our student checklist for moving to the UK, a step-by-step guide that covers everything from packing hacks to setting up a UK bank account. It’s basically your pre-departure survival kit.

Career Prospects: The Important Bit

At Cardiff Met, 96% of graduates are employed or in further study within 6 months, and it’s not by chance. The university puts real focus on your future.

Why Cardiff Met Graduates Get Hired

Hands-on experience that employers love:

• 12,000+ work placements every year
• Industry-led projects as part of your course
• Professional networking events
• The Cardiff Met EDGE program, developing employability, enterprise, digital, and global skills

Strong links with the working world:

• 5,000+ business partnerships across sectors
• Frequent employer visits and guest lectures
• Graduate recruitment fairs on campus
• Active alumni networks for mentoring and connections

Want to gain experience while you study? Our blog on part-time jobs for students in Cardiff explores the best flexible roles around the city, ideal for building your CV and your bank account.

These are just starting salaries, Cardiff Met grads often progress quickly thanks to their practical, real-world experience.

Career Support: Always in Your Corner

You’re never on your own when it comes to planning your future. Cardiff Met’s Careers and Employability team offers:

• 1:1 career coaching
• CV and interview prep
• Smart job search strategies
• LinkedIn profile optimisation
• Regular career fairs and employer events

Whether you're aiming for your dream job, starting a business, or exploring your options, Cardiff Met gives you the tools, confidence, and support to get there. Discover the growing professional opportunities in Cardiff, from creative industries to healthcare, tech, and business. It’s one of the UK’s fastest-growing job markets, perfect for post-grad plans.

Life in Cardiff: Why Students Love It Here

Cardiff isn’t just the city where Cardiff Met is based, it’s a genuinely brilliant place to be a student. Affordable, exciting, and packed with personality, it strikes the perfect balance between city life and student comfort.

Why Students Rate Cardiff

• Perfect size: Big enough for opportunities, small enough to feel safe
• Cheapest capital city in the UK for students (hello budget-friendly living!)
• Easy transport: Everything’s within 20 minutes
• Cultural mix: Strong Welsh identity + international vibe
• Fun without the London price tag: Great nightlife, affordable eats, loads to do

Still deciding where to study? Check out why Cardiff is the ideal student destination, we break down what makes the Welsh capital one of the smartest choices for university life.

Getting Around

You won’t need a car, Cardiff is compact, well-connected, and student-friendly:

• Buses: Reliable, frequent, and offer student discounts
• Walking: Most campuses, shops, and student hotspots are walkable
• Cycling: Plenty of bike lanes and cycle hire schemes
• Trains: 2 hours to London, easy weekend getaways across the UK

Curious how you’ll get around? Our guide to student transport in Cardiff covers buses, bikes, trains, and walkable routes, so you can explore with ease.

Entertainment and Student Hotspots

Popular student areas:

• Mill Lane: The go-to strip for bars and nightlife
• Cardiff Bay: Upscale waterfront with restaurants and views
• City Centre: Shopping, cafes, live music, and culture

Want the full nightlife lowdown? Our blog on Cardiff nightlife for students breaks down the best bars, clubs, and student nights in town.

Must-see attractions:

• Cardiff Castle: Right in the heart of the city
• Principality Stadium: Rugby, concerts and big events
• Wales Millennium Centre: West End shows and performances
• National Museum Cardiff: Free entry, amazing exhibits

Big Events to Look Out For

• Six Nations Rugby: Cardiff goes wild when Wales plays
• Cardiff Half Marathon: Huge community vibe
• Pride Cymru: Colourful, inclusive, and unforgettable
• Food and Drink Festivals: Street food, music, and local flavour

Looking for more weekend inspiration? Our things to do in Cardiff blog is your ultimate guide to food, culture, nature, and fun on a student budget.

Cardiff Weather: The Real Talk

• Mild winters, rarely below freezing
• Comfortable summers: Usually 20–25°C
• Rain? Yep. Pack a decent jacket and you’re sorted
• Still better than Scotland (just saying)

In short: Cardiff gives you the best of both worlds, vibrant city life without the chaos (or cost) of London. It’s safe, social, and packed with opportunities for students to thrive.

Should You Choose Cardiff Met?

Here’s the honest breakdown to help you decide if Cardiff Metropolitan University is right for you:

Cardiff Met is a great fit if you want...

• Job prospects over prestige: Forget rankings, Cardiff Met is all about getting you career-ready. 96% of grads are employed within 6 months.
   
• Practical, hands-on learning: Courses are shaped by real industry needs. You won’t just learn theory, you’ll learn how to use it.
   
• A supportive, close-knit community: With around 11,000 students, you won’t feel like just a number. Voted #1 in the UK for international student support.
   
• Great value for money
  Live and study in one of the UK’s most affordable capital cities, without compromising on quality.
   
• Real industry experience: Over 5,000 business partnerships mean internships, placements, and networking are built into your course.

It might not be for you if...

• You want to study at a research-intensive university: Cardiff Met focuses more on teaching and employability than academic research rankings.
   
• You prefer huge university campuses: Cardiff Met is medium-sized, some may find it too small compared to unis with 30,000+ students.
   
• You want a course that’s purely academic/theoretical: This uni leans heavily into practical learning and real-world skills.

Interested in the bigger picture?

Choosing a university isn’t just about academics and campus, it’s about where you’ll live, study, and grow. Curious how Cardiff stacks up as a student city? Dive into our pros and cons of living in Cardiff blog to get the full breakdown, highlighting what’s amazing, what’s challenging, and what to expect when making the move.

Getting Started: Your Cardiff Met Action Plan

Here’s your step-by-step timeline to make it happen:

Research Phase (Now)

• Check entry requirements for your course
• Take your English language test (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
• Gather academic transcripts and documents
• Explore student accommodation options

Application Phase (January–April)

• Apply via UCAS (Deadline: Jan 15 for undergrad)
• Write a strong personal statement
• For postgraduate courses, apply directly to Cardiff Met
• Wait for your offer, decisions usually come quickly!

Preparation Phase (May–August)

• Accept your offer
• Apply for your student visa
• Book accommodation early (spaces fill up fast!)
• Sort out your finances and any scholarships

Arrival Phase (September)

• Attend Cardiff Met’s orientation program
• Complete your enrollment
• Move into your accommodation
• Start meeting new people and building your community!

Still deciding? Remember: Cardiff Met isn’t just a place to study, it’s a launchpad for your future.

If things don’t go as planned, don’t worry! Clearing is your safety net to secure a spot. Check out our detailed clearing guide to understand how it works and your options. For all key dates, including when clearing opens and closes, be sure to review our clearing timelines blog so you never miss a deadline.

Discover, Decide, and Dive In: Your Cardiff Met Adventure Begins Now

If you're looking for a university that puts your future first, Cardiff Metropolitan University could be exactly what you need. It’s not about chasing prestige, it’s about preparing you for real-world success.

With career-focused courses, industry-led learning, and 5,000+ business connections, Cardiff Met delivers more than just a degree, it delivers opportunity. And with a 96% graduate employment rate, that opportunity pays off fast.

But what really sets it apart? The people, the support, and the city.

Cardiff itself is a student’s dream, lively, welcoming, budget-friendly, and packed with culture. Whether you’re into sports, music, food festivals, or quiet riverside walks, you’ll find your rhythm here. It’s big enough to explore, but small enough to feel like home. Curious to discover what makes Cardiff so special? Dive into our detailed Cardiff city guide and get insider tips on everything from hidden gems to the best student hangouts.

Want to Live Your Best Student Life in Cardiff?

Let’s be real: where you live matters. It’s not just about having a roof over your head, it’s about feeling comfortable, connected, and ready to take on uni life.

With Best Student Halls, finding the perfect student accommodation near Cardiff Metropolitan University is quick, easy, and stress-free. From modern en-suites and private studios to shared social spaces, you’ll find verified properties with everything you need, fast Wi-Fi, on-site gyms, study rooms, and more.