2010 QICF Cardiff University

1. 2010 QICF Cardiff University

2. Cardiff University

3. 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

4. Courses and Entry Requirements • 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)

5. 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

6. 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)

7. Student Facilities • 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

8. Student Services • 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

9. Living Expenses • 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 2010-2011 academic year are as follows: • £6,120 For 9 months (Sept 2010 - June 2011) • £8,160 For 12 months (Sept 2010 - Sept 2011)

10. Location: Wales • 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

11. 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