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Cardiff University

Total, Wales

17.4%
Acceptance Rate
92k
Applications (2024)
£33,500
Median Salary (5yr)
89%
Employment Rate
28
Subjects
A*AA – ABB
A-Level Requirements

How much do Cardiff University graduates earn by subject?

Cardiff University graduates earn a median salary of £33,500 five years after graduation. The highest-paying subject is Medicine and dentistry at £52,900, while Performing arts graduates earn £26,300.

£45,600 £60,300
Computing £48,900
£34,300 £64,200
Economics £46,000
£32,100 £59,900
£35,800 £51,600
£39,400 £47,100
£31,000 £56,200
Engineering £40,200
£34,700 £49,300
£31,400 £51,100
Politics £38,700
£28,100 £47,800
£32,500 £47,800

+ 18 more subjects

Salary growth: how do earnings change over time?

Graduate salaries typically grow significantly in the first five years. Subjects like medicine and engineering tend to see steeper growth, while creative fields may start lower but offer non-linear career paths.

Subject 15 months 3 years 5 years
Medicine and dentistry £37,000 £47,000 £52,000
Computing £30,000 £33,500 £46,500
Economics £27,500 £27,000 £34,500
Medical sciences £28,500 £29,000 £34,000
Business and management £25,000 £29,500 £41,000
Engineering £30,000 £31,500 £38,500
Mathematical sciences £29,500 £27,500 £36,500
Politics £25,000 £24,500 £33,500
Architecture, building and planning £30,000 £30,000 £40,000
Chemistry £30,000 £27,250 £34,000
Allied health £29,000 £33,750 £39,750
Biosciences £26,000 £25,500 £32,000
Languages and area studies - £24,000 £28,000
Psychology £25,000 £24,000 £29,000
Philosophy and religious studies £24,500 £24,000 £30,000
Education and teaching £25,000 £23,500 £29,500
Performing arts £28,500 £26,000 £30,000

15-month data from Graduate Outcomes survey. 3-year and 5-year data from LEO (Longitudinal Education Outcomes). Growth is calculated from 15 months to 5 years after graduation.

How competitive is Cardiff University?

In 2024, Cardiff University received 92,480 applications and accepted 16,055 students, giving an acceptance rate of 17.4%.

92,480
Applications
16,055
Acceptances
17.4%
Acceptance Rate
Applications
Acceptances

Source: UCAS End of Cycle Data

How much does it cost for international students?

International undergraduate students pay £18,700 to £47,100 per year in tuition at Cardiff University.

Classroom-based
3-year degree
Per Year
£18,700
tuition only
Total (3 years)
All costs £56,100
Lab/Studio-based
3-year degree
Per Year
£25,500
tuition only
Total (3 years)
All costs £76,500
Medicine
5-year degree
Per Year
£47,100
tuition only
Total (5 years)
All costs £235,500

* Estimates based on 2025/26 fees. Actual costs may vary. View official fees →

What are the employment outcomes at Cardiff University?

89% of Cardiff University graduates are in sustained employment or further study 5 years after graduation. The university offers 28 subjects with median salaries ranging from £26,300 to £52,900.

Subject Employment Median Salary
Medicine and dentistry 92.6% £52,900
Computing 95.1% £48,900
Economics 91.1% £46,000
Medical sciences 91.4% £43,800
Pharmacology, toxicology and pharmacy 94.4% £43,400
Business and management 82.8% £41,600
Engineering 92.9% £40,200
Mathematical sciences 83.2% £39,100
Politics 81.8% £38,700
Physics and astronomy 84.5% £38,300
Architecture, building and planning 87.6% £38,300
Chemistry 86.6% £36,900
Law 91.7% £36,000
Nursing and midwifery 91.8% £34,900
Allied health 91.2% £34,500
Biosciences 89.9% £34,500
Geography, earth and environmental studies 85.2% £34,300
Languages and area studies 83.5% £32,800
Psychology 90.6% £32,100
Celtic studies 89.5% £31,400
Media, journalism and communications 91.6% £31,400
History and archaeology 86.6% £30,300
Sociology, social policy and anthropology 83.2% £29,600
English studies 86.3% £29,400
Philosophy and religious studies 88.9% £29,200
Education and teaching 83.3% £29,200
General, applied and forensic sciences 87.8% £27,000
Performing arts 88.8% £26,300

* Avg. Tariff: Average UCAS tariff points of students who enrolled on this course. This is not the entry requirement — enrolled students often exceed requirements. Always check the official university website for actual entry requirements.

Reference: A*=56, A=48, B=40, C=32 points. Example: AAA = 144 points. Calculate your tariff →

Entry Requirements

A*AA – ABB

Russell Group in Wales. Medicine and Dentistry most competitive. Many courses require AAB-ABB.

View official requirements →

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Highest Earning Subjects

  • 1 Medicine and dentistry £52,900
  • 2 Computing £48,900
  • 3 Economics £46,000
  • 4 Medical sciences £43,800
  • 5 Pharmacology, toxicology and pharmacy £43,400

Quick Facts

Location Total
Country Wales
Type University
UKPRN 10007814
Search Official Website →

International Student Fees

Fee Range £18,700 – £47,100
per year
Fee by Subject
Classroom-based £18,700/3yr
Lab/Studio-based £25,500/3yr
Medicine £47,100/5yr
View official fee page →

Data Source

Graduate earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset and Graduate Outcomes survey via Discover Uni 2024/25. Figures show median earnings at 15 months, 3 years, and 5 years after graduation. Continuation rates show the percentage of students who progress in their studies.

View source data →

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