Is Cardiff a good university?
I have applied to do English literature and french at uni and i'm stuck between, Cardiff, Exeter and leeds, I'm leaning more towards Cardiff because I loved the city slightly more than the other two but i'm just worried that perhaps its not a great uni, I mean I know its a russell group uni but its like in 20th in the league table for french whereas leeds is 9th and exeter is 5th - so my questions are would i be best not to choose cardiff and choose either leeds or exeter as they are better in the league tables? to anyone at cardiff studying langauges is the teaching good? and just generally is cardiff a good university to go to?
Thanks
Thanks
I know a person studying medicine there (I know it's not quite English lit or French but... meh) and she thinks it's amazing As far as I'm aware, Cardiff uni has a really good reputation, at the very least on par with Exeter (generally speaking). I... Wouldn't go for Leeds but that's just my personal opinion 
As far as I'm aware, Cardiff uni has a really good reputation, at the very least on par with Exeter (generally speaking). I... Wouldn't go for Leeds but that's just my personal opinion 
I can't comment on the subjects your studying, but I find the Uni to be pretty good, yeah.
I can't compare it in real terms with Exeter etc., so
=/
I can't compare it in real terms with Exeter etc., so
=/
The Uni is good, and as far as languages go the EUROS is top notch. I've had no experience with the English dept, but I seem to hear good things about them. As for French, it's only across the hall from my Spanish tutor and downstairs from my Italian ones, and all my coursemates seem to be doing it and they're enjoying it and progressing.
We have an amazing ERASMUS society here, so you can always make friends with French people to help you along (in fact, the French people I've met this year have been the nicest girls ever, all of them from Nantes and so enthusiastic and happy to talk to you). You get your choice of a third subject in first year, so you can branch out and try your hand at linguistics, or another language, or even something totally different like Philosophy or Archaeology.
It shouldn't matter that it's "low" on the leagues for a Russell Uni. That's probably based on things like "Staff -> Students" or "Graduate Prospects" rather than quality of teaching, which is the most important part. I've got friends in Exeter doing both English Lit and French, and while they seem to be enjoying it and getting a lot out of their degree (one is doing a creative writing module; the other one has picked up Portuguese on the side), I can't stress enough how Cardiff is:
a) brilliant for the way it teaches
b) linked with so many good Unis on the continent (should you continue with your French), ranging from Montpellier and Grenobles, to Nantes and Limoges, and even Paris and the Instituts d'études politiques at Bordeaux.
c) socially vibrant - from the ERASMUS society and the associated languages socs, to other societies and the AU. (Admittedly, if you're into dance, Cardiff's dancesport pales in comparison to Exeter's - my ex is the President of the latter as of next year and she'll no doubt improve standards further...)
d) a city that doesn't exactly sleep. I've spent the two hours writing up a Rough Guide to Cardiff on my blog, and it's nowhere near a complete overview, but, for the daytime, nighttime, drinktime, and clubtime, it's a brilliant city - Exeter does have its gems (Timepiece not being amongst them; though nowhere tops The Old Firehouse there, just for charm value).
I suppose that's all the help I can give you. No clue on Leeds, but, Exeter v Cardiff...the 'diff wins hands down, despite the soft spot I have for Exeter.
We have an amazing ERASMUS society here, so you can always make friends with French people to help you along (in fact, the French people I've met this year have been the nicest girls ever, all of them from Nantes and so enthusiastic and happy to talk to you). You get your choice of a third subject in first year, so you can branch out and try your hand at linguistics, or another language, or even something totally different like Philosophy or Archaeology.
It shouldn't matter that it's "low" on the leagues for a Russell Uni. That's probably based on things like "Staff -> Students" or "Graduate Prospects" rather than quality of teaching, which is the most important part. I've got friends in Exeter doing both English Lit and French, and while they seem to be enjoying it and getting a lot out of their degree (one is doing a creative writing module; the other one has picked up Portuguese on the side), I can't stress enough how Cardiff is:
a) brilliant for the way it teaches
b) linked with so many good Unis on the continent (should you continue with your French), ranging from Montpellier and Grenobles, to Nantes and Limoges, and even Paris and the Instituts d'études politiques at Bordeaux.
c) socially vibrant - from the ERASMUS society and the associated languages socs, to other societies and the AU. (Admittedly, if you're into dance, Cardiff's dancesport pales in comparison to Exeter's - my ex is the President of the latter as of next year and she'll no doubt improve standards further...)
d) a city that doesn't exactly sleep. I've spent the two hours writing up a Rough Guide to Cardiff on my blog, and it's nowhere near a complete overview, but, for the daytime, nighttime, drinktime, and clubtime, it's a brilliant city - Exeter does have its gems (Timepiece not being amongst them; though nowhere tops The Old Firehouse there, just for charm value).
I suppose that's all the help I can give you. No clue on Leeds, but, Exeter v Cardiff...the 'diff wins hands down, despite the soft spot I have for Exeter.
What Alex said really. I do a bit of French, and I think the language teaching is really good. Beyond that, there's a wide range of culture and politics modules that are offered by EUROS; some are about Europe in general and others are just about France. When you go abroad, you can either go to a French University (there's quite a big choice and they are all good quality), work as a Language Assistant in a school, or get a work placement. The lecturers and seminar leaders are all very friendly and approachable, and the office is well organised.
Anything in particular you'd like to know?
Anything in particular you'd like to know?
Yeah it's a brilliant uni. An excellent city too. I can also vouch that the ERASMUS society gives you excellent opportunities to meet and befriend native speakers of your language of study.
how is the msc in reneweble and sustainblity in cardiff .
i hav got conditional letter.what is the job prospect ater this crse.
please guide me.i hav also got offer letter from strythclyde and glamorgon.which 1 should 1 opt?pls help.,,
i hav got conditional letter.what is the job prospect ater this crse.
please guide me.i hav also got offer letter from strythclyde and glamorgon.which 1 should 1 opt?pls help.,,
I don't know if this reply is perhaps a bit too late for the original poster Anna, but I hope not as I've registered just to answer her question!
I'm a postgrad in EUROS at Cardiff university, did my undergrad and Masters in French (with English as Elective) at Leeds, and come from Exeter where know a number of people who study/studied languages there, so I can offer a fairly unique perspective on the three universities and their departments there.
My first question would be regarding what sort of French you wanted to study... Presuming that your interest is mainly in literature, given that you want to do English and French, I'd suggest thinking more about Exeter or Leeds than Cardiff. Having said that the English department in Cardiff is excellent, but the French department focuses more on the political side of French culture than the literary as its part of a European Studies school whereas French at Leeds and Exeter are in modern languages schools. Leeds and Exeter put strong emphasis on French literature, with Exeter tending perhaps more to the literary spectrum and Leeds to the popular fiction spectrum (but that is generalising quite a lot). The English departments at all three are good. The lecturers at all three are great and I've not heard many bad words spoken about any of the three departments, so you made good choices there!
In terms of student experience you'll have a great time at all three... I loved my undergrad at Leeds, where it felt like a big city which had been built around students. Cardiff is smaller and more intimate, and maybe a bit friendlier but still with great nightlife - and I can't speak too objectively about Exeter as my hometown, but its a tad smaller again than Cardiff - with a bit more of an academic feel to it.
If you have any questions please get in touch!
I'm a postgrad in EUROS at Cardiff university, did my undergrad and Masters in French (with English as Elective) at Leeds, and come from Exeter where know a number of people who study/studied languages there, so I can offer a fairly unique perspective on the three universities and their departments there.
My first question would be regarding what sort of French you wanted to study... Presuming that your interest is mainly in literature, given that you want to do English and French, I'd suggest thinking more about Exeter or Leeds than Cardiff. Having said that the English department in Cardiff is excellent, but the French department focuses more on the political side of French culture than the literary as its part of a European Studies school whereas French at Leeds and Exeter are in modern languages schools. Leeds and Exeter put strong emphasis on French literature, with Exeter tending perhaps more to the literary spectrum and Leeds to the popular fiction spectrum (but that is generalising quite a lot). The English departments at all three are good. The lecturers at all three are great and I've not heard many bad words spoken about any of the three departments, so you made good choices there!
In terms of student experience you'll have a great time at all three... I loved my undergrad at Leeds, where it felt like a big city which had been built around students. Cardiff is smaller and more intimate, and maybe a bit friendlier but still with great nightlife - and I can't speak too objectively about Exeter as my hometown, but its a tad smaller again than Cardiff - with a bit more of an academic feel to it.
If you have any questions please get in touch!
Never met anyone who didn't love cardiff and cardiff uni
Original post by CatatonicStupor
Original post by CatatonicStupor
The Uni is good, and as far as languages go the EUROS is top notch. I've had no experience with the English dept, but I seem to hear good things about them. As for French, it's only across the hall from my Spanish tutor and downstairs from my Italian ones, and all my coursemates seem to be doing it and they're enjoying it and progressing.
We have an amazing ERASMUS society here, so you can always make friends with French people to help you along (in fact, the French people I've met this year have been the nicest girls ever, all of them from Nantes and so enthusiastic and happy to talk to you). You get your choice of a third subject in first year, so you can branch out and try your hand at linguistics, or another language, or even something totally different like Philosophy or Archaeology.
It shouldn't matter that it's "low" on the leagues for a Russell Uni. That's probably based on things like "Staff -> Students" or "Graduate Prospects" rather than quality of teaching, which is the most important part. I've got friends in Exeter doing both English Lit and French, and while they seem to be enjoying it and getting a lot out of their degree (one is doing a creative writing module; the other one has picked up Portuguese on the side), I can't stress enough how Cardiff is:
a) brilliant for the way it teaches
b) linked with so many good Unis on the continent (should you continue with your French), ranging from Montpellier and Grenobles, to Nantes and Limoges, and even Paris and the Instituts d'études politiques at Bordeaux.
c) socially vibrant - from the ERASMUS society and the associated languages socs, to other societies and the AU. (Admittedly, if you're into dance, Cardiff's dancesport pales in comparison to Exeter's - my ex is the President of the latter as of next year and she'll no doubt improve standards further...)
d) a city that doesn't exactly sleep. I've spent the two hours writing up a Rough Guide to Cardiff on my blog, and it's nowhere near a complete overview, but, for the daytime, nighttime, drinktime, and clubtime, it's a brilliant city - Exeter does have its gems (Timepiece not being amongst them; though nowhere tops The Old Firehouse there, just for charm value).
I suppose that's all the help I can give you. No clue on Leeds, but, Exeter v Cardiff...the 'diff wins hands down, despite the soft spot I have for Exeter.
We have an amazing ERASMUS society here, so you can always make friends with French people to help you along (in fact, the French people I've met this year have been the nicest girls ever, all of them from Nantes and so enthusiastic and happy to talk to you). You get your choice of a third subject in first year, so you can branch out and try your hand at linguistics, or another language, or even something totally different like Philosophy or Archaeology.
It shouldn't matter that it's "low" on the leagues for a Russell Uni. That's probably based on things like "Staff -> Students" or "Graduate Prospects" rather than quality of teaching, which is the most important part. I've got friends in Exeter doing both English Lit and French, and while they seem to be enjoying it and getting a lot out of their degree (one is doing a creative writing module; the other one has picked up Portuguese on the side), I can't stress enough how Cardiff is:
a) brilliant for the way it teaches
b) linked with so many good Unis on the continent (should you continue with your French), ranging from Montpellier and Grenobles, to Nantes and Limoges, and even Paris and the Instituts d'études politiques at Bordeaux.
c) socially vibrant - from the ERASMUS society and the associated languages socs, to other societies and the AU. (Admittedly, if you're into dance, Cardiff's dancesport pales in comparison to Exeter's - my ex is the President of the latter as of next year and she'll no doubt improve standards further...)
d) a city that doesn't exactly sleep. I've spent the two hours writing up a Rough Guide to Cardiff on my blog, and it's nowhere near a complete overview, but, for the daytime, nighttime, drinktime, and clubtime, it's a brilliant city - Exeter does have its gems (Timepiece not being amongst them; though nowhere tops The Old Firehouse there, just for charm value).
I suppose that's all the help I can give you. No clue on Leeds, but, Exeter v Cardiff...the 'diff wins hands down, despite the soft spot I have for Exeter.
also wondering about cardiff myself - for law. Do you think it would be on par wiht bristol/ birmingham? thanks
Original post by guyzarins
I'd try to take league tables with a pinch of salt...
(frequently dismissed by potential employers.)
Cardiff is my recommendation
x
(frequently dismissed by potential employers.)
Cardiff is my recommendation
xHi,
I noticed you studied Law and Politics at Cardiff.
- Have you enjoyed the course?
- What have you thought of the work load?
- Are there many others doing the same course?
- Do you feel the degree is just as employable as straight law.
Sorry for so many questions, but your views would be very useful for me.
Many thanks
My 2 cents is that its been a fab experience here in Cardiff. Im wrapping up my MA in Politics & Communications at Cardiff and writing my dissertation over the
summer now. The faculty have been excellent, always asking for feedback and looking at ways and means to enhance the learning experience.
Always given the impression that staff, professors etc want to help in any way to make your life easier. My course had a mixture of both research and taught elements plus required assignments but if you are great at juggling and getting things done in advance then its not an issue.
Popular courses remain English, Law, Politics, Engineering, Opt, Medicine, BioSciences etc here at the uni.
I love that Im a 5 minute walk away from the main City centre, City Hall, Welsh Assembly etc and that both my faculties and library are so close by. Its also a great city for eating, going out on a pub crawl, running in Bute Park, rugby matches gone mad, gigs at the Student Union and also lots of good part time jobs over the summer.
Never had a bad experience with the locals, again everyone has been lovely. Cant recommend the it enough since the university really is at the nucleus of it all.
If you need more info let me know! All the best.
summer now. The faculty have been excellent, always asking for feedback and looking at ways and means to enhance the learning experience.
Always given the impression that staff, professors etc want to help in any way to make your life easier. My course had a mixture of both research and taught elements plus required assignments but if you are great at juggling and getting things done in advance then its not an issue.
Popular courses remain English, Law, Politics, Engineering, Opt, Medicine, BioSciences etc here at the uni.
I love that Im a 5 minute walk away from the main City centre, City Hall, Welsh Assembly etc and that both my faculties and library are so close by. Its also a great city for eating, going out on a pub crawl, running in Bute Park, rugby matches gone mad, gigs at the Student Union and also lots of good part time jobs over the summer.
Never had a bad experience with the locals, again everyone has been lovely. Cant recommend the it enough since the university really is at the nucleus of it all.
If you need more info let me know! All the best.
Original post by Cpt_Chaos
My 2 cents is that its been a fab experience here in Cardiff. Im wrapping up my MA in Politics & Communications at Cardiff and writing my dissertation over the
summer now. The faculty have been excellent, always asking for feedback and looking at ways and means to enhance the learning experience.
Always given the impression that staff, professors etc want to help in any way to make your life easier. My course had a mixture of both research and taught elements plus required assignments but if you are great at juggling and getting things done in advance then its not an issue.
Popular courses remain English, Law, Politics, Engineering, Opt, Medicine, BioSciences etc here at the uni.
I love that Im a 5 minute walk away from the main City centre, City Hall, Welsh Assembly etc and that both my faculties and library are so close by. Its also a great city for eating, going out on a pub crawl, running in Bute Park, rugby matches gone mad, gigs at the Student Union and also lots of good part time jobs over the summer.
Never had a bad experience with the locals, again everyone has been lovely. Cant recommend the it enough since the university really is at the nucleus of it all.
If you need more info let me know! All the best.
summer now. The faculty have been excellent, always asking for feedback and looking at ways and means to enhance the learning experience.
Always given the impression that staff, professors etc want to help in any way to make your life easier. My course had a mixture of both research and taught elements plus required assignments but if you are great at juggling and getting things done in advance then its not an issue.
Popular courses remain English, Law, Politics, Engineering, Opt, Medicine, BioSciences etc here at the uni.
I love that Im a 5 minute walk away from the main City centre, City Hall, Welsh Assembly etc and that both my faculties and library are so close by. Its also a great city for eating, going out on a pub crawl, running in Bute Park, rugby matches gone mad, gigs at the Student Union and also lots of good part time jobs over the summer.
Never had a bad experience with the locals, again everyone has been lovely. Cant recommend the it enough since the university really is at the nucleus of it all.
If you need more info let me know! All the best.
I know this is an old thread but if the author of this last post is around I'd love to hear more.
I'm an American who has had strong interest from Cardiff for a political communication MA. I anticipate that I may get an offer if my American professors ever send in my reference letters...
I have an offer from one top tier uni in Scotland, and I'm waiting to hear from Royal Holloway near London.
How is the career services at Cardiff? It may not be possible, however, I would love to have the option of finding a job in the UK after graduation.
Original post by nicolew100
How is the career services at Cardiff? It may not be possible, however, I would love to have the option of finding a job in the UK after graduation.
The Careers Service is generally very good, they have lots of resources, subject-specific advisors and good links with specific schools. They also run workshops, walk-in appointments and put on regular careers fairs. Finally, they work closely with GO Wales, who provide training and work placements to recent graduates living in Wales
Individual schools are generally excellent at providing CPD opportunities and are in a good position to help you find work experience or professional advice.
For more information please see here or speak to the admissions department
(edited 11 years ago)
it depends what is most important to you. It's not only the university, its the city, student life , societies and other factors that make an enjoyable experience.
I was looking into Cardiff University for a friend and I found some useful information that might be useful for you also.
This is useful when looking at the quality of teaching and the rankings of the university from Cardiff University website: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/about/facts-and-figures/rankings#:~:text=International-,The%20Times%20and%20Sunday%20Times%20University%20Guide,highest%20ranked%20university%20in%20Wales.
There is this, which gives you a more rounded view of the university experience, I found it fairly useful and broader than just statistics https://merakistudent.com/blog/what-to-know-about-cardiff-university/
Have you thought about going to the actual city for the day and walking to the campus and talking to students there of their experience?
I was looking into Cardiff University for a friend and I found some useful information that might be useful for you also.
This is useful when looking at the quality of teaching and the rankings of the university from Cardiff University website: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/about/facts-and-figures/rankings#:~:text=International-,The%20Times%20and%20Sunday%20Times%20University%20Guide,highest%20ranked%20university%20in%20Wales.
There is this, which gives you a more rounded view of the university experience, I found it fairly useful and broader than just statistics https://merakistudent.com/blog/what-to-know-about-cardiff-university/
Have you thought about going to the actual city for the day and walking to the campus and talking to students there of their experience?
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