Cardiff Metropolitan University

Undergraduate (UK applicants)

Full-time undergraduate degree and HND courses start in September at Llandaff or Cyncoed and are applied for through UCAS (institution code C20, CMET). Most courses accept applications through the normal UCAS cycle until the end of June and then through Clearing, but some courses have their own closing date. Cardiff Met also accepts applications through UCAS Extra. Entry requirements are set course by course. A broad range of qualifications is accepted, applications are considered individually, and applicants whose predicted grades are below the standard requirements may still be considered. Prior study, work and training can count towards a course through Recognising Prior Learning (RPL). Foundation years (year 0) lead to most degrees and suit applicants who do not meet year-one entry requirements. HND and Foundation Degree programmes are also run with partner colleges, and PGCE teacher training is applied for through UCAS.

Contextual offers

Applicants who meet contextual criteria can receive an adjusted conditional offer, typically one grade (or the equivalent in points) below the standard entry requirements. Course-specific subject conditions still apply. The criteria include time in care, being a young carer, being the first generation to attend university, living in a POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area, deprivation indexes, attending a school with low progression to higher education, completing a Cardiff Met widening participation programme and being covered by the Armed Forces Covenant. UCAS Multiple Equality Measure data is also used.

International undergraduate and postgraduate

International applicants can apply directly through the International Student Application Form, and undergraduates can also apply through UCAS. Applications need copies of certificates and transcripts, a statement of purpose, an English language certificate where applicable, one educational reference (or two employer references for offers based on work experience) and evidence of any sponsorship. Art and design applicants also send a portfolio of 10-20 images, and sports applicants send evidence of their sporting achievements. Entry requirements are set country by country. For example, applicants from Ghana with WASSCE or SSSCE results enter a four-year degree with a foundation year, or go into year one with good WAHSC grades, a diploma or an HND. Postgraduate applicants from Ghana need at least a 2:2 bachelor's degree. Intakes are in September, January and May. For September 2026, the application deadline for most regions was 17 July 2026, and for January 2027 it is 20 November 2026 (deposit due by 4 December 2026). Applications from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan are not currently accepted.

English language

IELTS Academic is the main test named in course requirements. Courses at the 6.0 level need IELTS 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, or PTE Academic 59 with 59 in each skill. Courses at the 6.5 level need IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in reading and writing and at least 6.0 in the other components, or PTE Academic 62. TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, Trinity ISE, LanguageCert Academic SELT and PSI Skills for English SELT are also accepted at stated levels. All SELTs must be taken at a UKVI-approved centre within two years of the course start date. Research degrees (MPhil, PhD and professional or taught doctorates) need IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in reading and writing, or an equivalent UKVI-recognised test. Nationals of majority English-speaking countries and Canada do not need to prove their English for visa purposes.

Postgraduate taught

Taught master's, professional and part-time courses (other than primary and secondary PGCE) are applied for directly through Cardiff Met Self Service. Applicants upload a personal statement, qualifications and at least one academic reference, and may be invited to interview. Offers may depend on achieving a 2:1 or 2:2 degree, and some courses need DBS and occupational health clearance. Postgraduate applicants to the School of Art and Design also complete a supporting online form.

Postgraduate research

Research routes include the MRes, MPhil, PhD, PhD by Publication and part-time Professional Doctorates. Doctoral study normally requires a 2:1 honours degree or better, a postgraduate degree or an equivalent qualification. Applicants approach a research group and potential supervisors, then submit a 1,000-1,500 word research proposal endorsed by the group. Research applications are made directly to Admissions. For September 2026 entry, the international MRes and research deadline was 1 June 2026.

Visas and CAS

International students need a Student visa for courses longer than six months. Applicants with unconditional offers are invited to CAS Shield to provide the information needed for their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). For the January intake, the CAS Shield questionnaire, a compulsory webinar, any interview and all documents must be completed by the deposit deadline. Cardiff Met offers free visa advice.

• Llandaff Campus, Western Avenue, Cardiff CF5 2YB: Cardiff School of Art & Design, Cardiff School of Management, Cardiff School of Technologies and Cardiff School of Sport & Health Sciences (Llandaff, including health sciences). It has a students' union, an on-site shop, coffee bars, a refectory, sports facilities, the Met Active gym in the Student Centre and the i-zone student information point. Management facilities include a Moot Courtroom, a Hospitality Suite with kitchens and IT centres; Technologies has specialist labs, VR booths and a PhD research hub. Social Work, Health & Social Care and Housing programmes are taught here.
• Cyncoed Campus, Cyncoed Road, Cardiff CF23 6XD: Cardiff School of Education & Social Policy and Cardiff School of Sport & Health Sciences (Cyncoed). It has on-site halls (549 rooms), a purpose-built Campus Centre, a refectory, a shop and the head office of the Students' and Athletics Union. Sports facilities include the National Indoor Athletics Centre (the UK's first purpose-built indoor athletics track, with 690 spectator seats), the Archers Arena, the Archers Performance Centre, an Astro Turf pitch, 3G and grass football pitches, a dance studio and the Met Active gym. Education facilities include an Outdoor Learning Centre, science and psychology labs, a music studio, a Crime House, a Moot Courtroom, Froebel House and a dedicated education library.
• Plas Gwyn Residential Campus, Llantrisant Road, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2XJ: about 390 self-catered en-suite rooms in flats of eight, close to Llandaff Campus, with a multi-use games area, games room, computer lab and TV room.
• Partner halls: over 1,200 en-suite rooms in private halls allocated through the university, including Blackweir Lodge, North Court, The Bakery, Cambrian Point and Arofan House.
• University Hall, Cyncoed: student residences being bought from Cardiff University, with completion due in July 2027 and Cardiff Met students moving in from September 2027.