Quick Answer: Cardiff offers excellent Computer Science programs at Cardiff University (£20,500/year international fees), Cardiff Metropolitan University (£13,500/year), and University of South Wales (£14,500/year). Entry requirements typically include A-levels AAB-BBB with Mathematics, IELTS 6.5 overall. Cardiff's cost of living is 25% lower than London at approximately £900-£1,200 monthly.

Cardiff, the vibrant capital of Wales, has emerged as a significant hub for technology education and innovation in the UK. With its blend of world-class universities, affordable living costs, and thriving tech scene, Cardiff presents an attractive destination for international students pursuing Computer Science degrees. The city hosts over 50,000 students across its universities, creating a dynamic academic environment perfect for tech enthusiasts.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about studying Computer Science in Cardiff, from university options and fees to career prospects and student life in this Welsh capital.

Top Universities for Computer Science in Cardiff

Cardiff University - School of Computer Science and Informatics

Cardiff University stands as Wales' premier institution for Computer Science education, consistently ranking among the top 20 UK universities for the subject. The School of Computer Science and Informatics offers cutting-edge facilities including a £44 million Brain Research Imaging Centre and state-of-the-art computing laboratories.

Key Features:

• Russell Group university status
• Strong industry partnerships with companies like IBM, Microsoft, and Admiral Insurance
• Research excellence rating of 4* in the latest Research Excellence Framework
• Graduate employment rate of 94% within six months

Programs Available:

• Computer Science BSc (3 years)
• Computer Science with Industrial Experience BSc (4 years)
• Computer Science with Security and Forensics BSc
• Software Engineering MEng (4 years)

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff Metropolitan University offers practical, industry-focused Computer Science programs with strong emphasis on employability. The university maintains excellent connections with local and international tech companies, providing students with valuable placement opportunities.

Distinctive Features:

• Small class sizes ensuring personalized attention
• 98% graduate employment rate
• Modern computing facilities with latest software and hardware
• Strong focus on practical skills development

University of South Wales - Cardiff Campus

The University of South Wales provides innovative Computer Science programs with flexible learning options. Known for its applied research and industry collaboration, the university offers students hands-on experience with real-world projects.

Highlights:

• Cyber Security Research Centre
• Industry-standard facilities including dedicated gaming labs
• Strong placement program with 12-month work experience options
• Competitive tuition fees for high-quality education

Tuition Fees and Financial Information 2026

International Student Fees

University	Annual Tuition Fee	Application Fee	Total 3-Year Cost
Cardiff University	£20,500	£25	£61,575
Cardiff Metropolitan	£13,500	£12	£40,536
University of South Wales	£14,500	£12	£43,536

UK/EU Student Fees

UK and EU students pay standard tuition fees of £9,250 per year across all Welsh universities, making Cardiff an affordable option for domestic students.

Additional Costs to Consider

• Student visa application: £363
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £470 per year
• Accommodation: £4,500-£8,000 annually
• Living expenses: £900-£1,200 monthly

Entry Requirements for Computer Science Programs

Academic Requirements

Cardiff University:

• A-levels: AAB-ABB including Mathematics
• International Baccalaureate: 34-32 points with Higher Level Mathematics
• BTEC: DDD with Mathematics A-level

Cardiff Metropolitan University:

• A-levels: BBB-BBC with Mathematics preferred
• International Baccalaureate: 28-26 points
• BTEC: DMM-DDM

University of South Wales:

• A-levels: BBB-BCC including Mathematics or Computer Science
• International Baccalaureate: 26-24 points
• BTEC: DMM-MMM

English Language Requirements

All universities require IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or equivalent qualifications such as:

• TOEFL iBT: 90 overall with minimum 20 in each section
• Pearson PTE Academic: 62 overall with 59 in each section
• Cambridge English Advanced: Grade B or above

Additional Requirements

• Personal statement demonstrating interest in computer science
• Academic reference letters
• Portfolio of programming projects (recommended)
• Interview may be required for some programs

Career Prospects and Industry Connections

Cardiff's Computer Science graduates enjoy excellent career prospects, with the city's growing tech sector providing numerous opportunities. Major employers in Cardiff include:

• Admiral Group: One of the UK's largest car insurers with significant tech operations
• Deloitte Digital: Major consultancy with Cardiff technology center
• ONS (Office for National Statistics): Government data science roles
• BBC Wales: Broadcasting technology positions
• Principality Building Society: Financial technology opportunities

Graduate Salary Expectations

• Entry-level positions: £25,000-£30,000
• Mid-level (2-5 years): £35,000-£50,000
• Senior positions (5+ years): £55,000-£75,000
• Tech lead/architect roles: £70,000-£90,000+

Popular Career Paths

1. Software Developer/Engineer
2. Data Scientist/Analyst
3. Cybersecurity Specialist
4. Cloud Solutions Architect
5. Machine Learning Engineer
6. Product Manager
7. DevOps Engineer
8. IT Consultant

Student Life in Cardiff

Cost of Living

Cardiff offers exceptional value for money compared to other UK university cities. Monthly living costs typically range from £900-£1,200, approximately 25% lower than London.

Breakdown of Monthly Expenses:

• Accommodation: £400-£700
• Food and groceries: £200-£300
• Transportation: £60-£80
• Entertainment and social: £100-£200
• Books and supplies: £50-£100
• Personal expenses: £100-£150

Transportation

Cardiff boasts excellent transport links making it easy to navigate the city and explore Wales:

• Cardiff Bus: Comprehensive city bus network with student discounts
• Cycling: Bike-friendly city with dedicated cycle lanes
• Train connections: Direct links to London (2 hours), Birmingham (1.5 hours)
• Cardiff Airport: International flights and easy access to European destinations

Student Accommodation Options

University Halls of Residence:

• Cardiff University: £4,500-£8,000 per year
• Cardiff Met: £4,200-£6,500 per year
• University of South Wales: £4,000-£6,000 per year

Private Accommodation:

• Shared houses: £350-£500 per month
• Studio apartments: £600-£800 per month
• Purpose-built student accommodation: £150-£200 per week

Cultural and Social Life

Cardiff offers a rich cultural scene with numerous activities for students:

• Cardiff Castle: Historic landmark in the city center
• Principality Stadium: Home to Welsh rugby and major concerts
• Cardiff Bay: Waterfront area with restaurants, bars, and entertainment
• St. David's Shopping Centre: Premier shopping destination
• Student societies: Over 200 clubs and societies across universities

Application Process and Timeline

UCAS Application Timeline

• September-January: Applications open via UCAS
• January 15: Standard deadline for most courses
• February-May: Universities make offers
• May: Firm and insurance choice deadline
• August: A-level results and Clearing period

International Student Application Steps

1. Research programs and universities
2. Check entry requirements and prepare documents
3. Submit UCAS application with personal statement
4. Take English language tests if required
5. Attend interviews if requested
6. Receive offers and make choices
7. Apply for student visa
8. Arrange accommodation and prepare for departure

Tips for Successful Applications

• Start early - applications open in September for the following year's entry
• Highlight programming experience and relevant projects
• Demonstrate passion for technology through extracurricular activities
• Research each university's specific strengths and mention them in applications
• Consider foundation years if academic requirements aren't met
• Use the CourseOptions.com platform to search for courses and compare options across different universities

Scholarships and Financial Support

Several scholarship opportunities are available for international students:

Cardiff University:

• Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship: £4,000
• Computer Science Merit Scholarship: £2,000
• Country-specific scholarships available

Cardiff Metropolitan University:

• International Merit Scholarship: Up to £2,000
• Academic Excellence Award: £1,500

University of South Wales:

• International Scholarship: £2,000
• Early Bird Discount: 10% fee reduction for early applications

Cardiff represents an excellent choice for Computer Science education, combining world-class universities, affordable living costs, and strong industry connections. The city's growing tech sector, coupled with its vibrant student culture and excellent transport links, creates an ideal environment for launching a successful career in technology.

Key Statistics

📊 Cardiff hosts over 50,000 students across its universities, creating a vibrant academic environment

💰 Monthly living costs in Cardiff range from £900-£1,200, approximately 25% lower than London

🎓 Cardiff University Computer Science graduates achieve a 94% employment rate within six months

📈 Computer Science graduate salaries in Cardiff start from £25,000-£30,000 for entry-level positions

🏛️ Cardiff University ranks consistently in the top 20 UK universities for Computer Science

💻 International tuition fees range from £13,500-£20,500 annually across Cardiff universities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Computer Science courses in Cardiff universities?

Apply through UCAS between September and January 15th for the following year's entry. You'll need to submit academic transcripts, English language test results, a personal statement, and reference letters. International students should also prepare for potential interviews and ensure they meet visa requirements. Start your application early as popular courses fill up quickly.

What are the entry requirements for Computer Science at Cardiff University?

Cardiff University requires A-levels at AAB-ABB including Mathematics, or International Baccalaureate 34-32 points with Higher Level Mathematics. English language requirements include IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. You'll also need a strong personal statement demonstrating your interest in computer science and relevant experience or projects.

How much does it cost to study Computer Science in Cardiff for international students?

International tuition fees range from £13,500 at Cardiff Metropolitan University to £20,500 at Cardiff University annually. Total costs including living expenses typically range from £22,000-£32,000 per year. Additional costs include visa fees (£363), immigration health surcharge (£470/year), and one-time expenses like flights and initial setup costs.

What career opportunities are available for Computer Science graduates in Cardiff?

Cardiff offers excellent career prospects with major employers including Admiral Group, Deloitte Digital, BBC Wales, and the Office for National Statistics. Popular roles include software developer, data scientist, cybersecurity specialist, and cloud architect. Entry-level salaries start at £25,000-£30,000, with senior positions reaching £70,000-£90,000+.

How does the cost of living in Cardiff compare to other UK university cities?

Cardiff offers exceptional value with living costs approximately 25% lower than London. Monthly expenses typically range from £900-£1,200 including accommodation (£400-£700), food (£200-£300), and transportation (£60-£80). This makes Cardiff one of the most affordable major university cities in the UK while maintaining high education quality.

What makes Cardiff University's Computer Science program stand out?

Cardiff University is a Russell Group institution with a 4* research excellence rating and strong industry partnerships with IBM, Microsoft, and Admiral Insurance. The School of Computer Science features a £44 million Brain Research Imaging Centre and state-of-the-art facilities. Students benefit from excellent graduate employment rates (94%) and opportunities for industrial experience placements.

Are there scholarships available for international Computer Science students in Cardiff?

Yes, several scholarships are available including Cardiff University's Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship (£4,000), Cardiff Metropolitan's International Merit Scholarship (up to £2,000), and University of South Wales International Scholarship (£2,000). Some universities also offer early bird discounts and country-specific scholarships for qualifying students.

What is student life like in Cardiff for Computer Science students?

Cardiff offers a vibrant student experience with over 200 clubs and societies, excellent cultural attractions like Cardiff Castle and Principality Stadium, and a thriving nightlife scene in Cardiff Bay. The city is bike-friendly with good public transport, and students benefit from a strong tech community with networking events, hackathons, and industry meetups regularly held throughout the year.

Key Takeaways

✅ Cardiff offers three excellent universities for Computer Science with fees ranging from £13,500-£20,500 for international students

✅ Entry requirements typically include A-levels AAB-BBB with Mathematics and IELTS 6.5 overall

✅ Cost of living in Cardiff is 25% lower than London at approximately £900-£1,200 monthly

✅ Graduate employment rates are excellent with Cardiff University achieving 94% employment within six months

✅ Cardiff's growing tech sector provides numerous career opportunities with competitive starting salaries of £25,000-£30,000

✅ Multiple scholarship opportunities are available for international students, ranging from £1,500-£4,000 annually

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