Research Power
Global Leader

Home Students

80%

International Students

20%

Total Students

32,725

Home

26,325

International

6,395

Cardiff University is one of eight Welsh universities in the UK. Established in 1893 and gaining degree awarding power in 2005.

The university received a positivity score of 86.3% for teaching and 82.5% for learning outcomes, in the latest National Student Survey results. 

Cardiff University was established in 1893 and gained degree awarding power in 2005. In the latest National Student Survey, the university received a positivity score of 86.3% for teaching and 82.5% for learning outcomes. 

Global Rankings

Not all universities appear in every global ranking. Many rankings consider the TEF and the National Student Survey as key indicators of teaching quality and student satisfaction.

# 201–250
THE
2,000+ universities
# 181
QS
1,503 Universties
# 167
ARTU
Top 400 Globally
# 201-300
ARUW
1,000 Globally

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Cardiff University Courses

National Student Survey Results 2025

The National Student Survey (NSS) is an annual UK-wide survey that collects final-year undergraduates’ feedback on the quality of their courses, covering teaching, learning resources, academic support, and overall satisfaction. Its large sample size, consistent methodology, and focus on student experience make it a trusted indicator for comparing universities.

Cardiff University University Level Scores

Cardiff University received positivity scores of 86.3% for teaching and 82.5% for learning. Click the tabs below to see detailed student survey results and an explanation of the scores.

Theme 1 of the UK’s National Student Survey asks final year students to rate the teaching they have experienced on their course. 

It asks students how clearly tutors explain ideas, how they bring the subject to life, and how well they inspire learning. It’s one of the best ways to gauge students’ direct experiences of teaching quality at the university.

NSS Theme 1: Teaching on my Course – University Score
Metric Value Explanation
Positivity measure 86.3% The percentage of students who answered “good” or “very good” to the questions in Theme 1 about the teaching they received.
Difference to Benchmark -0.8ppt The difference in percentage points between this provider’s score and the national benchmark for similar institutions. A positive or negative number here indicates the university’s performance against similar institutions.
Benchmark 87.2% The expected or average score for similar institutions and subjects, used as a point of comparison.
Response Distribution
Materially above benchmark 0% Proportion of responses where the score was significantly above the benchmark (typically 2 standard deviations or more). A large percentage here indicates above-average teaching satisfaction.
Broadly in line 100% Proportion of responses that were close to the benchmark and within expected variation.
Materially below benchmark 0% Proportion of responses where the score was below the benchmark.
Response rate 68.8% The percentage of eligible students who responded to the NSS questions in this theme.

Theme 2 of the UK’s National Student Survey asks final year students to reflect on the learning opportunities they have experienced during their course.

It covers how well the course has offered opportunities to explore ideas in depth, bring together information from different topics, and apply learning in new or practical ways. This theme gives prospective students a sense of how effectively a course supports exploring the subject matter intellectual growth. 

NSS Theme 2: Learning Opportunities – University Score
Metric Value Explanation
Positivity measure 82.5% The percentage of students who gave positive responses (e.g. “definitely” or “mostly agree”) to the learning opportunities questions in this theme.
Difference to Benchmark -1ppt The difference in percentage points between this provider’s score and the national benchmark for similar institutions.
Benchmark 83.5% The expected or average score for similar institutions and subjects, used as a point of comparison.
Response Distribution
Materially above benchmark 0% Proportion of responses where the score was significantly above the benchmark (typically 2 standard deviations or more).
Broadly in line 99.7% Proportion of responses that were close to the benchmark and within expected variation.
Materially below benchmark 0.3% Proportion of responses where the score was significantly below the benchmark.
Response rate 68.8% The percentage of eligible students who responded to the NSS questions in this theme.

Location

Cardiff, Wales

Distance to London 149 Miles (240 KM)

Driving To London 2 hours 54 min

Public Transport To London 2 hours 15 min

Nearest Airport Cardiff Airport (CWL)

Miles to Nearest Airport 15.1