Cardiff Metropolitan University

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

Cardiff Metropolitan University, located in Cardiff, Wales, is a public institution with a history tracing back to 1865 when the Cardiff School of Art was established. Over the decades, it evolved through several mergers and name changes, becoming the South Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education in 1976, Cardiff Institute of Higher Education in 1990, and later joining the University of Wales as the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) in 1996. It officially became Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2011, ending formal ties with the University of Wales. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research opportunities, attracting over 11,500 students from 140 countries on two Cardiff campuses, with more than 10,000 students at partner institutions worldwide. Cardiff Met was recognized as the UK and Ireland University of the Year in 2021 by Times Higher Education and named the Welsh University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times in 2020. Leadership transitioned in 2024 from Professor Cara Aitchison to Professor Rachael Langford. Throughout its history, the university has resisted multiple merger attempts, particularly with the University of Glamorgan and University of Wales, Newport, citing governance concerns and potential inefficiencies. Despite pressure from the Welsh Government to form a “super-university,” Cardiff Met maintained its independence, arguing that proposed mergers lacked a sound business case. The threat of dissolution was officially withdrawn in 2012. The university has continued to expand and modernize its infrastructure, including new buildings for the Cardiff School of Management and a learning center at Llandaff campus. Cardiff Met emphasizes sustainability and has been recognized as the most financially sustainable university in Wales. The institution remains committed to delivering quality education while preserving its autonomy and fostering global partnerships.Cardiff Metropolitan University, located in Cardiff, Wales, is a public institution with a history tracing back to 1865 when the Cardiff School of Art was established. Over the decades, it evolved through several mergers and name changes, becoming the South Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education in 1976, Cardiff Institute of Higher Education in 1990, and later joining the University of Wales as the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) in 1996. It officially became Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2011, ending formal ties with the University of Wales. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research opportunities, attracting over 11,500 students from 140 countries on two Cardiff campuses, with more than 10,000 students at partner institutions worldwide. Cardiff Met was recognized as the UK and Ireland University of the Year in 2021 by Times Higher Education and named the Welsh University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times in 2020. Leadership transitioned in 2024 from Professor Cara Aitchison to Professor Rachael Langford. Throughout its history, the university has resisted multiple merger attempts, particularly with the University of Glamorgan and University of Wales, Newport, citing governance concerns and potential inefficiencies. Despite pressure from the Welsh Government to form a “super-university,” Cardiff Met maintained its independence, arguing that proposed mergers lacked a sound business case. The threat of dissolution was officially withdrawn in 2012. The university has continued to expand and modernize its infrastructure, including new buildings for the Cardiff School of Management and a learning center at Llandaff campus. Cardiff Met emphasizes sustainability and has been recognized as the most financially sustainable university in Wales. The institution remains committed to delivering quality education while preserving its autonomy and fostering global partnerships.