Cardiff University

The University opened its doors on 24 October 1883 and was formally established by Royal Charter in 1884.We were named the University College of South Wales and Monmouth shire and were tiny in comparison to our current size. In 1893 we became one of the founding institutions of the University of Wales and began awarding their gradations. In 1972 the name of University became Cardiff University. We merged with the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology (UWIST) during the year 1988. In 1999 onward

the community title of the College changed to Cardiff University. In 2004 we merged with the University Of Wales College Of Medication. The College of Medication was fragment of the original University but had split off in 1931, making this a reunification. In December 2004 the Privy Council approved a new Supplemental Charter granting us university rank. Our authorized title transformed to Cardiff University. We are now autonomous of the University of Wales. We awarded students admitted before 2005 University of Wales’s grades. Subsequently we then honor scholars Cardiff University degrees.

The College of Arms granted our coat of arms in 1988 after the merger with the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology. The angel and the dragon are derivative of the crests of the merged institutions. The motto "Gwirionedd, Undod a Chytgord" is the closing phrase of the prayer for the Church Militant in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. It means "Truth, Unity and Concord".

Our academics and researchers have won many honours and awards in recognition of their innovations and discoveries. The advancements they have made have changed the face of their chosen areas of work and have helped to make us a world-leading institution. We also award the title of Honorary Fellow each year to those we feel have achieved international distinction in their field - or have made a considerable contribution to furthering education.

The governance and management of the University supports our guiding principles, strategies and aims. The day to day oversight of the University is managed by the Vice-Chancellor and the senior management team that make up the University Decision Making Panel. The framework within which the University works is based upon our Regal Contract, Laws and Decrees.  The governance structure of the University is overseen by Law court, Assembly and Legislature who work as the executive and academic authority. We also have a number of Nominal Officers, including our Chancellor, Professor Sir Martin Evans.