Cardiff University vs University of Nottingham

Cardiff University is a public research university in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. The University of Nottingham is a public research university in Nottingham, United Kingdom. 

Overview Comparison
Cardiff UniversityUniversity of Nottingham
Collegedunia Score5.2 Out of 106 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 37 The Guardian 2026
# 181 QS World University 2026
# 201 Times Higher Education 2026
# 50 The Guardian 2026
# 97 QS World University 2026
# 145 Times Higher Education 2026
Subject Strength# 201 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
# 155 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 51 for Law by The Guardian 2026
# 101 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
# 96 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 24 for Law by The Guardian 2026
ProgramsUG Programs -225
PG Programs -163
Doctorate Programs -139
UG Programs -96
PG Programs -126
Doctorate Programs -1
Acceptance Rate20.0 %11.0 %
Exam ScoreGMAT-570
IELTS-7
PTE-70
TOEFL-90
GMAT-640
IELTS-6
PTE-55
TOEFL-80
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   25288.0
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  28974
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 8670 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   27200
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  34500
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 14297 Per Year
placement (average package)

96% of Cardiff University graduates receive full-time employment within 15 months of their graduation. Top companies: Accenture, Google, HSBC, JLL, Deloitte, KPMG, BBC, Pfizer, Unilever, Jacobs, IBM, etc.

  • PhD  :  $142,000 
  • Executive MBA  : $108,000 
  • Masters in Finance : $98,000 
  • MBA : $90,000 
  • Other Degree : $62,000 
  • Doctorate : $61,000 

Graduate Employability Rankings: #66

University of Nottingham is one of the top public universities in Nottingham, United Kingdom. It is ranked #114 in QS World University Rankings 2023.

Top recruiters: National Health Service (NHS), Pentland, Vision Express Ltd., University of Nottingham, University of Central Lancashire etc

Base Salaries by Degree:

  • Masters in Management: $96,000 
  • MBA: $94,000 
  • Executive Masters: $75,000 
  • LLM: $72,000 
  • Masters in Finance: $70,000 
  • PhD: $67,000 

application requirements

Submit official transcripts

Submit English language proficiency

Check program specific requirements

Transcripts, Personal Statement, School Reference, Proof of English language proficiency, Country-specific requirements, 2 References, Resume, Work Experience (if required)

Campuses and B-SchoolsNAUniversity of Nottingham Malaysia
CollegeDunia Reviews8.0/10 Read 20 reviews7.5/10 Read 26 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

ranking# 31 for Business by The Guardian 2026
# 151 for Business by QS World University 2026
# 151 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025
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application--
exam scoresIELTS - 7/9PTE - 76/90TOEFL - 100/120-
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -49700Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
application datesJul 31, 2026 (Application Deadline for September 2026 Intake)
-
ranking# 27 for Sciences by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2022
# 141 for Sciences by Times Higher Education 2022
# 201 for Sciences by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2022
application--
exam scoresIELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 69/90TOEFL - 90/120IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 71/90TOEFL - 90/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -46450Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -40664
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
application dates-Aug 3, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
Sep 21, 2026 (Course Start Date for Fall 2026 Intake)
ranking# 50 for Accounting by The Guardian 2026
# 151 for Accounting by QS World University 2025
# 30 for Accounting by The Guardian 2026
# 101 for Accounting by QS World University 2025
application--
why to opt?

The MSc Accounting and Finance programme will provide you with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth analysis of contemporary issues in accounting and finance. This will enable you to shape innovation in all areas of business activity while appreciating the significance of accounting and finance for creating a more responsible and sustainable society.

The programme recognises that you will work in an internationally interconnected diverse and ever-changing environment. We will enable you to succeed in this environment by exposing you to current thinking and real-world experiences. We will also keep you grounded in modern ethical and wider-societal issues to allow you to become an inspired professional.



exam scoresGRE - 302/340IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 42/90TOEFL - 90/120IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 71/90TOEFL - 90/120
Admission Criteria/Better to Have

Typically you will need to have either:

  • a 2:1 (GPA 3.0/4.0) honours degree in accounting, auditing, or finance. Where a degree is in accounting or auditing, to include one module with a minimum of UK 60% / 2:1, or equivalent, in each of the following subject areas: corporate reporting, finance, and management accounting. Where a degree is in finance, to include two modules in each of the following subject areas: corporate reporting, finance, and management accounting..
  • a university-recognised equivalent academic qualification 
  • or relevant professional experience (appropriate evidence will be required). 


cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -26700Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -36400
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
application datesJul 31, 2022 (Accommodation Deadline)
Nov 1, 2022 (Open day 1 (2022-23))
Aug 4, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake)
Aug 3, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
Sep 21, 2026 (Course Start Date for Fall 2026 Intake)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsCardiff UniversityUniversity of Nottingham
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1883
1881
Student:Faculty Ratio13:1
15:1
Male:Female42% Male, 58% Female46% Male, 54% Female
Location Facts

Cardiff is located on the coast of South Wales and is easy to reach from many places in the UK and overseas. Cardiff is an accessible city, benefiting from excellent road, rail, and air communications. Using the high-speed train service, London is reached in approximately two hours.


Campuses in UK, China & Malaysia; UK campuses located mainly in Nottingham include University Park (Main Campus), Jubilee Campus, Sutton Bonington Campus, King’s Meadow Campus, Queen’s Medical Center (also include 2 University Hospital sites); University Park- one of the largest & most attractive in UK; spread across 300 acres; 2 miles from city center in extensive greenery and around a lake.


Library

Cardiff’s libraries hold over 1.1 million printed books and provide access to more than 1.5 million online books, journals, and resources. 10 separate libraries spread throughout both campuses. Some libraries and IT rooms are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Specialist libraries include architecture, health and journalism. 100,000 rare items, several of which can be viewed on a 40" 3D touch-screen and turning pages software.


10 libraries across its UK and international campuses; over 1 million books and journals; over 3 million manuscripts; one of the most heavily-used electronic collections (ebooks, e-journals, databases) in UK.


Campus Life

Cardiff University is made up of two large, well-located campuses. Over 90 languages are spoken here. Cardiff University Students' Union supports over 200 student societies and 60 sports clubs with more than 10,000 members.


Period buildings; 12 halls of residence (accommodating over 3,000 students); East Midlands Conference Centre (a conference & exhibition center for upto 1,000 people); sports facilities- 70 sports clubs, Sports Centre, Fitness Centre, swimming pool; Lakeside Arts Centre (University’s public art program engaging over 200,000 people); Portland Building (housing Students' Union, Student Support Centre, banks, bars & restaurants).


Hostel#Rooms - $6720
#Broadgate Park--Single Room - $5764
#Ancaster Hall Rooms-- With meal - $8533
Famous Alumni

Gwilym Lee (British actor), Susanna Reid (English television presenter and journalist), Alice May Roberts (English biological anthropologist, biologist, television presenter, and author), Barham Salih (Iraqi politician of Kurdish origin), Vedhika Kumar (Indian actress), Susmita Bhattacharya (Writer, Poet), Sir Karl Jenkins (Composer and Musician).


Over 280,000 alumni; D.H. Lawrence (English Writer); Ruth Wilson (Actor); Sir Clive Granger (British Economist); Theo James (Actor); Anil Kakodkar (Indian physicist); Nadia Edith Whittome (Member of the Parliament of UK); Matthew Paul Walker (British Scientist); Major Levison James Wood (British Explorer)


City Life

Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, is a lively and student-friendly city. 2nd friendliest city in the UK and the top 5 most welcoming cities in the UK. There is a lot on offer whether students are looking for culture, outdoor activities, shopping, or great nightlife and the city has the added bonus that almost everything is within walking distance. Top Companies: Delloite, Amazon, Tesco, NHS, PwC, Starbucks, and many more.


Nottingham- a city in Nottinghamshire, England; City has links to the legend of Robin Hood, lace-making, Raleigh bikes, tobacco industries; 7th largest metropolitan economy in UK; Unemployment rate-2.59% Top tourist attractions: Old Market Square, Lace Market, Nottingham Castle, City of Caves, Highfields Park, Green's Mill and Science Centre, D. H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum.


Weather-