The Coat of Arms

The Coat of Arms (sometimes referred to as the University crest) is reserved for ceremonial purposes only. It should not be used in addition to or instead of the University logo. Requests for its use should always be made to the Public Relations Office.

The Coat of Arms is registered and protected by trademark.

About the Coat of Arms

Cardiff University's Coat of Arms incorporates features from the heralds of the former University College Cardiff (UCC) and the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology (UWIST). The three chevrons of the arms are derived from the arms of the de Clare lords of Glamorgan. The open book signifies learning. On it are the crescent and embattled annulet, the marks of cadence referring to UCC (the second 'son' of the University of Wales), and UWIST (the fifth 'son').

The most notable features are the angel and the dragon, known as the supporters, which have been granted to few universities. The Cardiff supporters are derived from the crests of the merged universities. The crest is a Welsh dragon in the stance of a lion. It stands on a helmet known as the helm. Both the dragon and the helm are distinguished by being front-facing rather than in profile, as is usual.

The motto on the scroll is uniquely appropriate to the merged institution. It is the closing phase of the prayer for the Church Militant which, in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer is Truth, Unity and Concord - Gwirionedd, Undod a Chytgord.