In an era of ever-evolving communication, how do we reach the students of tomorrow?

With competition for the brightest students toughening up after the tuition fee funding changes, the issue for Cardiff is more vital than ever.

The University is adopting a two pronged approach to meet the challenge – strengthening the Undergraduate Recruitment Team and related activities, and launching Thrive, a multi-faceted multi-media marketing campaign.

Thrive talks to students in their own language and on their own terms. The campaign uses intrigue, innovation and an emphasis on social media to engage with the highest calibre students in a manner which goes beyond traditional recruitment techniques.  

One key feature is to give a greater say to the “student voice” in Cardiff’s undergraduate recruitment marketing.  Current students will use Facebook and other social media to bring the University to life for applicants.

The University is also supplementing its packages of bursaries and scholarships for students with one "Lifetime Scholarship" - the offer of free tuition for life. The unique initiative is intended to spark keen competition among top applicants.

The competition, which is open to any UK or EU student who has or is planning to apply to study at Cardiff in 2012, will involve a series of academically challenging tasks designed to identify the most exceptional student. The University will be looking for a student with outstanding passion, commitment and intelligence, reflecting its reputation as one of the UK’s leading academic institutions.

The Thrive campaign is supported by funding from the University’s Strategic Investment  Fund and has a high level oversight group, chaired by Professor George Boyne, Dean of the Business School.  The campaign has been introduced to admissions tutors and Heads of School at a well-attended recent presentation and launched to students.

Visit www.cardiff.ac.uk/thrive