Why go to university?

Every year hundreds of thousands of prospective students choose higher education as their next step after school or college.

You don’t have to go to university and can build a career without a degree - but university can offer so much more than just a career path at the end.

Here’s why your child should consider doing a degree.

For their career

Improving career prospects

In such a competitive job market, gaining a degree can significantly increase your child's career prospects. 95% of our graduates were in employment and/or further study, due to start a new job or course, or doing other activities, such as travelling (source: Graduate Outcomes 2020/21 survey).

Pursuing a vocation

Students often choose to study at higher education level to further an interest in a particular subject, or in a particular vocation. Some careers, such as those in medicine, nursing, architecture, law and pharmacy, cannot be practised without a particular vocational degree.

Developing employable skills

A degree will not only give students the opportunity to gain an in-depth knowledge of their chosen subject but also to develop transferable skills such as communication, presentation and problem-solving skills, while enhancing their ability to work as part of a team.

For their self development

Building self-confidence, independence and responsibility

University can help students to build their self-confidence and independence. Students will have plenty of opportunities to make new friends from different countries and backgrounds. Living independently can also nurture an increased level of responsibility.

Studying a subject they enjoy

Students often choose to study a subject because they enjoyed it at school or college. University presents the opportunity to delve deeper into a subject they enjoy, creating the perfect foundation for a career that interests them.

Enjoying exciting opportunities

In many cases, going to university offers the opportunity of studying in world-renowned higher education institutions all over the globe. Here at Cardiff University, we have partnerships with 300 institutions, giving you the choice of placements in Europe and all over the world, depending on your programme of study.

For their future

Gaining experience with extracurricular activities

There are always dozens of extracurricular opportunities to get involved with at university, which will boost both enjoyment and employability throughout the higher education experience. Not only are there over 200 different sports clubs and societies for students to join, but every student gets the opportunity to learn a new language for free with our ‘Languages For All’ programme.

Making lifelong connections

University is an opportunity to make lifelong connections to fellow students from different backgrounds and cultures, as well as to the new city students will call home for the duration of their stay. Cardiff University has also been ranked as one of the top 10 most beautiful universities in the UK. (Times Higher Education, 2018)