Cardiff University Hospital site - Student View

It's on a 53-acre campus, purpose-built in the 1970s, some 2 1/2 miles north of the city centre; easily accessible, on most main bus routes.

UWCM, recently merged with Cardiff Uni, has teaching facilities for students in medicine, dentistry, as well as nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and radiography. Emphasis on developing well-rounded individuals, rather than academics who can't communicate. Dental pre-clinical and early stages of the medical course are taught at main Cardiff Uni campus.

Accommodation on campus for first years taught on hospital site; small number of places for married students. Other students find lodgings which are plentiful in the area. SU and bar (Med Club) are in hall on site.

SU has good relations with college authorities; it fields teams in most major sports (not just rugby!) and is active socially. It is a highly regarded medical school, has an excellent teaching record and high pass rate. Teaching by lectures, seminars and tutorials; emphasis on clinical skills. Assessment by course work and exams (traditional, multiple choice papers as well as vivas); resits possible, but there is no fixed failure rate.

Most students can study in hospitals throughout Wales, as well as an elective period either abroad or in UK. Medically trained staff act as student counsellors.

Large student population in Cardiff, which has much to offer: cultural and sporting centre of Wales, boasting the National Museum of Wales, Millennium Stadium, fine castle, superb civic buildings as well as 3 new multiplex cinemas, 4 theatres (including the 2000-seat St David's Hall) and a fast developing bay area. Excellent shopping centre and numerous pubs, clubs and restaurants.

Students come from a wide variety of backgrounds: 40% welsh, rest from other UK countries and many international students. There is no discrimination of any description.