Direct answer
For the MSc International Economics, Banking & Finance at Cardiff University, Chinese applicants need a relevant four-year bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution with grades of approximately 80% or above. The programme requires a 2:2 honours degree equivalent in a quantitative subject. English language proficiency can be met with an IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no subskill below 5.5, or through accepted alternative evidence.
Degree classification and quantitative background
The programme requires a 2:2 honours degree, or an equivalent international degree, in a subject with a quantitative background. Cardiff University lists accepted quantitative backgrounds as accounting, biology, business and management, chemistry, computer science, economics, engineering, finance, mathematics, physics, or statistics.
Specific requirements for Chinese applicants
Chinese applicants must hold a relevant four-year bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution. The university states that grades of approximately 80% or above are required to qualify for postgraduate taught courses. The official evidence does not provide a separate percentage for this specific programme; the 80% benchmark applies generally to postgraduate taught entry for Chinese qualifications.
English language requirements
An IELTS overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all subskills is required. The university also accepts alternative evidence for English language proficiency. Cardiff University offers an in-house English for University Study programme to help students meet the English language entry requirements.
Applicants without a relevant degree
Applicants who do not hold a degree in a listed quantitative subject may be considered based on professional experience. The university requires additional supporting evidence, such as employer references, for this route.
Alternative entry pathways
International students whose qualifications do not support direct entry may consider the Pre-Master’s programme at the International Study Centre. This pathway is mentioned as an option for those who do not meet the direct entry requirements.
What the official page does not establish
The official evidence does not detail requirements explicitly labelled for the 2026/27 academic year as distinct from general requirements, though the university references 2026/27 in the context of funding and alumni discounts. The page does not provide a China-specific percentage for this individual programme beyond the general postgraduate taught benchmark. Live availability, such as whether the programme appears in Clearing, is not addressed in the supplied evidence and requires a live recheck on the university’s website.
FAQ
What degree classification do I need for this MSc?
You need a 2:2 honours degree, or an equivalent international degree, in a subject with a quantitative background.
Which subjects count as a quantitative background?
Cardiff University accepts accounting, biology, business and management, chemistry, computer science, economics, engineering, finance, mathematics, physics, or statistics.
What are the grade requirements for Chinese applicants?
Chinese applicants need a relevant four-year bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution with grades of approximately 80% or above.
What IELTS score is required?
An IELTS overall score of 6.5 is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in all subskills. Alternative accepted evidence for English language proficiency can also be provided.
Can I apply if my degree is not in a quantitative subject?
Applicants without a relevant degree may be considered based on professional experience, with additional supporting evidence like employer references.
What if my qualifications do not meet direct entry requirements?
International students whose qualifications do not support direct entry may consider the Pre-Master’s programme at the International Study Centre.
Official sources
- Cardiff University MSc International Economics, Banking & Finance entry requirements
- Cardiff University English for University Study programme
- Cardiff University International Study Centre Pre-Master’s