Direct answer
The university also requires an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and 6.0 in all other subskills. A personal statement, a brief research proposal, and one academic or professional reference must accompany the application. The programme provides advanced training in research methods across the social sciences and is offered full-time, typically starting in September.
Degree requirement for Chinese applicants
For entry to this postgraduate taught course, Cardiff University states that Chinese applicants need a relevant four-year bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution. The required grade is approximately 80% or above.
UK degree classification equivalence
The standard entry requirement is a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject. The university lists relevant subjects as criminology, education, human geography, law, management/business, psychology, or social policy. An equivalent international degree is also accepted.
English language requirement
An overall IELTS score of 6.5 is required. The subskill requirements are 6.5 in writing and 6.0 in all other subskills. No alternative English language tests are specified in the current official evidence.
Application documents
Applicants must submit three key documents. A personal statement, no longer than 1000 words, must outline interests and experience aligned with the course. A brief research proposal, up to 500 words, must outline discipline interests and alignment with the school. One academic or professional reference is required, demonstrating readiness for postgraduate study and research methods training.
Programme structure and start date
The course typically starts in September. The programme provides advanced training in research methods across the social sciences.
What the official page establishes and what requires live rechecking
The official page establishes the core academic threshold for Chinese applicants (a four-year bachelor’s degree with approximately 80%), the IELTS score and subskill breakdown, and the required application documents. The page does not specify an application deadline for the 2026/27 academic year. The evidence confirms that specific entry requirements explicitly labelled for 2026/27 were not found, though the provided information is described as current for upcoming academic years. Any applicant should verify the deadline and any updates to the English language policy directly on the university’s website before applying.
FAQ
What is the minimum grade for a Chinese bachelor’s degree?
Cardiff University requires Chinese applicants to hold a relevant four-year bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution with grades of approximately 80% or above.
What IELTS score is required for this programme?
An overall IELTS score of 6.5 is required. The writing subskill must be 6.5, and all other subskills must be 6.0.
What subjects are considered relevant for the 2:1 degree requirement?
The university lists criminology, education, human geography, law, management/business, psychology, and social policy as relevant subjects.
What documents must I submit with my application?
You must submit a personal statement of no more than 1000 words, a research proposal of up to 500 words, and one academic or professional reference.
When does the course start?
The course typically starts in September and is offered full-time.
Is the 80% grade requirement a guaranteed offer condition?
The official page does not use the term “guaranteed offer” for this programme.
Official sources
The entry requirements on this page are drawn from the current official Cardiff University course and international admissions pages. For the most up-to-date information, including application deadlines, refer directly to the university’s website.
- Cardiff University Social Science Research Methods (Social Work) (MSc)
- Cardiff University China entry requirements
For broader context on UK university admissions, you may also find these resources useful: