Support for military experienced

We offer dedicated support to students who have served as a regular or reservist in the UK Armed Forces.

We are committed to supporting ex-forces servicemen/women and their dependants, to ensure that no member of the Armed Forces community faces disadvantage in Higher Education.

We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, which seeks to recognise and support serving personnel, those with military experience and their families. The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

We highly value the skills and experiences that service leavers bring to the University and we are working closely together with local community services to provide you with the appropriate advice, guidance, emotional and practical support, to enhance your transition into Higher Education. To assist us in this, we are a member of the Universities in Support of Wounded, Injured and Sick Service Personnel (UNSWIS) network.

Is this support for you

The term military experienced applies to those who have served as a Regular or Reservist in the UK Armed Forces (including: the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army, Royal Air Force, or Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on military operations).

Applying for a course

It can be difficult to understand how the training and qualifications gained in the UK Armed Forces compare to ‘traditional’ routes and qualifications. Cardiff University recognise these skills and knowledge and will support you in understanding if any of your experience can be seen as accredited prior learning or equal to qualifications needed. If you have any questions regarding any of our undergraduate or postgraduate courses you can contact the University and speak to our course enquiry team.

When you apply to University through UCAS you will have an opportunity to disclose you are Military Experienced. We would encourage you to tick yes for this question so we can contact you as early as possible about the support available to you.

If you are not yet ready for a degree the Continuing Professional Education Department team offers a wide range of part-time courses, at levels and times to suit you. Many of these courses have no entry requirements - all you need is an interest in the subject and a willingness to explore it in the company of others. The pathways programme is an alternative to A-level and access qualifications as it is taught and assessed in similar ways to first year undergraduate courses.

Contact them at learn@cardiff.ac.uk or call them on 02920 870000.

Funding

We are an Approved Learning Provider on the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme. Further information can be found on the ELCAS website. We are continually adding courses to our approved ELCAS course list if you do not see your chosen course listed please contact our admissions team.

We have a Armed Forces Veteran Bursary for eligible first year undergraduate students. For more information please see our Armed Forces Veteran Bursary page.

Transitions support

It is important to us that your transition to university is made easier by you being able to have information and guidance in regards to any questions you have before you start and after.

Our Outreach Team offer information, advice and guidance to help you prepare for university. Explore their get involved pages to see what projects you can get involved with.

If you have ticked the box at UCAS our dedicated contact Lena Smith will be in touch to answer any questions you may have before starting the course and can signpost you to services at the university you may need.

Support while you are studying

At Cardiff University we aim to foster an excellent and supportive student experience. This includes to nurture and encourage confident and successful futures for all. We offer dedicated support on top of general student life support on offer to all students.

Lena Smith is the dedicated contact for Military Experienced students at Cardiff University and offers the following support throughout your studies:

• support with applying for student funding and alternative grants and bursaries
• support with academic-related issues, including liaising with your academic department and making students aware of how to apply for extenuating circumstances if needed
• assist with any housing issues
• sign posting towards other University services such as Student Disability Service, Counselling and Wellbeing or study skills
• hosting events and activities and being their to talk to if needed.

As part of the Armed Forces Covenant, the university has appointed Lieutenant Paul Thomas as our first Armed Forces Champion. Paul is a Royal Naval Reservist and alongside his role at the University, he helps develop and support Cardiff University’s Armed Forces Community.

We work closely with the dedicated contact for veterans in Cardiff City Council to ensure we are updated on the external community support in Cardiff and also the discounts and free access available in Cardiff such as swimming in local leisure centres.

Get in touch