Undergraduate Additional Course Costs
Please note all figures are subject to change.
Please select your academic school below:
We provide materials and tools for use in taught practical sessions and workshops. We also provide access to specialist workshop equipment, IT facilities running core course software, and an AV store with equipment available to borrow free of charge.
Depending on your course and the nature of your developing practice, you may also choose to purchase some personal tools, equipment or additional materials.
For example, students who buy fewer or second-hand tools, and use reclaimed or recycled materials, will have lower costs than students buying brand new tools, selecting more expensive materials, or working at large scale. We support material reclaim and reuse, and guide students on responsible, sustainable, and safe sourcing of materials.
Joining information will be sent to you before you start, containing detailed information about any recommended equipment, including detailed laptop specification advice. We have provided estimates based on current specification requirements, the costs of which are subject to change. It may be possible to purchase any of the items below at a lower price, refurbished, or second-hand.
We recommend that you don’t make any major purchases in advance of starting. CSAD staff will provide up-to-date advice on request, and a full materials, kit, and equipment list will be sent to you when you enrol.
Some examples of additional costs that may apply:
- Optional access to Cardiff FabLab which is subject to charges for equipment use and materials
- Material costs when opting to use specialist equipment independently, such as 3D printing and laser cutting (charged by volume)
- Other costs such as document printing, copying, and the purchase of textbooks
- Optional UK or overseas study trips and exchange programmes
- Placements and associated costs such as travel and accommodation, which are dependent on student preference
| Course Title | Equipment and IT Costs | Material Costs | Optional or Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) Animation |
1 TB hard drive for additional back-up of work: (approx. £75-£150). Drawing equipment and tools (approx. £50-£200). |
Laptop or tablet device capable of running Adobe® CC and Blender (from approx. £800). At time of writing, all software is free for student use with core software available on campus, so purchase is not essential. If students wish to purchase animation software for personal devices, Moho is available to students at USD239.40, TV Paint is EUR325. Prices correct at time of writing. |
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| BSc (Hons) Architectural Design & Technology |
Sketchup Studio subscription: £60 per year. Drawing and modelling kit (approx. £40 to over £100 depending on brand choices). Metric scale ruler (approx. £10-£25). |
Physical model-making materials (allow approx. £50-£150 per year). |
Highly recommended: laptop & 3-button mouse. A laptop specified for 3D CAD apps such as Revit & Twinmotion (approx. from £1200 depending on brand and supplier) will perform similarly to on campus machines, but lower specification laptops may run the majority of the apps students will use. Tablet with stylus (approx. £300-£750). |
| BA (Hons) Architecture |
Laptop specified for CAD or gaming, with a 3-button mouse (approx. £1200-£3000). Sketchup Studio subscription: £60 per year. Drawing and modelling kit (approx. £40 to over £100 depending on brand choices). Metric scale ruler (approx. £10-£25). |
Physical model-making materials (allow approx. £50-£150 per year). |
Tablet with stylus (approx. £300-£750). |
| BA (Hons) Artist Designer: Maker |
Toolkit items and a broad range of making equipment for metal, wood, and ceramic work (approx. £100-£250). USB memory stick or external hard drive: (approx. £10-£50). |
Students will choose specialism pathways which will determine which materials need to be purchased (allow approx. £100-500 per year). |
Laptop or tablet device, camera or smartphone. |
| BA (Hons) Ceramics |
Protective equipment and tools (approx. £100-£275). |
Clay and glazes will vary in cost per year depending on the scale of work, and material selection (allow approx. £50-£200 per year). |
Laptop or tablet device, camera or smartphone. |
| BA (Hons) Digital Art |
Quality drawing materials and sketchbook (approx. £30-£60). |
Laptop or tablet device with stylus (from approx. £300) Non-core software. |
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| BA (Hons) Fashion Design |
Toolkit to support your pattern drafting and clothing construction studies (approx. £200-£300). Specialist equipment (approx. £100-£200). Recommended supplier and product information can be provided on request. |
Fabrics and other textile supplies (allow approx. £100-£300 per year). We encourage students to use recycled and reclaimed materials, e.g. from charity shops or scrap stores where possible, which can minimise costs as well as improve sustainable practice. |
Laptop capable of running Adobe® CC at a minimum (from approx. £800) or tablet with stylus (approx. £300-£750). |
| BA (Hons) Fine Art |
A broad range of quality tools and materials for your artist toolbox (approx. £50-£200). A portfolio case (approx. £10-£30). Camera with video recording capability or current smart phone (approx. £200-£1000). |
Students will choose specialist pathways which will determine which materials need to be purchased (allow approx. £100-£500 per year). |
Laptop capable of running Adobe® CC as a minimum (from approx. £800) or tablet with stylus (approx. £300-£750). |
| BA (Hons) Game Art |
A range of pencils, drawing and writing pens (approx. £20-£100). |
Laptop capable of running Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3DS Max, Adobe® CC, Blender, Unreal Engine, Unity, Visual Studio Code (approx. £800-£1200). At time of writing all software is free for student use. |
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| BA (Hons) Graphic Design & Communication |
A range of pencils, drawing and writing pens (approx. £20-£100). |
Laptop capable of running Adobe® CC and Figma (from approx. £800). At time of writing, all software is free for student use. |
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| BA (Hons) Illustration |
A broad range of tools and materials for your artist toolbox (approx. £50-£200). A portfolio case (approx. £10-£30). Camera with video recording capability or current smartphone (approx. £200-£1000). |
Miscellaneous materials for collage (approx. £0-£100 per year). Printing and photocopying (approx. £10-£25 per year). |
Laptop capable of running Adobe® CC as a minimum (from approx. £800) or tablet with stylus (approx. £300-£750). At time of writing, all software is free for student use. |
| BA (Hons) Interior Architecture |
Laptop specified for CAD or gaming, with a 3-button mouse (approx. £1200-£3000). Sketchup Studio subscription: £60 per year. Drawing and modelling kit (approx. £40-£100). Metric scale ruler (approx. £10-£25). |
Physical model-making materials (allow approx. £50-£150 per year). |
Tablet with stylus (approx. £300-£750). |
| BA (Hons) Interior Design |
Laptop specified for CAD or gaming, with a 3-button mouse (approx. £1200-£3000). Sketchup Studio subscription: £60 per year. Drawing and modelling kit (approx. £40-£100). Metric scale ruler (approx. £10-£25). |
Physical model-making materials (allow approx. £50-£150 per year). |
Tablet with stylus (approx. £300-£750). |
| BA (Hons) Making & Material Futures |
Protective equipment and tools (approx. £100-£250). USB memory stick or external hard drive: (approx. £10-£50). |
Students will choose specialism pathways which will determine which materials need to be purchased (allow approx. £100-500 per year). |
Laptop or tablet device, camera or smartphone. |
| BA (Hons) Photography |
DSLR or equivalent quality camera with a hot shoe for flash photography (approx. £250-£400). Recommendations on specification and legitimate sources can be provided on request. Storage devices: SD cards (high speed) and memory sticks or external USB hard drive (approx. £50-£200). |
Large format printing and book printing (approx. £10-£50 in level 4 & 5; approx. £25-£100 in level 6). Darkroom practice is available as an option, and materials required to learn darkroom processes are supplied by the School. If continuing, film and darkroom supplies will cost approx. £10-£200 per year depending on practice. |
Laptop capable of running Adobe® CC (from approx. £800). |
| BA (Hons) Product Design |
Windows-based laptop computer (with graphics card capable of running 3D CAD software e.g. Solid Works) and 3-button mouse (approx. £1000-£2500). Drawing and model-making equipment (approx. £150-£250). |
Model-making materials (allow approx. £100-£250 per year). |
Tablet with stylus (approx. £300-£750). |
| BSc (Hons) Product Design |
Windows-based laptop computer (with graphics card capable of running 3D CAD software e.g. Solid Works) and 3-button mouse (approx. £1000-£2500). Drawing and model-making equipment (approx. £150-£250). |
Model-making materials (allow approx. £100-£250 per year). Electronics supplies (allow approx. £50-£200 per year). |
Tablet with stylus (approx. £300-£750). |
| BA (Hons) Textile Design |
Designer’s kit, tools and equipment (approx. £50-£100). |
Materials for mark making and drawing (approx. £50-£150). Fabrics and thread (allow approx. £50-£200 per year). |
Laptop capable of running Adobe® CC as a minimum (from approx. £800) or tablet with stylus (approx. £300-£750). |
| Course Title | Kit/Uniform | Other | Related Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) Early Years Education & Professional Practice with Early Years Practitioner Status (EYPS) | Recommended annual DBS Update Service - £16 (subject to change); Agored Cymru Level 2 Forest School - £24-48; Travel costs incurred to complete 700 hours work experience throughout degree; various other optional qualifications, costs to be confirmed. | ||
| BA (Hons) Primary Education (3-11) with QTS | Applicants are strongly advised to register with the annual DBS Update Service so that checks can be made on the validity of Disclosures during the duration of studies - £16 (subject to change). Students are solely responsible for covering all costs of all travel to/and from all school placements for the duration of their studies. If relying on public transport to access their school placements, students may need to take trains and/ or buses. Students may be required to travel up to a maximum of 90 minutes from their place of residence to a school placement. | ||
| BA (Hons) Primary Education Studies | Recommended annual DBS Update Service - £16 (subject to change). | ||
| BSc (Hons) Education, Psychology & Special Educational Needs | Recommended annual DBS Update Service - £16 (subject to change). You may be required to undertake a new Enhanced DBS at your cost for any volunteering placements that require additional checks. | ||
| BSc (Hons) Social Work | Applicants are strongly advised to register with the annual DBS Update Service so that checks can be made on the validity of Disclosures during the duration of studies - £16 (subject to change). Registration fees are required to be paid with Social Care Wales. The cost is: Initial application fee of £15; Annual fee of £15 on the anniversary of their registration date. In total, an additional £45 across the three years. | ||
| BA (Hons) Youth & Community Work (Youth Work) |
Recommended annual DBS Update Service - £16 (subject to change). Students are responsible for funding any travel costs related to completion of their minimum 800 hours of fieldwork placement completed over the duration of their degree. |
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| Foundation Certificate in Youth & Community Work |
Recommended annual DBS Update Service - £16 (subject to change). Students are responsible for funding any travel costs related to completion of their minimum 100 hours of fieldwork placement completed over the duration of their Foundation Certificate studies. |
| Course Title | Kit/Uniform | Other | Related Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA Aviation Management | Safety footwear is compulsory for work experience at Cardiff Airport. Estimated cost is £50. | ||
| BA Business and Management (including all pathways) | Printing costs for Final Year Projects: estimated cost £20 | ||
| BA (Hons) Events Management | Compulsory events £30; Possible visit charges (e.g. entry admissions); Optional Modules - Level 5 Field Study approx. £450; Level 5 Certification approx. £100-200 per course/elective; Level 6 Field Study approx. £500-600; Level 6 Wines and Spirits Studies approx. £190 | ||
| BA (Hons) International Hospitality Management | £100 | Compulsory Module: Level 5 Venue Design Project 3D printing approx. £10-£15; Optional Modules - Level 5 Field Study approx. £450; Level 5 Certification approx. £100-200 per course/elective; Level 6 Field Study approx. £500-600; Level 6 Wines and Spirits Studies approx. £190 | |
| BA (Hons) International Tourism Management | Possible visit charges (e.g. entry admissions); Optional Modules - Level 5 Field Study approx. £450; Level 5 Certification approx. £100-200 per course/elective; Level 6 Field Study approx. £500-600; Level 6 Wines and Spirits Studies approx. £190 | ||
| LLB Law | Recommended £250 - £300 per year for necessary textbooks. |
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Course Title |
Kit/Uniform |
Other |
Related Documents |
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BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science |
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Final year research project - Print Studio charge £8.00. |
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BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with Health, Exercise & Nutrition |
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Final year research project - Print Studio charge £10.00. |
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BSc (Hons) Complementary Healthcare (with Practitioner Status) Top-Up |
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Applicants are strongly advised to register with the annual DBS Update Service so that checks can be made on the validity of Disclosures during the duration of studies - £13 (subject to change). |
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BSc (Hons) Dental Technology |
Year 1: Hand tools and web cam £200. |
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BSc (Hons) Environmental Health |
Steel toe capped shoes/boots approx. £20. |
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BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science |
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Applicants are strongly advised to register with the annual DBS Update Service so that checks can be made on the validity of Disclosures during the duration of studies - £13 (subject to change). |
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BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition & Dietetics |
Food grade white coat for kitchen practicals, typically £15. |
Applicants are strongly advised to register with the annual DBS Update Service so that checks can be made on the validity of Disclosures during the duration of studies - £13 (subject to change). Placement providers may request a more recent DBS than that submitted on entry to your programme. In this circumstance the student may be required to cover the cost of this. |
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BSc (Hons) Nutrition |
Food grade white coat for kitchen practicals, typically £15. |
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BSc (Hons) Podiatry |
Clinical tunic supplied by department, replacements will be £15 each. Suitable smart black trousers and shoes for clinic will be advised at induction. |
Applicants are strongly advised to register with the annual DBS Update Service so that checks can be made on the validity of Disclosures during the duration of studies - £13 (subject to change). |
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BSc (Hons) Psychology |
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Travel costs to placements; Printing of final year dissertation approx. £20. |
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BSc (Hons) Speech & Language Therapy |
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Applicants are strongly advised to register with the annual DBS Update Service so that checks can be made on the validity of Disclosures during the duration of studies - £13 (subject to change). |
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FdSc Dental Technology |
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Webcam (approx. £20) and headset required. |
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Course Title |
Kit/Uniform |
Other |
Related Documents |
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BSc (Hons) Astudiaethau Chwaraeon ac Addysg Gorfforol (Dwyieithog) |
Sportswear can be purchased; a web link to the sport clothing supplier will be sent with joining information. Appropriate footwear for sport practical modules is compulsory. |
UKCC Coaching qualifications (optional) subsidised costs vary from £110 to £250 approx. depending on sport and level of the award. |
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BSc (Hons) Intercalated Sport & Exercise Science |
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BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science |
Sportswear can be purchased; a web link to the sport clothing supplier will be sent with joining information. Appropriate footwear for sport practical modules is compulsory. |
UKCC Coaching qualifications (optional) subsidised costs vary from £110 to £250 approx. depending on sport and level of the award; Students can undertake optional recognised fitness industry qualifications. The subsidised cost of these vary from £300 to £500 each depending on the qualification and the level. Mental Health First Aid Training - £20 optional cost for students. |
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BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching |
Sportswear can be purchased; a web link to the sport clothing supplier will be sent with joining information. Appropriate footwear for sport practical modules is compulsory. |
UKCC Coaching qualifications (optional) subsidised costs vary from £110 to £250 approx. depending on sport and level of the award. |
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BSc (Hons) Sport Conditioning, Rehabilitation & Massage |
Sportswear can be purchased; a web link to the sport clothing supplier will be sent with joining information. Appropriate footwear for sport practical modules is compulsory. |
UKCC Coaching qualifications (optional) subsidised costs vary from £110 to £250 approx. depending on sport and level of the award. Students can undertake optional recognised fitness industry qualifications, costs vary per qualification. Optional costs: Certification for embedded sports massage qualification approximately £140 each. Mental Health First Aid Training - £20 optional cost for students. |
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BSc (Hons) Sport Management |
Sportswear can be purchased; a web link to the sport clothing supplier will be sent with joining information. Appropriate footwear for sport practical modules is compulsory. |
UKCC Coaching qualifications (optional) subsidised costs vary from £110 to £250 approx. depending on sport and level of the award. |
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BSc (Hons) Sport Media |
Sportswear can be purchased; a web link to the sport clothing supplier will be sent with joining information. Appropriate footwear for sport practical modules is compulsory. |
UKCC Coaching qualifications (optional) subsidised costs vary from £110 to £250 approx. depending on sport and level of the award. |
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BSc (Hons) Sport Performance Analysis |
Sportswear can be purchased; a web link to the sport clothing supplier will be sent with joining information. Appropriate footwear for sport practical modules is compulsory. |
UKCC Coaching qualifications (optional) subsidised costs vary from £110 to £250 approx. depending on sport and level of the award. |
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BSc (Hons) Sport, Physical Education & Health |
Sportswear can be purchased; a web link to the sport clothing supplier will be sent with joining information. Appropriate footwear for sport practical modules is compulsory. |
UKCC Coaching qualifications (optional) subsidised costs vary from £110 to £250 approx. depending on sport and level of the award. |
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BSc (Hons) Sport, Physical Education & Health (Dance) |
Sportswear can be purchased; a web link to the sport clothing supplier will be sent with joining information. Appropriate footwear for sport practical modules is compulsory. |
UKCC Coaching qualifications (optional) subsidised costs vary from £110 to £250 approx. depending on sport and level of the award. |
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Aside from the courses listed above, there are other generic costs relating to printing/binding e.g. Final Dissertation. If you are studying a course that doesn’t require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for entry, but as part of your placement and or dissertation, you come into contact with young or vulnerable adults, you will be required to undertake a criminal records check. Please refer to www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/dbs for further information.
For applicants who choose to undertake a 48-week industrial work placement as part of their academic programme, there will be additional costs associated with this, e.g. Visa applications, travel and living costs, etc.
If you choose to undertake an ERASMUS placement during your studies, there will be living costs associated with living in the European Country for the duration.