It functioned as the degree-awarding authority for its member institutions and existed to support their academic activities.

[3] The Registry is located on King Edward VII Avenue in Cathays Park, Cardiff's Civic Centre.

[2][4] In 1902 the Cardiff Corporation reached an agreement with the University of Wales to locate their main administrative office in Cathays Park, and gifted the land to the university, along with £6,000 for the erection of a building whose designs met their approval.

[6] In front of the building there are a series of iron posts, capped with dragon sculptures by Welsh sculptor Goscombe John.

[7] In 1933 an extension was added to the rear of the building, designed by Thomas Alwyn Lloyd.