University of Bristol
The University Bristol is one of the most popular and successful universities in the UK. At the cutting edge of global research, they have made innovations in areas ranging from cot death prevention to nanotechnology. The University campus is based in the centre of a beautiful, lively city, which shares the University’s passion for the environment and sustainability. As a Bristol student, you’ll learn from academic and industry experts and experience life in a vibrant and multicultural city.
STUDY AT UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Bristol is one of the most popular and highly ranked universities in the UK, home to nearly 30,000 undergraduates and postgraduates. Around one quarter of the students are international, helping to make Bristol a diverse community. As a research-intensive university, it aims to tackle some of the world’s greatest problems. Join Bristol to work at the forefront of your subject, learn from leading academics in their fields, and be supported to thrive in your studies.
Bristol is committed to protecting the environment, with an ambitious green strategy and innovative research into global challenges. It was the first UK university to declare a climate emergency, and sustainability is key to Bristol’s vision of the future.
Founded in 1876, the University of Bristol offers a world-class learning environment. Students and staff come from more than 150 countries around the world, creating a friendly and diverse academic community.
The University campus is near the centre of Bristol, a beautiful and vibrant city in the south-west of England. It's just 90 minutes from London but also close to stunning English countryside. A welcoming, historic and multicultural hub, Bristol is home to world-class culture and plenty of green space. With the buzz of a major city without the expanse, the city is walkable with everything you need within reach, including a wide variety of restaurants, shops, attractions, street art and parks.
SPECIALIST AREAS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
As a member of the Russell Group and the Worldwide Universities Network, Bristol is among the UK’s leading research universities. Its curriculum is informed by the latest research, and taught degrees are led by expert academics working at the forefront of their subjects. Home to state-of-the-art facilities, Bristol offers more than 600 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and the 6 faculties cover a comprehensive range of subjects.
The University of Bristol has many centres of excellence, and some of their most highly ranked subjects include Social Policy, Philosophy, and Veterinary Science. The University is known for its suite of Engineering courses, including a specialism in Aerospace, with industry links across the city including Airbus and Rolls Royce.
The award-winning Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship brings together students from varied academic backgrounds to apply their knowledge and passion to identify social and commercial opportunities. Staff from industry and academic experts teach the skills to collaborate, research and implement real projects for real clients, turning ideas into practice.
The University of Bristol is also building a new, world-leading campus, focused on digital, business and social innovation. Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus will provide opportunities to create new partnerships and research collaborations of national and global significance.
LIFE ON CAMPUS
The main University campus is based in Clifton, at the heart of the vibrant city of Bristol. The Clifton campus is a mix of Georgian and modern architecture, nestled in between museums, supermarkets, banks, cafes and gyms, as well as open green spaces. It contains a student sports centre and health centre (GP), and is close to a train station and the main bus station. Almost everything a student could need is within a short walk of campus, and when they want to explore further, they can venture to the Downs (large, green parkland overlooking the famous Bristol suspension bridge, 40 min walk) or the main shopping mall (20 min walk).
Bristol has a thriving cultural scene, with exciting events, exhibitions and festivals happening throughout the year. Students can explore the many music, theatre and arts venues across the city, as well as the famous colourful neighbourhoods and graffiti art.
There is also a second, smaller campus for the Veterinary School located just a 40-minute bus ride away in rural countryside. This campus contains a working dairy farm, small animal practice, accommodation as well as teaching facilities.
STUDENT SUPPORT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
The University of Bristol offers the following support:
Student Wellbeing Service. The Student Wellbeing Service offers help and guidance if you are experiencing challenges or want some extra support. Student wellbeing advisers will listen to you and help plan and problem-solve with you.
Residential Life Service. Residential Life offers a support network for students living in university accommodation.
Every university residence belongs to one of three residential villages (North, West and East). Each village has a Residential Life team of full-time trained support staff. They are there to give you expert help, support and advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Students’ Health Service. Most international students can access medical care through the National Health Service (NHS). The University’s Student Health Service is a full NHS doctor’s practice, which is available to any student living within its locality.
Multifaith Chaplaincy. This service welcomes all staff and students and provides friendly and safe spaces to socialise, study, pray and meditate.
Student Counselling Service. They offer short-term individual counselling with experienced counsellors or therapeutic groups where you can discuss your issues with peers, led by a trained counsellor.
Disability Services. The Disability Services team provides advice and study support for ongoing health conditions, mental health difficulties, specific learning difficulties, autism spectrum conditions, sensory impairments and mobility difficulties. If you have any of these, they strongly encourage you to make contact early so they can advise you of the support available and how to access it.
The University of Bristol Global Lounge. The Global Lounge is a multicultural hub in the heart of campus, open to all students and staff and a place to socialise, relax and find support. It has two main functions:
- Bringing UK and international students and staff together through a vast range of social events and cultural celebrations, offering everyone across the University the chance to share experiences, learn from each other, and make friends from around the world.
- Supporting international students during the arrivals period, helping them to settle into Bristol and university life through a range of welcome events and activities and practical support, such as opening a bank account, setting up a phone or signposting to other services.
Visa and immigration advice. Bristol has a dedicated team of advisers who can offer visa information and advice in a professional, friendly and confidential manner, as well as comprehensive visa web pages that will help you prepare for the process.
Student finances. Find support with tuition fees, student loans, grants and scholarships, including money advice drop-ins.
Academic support. Most taught students will be assigned a personal tutor to meet with you regularly, provide pastoral and academic support, and direct you to specialist services. Research students will receive similar support through their supervisor. Bristol’s Study Skills service provides online interactive resources, peer advice sessions, online study groups, one-to-one tutorials and small-group workshops to complement your academic learning. Many degrees also offer Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) in your first year, or subject-specific courses to develop your academic language and literacy.
UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL FACILITIES
The University of Bristol boasts state-of-the-art facilities across its six faculties. The nine University libraries house over 1.4 million volumes of printed books and journals - the largest academic collection in the southwest of England. The University’s archives and collections include the Brunel Collection and the Penguin Archive, as well as thousands of specimens used for teaching in both the Botanic Garden and Geology Museum.
Engineering
In the Engineering department there are many high-specification laboratories including Wind Tunnel, Satellite, Smart Internet, Robotics Lab with 3D motion capture systems, and many more.
Law
The Wills Memorial Building, one of the most iconic Bristol structures, is home to the Bristol Law School. Considered to be one of the last great Gothic buildings to be built in England, Wills Memorial includes an impressive Great Hall and wood-panelled library.
The University of Bristol Law Clinic provides free legal advice to members of the public who cannot afford a solicitor. Students work with qualified solicitors to help clients with a range of legal issues.
Film and Television
Film students can access the University’s high-spec 214-seat cinema, 4K screening room, filmmaking equipment, production studios, animation and edit suites, sound rooms and design workshop.
Theatre
The Theatre Collection is one of the world’s largest archives of British theatre history and Live Art. It has achieved both Accredited Museum and Accredited Archive Service status, and its collections have been designated Outstanding by the Arts Council, England.
Veterinary Science
Bristol Veterinary School is situated on the edge of the rural Mendips, 14 miles south of Bristol. The 105-hectare estate is home to state-of-the-art facilities, including a small animal referral hospital, a modern dairy farm, wet labs, and award-winning clinical skills laboratory.
Earth Sciences
Bristol’s leading-edge laboratories are capable of simulating temperature and pressure conditions at hundreds of kilometres deep within our planet; recreating conditions in ancient oceans and atmospheres; enabling students and researchers to understand the cycling of carbon in the environment and to investigate the evolution of life on Earth.
The University of Bristol’s Earth Science Collection contains over 100,000 paleontological, petrological and mineralogical samples of scientific and historical importance.
SPORTS AND SOCIETIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Bristol Students’ Union (SU) represents all University of Bristol students. They run thousands of societies and sports clubs, events, campaigns and support networks. All students have:
- access to the bar, gig venue, and SU Living Room
- the ability to join clubs, societies and networks (with more than 350 to choose from)
- free support services for lettings and academic advice
- representation on the issues that matter - like wellbeing, teaching and housing.
Bristol SU supports hundreds of student-run clubs and societies. From cheese tasting to skydiving there’s something for everyone! There are also more than 50 country-specific and religious societies, which are a great way to connect and share your culture.
The University of Bristol has excellent sport and fitness facilities. On campus you can find the two-floor gym, swimming pool, sports hall, studios and fitness classes.
Most of the University’s more traditional outdoor sports (football, tennis, cricket, hockey, rugby and more) reside at Coombe Dingle for training and competition. Throughout the year, Coombe Dingle Sports Complex hosts a variety of competitive fixtures, including inter-university BUCS matches, plus local and national league matches. Facilities available at Coombe Dingle Sports Complex include: 3G pitch, artificial pitches (sand dressed and floodlit), grass pitches (football and rugby), cricket squares and nets, tennis courts (indoor and outdoor, floodlit), Olympic weight lifting gym and Sports Medicine Clinic.
You can play sport competitively by joining one of Bristol’s 70 student-led sports clubs, or just for fun with Intramural Sport. Intramural Sport is a relaxed, social, multi-sport programme for students who just want to turn up and play. You can compete for your university course team, society, halls of residence or just as a group of friends. Intramural sports are mixed gender and mixed ability, so absolutely everyone is welcome to play, from beginners to more advanced players.
ACCOMMODATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
The University of Bristol offers a range of accommodation for all student types. There is a variety of residences located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the campus, and there is also housing based in quieter areas. Living in student accommodation is a great way to enjoy your independence, make new friends and start your student life at the University of Bristol.
The Student Residential Villages offer ready-made communities to help you settle into life in the UK. Across these villages, you can find a range of residences to suit a variety of tastes and budgets, including both catered and self-catered accommodation, from shared Georgian townhouses in colourful Clifton to modern flats in the city centre.
Visit the University’s website for everything you need to know about living in student accommodation, from the pastoral support and 24-hour security, to room types and flat profiles to suit your living requirements.
INTERNATIONAL FOCUS
The University of Bristol welcomes thousands of international students from more than 150 different countries each year.
Bristol provides tailored support for international students through their Careers Service. They can support you throughout your studies and for up to three years after graduation, whether you plan to stay in the UK or return to your home country. Students can also access Student Circus, a platform to help international students find jobs in the UK and their home country.
Academics at Bristol strive to bring an international perspective into their teaching, learning and research. The University’s world-leading, interdisciplinary research is carried out with passion and expertise to find practical solutions to global concerns.
Bristol has a range of internationally focussed scholarships, including Think Big undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships.
International students are warmly welcomed at Bristol: every September their Global Lounge runs an exciting welcome programme of events and activities. It’s a great opportunity to meet other new students both from the UK and around the world, and to get your questions answered. The Global Lounge operates throughout the year, hosting cultural activities but also offering a friendly space to relax, socialise and find practical support or advice.
Every student at Bristol is a member of the Students’ Union. Elected SU representatives, including an International Students’ Officer, work to get you the best from your time at university. The International Students’ Network brings overseas students together through socials, campaigns and forums, and is free to join.
The city of Bristol itself is diverse, creative, innovative and open-minded. It is made up of communities from countries around the world that speak over 90 languages and practice at least 45 religions.
International student perspectives:
‘The University of Bristol has a wonderful community feel that encourages and promotes opportunities for getting involved and engaging with a wide variety of clubs, activities, and events to expand your horizons and maximize personal and professional growth.’ Edythe, USA (MSc Global Wildlife Health and Conservation)
‘University accommodation is the best experience you can have as an international student. You have 24-hour support, events and activities that ensure you are not alone.’ William, Ghana (MSc Education: Learning, Technology and Society)
‘Wellbeing support is a key interest of the University for every student, ensuring you are supported in any way possible: be it emotional, psychological or social wellbeing, the University is ready to support you.’ Nove, Indonesia (MSc Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS
Bristol has established relationships with hundreds of employers in many industries, from small businesses to multinational organisations. They input into degree courses to make sure they are relevant to industry, and they visit the University often to share knowledge at careers fairs, presentations, networking events and practice interviews.
Some faculties also have subject-specific offices that offer relevant industrial links to students, helping them to network with people outside of the University and meet with Bristol alumni working in their fields.
STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERNSHIPS
The Global Opportunities Outgoing team supports students to secure enriching study, work and volunteer placements across the globe. Depending on your degree, there are opportunities to go abroad for a year, a semester, or during the summer.
Previous summer opportunities have included spending 4 weeks studying Mandarin language and culture at National Sun Yat-sen University in Taiwan, and volunteering as a research assistant on a conservation research project for one month in locations including Fiji, Croatia, Madagascar and Peru.
EMPLOYABILITY AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Excellent reputation
Bristol graduates are highly sought after by employers in the UK and overseas. Many of their courses are accredited by professional bodies, societies and institutes, meaning your degree will be recognised widely around the globe.
An international Careers Service
Whether you plan to stay in the UK or return home after graduating, Bristol’s Careers Service can support you for up to three years after graduation. They host one of the largest careers programmes of any UK university, offering presentations, networking opportunities and workshops. The online portal can help you find job vacancies and paid internships, and they provide practical advice and resources for CV writing, applications and interview preparation.
Industry insight
Many courses, such as those in Engineering, Law and Health Sciences, offer professional mentoring schemes, with mentors from across the globe, and the chance to study in industry during your degree.
Enhance your degree
Alongside your studies, you can work towards the optional Bristol PLUS Award, which recognises your development through work experience, volunteering and extracurricular activities. The award is endorsed by a range of leading recruiters.
You can also boost your career prospects and personal development by studying, working or volunteering abroad during your studies. Many of Bristol’s undergraduate degrees allow you to spend a semester or a full year outside the UK, or you can take part in a shorter summer programme.
Launch your business
Bristol actively encourages the innovators and entrepreneurs of the future. Their Basecamp Enterprise Team provides guidance, workshops and support to help you develop your entrepreneurial skills and pursue your start-up ambitions.
Benefit from Bristol’s connections
The Bristol alumni network consists of nearly 170,000 graduates across 191 countries, with experts and influencers in every industry sector. You can connect with Bristol graduates through their in-country networks, or join Bristol Connects, their online alumni networking platform.
STUDY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Nestled in southwest England, Bristol is the UK’s eighth largest city. It has all the energy of a bustling urban metropolis, but with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that will help you feel at home.
The University campus is very near the centre of Bristol so you can easily enjoy everything the city has to offer. Bristol is a proud multicultural community, home to people from more than 187 countries.
Bristol’s compact, diverse neighbourhoods are made for exploring on foot or by bike. While exploring, you’re sure to come across one of the 400+ city parks – proportionally more than any other UK city. Bristol is a green city which shares the University’s commitment to protecting the environment. Bristol is a former European Green Capital, the first cycling city in the UK, and aims to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Award-winning restaurants serve delicious food from all over the world, including a wide range of vegetarian, vegan and halal options. Bristol embodies the best of British culture, with streets full of colourful art, museums and galleries, quirky independent shops and cosy cafés. Bristol is a vibrant hub for the arts, with exciting music, theatre and film venues across town.
Bristol’s excellent transport links and international airport mean it’s easy to explore the UK and further afield by train, bus and plane. You can travel to the charming British coastline and countryside, or to the UK’s thriving capital city in less than two hours.
WHY STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Bristol is a fantastic option for any international student looking to study in a top UK university based in an innovative, environmentally conscious and culturally exciting city.