Year of establishment: 1876
A globally ranked university with an international outlook, the Univerisity of Bristol offers a wide selection of high standard academic courses and has a strong reputation for outstanding research.
The University of Bristol ranks in the top 30 universities globally (QS World University Rankings 2014) and in the top 10 in the UK (Times Higher Education World Rankings 2014) due to its outstanding teaching and research, superb facilities and highly talented students and staff. The University is ranked amongst the top 5 institutions in the UK for its research, according to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014. This framework measures each institution’s research intensity – one of the defining characteristics of the Russell Group – and Bristol is placed 5th. Our academics are renowned for their expertise at home and abroad, which means superb learning opportunities for you and the chance to be part of some exciting discoveries. We continually enhance our global reputation through our research and by recruiting the best academics. As a leading university, we attract students from all over the world, creating a rich and exciting international community.
Bristol welcomes over 3,000 international students from over 120 countries adding to our student population of just under 20,000 students. Over 3,000 of these students are on taught postgraduate programmes and 2,000 on research postgraduate programmes. We aim to give you the best student experience possible and we continually invest in new and existing facilities, training, technology and services. Studying at university is a significant investment and we will ensure that you are prepared for your chosen career: a Bristol degree is highly attractive to employers both within the UK and internationally.
The University sits in the heart of the historic and buzzing city of Bristol – the largest city in the south west and just 90 minutes from London by train. You will be surrounded by all that a city can offer, with a friendly feel and a strong sense of community that students love. The city centre and attractive parks and harbourside are close by, and you can enjoy Bristol's famous festivals, including the Harbour Festival, International Balloon Fiesta and St. Pauls Carnival. Bristol is also one of the safest cities of its size in the UK; we were voted best city life in the 2015 WhatUni Student Choice Awards. Named by The Sunday Times in 2014 as “the best city to live in Britain”, Bristol is the leading city for business, culture and education in the south west of England. It is home to a wide range of industries including engineering, aerospace and new technologies, along with financial services, media and tourism. The University enjoys strong links with companies in the local area, further afield in the UK and beyond, providing you with the chance to experience cutting-edge teaching, research and industrial exposure.
We guarantee an offer of accommodation to all new undergraduates and international postgraduates who firmly accept their offer and apply by the deadline. Our residences are more than just a place to eat and sleep, they are communities that will become your home for your first year. You will have the chance to mix with students from around the world and meet some of the people who will become your friends for life. In the newly-refurbished Richmond Building, the Bristol Students’ Union helps you get the most out of your time at university. You can choose from over 300 social, cultural and sports societies, or just use the social and study spaces designed with your needs in mind. There are nearly 50 culture and language societies active within BSU, including the Asian Cultural Society, the Hindu Society and the Bollywood Dance Society. People of all nationalities are welcome to join to experience culture and religion, alongside fun social events activities, debates and festivals.