The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) is a popular institution based in Bristol, one of the UK’s most thriving and creative cities. With campuses spanning the city it offers the freedom and excitement of living in a big city, but within a supportive campus community.

With over 30,000 students, and more than 400 courses covering a wide range of subject areas, there’s something for everyone. At UWE Bristol, university is about more than just a great degree, but also about getting involved in social activities and sports, making new friends while being supported along the way. There are also plenty of opportunities to take part in volunteering, placements and to connect with top people in their field. Students get everything they need to thrive – it’s more than a degree, it’s a 360° experience.

The University was awarded TEF gold status in the latest Government rankings for higher education providers, so you can be confident that you’ll be getting the very best standard of teaching. This is the highest possible rating in the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) 2018.

UWE Bristol is also in the top 10 universities in the UK for student satisfaction and is ranked 37^th out of 121 UK institutions in the Guardian newspaper's latest annual guide for students. Subject areas Education, Film Production and Photography, and Philosophy, are all ranked in the top five nationally, with Architecture getting a place in the top 10.

UWE Bristol students on Whatuni say:

“Course is very interesting and nightlife is great in Bristol.”

“Course very interesting. People friendly and helpful.”

“It's been good so far, grades have been good, lectures have been informative and the city is good.”

The practice-based courses are designed to prepare students for the real world. UWE Bristol works with over 1,000 employers – from Rolls-Royce to the NHS – to develop industry-relevant courses that meet professional standards. So they can be sure to leave as a ‘work-ready’ graduate.

They’ll also have plenty of opportunities to develop enterprising skills, which are valued by employers such as taking risks, identifying challenges and starting a new venture.

UWE Bristol offers many ways for students to gain work experience. From rewarding, course-relevant volunteering to summer ‘micro placements’, opportunity is really open for everyone.

And the facts speak for themselves:

• 95% of graduates are in employment, or further study, six months after graduating. (Destinations of Leavers From Higher Education Survey 2018)
• 79% of graduates were in professional or managerial jobs after six months. (Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2018)
• More than 8,000 placements were undertaken in 2017/18.
• More than 2,000 students and graduates have undertaken paid internships.
• An alumni network of over 275,000 former students.
• 80 courses come with professional accreditation from industry bodies.

UWE Bristol students on Whatuni say:

“Met the employers’ fair and got information, advice - there's a lot to help you with employability.”

“Lots of employers/volunteer fairs.”

“A unit on our course dedicated to finding a job.”

The University offers over 400 courses at all levels, from undergraduate and postgraduate to professional qualifications.

Undergraduate courses at UWE Bristol (1^st in the University Alliance group for student satisfaction (Source: National Student Survey 2018) are designed with careers in mind, so there is a lot of practical engagement alongside theoretical learning, which produces well-rounded career-ready graduates, who can think critically and independently. The teaching is enriched by the University’s excellent facilities and industry links, with many courses offering students the opportunity to take placements or internships during their studies.

Students consistently praise the engaging lecturers, interesting course content and excellent teaching methods in their reviews.

UWE Bristol students on Whatuni say:

“I like how interactive the lecturers try to make the lectures and how helpful they are during workshops and even outside of lectures.”

“Lecturers are all very interesting in their modules.”

“Interactive and engaging. Challenging topics with knowledgeable tutors.”

The Students’ Union (SU), the heart of UWE Bristol’s student community, is democratically elected to ensure the student voice is heard at every level of the institution. It’s also the social hub of the campuses, with a selection of affordable bars, clubs and restaurants catering to all.

Students with an interest in print or broadcast journalism have the opportunity to get involved with Western Eye, an independent student paper run by the SU, or the Hub, the SU’s radio station.

Reviewers praised not only the friendly SU team, but also the regular events they held throughout the year.

UWE Bristol students on Whatuni say:

“They're great! Lots of new opportunities and nice people.”

“Plenty of events for a good night out.”

"Great reps,very helpful."

UWE Bristol offers safe, comfortable and inspiring places to live.  Modern, purpose-built accommodation is available on the University campuses and in the heart of Bristol city centre.

All students are guaranteed accommodation if they apply before the 8 June deadline and are registering for the first time.  More than 3,000 people currently live in campus accommodation and feel part of a safe, vibrant and social community. Living space is flexible with double rooms for married couples or friends to share and single ensuite rooms.  If students prefer private accommodation, staff are available to advise on this.

FILM to include - 

• Student Village
• Carroll Court
• Wallscourt Park
• Glenside
• The Hollies
• Marketgate
• Phoenix Court
• Nelson and Drake House
• Host Transom House
• Blenheim Court

UWE Bristol students on Whatuni say:

“Clean, well maintained.”

“Wallcourt = best accommodation.”

Accommodation This is the average annual cost for a full time student at this uni.

Source: IDP Connect 2018

£7,680

per annum

Living costs This is the average annual cost of living for a student studying in the town where this uni is based.

Source: IDP Connect 2018

£9,135

per annum

UWE Bristol is investing £300 million into its facilities to ensure students have access to modern spaces and industry-standard equipment across the University, including:

• The £55m state-of-the-art Bristol Business School and Bristol Law School. Reflecting a real business environment and shortlisted for the 2018 Times Business School of the Year, it also houses mock courtrooms and a virtual law office.
• The film studios at Bower Ashton - A purpose-built £9 million building for creative industries students. Complemented by inspirational architecture and views of the historic Ashton Court estate, it houses industry-standard production and post-production facilities for filmmaking, animation and photography.
• The Laundry at Glenside – real ward experience for our nursing and midwifery students with consultation rooms, maternity unit, children’s unit; plus practical learning spaces for optometrists, paramedics and occupational therapy students. 
• One of Europe’s largest robotics labs.
• A crime scene house for Forensic Science students.
• A new Engineering building, due to open in summer 2020 designed to inspire the engineers of the future. It will be built for hands-on investigation, with engine test cells, wind tunnels and collaborative learning spaces.

Students were impressed with the University’s library and the provision of social spaces and study areas, including many cafes, bars and restaurants. There is even a nursery run by the Students’ Union for parents studying at the university.

UWE Bristol students on Whatuni say:

“Library is good, this year they increased the space and added more IT facilities.”

“They have a wide variety of facilities that not all universities may have.”

“New business block and entrepreneur hub is brilliant.”

Voted the best place to live in Britain in 2017 by The Sunday Times, Bristol is a city that prides itself on being friendly, welcoming, safe, creative and diverse. With an international airport, two major railway stations and a coach station, it’s well connected for international travel. It’s also a major centre of commerce enabling UWE Bristol to develop connections with over 1,000 national and international employers and professional bodies. Located only 90 minutes from London it’s also a popular base for multinationals like Rolls-Royce and Sony. This means employment possibilities are right on the doorstep for students. And there’s music, technology, culture, clubs, international food free museums and much more. It’s hard to think of a better city in the UK to study, live and work in.

Students enjoy Bristol’s diversity and sense of independence, finding that the city provides plenty of exciting and interesting things to discover.

UWE Bristol students on Whatuni say:

“Really fun, lots of stuff going on all the time - not just nights out but social day time events.”

“Lots of shops, pubs, clubs and events and rallies.”

“Good clubs and places to eat close to the uni. good transport links to the uni.”

Cost of a pint This is the average cost of a pint.

Source: IDP Connect 2018

£3.00 - £3.50

per pint

A degree at UWE Bristol isn’t just about academic study.  With a wide range of opportunities to expand their interests and work experience outside of the lecture theatre, students are encouraged to get involved. This boosts their confidence and employability so they leave well equipped for the future, both personally and professionally.

There are a number of different types of societies, across three main areas:

• Cultural societies: From the African Caribbean Society to the Hellenic Society, from the Malaysian Student Society to the Welsh Society, and many more.
• Subject societies: Whichever subject students study, there will be a society for their subject/school, allowing them to meet and socialise with their cohorts outside of the lecture theatre.
• Interest societies: If students have a particular interest, it’s likely to be represented among the many SU societies, from Live Music to Yoga.
• Political, campaigning and charity societies: For students wanting to help create change in the world, joining a society at university is a great way to do that. At UWE Bristol every strand of political opinion is represented, and there are many charity societies to get involved in too.

If there isn’t a society that reflects students’ needs or interests, they are encouraged to start their own.

Frenchay Campus is home to the £5.5 million state-of-the-art Centre for Sport. Catering for all abilities and competitive natures, it’s a great place to exercise, relax and take some time out from studying. There are many taught classes to choose ranging from yoga and pilates to kick boxing and circuits.  There’s also a climbing wall for those who have a head for heights and an astro turf pitch to let off steam and kick a ball around with friends.

UWE Bristol students were happy with the diversity and inclusivity of the clubs and societies available to them.

UWE Bristol students on Whatuni say:

“Decent - especially societies for your course because they can be very helpful - also a lot of sports clubs.”

“Good range, was involved in a few in first year but don't really have time now.”

“Fun, inclusive and a wide range to choose from.”

Information points are located across all campuses and these are a first point of contact where students will find experienced staff who can answer general questions and offer advice.

For more specialist support at UWE Bristol there are plenty of resources available including:

• Academic personal tutor – academic support throughout their course.
• Faculty support staff – specialist advice on courses, modules and credits.
• Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Scheme – a student-to-student support scheme.
• Student Support Advisers - professional experts to help with a range of issue such as changes in personal circumstances and money worries. 
• Wellbeing Service – support with personal and mental health concerns and 24/7 support services through Kooth student, free counselling and other resources.

Students were highly impressed with the services available for those who needed additional support.

UWE Bristol students on Whatuni say:

“I've had some support for my dyslexia and it was very good.”

“There's a lot of support offered there from help with mental health, problems with home and financing/ anything.”

“Lecturers offer help via email or appointment.”

UK Students per Year: £9,250

International students per year: Between £11,750 and £12,500

Please check the website for course specific fees and placement fees etc.

There are a number of options available for UWE Bristol students needing additional financial support, including three bursaries available to first year students:

• 1,300 x Low Income Bursaries
• 1,000 x £500 activity bursaries which will provide students £500 of funding if they take part in one of the following activities:
  • Sandwich placement or year abroad
  • Summer Internship with an employer or as a researcher
  • Short international project activity
• 230 x £1500 Enhanced Bursaries (UWE Cares)

There are also support packages for disabled students, parent students, carers and care leavers. Please check the website for details.

A degree from UWE Bristol means practical, real-world experience that will complement student’s education and everything they learn. This means students aren’t just fed abstract knowledge, but given a hands-on, practical approach to learning, led by academic staff who are experts in their fields. This approach is designed to ensure students are equipped with everything they need to succeed whatever path they take after graduating.

Specific entry requirements will vary from course to course, however to study an honours degree you will be required to have at least two A-Levels as a minimum requirement.

For more information on specific entry requirements, check UWE Bristol’s website.