Bristol, University of the West of England

Since gaining university status in 1992, the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) has grown into a thriving institution with three campuses in Bristol, and another campus in Gloucester.

UWE Bristol has a diverse student body of 27,000 students, and offers more than 450 courses in a wide range of subject areas from the arts to science and technology. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in social activities and make new friends. And there’s great support available both from academic staff and services.

UWE Bristol has been awarded gold status in the latest Government rankings for higher education providers. This is the highest possible rating in the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) 2018.

UWE Bristol has also moved up the Guardian university league table and is now ranked 37th out of 121 UK institutions in the newspaper's latest annual guide for students. Subject areas Education, Film Production & Photography, and Philosophy, have all been 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 you 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 you can be sure to leave as a ‘work-ready’ graduate.

The facts speak for themselves:

• 95% of our graduates are in employment, or further study, six months after graduating. (Destinations of Leavers From Higher Education Survey 2017)

• More than 9,200 placements were undertaken in 2016/17.

• 6,055 opportunities advertised with us for placements, jobs and internships by 2,079 organisations and employers in the last year.

• 187 internships and global bursaries were funded by UWE Bristol and our Santander Universities partner for our students in 2016/17.

• Last year 131 graduates had either started their own business or were self-employed within six months of graduating.

• 636 employers visited UWE Bristol to take part in recruitment events in 2016/17. Students praised the careers department at the University for its Organisation of recruitment fairs, and high level of support for students seeking employment, right down to helping with CVs.

Students kept mentioning the regular careers fairs and how much the university did in order to make them as employable as possible in their reviews.

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 450 courses at all levels, from undergraduate and postgraduate to professional qualifications.

Undergraduate courses at UWE Bristol (1st in the South West for student satisfaction (Source: National Student Survey 2017) are designed with employment in mind, meaning plenty of practical engagement is provided alongside theoretical learning, producing well-rounded students equipped for the world of work, while gaining the ability to think critically and independently. All teaching is enriched by the university’s excellent facilities and links to industry, with many courses offering the opportunity for students to take placements or internships during their studies.

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

Students with an interest in print or broadcast journalism have an opportunity to get involved with Western Eye, the 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 or in the heart of Bristol city centre.

All students are guaranteed accommodation if they apply before the deadline and are registering for the first time.  More than 3,000 people currently live in campus accommodation so they can 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 en-suite rooms.  If students prefer private accommodation, support staff are on hand to advise how and where to find the best options.

Accommodation options include:

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

UWE Bristol students on Whatuni say:

“Clean, well maintained.”

“Wallcourt = best accommodation.”

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

• A £55m state-of-the-art Bristol Business School and Bristol Law School. Reflecting a real business environment and shortlisted for the 2017 Times Business School of the Year, also housing mock courtrooms and a virtual law office.
   
• A purpose-built £9 million building for creative industries students at its Bower Ashton campus. Complemented by inspirational architecture and views of the historic Ashton Court estate, it houses industry standard production and post production facilities for film making, animation and photography.
   
• A Merlin MP521 flight simulator.
   
• One of Europe’s largest robotics labs.
   
• Newly refurbished PC labs at the Frenchay campus include a cutting-edge games studio. Other studio facilities include integrated studios for CAD (Computer Aided Design) and a wide range of specialist architectural resources. 
   
• Modern facilities for Health courses allow students to hone their skills in environments that mimic real clinical and community settings. Whether it’s using the hospital-standard equipment in diagnostic imaging, or delivering radiotherapy to virtual patients, students can confidently take their new knowledge into the workplace.
   
• A crime scene house for Forensic Science students.

In general, students were very 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 who are 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.”

Bristol was voted best place to live in Britain in 2017 by The Sunday Times.  It’s a place 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 1000 national and international employers and professional bodies. Located only 90 minutes from London it’s also a popular base for multinationals like Rolls-Royce, Airbus and Intel. This means employment possibilities are right on the doorstep for its students.  There’s also a wealth of music, technology, culture, clubs, international food and free museums. It’s hard to think of a better city in the UK to study, live and work in.

Students particularly value 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.”

UWE Bristol recognises that a degree 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 leave well-equipped to succeed in their future careers.

Students are encouraged to get involved and seek out opportunities.  This boosts both their employability and their confidence.  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, with many more in-between.
   
• Subject societies: Whether you study English or Occupational Therapy, there will be a society for your subject / school, allowing you to meet and socialise with your cohorts outside of the lecture theatre or seminar.
   
• Interest societies: If you have a particular interest or hobby, it’s likely to be represented among the many SU’s societies, from Live Music to Yoga.
   
• Political, campaigning and charity societies: If there is something you want to change in the world, joining a society at university is a great step to doing that. At UWE Bristol every strand of political opinion, from conservatism to Marxism, is represented, while there are many charity societies to get involved in, including Cancer Research.

If there isn’t a society that reflects your needs or interests, why not create your 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’s an array of 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 very 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.”

Students seeking additional help alongside their studies at UWE Bristol can visit a Student Support Adviser for help with the following issues:

• Problems relating to their degree programme, including option modules.
• Academic regulations, procedures and rules.
• Transferring degrees internally.
• Medical or personal circumstances that may affect performance on their course.
• Taking time out from studies, or leaving UWE Bristol.

The University’s Wellbeing Service provides counselling and mental health services for students experiencing issues offering the support they need to make it through their course.

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: £13,000

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

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

• The Enhanced Bursary of £2,000, available to 80 full-time students each year.
• The Childcare Bursary of £2,000, available to 150 students (reserved for those on previously NHS-funded courses).
• A £500 Low Income Bursary, available to 1,300 students.

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 their studies.

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.