University Of Bristol

Dating back to 1876, and receiving its royal charter in 1909, the University of Bristol is one of the most popular and successful universities in the UK. Ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK in the QS World University Rankings 2019, Bristol attracts students from more than 120 countries worldwide.

Bristol graduates are known for their impact on academia, policy and practice across the world. Alumni include leading figures in science, medicine, industry and politics, award-winning writers and actors, and prominent members of the professions and their governing bodies

Postgraduate study at Bristol

Bristol offers an interdisciplinary, exploratory and nurturing environment for postgraduate study, with more than 140 taught and 80 research programmes across six faculties:

• Arts
• Engineering
• Health Sciences
• Life Sciences
• Science
• Social Sciences and Law

Our emphasis on research excellence within the curriculum translates into teaching excellence, with cutting-edge course content and expert staff.

Find detailed information with our online programme finder, where you can browse or search for a specific programme or research interest.

Visit us

There are many opportunities to explore Bristol for yourself. Find out more about our department-specific open days, UK and overseas events, and campus tours.

Research excellence

The University’s research is renowned for its impact across a broad spectrum of disciplines. Times Higher Education analysis of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 ranked Bristol joint 5th for research intensity and judged 83 per cent of our research to be ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.

Bristol is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of leading UK universities and the Worldwide Universities Network of international research-led institutions. We are also part of the GW4 Alliance of innovative, research-intensive universities in south-west England and Wales.

Career prospects

Our Careers Service experts offer specific information and advice for researchers, taught Master’s students and international students. Many major organisations have strong links with our Careers Service and often recruit directly from campus.

Bristol students benefit from excellent links with industry, constructive work placements and a range of global opportunities. Alumni can access a range of services, including reunions and networking events, funding opportunities, entrepreneurial and careers advice, access to facilities and other special promotions. Within six months of graduating, 93 per cent of our postgraduates are employed or undertaking further study.

Funding opportunities

Bristol’s Student Funding Office provides advice on fees and finances, and our Careers Service can help students find part-time work. Some schools and departments have access to programme-specific funding, and the University offers funded PhD studentships for outstanding research students.

Information on funding is available from our Student Funding Office. You can also keep up to date with postgraduate studentships at the University by following us on Twitter.

Life in a leading city

The University is at the heart of Bristol, a beautiful, cosmopolitan and vibrant city just 90 minutes from London. Its location means the city is easily accessible, with convenient road and rail connections and a busy international airport, but it’s easy to escape to the beautiful countryside and coastline of south-west England.

Bristol has everything you'd expect from a big city but is compact enough to be easily travelled on foot or by bike. The city has a diverse arts, music and cultural scene; a packed festival calendar; and a wealth of historic architecture and green spaces. It’s no wonder it has been named the best place to live in the UK (Sunday Times, 2017).

Facilities and support

Postgraduate students at Bristol have access to a network of outstanding facilities and support services. The University is home to nine libraries and more than 1.4 million books and journals, as well as state-of-the-art academic buildings and a wide variety of group and private study spaces.

Outside the classroom, students can choose from more than 300 sports clubs and other societies, including the Postgraduate Network. Our extensive sporting facilities include an indoor sports centre, swimming pool, sports complex and boathouse.

We offer tailored support to those for whom English is a foreign language, including pre-sessional courses and support during your studies. Additional support services include Disability Services, which offers tailored advice and support; a University day nursery for children up to five years of age; and the University-wide Language Programme for students wishing to develop their foreign language skills.

Accommodation

We offer guaranteed university accommodation to all international postgraduate students who apply before our deadline (see our website for terms and conditions). We also accept accommodation applications from home and EU students, and we offer advice on renting privately.