University Overview
The University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE) is an ambitious, progressive university based in one of the UK’s most vibrant and creative cities. The university empowers its students to push themselves academically, and to develop their personal and professional lives so that they may fulfil their greatest potential. The university has developed its courses with students’ future careers in mind, and has created an impressive learning environment with facilities that inspire. Students are welcomed into a community which will challenge, excite and support them, graduating with the skills and experience needed to stand out from the crowd and succeed in their future careers.
With three campuses spanning the city, students benefit from the freedom of living in a lively and exciting location, with a secure and supportive campus community. UWE welcomes a diverse student body of over 30,000 students representing 166 countries, and offers nearly 700 courses, covering a wide range of subject areas. Students have a high level of choice and adaptability in their education, and can often select course modules which cater to their specific interests.
Courses and lecturers
Courses are designed with students’ careers in mind, and provide opportunities for plenty of real-world experience alongside theoretical learning. Many courses include accreditation from professional institutions, equipping students with desirable skills, and the kind of mindset that employers are looking for.
UWE Bristol’s teaching is enriched by the university’s top-class facilities and firm industry connections, with many courses offering options for work placements and internships while studying. This blend of theoretical knowledge coupled with real-world experience gives the university’s graduates an all-important head start on their careers.
There are plenty of opportunities for students to develop their enterprise skills, fostering leadership, innovation and commercial awareness, as well as problem solving, decision making and planning.
Entry requirements
Typically, honours degree students will need to hold at least two A-levels or equivalent as a minimum entry requirement. Specific entry requirements vary from course to course, and there are many alternative routes towards admission.
Prospective students are encouraged to contact the university’s admissions team for more information on general entry requirements, and course-specific information can be found on the . Certain courses may require additional submission material such as an essay or portfolio of work.
Accommodation & facilities
IN THIS SECTION
Accommodation
The university offers a range of safe and comfortable places to live, both on campus and in the city centre, so students will feel at home from the moment they arrive.
More than 3,000 students currently live in UWE Bristol’s campus accommodation, which cultivates a strong residential community. Accommodation options include:
Students preferring private rental accommodation, can find helpful advice and guidance from the university Accommodation Team. Annual living costs range between GBP 9,480 – GBP 11,080 based on a student renting accommodation for ten months (40 weeks) of the academic year (e.g. between September and June). Costs will vary depending on the accommodation choice and students’ lifestyles.
Student support
Health and wellbeing is of critical importance to academic success, and UWE Bristol provides a wide range of services to support their students physical and mental health. Information points on campus are a first point of contact with friendly, experienced staff who can offer general advice and guidance. Specialist resources include:
- The Starting Block module is the first module taken each year, which will help develop the skills needed to navigate a smooth transition to university life.
- Each student is assigned a personal academic tutor, who provides support with course issues alongside the faculty support staff.
- The Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Scheme is a student-to-student initiative, which is active across all courses.
- Student Wellbeing Service engages with personal and mental health concerns, providing 24/7 support services through Kooth student, free counselling and other resources.
Academic strengths
UWE Bristol empowers students to choose a university that raises the standard of itself and of its students. To choose a community that breaks boundaries and leads others by their own example. To choose a pathway that excites, delights and gives purpose as well as a strong foundation for future endeavours. Everything at UWE Bristol is focused on preparing graduates for the real world, with pioneering courses designed in partnership with leading industry professionals, including 218 professionally accredited courses.
UWE Bristol provides an unforgettable university experience, and equips students with the skills and mindset which future employers are seeking in their workforce, and while enhancing long-term career prospects.
Student life
IN THIS SECTION
Students’ Union
The Students’ Union (SU) 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 on the university’s campuses, with a great selection of bars, clubs and restaurants where students can catch up with friends.
Students with an interest in print or broadcast journalism also have the opportunity to get involved with Western Eye, the independent student paper run by the SU, or the Hub, the SU’s radio station.
Job prospects
UWE partners with many employers to make sure its courses are up-to-date and industry-relevant, as well as to offer its students a huge range of placement and internship opportunities. Working with over 10,000 employers from Airbus, Savills, Arup and NHS, their courses are developed to meet high professional standards, giving students the theoretical knowledge and real-world experience needed to kick start their career.
They also support students in developing enterprise skills, crucial in today’s job market in helping to identify new opportunities, think creatively and bring ideas to life.
Over 200 courses come with professional accreditation from industry bodies, and graduates gain access to UWE’s alumni network of over 304,000 former students. The university enjoys an extremely high graduate employment rate, with 90.2 per cent of its Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19, published 2021 in work or further study within 15 months of completing their course.
Scholarships and funding
IN THIS SECTION
Scholarships/ Bursaries
There are a large number of financial support options available for UWE Bristol students, including scholarships, grants and bursaries awarded on both merit and needs-band criteria. These include:
Erasmus Grant
- Open to UWE Bristol undergraduate students, attending on of the university’s partner institutions via the study abroad programme.
Faculty of Art, Creative Industries and Education Dean’s Bursary
- Open to undergraduates, and valued at GBP 1,000 per year for the first two years of study.
International Sport Scholarship
- Open to international students, awarded as a 30 per cent tuition fee discount plus a comprehensive performance sport support package.
- Recipients of this scholarship will be required to undertake ambassadorial activity for UWE Bristol throughout the duration of their course.
Further information on the many more offered by the university can be found online.
Fees
Tuition fees for UK (Home) students for the 2021/22 academic year: GBP 9,250
Tuition fees for International students for the 2021/22 academic year: GBP 13,500
With the exception of BSc (Hons) Architecture: GBP 14,500.
Further details about fees and financial information can be found on the university .
