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Posted Jan. 1, 2025

University of Bristol

When it comes to student cities, Bristol is certainly up there with the best! It’s bustling, progressive, and a top choice for higher education, with the tourist haven home to two institutions, namely the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England (UWE).

Postgraduate students get their pick of the best courses when studying at the prestigious University of Bristol. When considering the many reasons to choose a Russell Group university for your postgraduate studies, the University of Bristol ticks all the boxes. It has the location, expertise, facilities and career advancement opportunities that the group is known and regarded for – but more on those later…

Introducing the University of Bristol

While officially established in 1909, the University of Bristol started life in a rented premises as the University College, Bristol. Founded in 1876, the University College, Bristol was a small establishment where men and women with big ambitions studied as this brief history from the University of Bristol’s website details:

“The College was open to men and women on the same basis (except in medicine). During the first session, 99 day students registered (30 men and 69 women) and 238 evening ones (143 men and 95 women). Alfred Marshall, a groundbreaking economist, served as Principal of the College until 1881. He taught evening classes while his wife, Mary Paley, the first woman lecturer, taught during the day.”

It wasn’t until the university’s second principal, William Ramsay (AKA discoverer of the so-called noble gases and Nobel Prize winner), took the reins that the college became a university however. It was granted a Royal Charter and full university status, becoming the first higher education institution in England to admit men and women on an equal basis.

The university quickly gained a reputation for academic excellence and research innovation, particularly in the fields of engineering, science and the arts. The university has since played a key role in advancing knowledge and fostering social progress.

Rankings and reputation

Over the decades, the university has expanded its facilities and research output, becoming a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities. It remains committed to blending tradition with modernity, and consistently ranks among the world’s top institutions.

According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, the University of Bristol currently places 54th worldwide, 9th in the UK and 11th in Europe.

Course options and opportunities

The University of Bristol’s courses in clinical health, education, physical sciences, and arts and humanities are particularly revered. The Complete University Guide 2024 found that nearly 30 University of Bristol subjects were considered top 10 in their field in the UK. The university is home to one of the most in-demand psychology departments in the country too.

Opportunities are also aplenty for University of Bristol postgrads. The institution offers several scholarships for home and international students, including its £2,000 Master’s Scholarship for talented UK postgraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds. Use their online funding search tool to find the scholarships, awards and bursaries you could be eligible for.

Life as a University of Bristol postgrad

Life as a postgraduate student in Bristol offers a dynamic blend of academia and vibrant city living. With its supportive yet stimulating environment in the classroom, not to mention access to cutting-edge facilities, world-class research opportunities and a diverse community of scholars, University of Bristol postgraduates have it all!

Bristol itself is a city that’s known and loved for its creativity and cultural diversity, which only complements academic life. The city has a strong sense of community that helps everyone feel at home, while its affordable living options and excellent transport links mean an equally enriching experience. When you’re not busy studying, explore Bristol’s bustling markets, historic landmarks, lively music scene and tranquil green spaces.

Find out more today

Discover further information about studying as a postgraduate at the University of Bristol, including the long list of courses on offer, by clicking here.

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