University of Bristol in United Kingdom 

The University of Bristol was founded in 1876 as University College, Bristol. It was the first higher education institution in England to admit women on an equal basis to men.

History of the University of Bristol

Origins of the University of Bristol
Before the University of Bristol, there was University College, Bristol, which existed from 1876 to 1909.

Its history can be traced back to the efforts of John Percival, headmaster of Clifton College, to press for the establishment of such an institution. In 1872, Percival wrote to the Oxford colleges observing that the provinces lacked a university culture.

The following year he produced a pamphlet called 'The Connection of the Universities and the Great Towns', which was well received by Benjamin Jowett, Master of Balliol College, Oxford. Jowett was to become a significant figure, both philosophically and financially, in the establishment of University College, Bristol.

In June 1874, a meeting took place at Bristol's Victoria Rooms 'to promote a School of Science and Literature for the West of England'. Percival and Jowett spoke at the meeting, and won the support of Albert Fry and Lewis Fry, members of an influential and affluent local family.

Vision and strategy for University of Bristol

Our mission
To make a positive impact locally, nationally, and globally by addressing society’s greatest challenges through our distinctive education, innovative research and the value we place on excellence, inclusivity and partnership.

Our vision
By 2030, we will be firmly established among the world’s top 50 great research-intensive universities, and the top 10 in the UK.

Our values
Curious and creative
Listening and learning
Caring and inclusive
Bold and Bristolian

Why you should study at University of Bristol

At Bristol you will study in a research-rich environment that will challenge and push you, learn from some of the best scholars in the world, and live in one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in Europe.

A lively community of students
Much of student life revolves around the main University campus and Bristol Students' Union. You'll join a lively, close-knit community of students and have the opportunity to attend events and activities across the city.
The Students' Union offers more than 400 student clubs and societies including 70 sports clubs, giving you lots of opportunities to get involved and make friends.

One of the most popular universities in the UK
Bristol is routinely ranked within the top 10 universities in the UK in the QS World University Rankings.
We welcome students and staff from more than 130 countries, creating a diverse and stimulating community. We have 150+ international exchange partners across the world.

You will fall in love with the city
Named one of the UK’s top 3 creative and cultural cities (European Commission, 2019) Bristol is a diverse, vibrant capital that will quickly feel like home.
In south-west England, just 90 minutes from London, Bristol offers more than 1,000 years of history to explore. A thriving urban centre, the city is packed with green spaces. The countryside and coast are easy to reach by bus, bike or car.

Why choose University of Bristol?

Build a network and secure your future
Our strong industry partnerships mean our students have access to collaborative networks, training opportunities and resources, both while studying here and after graduation.

Make an impact
Our academics tackle real-world, global challenges, from COVID-19 to climate change. Our Research and Enterprise Development team amplify research impact by brokering business-collaborations and facilitating spin outs.

Be taught by world-leading researchers
Learn from our internationally renowned academics and join our thriving interdisciplinary research community. Access opportunities to connect, collaborate and showcase your work to peers and the world.

Collaborate and broaden your horizons
Join the Bristol Doctoral College, a vibrant community of over 3,000 researchers. Access an extensive programme of training and events to boost personal and professional development.

Brightly coloured terraced houses in the city of Bristol.
Enjoy Bristol life and culture Immerse yourself in Bristol's vibrant and artistic atmosphere. Our city is home to a thriving economy centred on creative media, technology, electronics and aerospace engineering industries.

Benefit from cutting-edge facilities
We continually invest in cutting-edge facilities, we have nine University libraries housing over 1.4 million volumes of printed books and journals and a huge range of online resources.

University of Bristol Ranking and reputation

Bristol consistently ranks in the world's top 100 and UK's top ten universities in league tables that draw on information about both research and teaching excellence.
We are one of the most popular UK universities, attracting on average eight top-quality applicants for every place, and our graduates are among the most sought-after by employers across the globe.

• Top ten UK university (QS World University Rankings 2025)
  
• Top five university for research (2021 REF)
  
• Home to the top start-up hub in the UK and Ireland (FT Statista 2024)
  
• One of the 5 most targeted by top UK recruiters (High Fliers Research)
  
• 26 subjects highly ranked in the world's top 100 (QS World Subject Rankings 2024)
  
• 13 Nobel Prize Winners linked to the University - including our current Chancellor, Sir Paul Nurse
  
• Joint seventh for UK graduate employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022)
  
• Ranked ninth in Europe for teaching
  
• University of Bristol alumni are among the highest paid graduates in the UK

Over 40 per cent of our teaching programmes are accredited by professional bodies, who consistently acknowledge the excellence of our research-rich curriculum, our learning environment and our learning outcomes.
The review processes undertaken by these bodies are extremely detailed and are conducted by leading academics and practitioners. For more information please see our Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies page.

Academic schools and research centres by faculty at University of Bristol

Arts

• School of Arts
  
• School of Humanities
  
• School of Modern Languages
  
• Centre for Academic Language and Development
  
• Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  
• Centre for Study Abroad - Bristol Inbound
  
• Centre for Study Abroad - Bristol Abroad

Engineering

• School of Civil, Aerospace, and Design Engineering
  
• School of Computer Science
  
• School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering
  
• School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology

Health Sciences

• Bristol Dental School
  
• Bristol Medical School
  
• Bristol Veterinary School
  
• School of Anatomy
  
• Health Professions Education

Life Sciences

• School of Biological Sciences
  
• School of Biochemistry
  
• School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
  
• School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience
  
• School of Psychological Science

Science

• School of Chemistry
  
• School of Earth Sciences
  
• School of Geographical Sciences
  
• School of Mathematics
  
• School of Physics

Social Sciences and Law

• School of Economics
  
• School of Education
  
• School for Policy Studies
  
• School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies
  
• University of Bristol Business School
  
• University of Bristol Law School