The University of the West of England, also known as UWE Bristol, is one of the UK's larger universities with nearly 40,000 students studying in Bristol or at overseas partner universities. As an ambitious, supportive university, UWE Bristol work with industry partners to identify skills shortages, developing courses that meet industry needs and provide fantastic career opportunities.
Bristol is a vibrant, friendly and creative hub in a desirable location. From the creative industries to engineering, high-tech to healthcare, and established national corporations to growing start-ups, it's a hotbed of opportunity where you can achieve your career goals.
UWE Bristol offers over 120 taught courses alongside research degrees in a wide range of subjects. There are also hundreds of professional short courses to choose from, with distance learning and part-time study options available.
Many courses are professionally accredited by associations such as RIBA, RICS, CIMA, and BACP, and are led by talented lecturers with significant industry or research experience. As such, students benefit from an up-to-the minute education, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for career success.
When it comes to research degrees, 76% of UWE Bristol research has been classified as ‘World-Leading and Internationally Excellent' in the Research Excellence Framework (2021).
In recent years, UWE Bristol has invested over £300 million in its world-class facilities and offers impressive subject-specific infrastructure, designed to help students gain practical experience using industry-standard equipment.
Facilities include a skills simulation suite, financial trading room, animation studios, flight simulator, mock courtrooms, virtual law office, media studios, crime scene house, and a state-of-the-art engineering building.
There are also plenty of group and individual study spaces around the campuses, plus a 24-hour library on Frenchay Campus. Students can explore their musical talents at the Centre for Music, where they can take advantage of rehearsal studios, practice spaces, recording equipment, and much more.
UWE Bristol's impressive Centre for Sport includes fitness suites, an astro-pitch, a climbing wall, squash courts and a packed schedule of fitness classes.
UWE Bristol offers a range of convenient, comfortable and well-equipped accommodation options for postgraduate students, with personalised support available. Students can choose from university-managed halls with en-suite or shared bathrooms across Frenchay Campus, Glenside Campus and City Campus.
Many students choose to rent private accommodation around Bristol, offering a vibrant city life off-campus. The Student's Union provides ongoing support for private renting and related issues.
Postgraduate students at UWE Bristol can access various funding sources, including scholarships, bursaries, grants, employer sponsorships, and government loans. The funding options available and their eligibility criteria may change over time, so students should check the University website for the latest information.
Postgraduate students will need to meet the entry requirements for their chosen course before they can receive an offer of study at UWE Bristol. Admissions criteria can vary between course and may change over time, so students should check the University's website for the most up to date information before applying.
Postgraduate tuition fees at UWE Bristol vary between courses, so students are advised to check the specifics for their particular degree before applying.
Domestic students incur lower tuition fees than international students. Tuition fees for part-time study are usually charged at the pro-rata amount of the full-time equivalent.
UWE Bristol offers more than 150 postgraduate courses, of which over 90 courses are accredited by professional bodies and institutions. The University's lecturers are highly experienced in their fields and are often active researchers, bringing the latest findings to their teaching.
The University also maintains a strong range of postgraduate research study options, supported by world-class facilities that have benefited from a £300 million investment in recent years. Research students will receive close mentorship and support from influential academics, and benefit from specific support.
Full-time and part-time study options are widespread, and the University offers many online postgraduate qualifications.
Taught courses at UWE Bristol include master's (MA, MSc, MBA) courses, postgraduate certificates and diplomas, and a selection of short professional and conversion courses.
Taught courses include lectures and seminars alongside independent study. Students develop an advanced knowledge and understanding of the subject while building critical thinking and analytical skills. Assessment can include coursework, exams, essays and presentations.
Many courses offer work experience or mentoring schemes with industry professionals.
Postgraduate research study options include MPhils, DPhils, PhDs and Prof Docs. With support from a supervisor, research students work independently on a single subject area, producing a thesis on their findings.
UWE Bristol's Researcher Skills Development Programme provides workshops designed to build the skills and attributes needed to navigate doctorate-level study.
Students are encouraged to participate in social and academic events run by the active postgraduate research community.
A number of distance learning courses offer full and part-time study options for flexibility.
Students use the university's Blackboard Collaborate system to access online modules, recorded lectures, discussion boards, and other study materials. Group activities and webinars enable collaborative support and feedback from teachers and peers.
Methods of assessment include online presentations, exams, and written assignments, with feedback provided via email and video call sessions.
UWE Bristol's ambitious, progressive approach to education has resulted in high academic standards along with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research. The university has been ranked Silver overall in the Teaching Excellence Framework (2023).
UWE Bristol Partnerships
With connections to over 20,000 employer partners, professional bodies, and industry specialists, courses are designed in collaboration with industry to equip students with the skills they need for success. Students attending UWE Bristol benefit from extensive networking opportunities and the chance to be influenced in their learning by the latest developments in their field.
UWE Bristol Research
Research is key to UWE Bristol's postgraduate courses and heavily informs its course development. The university is continually developing its ‘research with impact', and has produced internationally renowned academic work across areas including biological energy, big data, air quality, and next generation flight design.
This research has been produced for and used by leading global companies such as CERN, Airbus, Hewlett-Packard, and the Ministry of Defence, among others.
Bristol regularly tops polls as one of the UK's best places to live. A dynamic, green and forward-thinking city, there's plenty to stimulate students. Hosting festivals throughout the year, its buzzing arts and culture scene boasts galleries, theatres and historical sites. Plus, its delicious street food and craft beer make it a top foodie destination.
Bristol has a robust financial services sector, world-renowned creative scene and strong commercial law presence. Engineering is big here too, with Airbus and Rolls-Royce located in the city.
UWE Bristol offers 119 societies covering academic, cultural, faith, special interest, and political themes, alongside more than 40 sports clubs. Many sports clubs participate in BUCS leagues against other universities.
Volunteering is also encouraged, with nearly 40% of students getting involved in projects, from growing vegetables at the local community garden, to building playgrounds in Uganda.
Elected officers at UWE Bristol Students' Union (SU) work to ensure the student voice is heard and run awareness campaigns for key issues affecting the student body, including those specifically related to postgraduate students.
The SU works to support students by helping them to find work and organising volunteering and training opportunities, alongside offering confidential advice on academic, accommodation, financial, and general welfare matters. It also runs over 160 clubs and societies.
UWE Bristol offers extensive postgraduate support services, from a well-established careers service through to a wellbeing service offering online counselling and self-help workshops. Students are encouraged to seek help for any issues that might arise so that they can be overcome, enabling students to receive the full benefits of their study time.
Academic personal tutors are on hand to support students' work and course-related issues, while student advisers and InfoPoint staff provide practical support to all postgraduate students.
Students can also make use of Block Zero, a dedicated 3-week module available as part of many postgraduate courses. Online activities connect students with faculty and peers while enabling them to find their footing in postgraduate education.
There's also a dedicated international student support service, along with specialist support for students with disabilities. The campus has GP services on site, in addition to the purpose-built Halley Nursery, which provides on-site childcare.
Students can be assured that all concerns will be dealt with professionally, efficiently and discreetly. Students can visit the on-site teams for in-person advice, or contact the support services via email or telephone if preferred.
Postgraduate students can access a wide range of careers resources and services during their time at UWE Bristol, designed to improve their employability and enhance their career prospects.
Internships and placements are integral to UWE Bristol's postgraduate experience for many students, supported by Placement Coordinators and industry connections to help students gain relevant experience.
The University's Careers Service offers career guidance, CV writing workshops, and drop-in sessions or appointments with experienced career counsellors. They also organise a wide range of employment-related events, including employer presentations and job fairs.
