University Guide
University of the West of England Bristol
UWE Bristol prepares students for a world that is changing fast. Through future-focused learning, industry connections and real-world experiences, you’ll graduate with the skills, confidence and mindset to shape your own path. With more than 37,000 students, UWE Bristol is one of the largest universities in the South West. The University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across its campuses in Bristol. Bristol is a vibrant and welcoming student city. Big enough to keep you busy but small enough to feel friendly, it offers an exciting mix of music, nightlife, arts and culture, sport, green spaces and independent businesses. Bristol was ranked 48th in Time Out’s 50 Best Cities in the World for 2025.

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The overview
The main things you need to know about studying at the University of the West of England Bristol.
Rankings
UWE Bristol is ranked 39th in the Guardian University Guide 2026, rising 25 places and making it one of the fastest-rising universities in the UK. It is also ranked fourth among universities in the South West. The University was recognised as one of the UK’s top ten modern universities in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. UWE Bristol also received a Gold rating for student experience in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework.
Employability
UWE Bristol courses are developed with future careers in mind, combining academic learning with opportunities to gain practical skills, professional experience and industry connections. According to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23, published in 2025, 89% of UWE Bristol graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Students can also access careers support, employer events, placements, internships, volunteering opportunities and guidance with applications, interviews and developing their professional profile.
Fees
For the 2026/27 academic year, tuition fees for most full-time UK undergraduate courses are up to £9,790 per year. Eligible students can apply for a non-means-tested Tuition Fee Loan to cover their fees. Fees for international, postgraduate, part-time and specialist courses vary. Prospective students should check the individual UWE Bristol course page or tuition-fee search for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Students should also budget for living costs, including accommodation, food, travel, bills and course materials. UWE Bristol currently estimates living costs of approximately £14,000 to £15,000 per academic year for a single student living away from home, excluding tuition fees and unexpected expenses.
Bursaries
UWE Bristol offers a range of bursaries, scholarships and financial support for eligible undergraduate, postgraduate and international students. For the 2026/27 academic year, the means-tested UWE Low Income Bursary provides eligible students with £500. The UWE Cares Bursary and UWE Childcare Bursary provide £1,650 to eligible students, paid in three instalments. Additional scholarships and discounts may be available depending on a student’s course, personal circumstances, nationality or level of study. Eligibility criteria and award amounts can change, so students should check UWE Bristol’s scholarships and bursaries information before applying.
Accommodation
UWE Bristol offers a range of University-managed and partner accommodation across Frenchay Campus, Glenside Campus and Bristol city centre. Accommodation is guaranteed for eligible first-year undergraduate and postgraduate students joining UWE Bristol in September 2026, provided they are applying for UWE Bristol accommodation for the first time, have accepted an offer to study and submit their accommodation application by the relevant deadline. A limited number of rooms may also be available for returning students in their second year and above. Returning students who would like to be considered are encouraged to apply, although accommodation cannot be guaranteed. Students can explore UWE Bristol accommodation options, compare locations, facilities and costs, and find information about applying through the University’s accommodation website.
Need a place to stay in Bristol?
We have lots of available student accommodation in Bristol.
Students' Union
The Students’ Union has a Students’ Union Advice Centre which provides free confidential advice and operates two coffee shops, a radio station and a bar!


Famous for
Alumni’s of The University of the West of England include Miranda Hart, Russel Howard, Angellica Bell and Pete Reed.
News
The University of the West of England was pleased to announce that their Bristol Members of Staff had been awarded an MBE in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours List and announced that they had opened an collaborative research hub to improve emergency medical care in Bristol.
Accommodation for Students says
"Wacky and wonderful, Bristol is an exciting city and a popular student destination. From clubs on boats to secret cocktail bars, chain shops to quirky individual retailers, the city offers a truly unique university experience. Despite not being a campus university, Bristol nonetheless has the strong feel of a student city so you’ll feel at home in no time and, far from being homesick, you will never want to leave".
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