University of the West of England, Bristol

Address and Location

The University of the West of England, UWE, is spread over several campuses around Bristol. The main site is Frenchay, five miles north of the city centre. Other university facilities are located at Glenside, St Matthias, Bower Ashton, Hartpury and in neighbouring Gloucester.

 

Background and History

Formed by a merger between several colleges, Bristol Polytechnic was founded in 1969. Further mergers with two health colleges followed, and the institution gained university status in 1992. Since then, UWE has worked to build links with major local employers including Aardman, Airbus, the Wellcome Foundation and World Bank.

Location and Accessibility

By Road: The main Frenchay Campus at UWE is easily reached from Junction 19 on the M4. On reaching the M32, exit immediately and follow signs for Filton and Bristol Parkway railway station. Turn left into Coldharbour Lane and then right at the roundabout for the campus entrance.

By Rail: For the UWE campus, travel to Bristol Parkway station and connect using a red Uni-Link bus. Temple Meads station is a more convenient terminus for the university's other sites in Bristol.

Accessibility: Most university facilities are wheelchair-accessible and accommodation is provided for students with disabilities.

What's on Offer

Students are able to choose from a range of courses at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate level. The university also offers a variety of professional and short-course qualifications.

Entry Requirements

Entry standards vary between subjects, with most requiring 180 - 390 UCAS points. Specific course information can be found on the university website.

University Accommodation

UWE offers student accommodation at its Frenchay and St Matthias/Glenside campuses and an additional site in Bristol city centre. Halls are generally of a good quality.

Private Accommodation

Bristol can be an economical city to rent in, and the university works to help students (particularly those from overseas) find a place to live in their second and third year of study. Accommodation is guaranteed for first-year undergraduates.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

UWE ranks as one of the fastest growing universities in terms of its research programmes, and scores highly for teaching in creative media and biomedical science. The university is also well-supported by partnerships with local industries, providing students with valuable working opportunities during and after their course.

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate courses currently cost £9,000 per year. Fees for international students and postgraduates vary.

Financial Support: A variety of scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available to undergraduates and postgraduates. Check the university website for more details.

Academic Facilities

The Frenchay Student Village and Sports Centre has recently been reworked at a cost of £85 million. Research facilities are generally of a high standard. Libraries are situated at all campuses and wi-fi is provided across the university.  

Other on-site Amenities

Other campus facilities include an IT Cinema, a Centre for Performing Arts, the university's Students' Union and a variety of bars, restaurants and cafes.  

Medical and Social Care

Facilities at the Frenchay campus include a health centre, lounges, quiet rooms, prayer spaces and a kitchen. Student support services are available on all campuses.    

What's on in the Area

Bristol is the largest city in the south-west and boasts an impressive music scene and cultural life. With gorgeous historic buildings and a student-friendly outlook, most fall in love with the city on their first visit. Nightlife in the city is eclectic and friendly, and the nearby rolling countryside is perfect for lazy weekend walks.  

Moving On

The university prides itself on its links with local industry, which include large aeronautical firms such as Airbus. Students are encouraged to engage in work experience and the university offers support services for completing job applications and searching for work.

Russell Howard, Miranda Hart and Bear Grylls all studied at UWE. The Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) opened at the university in 2012, and the Bristol-Bath region is fast-becoming a hotbed for advanced tech development.

Is UWE the right place for you?

If you're looking for a modern campus in a bustling, cosmopolitan city, UWE ticks all the boxes. The university is especially strong in the creative arts and has a healthy focus on graduate employability. Highly academic students may want to consider the nearby Universities of Bristol or Bath.