History
Before the University of Bristol, there was University College, Bristol
University College, Bristol existed from 1876 to 1909 and was the precursor to the University of Bristol.
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.
University College, Bristol finally opened its doors at 9 am on Tuesday 10 October 1876 in rented premises at 32 Park Row. Initially, there were two professors and five lecturers offering courses in 15 subjects. 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).
Why choose Bristol?
Learning and teaching at Bristol
Bristol's world-class learning experience encourages students to become independent thinkers, equipped to respond to the intellectual, social, and personal challenges they encounter throughout their lives and careers and become leaders in their chosen fields.
Research-informed teaching
At Bristol, you will be taught by internationally renowned academics whose research directly influences your course. Our teaching is innovative, informed by researchers at the forefront of developments in their field.
Facilities and resources
We offer state-of-the-art facilities at Bristol and are continually investing in new technology. With nine libraries, new study spaces, and major campus developments underway, it's an exciting time to join us.
Careers and employability
University of Bristol graduates are highly employable and in demand. We're in the top five universities targeted by top employers for the fifth year in a row (High Fliers report 2020)
Global opportunities
Every year more than 500 Bristol students travel overseas to study or work abroad as part of their degree. Our partnership institutions span the globe, so where do you want to go?
Get connected 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. Our alumni are among the highest-paid and in the top five most targeted by UK employers (High Fliers 2020).
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.
Enjoy Bristol city culture
Immerse yourself in Bristol's vibrant and artistic atmosphere while studying and beyond. Our city is home to a thriving economy centered on creative media, technology, electronics, and aerospace engineering industries, providing a range of educational and professional opportunities.
Make an impact
Our academics tackle real-world, global challenges. From the search for a vaccine for COVID-19 to climate change. Bristol’s Research and Enterprise Development team amplify research impact in many ways, including brokering business-collaborations and facilitating spin-outs.
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.
Bristol is fourth in the Graduate Market in 2020 report, which is a study of graduate vacancies, starting salaries, and undergraduate work experience programs at the country’s top 100 employers.
- Top ten UK university (QS World University Rankings 2021)
- Fourth most targeted university by top UK employers (High Fliers Research)
- Number one place to live in the UK (Sunday Times 2017)
- Ranked ninth in the UK for graduate employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020)
- Home to the best business incubator in the world (UBI Global 2019)
- Top five university for research (2014 REF)
- 13 Nobel Prize Winners linked to the University - including our current Chancellor, Sir Paul Nurse
- 35 subjects highly rated in the world's top 100 (QS World Subject Rankings 2020)
- Top ten in the 2016/17 British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Championships
- Climbed seven places in the Guardian University Guide 2019
- Ranked ninth in Europe for teaching
- University of Bristol alumni are among the highest-paid graduates in the UK
