University of the West of England

University Growth and Improvements

UWE Bristol is continuously improving its offering to students, both in terms of teaching and courses, and the campus environment. With over GBP 300 million being invested in facilities in the last six years, including:

• GBP 7 million redevelopment of the university's science labs, for student research and undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.
• GBP 55 million investment in a new business school building, which offers 5,500 students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and work in a collaborative space.
• GBP 5 million investment in a new optometry and clinical skills centre, providing students with a practical learning space for trainee optometrists, paramedics and occupational therapy.
• Over GBP 10 million investment in the university's City campus bringing cutting edge resources for the universities award winning film studios.
• Opening of state-of-the-art multi-million Engineering building in November 2020.

UWE Bristol offers over 600 courses across a huge breadth of subjects, at undergraduate, postgraduate, professional or short course level, and teaching across these disciplines is rated as excellent. The university's expert academics are leaders in their field, and a number of them have been awarded National Teaching Fellowships to recognise their work.

As well as dedicated staff, UWE Bristol provides excellent facilities to support students in a productive learning environment, from libraries and work spaces to practical laboratories. There are also extensive online resources, and mentoring and tutoring options that can help students tailor support to their academic needs.

All this has led to excellent feedback in student surveys, with 88 per cent of students satisfied with their university experience (National Student Survey 2020), placing it in the top six of all UK universities. UWE Bristol is continuously improving this offer to students through its Learning 2020 agenda, a series of aspirations to ensure teaching continues to be of the highest standard. With focuses on innovative learning environments, building communities and practice-based learning, it puts student needs at the heart of the university's offering.

There are 13 departments and schools at UWE Bristol across four faculties:

Arts, Creative Industries and Education

The faculty has 6000 students and 445 staff. The school of Art and Design offers courses such as Curating, Graphic Design, Illustration and Fashion Communication. The school of Creative and Cultural Industries offers courses such as History and Creative and Professional Writing. The department of Education and Childhood courses include Early Childhood Development.

Business and Law

The faculty is based in a GBP 55 million building. The Bristol Business School is home to the Bristol MBA, as well as courses including Marketing, Banking and Finance, and Accounting and Finance. The Bristol Law School prepares students for a future practising law, with courses such as European and International Law and Business and Law.

Environment and Technology

The faculty has over 6000 students and 450 staff. The department of Architecture and the Built Environment offers courses including Architecture, which is ranked 6^th in the UK, Real Estate and interior architecture. The department of Computer Science and Creative Technologies offers courses including Audio and Music Technology and Games Technology. The department of Engineering Design and Mathematics offers courses like Aerospace Engineering and Robotics. The department of Geography and Environmental Management's courses vary from Data Science to Sustainable Development.

Health and Applied Sciences

The department of Allied Health Professionals includes specialisations in Oncology, Occupational Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation. The department of Applied Sciences offers courses such as Public Health and Forensic Science. The department of Health and Social Sciences offers courses including Criminology and Politics and International Relations.

Entrance requirements vary based on where a student is applying from and what course they are applying for. There are some general guidelines for applying across the university, including English Language requirements:

Undergraduate

Students will need an IELTS score of 6.0 (with 5.5 in each component), a TOEFL iBT score of 80 or above (including a minimum of 17 in Listening and Writing, 18 in Reading and 20 in speaking), a Cambridge CPE or CAE at grade C if taken before 2015 or 169 overall (with no less than 162 in each skill) if after 2015 or a Pearson score of 50 (with at least 51 in each component).

Postgraduate

Students will need an IELTS score of 6.5 (with 5.5 in each component), a TOEFL iBT score of 90 or above (including a minimum of 17 in Listening and Writing, 18 in Reading and 20 in speaking), a Cambridge CPE or CAE at grade C if taken before 2015 or 176 overall (with no less than 162 in each skill) if after 2015, or a Pearson score of 58 (with at least 51 in each component).

A number of other qualifications will also be considered and UWE offers a Pre-Sessional English course for students who don't meet the requirements.

As well as English proficiency, students will also need to have relevant qualifications, and applicants will need to check by country what qualifications are accepted.

Pathway Courses

UWE works in partnership with Kaplan to offer pathways to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes through the UWE Bristol International college which is integrated into the university campus.

There are excellent student support services available at UWE Bristol, and with the new student union bringing all support networks together, it's easy for students to get the help they need.

Wellbeing Services

There are a number of ways students can get help. With professional services on site, as well as partnerships with the NHS, UWE Bristol can help students get counselling, crisis support, advice and help or even online and text support.

Student Support Advisers

There to help with everything from personal circumstances to course issues and coping with workloads, the Student Support Advisers help those with any complex issues that arise whilst they are studying to still get the most out of their university experience. Students can make appointments online, or have their appointment over the phone if they need to.

International Study Support

Before students arrive, they already have support from the Global Centre student support team, helping to find accommodation and applying for visas. On arrival, International Student Orientation helps to settle students into their new home. Throughout their studies, international students can take advantage of day trips, events, help and advice in adjusting to a new home and a new academic experience.

Peer Assisted Learning (PAL)

This student to student support scheme can offer tailored and personal support, mentoring or workshops. Some students prefer to receive the help they need from students of their own age, or students who have had similar experiences to them. The PAL scheme offers that, and for participating students, is a great way of gaining new experiences and meet new people.

Academic Facilities

The exceptional academic facilities offer students the chance to get practical experience whilst studying their course, and include: animation studios, mock courtrooms, greenhouse, crime scene house, laboratories, games studio and a flight simulator, with new state-of-the-art facilities being added every year.

Libraries

There are libraries on every campus, which are open to all students and include a range of online and print resources. Students also have access to a range of study spaces for both quiet and collaborative work. Frenchay Library is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for student use.

Accommodation

For students who wish to live in university accommodation, there are a range of options available across the campuses at a competitive rate. Living in campus accommodation can be a great way to meet new people and be part of the active community on campus.

Students' Union

The Students' Union recently had a GBP 10 million investment to move the entire offering to one location on campus. With a bar, cafe, terraces, meeting areas and seating, it is the heart of student life on campus. Students can join one of the over 160 networks, societies and clubs that are affiliated with the Student Union, a great place to pursue new interests with like-minded people.

Sports

The Centre for Sport has excellent facilities including fitness suites, a sports hall, squash courts, climbing wall and astro pitches. The Hillside Gardens multi-sports pitches opened in 2018, home to the football, lacrosse, rugby and American football teams.