This document provides information about studying at the University of Bristol, highlighting several key points:
1. The University of Bristol is ranked highly in various rankings, including being a top UK university according to the QS World University Rankings and being voted best for student life by WhatUni? Student Choice Awards.
2. The University provides an excellent learning environment with world-leading researchers and academics, research-informed teaching, and support from personal tutors. Students have opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research.
3. Bristol graduates are highly sought after by employers, with the University being a top target for UK recruiters. The Careers Service and resources like internships and enterprise programs provide support for career development and
4. Contents
32
36 46
Introduction
Welcome 4
Whychoose Bristol? 6
Learning at Bristol 8
Research excellence 10
Learn from the best 12
A pioneeringuniversity 14
Shaping yourfuture 16
Careers and employability 18
Life afterBristol 19
Getahead 20
Real world experience 22
Global opportunities 24
The best of student life 26
Sports and healthy living 28
Arts and culture 30
Live in a leading city 32
A place to callhome 36
Looking after your wellbeing 40
Bursaries and scholarships 42
#wearebristoluni 44
Discover more 46
CoursesA-Z
Choosing yourcourse 48
Course pages explained 50
Courseentries 52-134
Courseindex 135-139
Fees and funding 140
How toapply 142-145
University map 146
Our degree courses 148
Getting to Bristol 149
bristol.ac.uk
3INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
5. At our University you will have the opportunity to
learn with and from some of the leading scholars
in the world, in a supportive environment
that challenges and stretches you. Wecan
offer you the chance to study in a research
rich environment, to live in one of the most
beautiful and vibrant cities in Europe and to lay
the foundations for an excellent career. Bristol
graduates are targeted by the best employers
– whatever your aspirations, a degree from this
University will give you an excellent platform
from which to take your next steps.
In 2015, Bristol was voted best for city life in the
Whatuni Student Choice Awards, and we make
the most of being set in such a wonderful city.
There is a diverse arts, music and cultural scene
and in the summer hardly a weekend goes by
without a festival or celebration. There are also
some beautiful green spaces and the city is
known for being a leader in sustainability; just last
year, we were crowned European Green Capital.
Bristol was the first UK city to win that award.
Bristol is consistently ranked within the
top 40 universities in the world, and attracts
some of the best and brightest students.
I invite you to look through our prospectus
and see what interests you, and I hope that
I shall have the pleasure of welcoming you
to join us in person in the near future.
Professor Hugh Brady
Vice-Chancellor and President
Welcome
bristol.ac.uk
4 INTRODUCTION
WELCOME
6. “Bristol is
recognised globally
for its high-quality
research, and was recently
rated amongst the top five
universities in the UK.
Our staff continually push
forward the boundaries
of discovery.”
bristol.ac.uk
INTRODUCTION
WELCOME 5
7. Why choose Bristol?
Our curriculum is
world class,informed
by the latestresearch
and delivered by
academics who are
leaders in their fields
Engage in a broad
learning experience with
opportunities to explore
innovation and enterprise,
sustainable futures and
globalcitizenship
6 INTRODUCTION
WHYCHOOSE BRISTOL?
bristol.ac.uk/choose-bristol
8. Discover an inspiring place
to study at the heart ofone
of Europe’smost vibrant,
creative and dynamiccities
Our focus onemployability
enables you to develop
your career throughout
your time at Bristol
7INTRODUCTION
WHYCHOOSE BRISTOL?
bristol.ac.uk/choose-bristol
9. Our learning experience
encourages you to become
an independent thinker by
providing an education of the
highest quality. Weoffer you
the academic and personal
development opportunities
that will equip you to respond
to the intellectual, social and
personal challenges that you
will encounter throughout
your life and career.
Work with leading academics
Our students come from all parts of society,
which ensures a diverse and interesting
community. Webelieve that anyone with
great potential will thrive at Bristol. Here,
you will have the opportunity to engage
with intellectually challenging courses,
designed and taught by world-leading
researchers. Our supportive environment
enables students to work in partnership with
creative teachers and Bristol degrees are
valued by employers throughout the world.
Teaching methods
Weuse a variety of teaching methods,
including face-to-face teaching and e-learning
resources, to support student-centred learning.
Lectures, seminars, tutorials and practicals
provide the framework within which you gain
the skills to explore your subject through
independent study. Our approach to teaching
can be very rewarding and will enable you to
develop the intellectual and technical skills
you need both to succeed in your subject
while also preparing you for the future.
Personal academic tutors
At the start of your course you will be assigned
a personal tutor who you will meet with on a
regular basis. Alongside a senior tutor, your
personal tutor will advise you on any academic
matters, provide personal support and, if
needed, guide you towards the appropriate
specialist support services within the University.
Shape your studies
Our students are partners in the learning
process. Working with our Students’ Union,
we encourage you to become fully engaged
with the process of developing education at the
University. Focus groups and questionnaires
may be used to gather views on lectures and
practical classes. Through student-staff liaison
meetings and representation on a variety of
University committees, you will contribute
to the development of your own courses
as well as new areas of study. Feedback
from the National Student Survey and other
avenues are also integral to helping define and
enhance the student experience at Bristol.
Achieve your potential
Assessment is at the heart of the learning
experience. Tohelp you evaluate your
performance and improve the quality of your
learning experience, we provide meaningful
feedback on assignments in time to influence
the next activity or task. Assessment takes
various forms, including written examinations,
e-assessment, continuous assessment,
essays and dissertations. Tutorials and
seminars are used to monitor your progress
and assess your level of competence. Bristol
endorses the National Union of Students’
charter on feedback and assessment.
Research-led teaching
The Research Excellence Framework (REF)is
an assessment of the standard of research at
every UK university. In the most recent results
(2014) Bristol ranked among the best in the
UK. The high quality of our research is shown
to have a major impact on society and the
economy. This success results in continued
investment into the University, and allows
our students to benefit from teaching that is
directly informed by cutting-edge discoveries
and delivered by world-leading academics.
Learning at Bristol
bristol.ac.uk/ug-study
8 INTRODUCTION
LEARNING AT BRISTOL
11. 2
3
1
2
1 Protecting subglacial
environments
Research led by the Bristol Glaciology Centre
has transformed our image of Antarctica from
a lifeless landscape into a network of dynamic
subglacial rivers. Professors Martyn Tranter
and Jemma Wadham have demonstrated that
isolated communities of microbes are likely to
contain organisms new to science. These ideas
are explored in glaciology units in our BSc and
MSci Geography courses.
2 Treatment and prevention
of bacterial infection
Dr Michele Barbour, Senior Lecturer in
Biomaterials in the School of Oral and Dental
Sciences, has developed an exciting new
technology called Pertinax™ which provides
long-term protection against bacterial infection.
Dentistry students conduct a research project,
and each year there are opportunities to work
in Dr Barbour’s group to investigate dental
applications of this new technology.
3 Spin-out success
An undergraduate computer science project is
now being commercialised by spin-out company
XMOS. The company produces the world’s
lowest-cost, multi-core microcontroller which is
used in products by a range of manufacturers
including electronics giant Sony. XMOS employs
over 50 people across three continents and has
a quarterly turnover of over £1 million.
Research
excellence
10 INTRODUCTION
RESEARCHEXCELLENCE
bristol.ac.uk /research
12. 5 6
4
6
4 Understanding bacteria
Dr Matthew Avison, Senior Lecturer in
Microbiology, is investigating the reasons behind
antibiotic resistance in an attempt to reverse this
deadly trend. Students studying BSc Medical
Microbiology can undertake extended research
projects and work on solutions to this problem.
Without this research, Dr Avison warns we could
go back to a time when people routinely died of
infections that are currently treatable.
5 Joining the fight for freedom
As part of the bicentennial celebrations of
Latin American independence (2008-2012),
Dr Matthew Brown, reader in Latin American
Studies, researched the role of foreign
adventurers in the region in the early 19th-
century. Students studying in the Department
of Hispanic, Portuguese and Latin American
Studies have the opportunity to explore the
research that Dr Brown conducted.
6 A new understanding
of child poverty
Research carried out by the University’s
Townsends Centre for International Poverty
Research has become the ‘gold standard’
for measuring child poverty and deprivation.
Known as the Bristol Approach, the research
has helped put the rights of children at the
heart of advocacy efforts by organisations such
as UNICEFand Save the Children. Students
studying social policy will explore the Bristol
Approach and its impact.
bristol.ac.uk /research
INTRODUCTION
RESEARCHEXCELLENCE 11
13. “We’re committed to
supporting our students
so you get the most
from your time here.”
Debbie Martin,
Lead Histology Laboratory Technician
Learn from the best
Webring together international
experts in individual subjects,
giving you the chanceto
learn from staff who areat
the forefront of theirfields.
Come to Bristol and you will have the
opportunity to engage in real-life research
projects on current and intellectually challenging
courses that are shaped by the latest thinking.
Weemphasise a research-led curriculum,
meaning that both the content of our degree
courses and the way that they are taught is
influenced and informed by our research. As
well as teaching the facts, our staff pass on
their knowledge, interests and experience.
Our enthusiastic community of teaching and
support staff create a positive and stimulating
learning environment where your personal and
academic development are a priority. This, along
with the University’s continued investment in
new facilities and technology will ensure you
have access to the highest quality of education.
12
bristol.ac.uk/ug-study
INTRODUCTION
LEARNFROM THE BEST
14. “Bristol is a fantastic
place to be a student.
It’s a place to learn,
enjoy life and make
an impact.”
Dr Mojtaba Dorri,
School of Oral and Dental Sciences
“From yourfirst
day at Bristol,you’ll
join a supportive
community ofstaff
andstudents.”
Dr Chris Bell,
School of Physics
bristol.ac.uk/ug-study
INTRODUCTION
LEARNFROM THE BEST 13
15. 1 Establishing equal rights
Wewere the first higher
education institution in
England to admit womenon
an equal basis with men.
2 Academic recognition
Wehave been associated
with twelve Nobel Laureates,
including Paul Dirac
(Physics), Dorothy Hodgkin
(Chemistry) and JMG Le
Clezio (Literature).
3 Making discoveries
In 1964, our Professor
of Pathology, SirAnthony
Epstein discovered the first
cancer-causing virus, the
Epstein-Barr virus.
Apioneering
university
3
2
1
14 INTRODUCTION
A PIONEERING UNIVERSITY
bristol.ac.uk
16. 4 A part of Britishhistory
Wartime leader Sir Winston
Churchill was ourChancellor
from 1929 to 1965.
5 Advocating equal rights
George Odlum, formerDeputy
Prime Minister of St Lucia,
became the UK’s first black
students’ union president
while at Bristol.
6 Pioneering science
Wepioneered beatingheart
surgery, now used in heart
operations worldwide.
4
5
6
bristol.ac.uk
INTRODUCTION
A PIONEERING UNIVERSITY 15
17. Shaping your future
With unique access to Bristol’s
alumni network, an outstanding
Careers Service and award-
winning start-up support,
a degree from the University
of Bristol will help you get
wherever you want tobe.
Bristol graduates are highly regarded by
employers. Weare in the top five universities
targeted by leading graduate recruiters* and our
graduate employment record is one of the best
in the UK; 93% of our students are employed or
in further study six months after graduating.†
Bristol graduates progress into top-flight
careers in a wide range of industries. Many
pursue careers in law, finance, IT,electronics,
engineering and consulting at firms including
Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Rolls-Royce,
Jones Day, PwC, Linklaters, Deloitte, Accenture,
Teach First, Bain & Company and Bloomberg.
Alongside its thriving arts and cultural scene,
Bristol is developing a reputation as a leading
centre for creativity and technical innovation
and a hotbed for small and medium enterprises
(SMEs).Many of our graduates draw on the
city’s independent spirit, pursuing careers within
media, arts and social enterprise or accessing
the wealth of start-up support available in Bristol
to launch their own enterprises.
At the University of Bristol, we actively
encourage the innovators and entrepreneurs of
the future. There is a wealth of support to help
you cultivate your ideas while developing highly
desirable enterprise skills.
SETSquared – best university business
incubator in the world
SETSquared is a partnership between five UK
universities including the University of Bristol
and has a centre in Bristol’s Engine Shed. It has
recently been named, ‘best university business
incubator in the world’ by UBI Global. As well as
working with technology start-ups, it supports
a programme of student enterprise activities,
an entrepreneurship programme and the annual
Student Enterprise Awards.
Basecamp
Our student enterprise and support service,
Basecamp, is an entrepreneurship hub for
University of Bristol students. A member of the
SETSquared partnership, Basecamp’s team
of in-house consultants and external business
advisers offers consultancy services for anyone
with an idea. A weekly masterclass series aims
to deliver the innovation skills needed to set up a
business and you can develop your ideas while
pursuing start-up funding through numerous
competitions and challenges.
Enterprising student societies
The University of Bristol’s enterprise society, Inc.
runs a packed programme of talks, workshops
and challenges, where you can meet like-
minded people and progress ideas. They also
run the award-winning RISE social enterprise
conference in partnership with Bristol Hub.
The annual conference is the biggest student-
run conference in the UK and attracts top guest
speakers such as Liam Black, CEO of Jamie
Oliver’s Fifteen and Tim Smit, co-founder of
The Eden Project.
*‘The Graduate Market in 2016’, High Fliers Research
†
HESA Employment Indicator 2013-14 for UK first
degree graduates.
We are in the
top five universities
targeted by leading
graduate recruiters
SETSquared
is a partnership between
the Universities of Bristol,
Bath, Exeter, Surrey and
Southampton and is ranked
best university business
incubator in the world by
UBIGlobal.
bristol.ac.uk/careers
16 INTRODUCTION
SHAPING YOUR FUTURE
19. Careers and employability
With one of the largest event
programmes of any UKuniversity
and enviable connections to top
graduate recruiters, the Careers
Service will support you toward
your futurecareer.
Whether you have firm ideas or are still deciding
about your path after university, the Careers
Service can help you find inspiration. Located
at the heart of the campus, the service offers an
extensive programme of appointments and
events to help you assess your skills and values
and gain insight into potential career options.
Careers workshops cover essential topics
such as networking, assessment centres and
perfecting job applications. You can also meet
with careers advisers for CV writing guidance
and one-to-one interview practice.
Mycareer is the service’s online career portal
where you can access hundreds of career
resources including videos, industry guides and
Goinglobal, a subscription-based international
careers and jobs portal. Mycareer is also an
online jobs board advertising part-time and
vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
and includes a searchable database of employers
who have advertised vacancies to Bristol
students and graduates.
Careers events
There are few better ways to gain insight into a
profession than talking to those already doing
it. The University of Bristol has close links with
hundreds of employers, from national and
multinational firms to SMEs.
Careers fairs
Our series of careers fairs attract the top
graduate recruiters in the UK. Most of the fairs
are sector-specific, reflecting the professions
many Bristol graduates enter, while our biggest
fair in the autumn term offers a diverse range of
organisations, ensuring that there is something
for all career interests. Careers fairs offer an
excellent opportunity to talk to recruitment
teams and recent graduate trainees about the
company culture and the application process
and maybe uncover a few insider tips.
Employer-led events
The Careers Service hosts an extensive events
programme, bringing hundreds of employers
onto campus to talk to you. The programme
includes employer presentations, networking
opportunities and employer-led skills workshops;
small, interactive group sessions, focusing on a
key skill or aspect of the graduate recruitment
process. Sign into mycareer early in the autumn
term to browse and register for events and keep
an eye on departmental and student society
websites for additional employer activities.
Making connections
As a student and after you graduate, there are
numerous ways to tap into the knowledge and
experience of Bristol’s alumni network across
the globe.
The Careers Network is a database of over 1,000
University of Bristol alumni, working in a variety
of industries. Access the database to search for
alumni case studies by occupation, employer and
level of study, or to find relevant alumni who have
agreed to be contacted by current students.
6,706 job vacancies
advertised in 2014-15
285companies visited the
campus in 2014-15
The Careers Alumni Mentoring Scheme
enables you to seek advice from University of
Bristol alumni to help you reach your potential.
Whatever your objective, from confidence
building to achieving a defined goal, your
mentor can draw on their career experience
and insight to help you progress. Taking part
in the scheme allows you to demonstrate
initiative and professionalism while making
a valuable connection. Find out more at
bristol.ac.uk/careers/be-inspired/alumni.
18 INTRODUCTION
CAREERSAND EMPLOYABILITY
bristol.ac.uk/careers
20. Life after Bristol
1 Nicholas Phan
(BSc Economics and Management 2010)
Bristol was an environment for me to
step out of my comfort zone and gain
new perspectives. This made me more
confident to try new things even if it might
lead to failure. During my time at Bristol,
I acquired the soft skills that are now far
more useful to me than any equation:
organisation, leadership and bravery.
Nicholas is Founder of Biju Bubble Tea
2 Will Ashford Brown
(BSc Environmental Geoscience2012)
Studying for a BSc in Environment
Geoscience helped me realisewhere my
interests lay and, ultimately, led to pursing
a postgraduate degree. The support
offered by faculty staff and the Careers
Service greatly helped me to prepare for
the challenges awaiting life post-Bristol.
Will is Geophysicist at CGG
3 Steph Croft-Simon
(BSc Sociology 2010)
A degree from Bristol helped my career by
providing me with the necessary tools and
confidence to start my own business. My
degree offered me so much more than the
qualification. I learned about myself and
the environment and people I wanted to be
around when it came to choosing a career.
Steph is Founder/Director
of Nom Foods Limited
4 Alex Ayling
(MSci Chemistry with Study in
Continental Europe 2002)
After studying Chemistry, I took the
less-than-obvious career path into
media, but my Bristol degree was still
instrumental in setting me up professionally.
Although, I have made an interactive
chemistry experiment for the BBC using
the power of YouTube annotations,
so maybe there was a link after all!
It was during the Insight Into Media
course run by the Careers Service that
I first realised that it would be possible
for a humble science student like me to
make the leap into the creative industries;
it allowed me to think beyond the
standard progression expected of me.
Alex is Head of BBCWorldwide
Digital Studios
3
4
2
1
bristol.ac.uk/alumni
INTRODUCTION
LIFE AFTER BRISTOL 19
21. Get ahead
Internships and workexperience
Internships can offer invaluable insight into an
industry or role and, increasingly, internships and
work placements are seen as a stepping stone to
future graduate employment. During the Autumn
term look out for internship events via the Careers
Serviceand log in to mycareerto search for
vacancies throughout theyear.
University of Bristol internshipscheme
Our own internships scheme provides high quality,
paid, work experience with a smallor medium
enterprise (SME).Internships are flexible to fit
around your study and can be four or eight weeks
long, full or part time, and can take place during
terms orvacations.
Companies taking part in the scheme
include charities, publishing houses, research
consultancies and non-governmental
organisations (NGOs)offering roles in marketing,
events, research, ITand business development.
Positions are advertised on mycareerand if you
source your own opportunity, you may be able
to apply for funding through thescheme.
Santander Universities Internship Programme
The Careers Serviceworks with the Santander
UniversitiesInternship Programme to provide
internships with SMEs.The programme provides
12-week, full-time positions for final-yearstudents
and recent graduates.
Industryaccreditation
Many of our degree courses are industry
accredited, providing external confirmation that
our courses meet professional, statutory and
regulatory requirements. Some employers prefer
to recruit graduates with accredited degrees
and such degrees are likely to be recognised in
other countries. Several courses offer exemptions
toward a professional qualification. Check course
pages for full details.
Part timejobs
Gaining experience through part-time work can
be a highly effective way to strengthen your CV.
The JobShop team source and advertise part-
time vacancies on mycareer, many exclusive to
Bristol students. They also run drop-in sessions
throughout the week to help you find and apply
for work. Throughout the year, there are five
part-time jobs fairs on campus offering a direct
route to regional recruiters.
Volunteering
Many students volunteer as a rewarding way to
make a difference to their community, meet new
friends and have fun. Volunteering can also help
you to develop new skills and experiences, which
can boost your employability. The Students’
Union advertise volunteering opportunities if
you want to volunteer with local charities or
community projects and they can help you
set up your own project: bristolsu.org.uk/
volunteering.
Gain industry endorsed recognition
The Bristol PLUS Award, endorsed by 45
leading graduate recruiters including Airbus,
Burges Salmon and Unilever, rewards students
who have developed significant life and
professional skills through work experience,
volunteering or other extracurricular activities.
Students who demonstrate exceptional
skill development can progress onto the
Outstanding Award.
“In such a competitive job
market, the ability of apotential
employee to demonstrate
success both academically
and in extra-curricular fields is
a key differentiator. Knowing
a candidate will not only be
intellectually capable but
has proactively taken part in
corporate responsibility activities
means Zurich in the UK holds
achievements such as the Bristol
PLUSAward in high regard”
JonVaughan-Williams,
UK Life Financial Controller, Zurich Insurance
20 INTRODUCTION
GETAHEAD
Faculty of Engineeringinternships
The Industrial LiaisonOffice in the Facultyof
Engineering provides paid internships for first year
Engineering and Computer Sciencestudents.
The internships last for six to 12 weeks during
the summer and aim to help you explore career
development in engineering or technology
industries while enhancing your employability.
Visit bristol.ac.uk/engineering/ilo.
bristol.ac.uk/careers
22. INTRODUCTION
GET AHEAD 21
Sophie Smith (BA Theatre, Film and
Television,2003) Pre and Post Production
Manager at Aardman Animations
bristol.ac.uk/careers
23. Real world experience
Applying your degree to real-world
challenges in industry can bring
your subject to life.
Spending a year working in industry as part of
your course can be an unforgettable experience.
Throughout your placement, you will work on live
projects as a valued member of a team, applying
your subject specialism practically, while gaining
invaluable insight into your discipline.
Weoffer 16 courses that include a ‘with industry’
option. Through our considerable links to industry
we will help you find a position that complements
your subject focus and will support you throughout
the application process. With over a third of
entry-level positions filled by graduates who have
previously worked for a company on placements
and internships,* your year in industry could
become the first step on your future career.
*’The Graduate Market 2014’, High Fliers.
“The £60m National
Composites Centre is
hosted by the University
and offers a range of
fantastic opportunities.”
Dr Hamish McAlpine
NCC Project Manager,
Industrial Liaison Office
22 INTRODUCTION
REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE
bristol.ac.uk
24. INTRODUCTION
“My work placement
will give me invaluable
experience that I can
use when applying for
graduate employment.”
Rob Robinson
First year, MEng Engineering Design
with Study in Industry
“The collaboration
here creates an
interesting mix of
academic and
industrial research.”
Harry Clegg, EngD,
Composites Manufacture
bristol.ac.uk
REAL WORLDEXPERIENCE 23
25. Global opportunities
Each year more than 500 Bristol
students travel abroad as part of
their degree to destinations as
varied as Madrid, Copenhagen,
California and Singapore.
Studying or working abroad is
an exciting adventure and also a
great investment in your future.
Research shows that students
with global experience are more
likely to be employed six months
after graduation and earn higher
starting salaries. Students with
cross-cultural experience are
increasingly sought after by
employers, many of whom
recognise and value the skills
gained by living abroad.
A world of opportunity
Depending on your degree course, you could
have the option to go abroad for a semester
or full year at one of our partner universities.
Our Global Opportunities team are on hand
to provide practical advice and support from
the time you make an application right through
to your return to Bristol.
Study abroad
Look for degree courses that include ‘with Study
in Continental Europe’ or ‘with Study Abroad’
in the title, or talk to your prospective University
department about the opportunities it offers.
Workabroad
If you study a language degree at Bristol you will
also have the option of doing a work placement
in Continental Europe, Latin America or Russia,
which is a great way to enhance your CV.This
placement forms an integrated part of your
degree course.
In recent years Bristol students have worked at
companies such as Clifford Chance in Madrid,
Air France in Paris and M&C Saatchi in Berlin.
The excellent career prospects these
opportunities provide are demonstrated
by the popularity of these placements.
All students on European study and work
placements are eligible to opt in to the
Erasmus+ programme which provides students
with a grant to help with travel and living costs.
Evie Snee, Fourth year,
MSci Geology with Study Abroad
I spent my year abroad in New Zealand and it
was amazing. I learnt lots of new skills to help
me in my geology work as well as how to adapt
to new situations and surroundings. This has
given me lots of relevant experience to talk
about now I’m applying for graduate jobs.
250+Erasmus+ work placements
were undertaken by students
in2015-16
24 INTRODUCTION
GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES
bristol.ac.uk/go-abroad
26. Sophie Leader, Fourth year,
BSc Politics and Spanish
I had an amazing time during my year abroad
in Barcelona and would recommend the
experience to anyone. I worked at two legal
firms on lots of different tasks such as meeting
with clients, attending court and translating and
proof-reading legal documents. The skills
I learned and the experience of living abroad
has really boosted my CV.
Alex Waudby, Fourth year,
BA French and German
I spent half of my year abroad teaching in rural
Germany and the other half working in the arts
scene in Paris. Spending time abroad shows
I am adaptable and determined and has given
me invaluable experience in working towards
a career beyond the UK.
32Number of countries
available for study
placements
150+
Partner universities
across the world
bristol.ac.uk/go-abroad
INTRODUCTION
GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES 25
27. Led by students, for students,
Bristol Students’ Union is here to
ensure you get the most out of
your time at university, giving you
the opportunity to learn new skills,
make new friends and havefun.
Societies and activities
With over 300 student societies and activities
ranging from the Skydiving Society, Wingardium
Leviosoc (HarryPotter Society) to the Breakdance
Society, and the Chocolate Society, you’re sure
to find something that interestsyou.
There are also plenty of opportunities to get
involved with student media at Bristol SU, so
if you’re a budding journalist, radio DJ or
television presenter, you will have the chance
to learn new skills and develop your craft.
Whether you are continuing a hobby or want to
try something completely new, joining a society,
sports club or volunteering project is a great way
to have fun and develop skills relevant to your
chosen career.
Welcomeweek
Bristol SU coordinates a huge range of
activities to welcome you to the University.
The week kicks off with the Welcome Fair where
you can find out about all the societies and
sports clubs here at Bristol. Events are held
every night in the Students’ Union, ranging from
quizzes and club nights, to karaoke and Ted
Talks, giving you the chance to get to know
the University and make new friends.
The Richmond Building
The Richmond Building, home to Bristol SU, has
recently undergone a £30 million refurbishment,
transforming the building into a vibrant place to
study and relax. As a student here, you will have
access to fantastic, state-of-the-art facilities
which include: the Winston Theatre and Pegg
Theatre, opened by Simon Pegg; a pottery
studio; music practice rooms; dance studios;
a café-bar; and a swimming pool.
The Richmond Building is also home to one
of the city’s biggest gig venues, The Anson
Rooms. Over the years it has hosted big name
acts including The Smiths, David Bowie and
Ed Sheeran.
Representation
Six full-time officers, eight part-time officers and
a network of student representatives, all elected
by you, work hard to represent your views and
needs to the Union, the University and National
Union of Students (NUS).
There are lots of ways to make your voice
heard: voting in elections and contributing to
consultations, or by taking up one of the various
roles as an elected representative.
Advice and support
Our Just Ask service provides free, friendly,
impartial and confidential advice to all students
on everything from academic issues to
welfare and housing. Wealso offer mentoring,
mediation, student-led support groups
and study skills workshops.
The best of student life
£30
millionrefurbishment of
the Richmond Building
Join us online
bristolsu.org.uk
bristolsu
@Bristol_SU
bristol_su
bristolsu.org.uk
26 INTRODUCTION
THE BESTOF STUDENT LIFE
29. Bristol’s excellent sports and
fitness facilities will help you
stay on top of your game inan
environment that promotes a
proactive approach to sports,
health and wellbeing.
Something for everyone
Weencourage every student at Bristol to lead
a healthy and active lifestyle. So whether you
are looking to compete at the highest level, bring
sport to the local community or try something
new to keep fit, we offer something to suit all
levels of ability, interest and experience.
Our range of memberships offer great value
for money, giving you free or discounted access
to the University’s extensive sports facilities
which include:
• an indoor sports centre on the main campus
featuring The Pulse health and fitness suite,
studios, an indoor jogging track, sports hall
and sports medicine clinic;
• a 33-metre swimming pool in the
Richmond Building;
• the Coombe Dingle Sports Complex featuring
first-class pitches for a range of sports,
state-of-the-art strength and conditioning
suite, and indoor tennis centre;
• a brand new £1.2 million boathouse
at Saltford on the River Avon;
• an outdoor gym and multi-use games area
• a gym at Langford Veterinary School,
Hiatt Baker Hall and Badock Hall;
• exclusive use of squash courts at nearby
Bristol Grammar School and Kingsdown
SportsCentre.
Sports clubs and programmes
The Students’ Union, Bristol SU, has more than
50 sports clubs, ranging from cycling to ultimate
frisbee and from American football to skydiving.
This means plenty of opportunities to play
sport at university representative level; in the
Intramural Programme; or as part of the UBU
ActiveProgramme.
Sport Performance Squad
Our Sport Performance Squad helps student
athletes continue their sporting careers without
compromising academic achievements.
Members develop a personal action plan,
supported by services such as nutrition advice,
physiotherapy and mentoring. The squad
has supported Olympians, Commonwealth
medallists and world champions.
Scholarships
Exceptional student athletes can apply for sports
scholarships including the Vice-Chancellor’s
Award and Lloyd Robinson, Dave Attwood,
Jeavons-Fellows Rugby and Undergraduate
Rowing scholarships.
Sports and healthy living
53sports clubs ranging from
gliding tovolleyball
Coach and
volunteer
Gain coaching qualifications
and volunteer through
sport at Bristol
bristol.ac.uk/sport
28 INTRODUCTION
SPORTS AND HEALTHY LIVING
31. Bristol is a city rich in culture.
From art galleries and museums
to concert venues and theatres,
you’re sure to find somewhereto
indulge your creativepassions.
Thecity
Bristol is home to a wide range of exciting cultural
venues, including renowned galleries and small
independent arts projects. The Royal West of
England Academy and Bristol’s Museum and
Art Gallery, both within a five-minute walk of the
University, host major art shows and exhibitions
of internationally recognised artists.
The Harbourside is the city’s cultural hub. Here
you’ll find the M Shed, a fascinating museum
which tells the story of the city, and the celebrated
Arnolfini Centre for Contemporary Arts.
If you are interested in film you’ll find multiplexes
showing the latest blockbusters, as well as
independent cinemas such as the Watershed
that work in partnership with the University to
explore design and creative technology.
Catch popular musicals at the Hippodrome,
witness pioneering performances at the Old
Vic, the UK’s oldest working theatre, and see
performances from just about every genre of
music at Colston Hall.
from around the world. Whatever your passions,
some of the best facilities are on your doorstep;
the Students’ Union is home to two theatres,
several dance studios, a pottery room, music
practice rooms and a photographic darkroom,
as well as one of the city’s biggest gig venues,
The AnsonRooms.
From arts to literature to music, you can make
many exciting discoveries on campus. If you’re
interested in drama and theatre history, lose
yourself in the world’s largest archive of British
theatre history, housed in the Theatre Department,
with over 100,000 items spanning from 1572
to the presentday.
Explore your love of literature and writing with the
University’s Penguin Archive, a comprehensive
collection of Penguin books dating back to 1935.
From the University Symphony Orchestra to
the University Barbershop Singers, all students
have the opportunity to join a musical group,
or to watch classical concerts and recitals at
The VictoriaRooms.
Whatever your future career aspirations, getting
involved with the arts at Bristol is an enjoyable
way to make yourself stand out to employers.
Demonstrate your leadership skills by taking
on a committee position, or organise a play
or exhibition to develop and showcase your
organisational ability.
If you are interested in a working in the arts
sector, our Careers Service can help you gain
experience of the many arts organisations in the
city. Bristol has a strong tradition of supporting
the arts, with many of our alumni making their
name in the creative industries including film
star Simon Pegg, Greg Doran, artistic director
of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and Julia
Donaldson, Children’s Laureate and author of
TheGruffalo.
Arts and culture
300+clubs and societies ranging from
the Breakdance Society to the
Book Club, the Nordic Society
to thePhotoSoc.
World’s
largest archive
of British theatre history,
with over 100,000 items
The University
As a student at Bristol, you can join a wealth of
dynamic arts societies ranging from the Drama
Society and the Opera Society to the more
unusual Panto Soc and Bristol Improv.
Bristol’s diverse population is reflected in the
many cultural appreciation student groups that
you can join to explore and celebrate cultures
bristol.ac.uk
30 INTRODUCTION
ARTS AND CULTURE
32. The Winston Theatre in the Students’ Union
bristol.ac.uk
INTRODUCTION
ARTS AND CULTURE 31
33. Live in a leading city
Lush green spaces and
famous performance
venues like the Bristol Old
Vic are just minutes from
the University
Bristol is famous for
its festivals and holds
more than any other
European city
The University of
Bristol is right at the
heart of the city
bristol.ac.uk/citybristol
32 INTRODUCTION
LIVE IN A LEADING CITY
34. There’s much more to Bristol
than Banksy, Brunel and hot air
balloons. It’s a vibrant, friendly
city that’s really geared towards
student life.
Welcome to Bristol
With lively music and arts scenes, enticing
places to eat and drink, a fantastic range of
shops and plenty of relaxing green spaces,
you are sure to feel at home here.
As the largest city in the South West of England,
Bristol combines the traditions of a historic city
with the atmosphere of a fast-paced, dynamic
and modern metropolis.
Thanks to its thriving cultural life and strong
independent spirit, the city also holds a number
of prestigious accolades. Bristol was voted the
best university for city life in the 2015 Whatuni
Student Choice Awards, is one of only six UK
science cities and was named Europe’s best
small city of the future by influential business
publication FDimagazine.
bristol.ac.uk/citybristol
INTRODUCTION
LIVE IN A LEADING CITY 33
35. The sound of Bristol
Bristol is famous for its diverse music scene,
with festivals championing new music and
venues where you can enjoy everything from
unsigned bands to chart acts. Gig spaces vary
from pubs such as The Louisiana and The
Fleece to the O2 Academy and Anson Rooms
for big-name bands. Bristol’s clubbing scene
has it all too, from huge venues to sleek hip-hop
basement bars. For something more chilled,
Colston Hall and St George’s stage classical,
folk and world music concerts.
A festival city
The city plays host to a wide range of festivals
all year round. These include the International
Balloon Fiesta; Bristol Harbour Festival; music
festivals such as Bristol Summer Series and
Love Saves the Day; and Upfest, Europe’s
largest urban art festival.
Eat, drink and shop
Bristol’s central shopping area, Cabot Circus,
is packed with big-name department stores
and famous high street names. If you’re looking
for something a bit different there are hundreds
of distinctive independent shops close to the
University in Clifton Village, Park Street and
Gloucester Road which is home to the largest
number of independent traders in the UK.
There’s an abundance of good food too. As
well as the usual array of curry houses and
takeaways for cheap eats, Bristol is home to top-
end restaurants including Casamia and Bordeaux
Quay, the UK’s first eco-restaurant. Global food
in all its diversity is celebrated in Bristol, where
you will find a range of ethnic eateries.
A safe city
For the past five years Bristol city centre has
been awarded the Purple Flag which recognises
that our city centre is a safe and vibrant place to
enjoy a night out.
A green capital
Bristol has earned a reputation as a green city
based on the quality of its open spaces. Bristol
has over 450 parks and open spaces for you
to enjoy, proportionately more per square metre
than any other city in the UK. In 2015 the city
was named European Green Capital for the year,
the first British city to be awarded the title
A city for life
When you experience the quality of life Bristol
has to offer – the perfect mix of urban bustle
and rural tranquillity – you will be pleased that
you chose to come here. Many of our students
love Bristol so much that they stay here after
graduation, with a fifth of our graduates finding
work with local employers such as the BBC,
NHS, Deloitte and Rolls Royce.
Best city to be
a graduate
Bristol was voted the best
city in which to be a graduate
by The Sunday Times, 2015
450parks, proportionately more
than any other city in
the UK
34
bristol.ac.uk/citybristol
INTRODUCTION
LIVE IN A LEADING CITY
37. Aplace to call home
For many of you, moving to
a new city is one of themost
exciting parts of youruniversity
experience. With it comes a
sense of independence as
well as new opportunitiesand
challenges. OurAccommodation
Office will help you to find the
perfect place to live and makethe
transition to university life as easy
aspossible.
Choosing where to live
Our residences are more than just a place to
eat and sleep, they are dynamic and exciting
communities that will become your home for
your first year. You will have the chance to mix
with students from around the world and meet
people who will become your friends for life.
Wehave accommodation to suit all tastes, from
shared Georgian townhouses in colourful Clifton
to large modern residences right in the city
centre. Where you choose to live will depend
on the experience you are looking for, your
budget and how independent you want to be.
There is a real mixture of new and old, big and
small, catered and self-catered. Many of our
residences are within walking distance of the
main University campus.
36 INTRODUCTION
A PLACETO CALL HOME
bristol.ac.uk/accommodation
39. Our halls and student houses are
based in three areas:
Stoke Bishop
• A student village of six halls housing over
2000 students with a mixture of catered
and self-catered halls
• Halls range in size from 228 places at
Durdham Hall, to 740 places at Hiatt Baker
• Each hall has its own bar/common room,
computer room and study room
• There is a dedicated bus service to and
fromcampus.
Clifton
• The area is made up of three halls and a number
of student houses located near the independent
shops of CliftonVillage
• Each residence has its own bar/commonroom
• The Universityand the city centre are
within a short walking distance.
City centre
• There are a number of centrally-located student
houses and halls of residences owned in
partnership with external housing companies
• The University, city centre and Harbourside
are all within a short walking distance.
Accommodation guarantee
Weguarantee to make an offer of accommodation
to all new undergraduates who accept Bristol as
their firm choice and apply by the given deadline.
Our accommodation guarantee is subject to
conditions. Find out more at bristol.ac.uk/
accommodation/undergraduate/guarantee.
in your hall throughout the year. Events include
fancy dress nights, pub quizzes and all-day
music festivals. You will be able to suggest
events to your JCR and take an active role
in organising them.
Whether you plan to live at home or in private
accommodation, you will have plenty of
opportunities to meet new people at the
University’s welcome events. The student
network Brunel organises socials for students
living outside of halls. Members of the JCR
committee represent you at Students’ Union
Council meetings and help you get involved
with University-wide initiatives such as
HEETs– student networks that collaborate on
environmental and ethical issues, and projects
in halls and the wider University and community.
How much will it cost?
Accommodation fees vary but the table below
will give you a good idea of how much you will
need to budget for:
Room type Weekly cost* Annual fee*
Self-catered
Shared £78-£89 £3,284-£3,748
Standard single
(nobasin)
£98-£134 £4,111-£5,758
Large ensuite £152 £6,832
Catered
Shared £124-£130 £5,197-£5,455
Standard single
(nobasin)
£137-£159 £5,755-£6,698
Ensuite £179 £7,525
Typicalaccommodation fees for a 42 or 43week tenancy
(based on 2015/16figures).
*Figuresrounded to nearest pound. Accommodation fees include
a bus pass, internet, heating and electricity costs. Additional
compulsory costs include insurance, a damage depositand
a Junior Common Roomsubscription.
Visit before you apply
You will have the opportunity to visit a selection
of our residences on the undergraduate open
days on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 June,
and Friday 9 September 2016.
In the meantime, you may wish to take a
virtual tour of our residences at bristol.ac.uk/
accommodation/ug.
After your first year
Most students move into private accommodation
after their first year. The cost of renting privately
will depend on the size, quality and location
of the property you choose. The most popular
areas with students are those close to the
University: Kingsdown, Clifton, Cotham and
Redland. If you are willing to venture a little
further out you will find cheaper rents.
Costs vary between £300-£500 per calendar
month, with £375 per calendar month plus bills
being the average you can expect to pay.
Accommodation advice and support
Our Accommodation Office can help you find
somewhere to live and offer advice on both
University and private accommodation for the
duration of your time at Bristol.
Weprovide specialist advice to those with
particular needs, such as students with
disabilities and those with young families.
Weaim to provide you with the perfect place
to live and continue to invest in our residences.
Wewill do everything we can to make sure you
feel at home throughout your time at Bristol.
38
Joining a community
All residences have a Junior Common Room
(JCR), a committee of students who run events
bristol.ac.uk/accommodation
INTRODUCTION
A PLACETO CALL HOME
41. Looking after your wellbeing
We want you to get the most
out of your time at university.
Our comprehensive network
of student services willensure
you have access to supportfor
allaspects of university life–
academic, personal andpractical.
Looking after your health
Bristol is one of only two universities in the UK
to run a full NHS GP practice. It provides all
the usual GP services and is run by a team of
doctors, nurses and administrative staff who
have a wealth of experience in working with
students and their dependants.
Counselling service
Our Student Counselling Service provides a
safe place for you to talk through any problems.
It offers a wide range of services including
individual counselling and therapeutic group
sessions, a well-stocked resource library and
workshops covering topics such as how to
cope withstress.
Childcare
Our subsidised day nursery is conveniently
located on the main campus. It canaccommodate
children from three months to five years and is
open weekdays throughout the year.
Disability support
Disability Services provides advice and study
support for students with long-term health
conditions including mental health difficulties (eg
anxiety, depression), specific learning difficulties
(eg dyslexia), autism spectrum conditions
(eg Asperger’s syndrome), sensory (vision and
hearing) impairments, and mobility difficulties.
It is best to contact us early in the application
process so we can advise you on the support
that may be available to you and how to
accessit.
Support for care leavers
Weoffer guidance and support to young people
leaving care throughout their time at Bristol and
can provide specific information on financial
help, accommodation and pastoral support.
Faith and spiritual support
The Multifaith Chaplaincy Centre offers support
to all members of the University regardless
of belief or background. The centre hosts a
number of worship and meditation groups,
as well as lunches and other opportunities to
explore faith and spirituality.
Healthy lifestyles
Wewant you to have the best student
experience possible and stay healthy and
active during your time at Bristol. That’s why
we provide great facilities for sport and physical
activity, and a range of programmes designed
to help you make healthy lifestyle choices.
A safe environment
Bristol has been awarded the police certification
of a ‘secured environment’. Wedo not tolerate
any form of bullying, harassment or victimisation
and we are committed to providing a fair and
safe environment in which students can study
and socialise.
International student support
Our International Teamwill support you from
the moment you accept an offer, right through
to graduation. This includes a meet and greet
service at Heathrow and Bristol airports,
an exciting programme of welcome events
and practical support as you settle in during
September. Throughout the rest of the year,
our team of International Students Ambassadors
organise outings and events and provide
ongoing support.
1,800appointments per week offered
by the Students’ Health Service
during term-time
Dedicated
student health
service
Bristol is one of only two
universities to have a full
NHS GP service
bristol.ac.uk/study
40 INTRODUCTION
LOOKING AFTERYOUR WELLBEING
43. Bursaries and scholarships
Studying at university is
one of the most significant
investments you will ever make
and financing your studiesmay
seem daunting at first. If you
have the talent and ability to
succeed at Bristol, concerns
about funding your studies
should not stop you from
applying. The University offers
a range of generousbursaries
and scholarships to help with the
costs of studying and living here.
UK bursaries
The 2017 bursary support package will be
announced in summer 2016. As a guide, the
bursary support for 2016 entrants is as follows:
Access to Bristol bursaries
The University continues to invest in the local
community by offering additional bursaries to
local students from low income households.
One example is the Access to Bristol scheme
which gives local students a taste of life at the
University by providing access to its academic
expertise and facilities.
Students who successfully complete the Access
to Bristol scheme and meet the qualifying
household income threshold will be eligible for
the Access to Bristol bursary. Details of the 2017
Access to Bristol bursary will be announced in
summer 2016. As a guide, the bursary for 2016
entrants is as follows:
• a full tuition fee waiver for the first year
of study only, in addition to a living cost
bursary of £3,750 for the first year;
• a living cost bursary of £3,750 for each
subsequent year of study, provided that
the recipient continues to meet the
eligibility criteria.
Find out more about the scheme and how to
apply at bristol.ac.uk/access-to-bristol.
Householdincome Bursary entitlement
£25,000 orbelow £2,000
£25,001-£30,000 £1,250
£35,001-£40,000
£40,001-£42,620
£750
£500
Conditions apply. Tofind out if you areeligible,visit
bristol.ac.uk/fees-funding.
University of Bristol Financial
Assistance Fund
The University has invested in its own financial
assistance funds to provide discretionary
additional support for UK undergraduate
students who, through no fault of their own,
find themselves in financial difficulty.
There are also a small number of special
scholarships available:
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships are available
to undergraduate students with exceptional
musical, dramatic or sporting talent outside their
normal field of study. Last year 20 scholarships
of up to £3,000 were available.
Find out more about the scholarships and
how to apply at bristol.ac.uk/fees-funding/
awards/vc-scholarship.
Lloyds Scholars
The Lloyds Scholars Programme is open to
UK students, or EU students currently residing in
the UK, where the annual household income is
£25,000 or less.
Find out more about the programme and how
to apply at bristol.ac.uk/fees-funding/
awards/lloyds.
Scholarships for international students
A number of International Office Scholarships
are available to high-achieving international
students. The scholarships are allocated to
students from a number of different countries,
which are nominated on a rotational basis.
Tofind out more about any of our scholarships
and bursaries visit bristol.ac.uk/fees-funding/
search.
Please note: all figures are quoted from 2016. Details
for 2017 are not available at the time of going to print.
All figures are therefore subject to change.
bristol.ac.uk/ug-fees-funding
42 INTRODUCTION
BURSARIES AND SCHOLARSHIPS
45. #wearebristoluni
Here’sa look at the University
from our students on Instagram.
Check out our Instagrampage
and visit the hashtag to see
more fantastic shots ofBristol.
UniversityofBristol
44 INTRODUCTION
#WEAREBRISTOLUNI
Physics Building and Royal Fort Gardens in the sun
bristol.ac.uk
46. Mirror maze in Royal Fort Gardens
Harbourside The Clifton Suspension Bridge at night
Sciences vs Arts social Snow day Bristol Improv Society
bristol.ac.uk
#WEAREBRISTOLUNI 45
47. Discover more
Want to see more?
Takea 360° virtual tour and
explore some of our schools and
facilities from our website
bristol.ac.uk/visit
Become a VIP
Register now and discover
exclusive news and updates
about the subjects you’re
most interested in
If you are ready to find out more
about becoming a student at the
University of Bristol we are here
to answer your questions. There
are many ways to visit, meet and
research us online.
Visit the University
The best way to get a sense of living and
studying in Bristol is at one of our undergraduate
open days. Visit bristol.ac.uk/opendays.
Our 2016 open days will take place on:
Friday 17 June 2016
Saturday 18 June 2016
Friday 9 September 2016
Booking early is essential as places fill quickly.
For our June open days booking opens online
from 4 May 2016, and for September booking
opens on 27 July 2016.
Start exploring the University of
Bristol online
If you can’t visit in person, or just can’t wait for
the open days, we run guided tours and open
afternoons throughout the year. You can also
explore University buildings and residencies
with a virtual tour, or download our self-guided
walking tour and visit the University at a time
that suits you.
bristol.ac.uk/visit
Our website contains information on all aspects
of student life and the application process
including up-to-date course and admissions
information via the online course finder.
Visit bristol.ac.uk/ug-study.
You can sign up to Bristol VIP to create your
personal web page for exclusive content and
updates about the subjects you are interested
in. Visitbristol.ac.uk/vip.
Meet the team
There are several ways to meet with us and ask
questions in person. You can come and meet
us at one of the higher education or careers
fairs we attend throughout the UK. Visit bristol.
ac.uk/study/teachers/post-16/events.
Weregularly visit schools and colleges to give
talks and run workshops about life at university
and the admissions process. If you are a teacher
or careers adviser, find out more on our website.
Visitbristol.ac.uk/study/teachers.
If you’re considering returning to study,
we hold information sessions in the autumn.
Visit bristol.ac.uk/study/mature.
International applicants
If you live overseas, our international recruitment
advisers attend education exhibitions around
the world. You can find a list of upcoming dates
on the website, or contact the team for further
details. Visitbristol.ac.uk/international/
ug-study.
Tel:+44 (0)117 331 8591
Email: choose-bristol@bristol.ac.uk
Speak to the Enquiries Team
If you have any questions about a course
or about making an application, contact the
Enquiries Team.
Tel:+44 (0)117 394 1649
Email: choosebristol-ug@bristol.ac.uk
@ChooseBristolUG
bristoluniversity
UniversityofBristol
UniversityofBristol
bristol.ac.uk/ug-study
46 INTRODUCTION
DISCOVERMORE
49. BIOLOGY A-LEVEL (SEE ALSO SCIENCE)
Dental Hygiene 75
Palaeontology and Evolution 92
Veterinary Nursing and Bioveterinary Science 133
Veterinary Science 134
CHEMISTRY A-LEVEL (SEE ALSO SCIENCE)
Biochemistry 58
Biochemistry with Medical Biochemistry 58
Biochemistry with Molecular Biology
and Biotechnology 58
Cancer Biology and Immunology 62
Cellular and Molecular Medicine 62
Chemical Physics 64
Chemistry 65
Dentistry 77
Medical Microbiology 63
Medicine 111
Pathology and Microbiology 111
Pharmacology 115
Veterinary Nursing and Bioveterinary Science 133
Veterinary Science 134
Virology and Immunology 63
ENGLISHA-LEVEL
English 84
HISTORY A-LEVEL
History 98
LANGUAGES A-LEVEL
Czech 74
French 90
German 97
Hispanic Studies 122
Italian 102
Modern Languages 112
Portuguese 122
Russian 127
Spanish 131
(Some languages may be studied from beginners’ level,
provided you can demonstrate a proven capacity for
language learning)
MATHEMATICS AND/OR PHYSICS A-LEVEL
(SEE ALSO SCIENCE)
Accounting and Finance 52
Accounting and Management 106
Aerospace Engineering 53
Chemical Physics 64
Chemistry 65
Civil Engineering 67
Computer Science 72
Economics 78
Economics and Accounting 52
Economics and Econometrics 79
Economics and Management 106
Choosing your course
Choosing a university course can be difficult. The following
table gives you some suggestions of the degree courses
that build on the subjects you are already studying at A-level
or equivalent. This list covers the required A-levels for entry
to our courses. Wehope it gives you some ideas about
the broad range of options open to you. Please refer to the
relevant course pages for further details.
COURSESA-Z
CHOOSING YOUR COURSE48
bristol.ac.uk/ug-study
50. The following A-levels are not required
but are preferred subjects that may prove
useful preparation for the courses listed.
CLASSICS/CLASSICAL STUDIES A-LEVEL
Ancient History 54
Classical Studies 68
Classics 69
Liberal Arts 105
DRAMA A-LEVEL
Film and Television 87
Theatre and Film 132
Theatre and Performance Studies 132
Electrical and Electronic Engineering 80 ENGLISHA-LEVEL
Engineering Design 82 Classical Studies 68
Engineering Mathematics 83 Theatre and Film 132
Geophysics 94 Liberal Arts 105
International Business Management* 107 Philosophy 116
Management* 107 HISTORY A-LEVEL
Mathematics 108 Ancient History 54
Mechanical Engineering 110 Anthropology 55
Philosophy and Economics 116 Archaeology and Anthropology
Physics 118 Classical Studies 68
Physics with Astrophysics 119 History of Art 99
Theoretical Physics 119 Liberal Arts 111
MUSIC A-LEVEL Politics and International Relations 105
Music 113 Religion and Theology 126
SCIENCE A-LEVEL (SEE ALSO BIOLOGY, LAW A-LEVEL
CHEMISTRY, MATHEMATICS AND/OR Law 103
Social Policy 128
PHYSICS A-LEVELS) PSYCHOLOGY A-LEVEL
Biology 61 Childhood Studies 76
Environmental Geoscience 95 Psychology 131
Geography 91 RELIGIOUS STUDIES A-LEVEL
Geology 92 Liberal Arts 66
Neuroscience 114 Philosophy 116
Physiological Science 120 Religion and Theology 126
Psychology 120 SOCIOLOGY A-LEVEL
Zoology 61 Childhood Studies 66
*Weare considering removing the Mathematics
requirement. Please visit bristol.ac.uk/ug17-
management. Sociology 130
These suggestions do not reflect the full entry
requirements. There may be additional subject
requirements (eg biology courses require at least
two science or mathematics subjects). Please refer
to the entry requirement tables on the relevant
subject pages.
Enhance your employability and consider one of
our Innovation or Quantitative Research Methods
courses. Details on p100 and p124.
COURSESA-Z
CHOOSING YOUR COURSE 49
bristol.ac.uk/ug-study
51. Course pages explained
This prospectus outlines the
many undergraduate courses
available at the University of
Bristol. More information about
course content, alternativeentry
qualifications and student life
at Bristol can be foundon
our online course finder
bristol.ac.uk/ug-study.
1 Faculty
TheFaculty that the subject belongs to.
2 Fact file
Key facts about thesubject.
3 Whystudy…?
Thissection gives you more detail about studying this subject.
4 Additional course information
Visit the online course finder for more information about individual
units and more detailed entry requirements.
5 Courses available
All the courses availablewithin the subject area are listed here.
Single Honours degrees usuallyhave one subject, but there may be
variations such as study abroad options or industrial placements.
Joint Honours courses allow you to study two subjects, usually
7 Entryrequirements
Thissection lists the typical and contextual entry requirements for
the Single Honours subject. The requirements for Joint Honours
courses are listedon the online course finder. TheUniversity
accepts a wide range ofqualifications.
• EU and Internationalqualifications
For information about international qualifications accepted
from EU and overseas applicants, please visit bristol.ac.uk/
international/countries.
• BTECstudents
If you are studying towards BTEC qualifications please refer
to the individual entry tables on the online course finder.
• Maturestudents
Wewelcome applications from mature students. If you are
studying towards Access qualifications, please refer to the
individual entry tables on the online course finder for entry
requirements. For more information on applying and studying
at Bristol visit bristol.ac.uk/study/mature.
Typicaloffer
Typically,these are the grades we request when you apply for one
of our courses. An offer can be unconditional (ifyou have already
met our requirements) or,more commonly, conditional on you
gaining these grades in your examinations.
Contextual offer (UKonly)
Contextual offers are typicallya grade lower than the standard offer.
Wemay make a contextual offer to applicantswho attend schools
or colleges which ranked in the bottom 40 per cent of all schools
and colleges in the previous academic year according to the
average score per A-level student; the average score achieved for
each individual A-level taken there; and the percentage of students
applying to higher education. Weare committed to recruitingthe
best students to our courses, and we have evidence showing that
students from these schools perform just as well at degree level as
their peers from high-achievingschools.
More information, including a list of these schools, is available
at bristol.ac.uk/ug-apply.
Englishlanguage
Werequire all applicantsto meet particularlanguage requirements
in spoken and written Englishto ensure that you benefit fully from
your degree studies. If you arenot a native speaker of English you
will be asked to provide evidence that you meet the requirements
for your chosen course. Each course will specify one of the
University’s six language profiles,which are explained at
bristol.ac.uk/ug-language-requirements.
Selection
The University assesses applications in accordance with a
clear set of principles, which are explained at bristol.ac.uk/
admissions-policies.
We also publish admissions statements for all of our
courses, which outline how applications are assessed,
if that course holds interviews and what format these
take, etc. The admissions statement for your chosen
course is available within the individual course entry
on the online course finder.
8 Accreditation logos
Accreditation,where applicable, will be indicated on the
courseentry.
9 Find outmore
Visit the school or department’s website.
Further information about how to apply and entrance requirements
can be found onp142.
Cambridge
M1/M2
equally weighted; this table may refer you to another page to find
out more about particularsubject combinations.
6 Number of years/applicants accepted
Table of equivalences
Scottish Highers/
A-level EB IB Advanced Highers
AdvancedWelsh
Baccalaureate Pre-U
Thisindicatesthe duration of the course. Some courses include a
year abroad or working in industry. Thereis also an indicationof the
number of applicants accepted onto the course for entry in 2015.
Please check our online course finder for the latestinformation at
A*AA
AA
A
AA
B
88%
85%
80%
38 (HL18)
36 (HL18)
34 (HL17
AAAAA / AA
AAAAB / AA
AAABB / AB
Requirements are as
for A-levels where
you can substitute
the same non-subject
D2 D3 D3
D3 D3 D3
D3D3
bristol.ac.uk/ug-study. ABB
BBB
BBC
77%
75%
73%
32 (HL16)
31 (HL15)
29 (HL14)
AABBB / AB
BBBBB / BB
BBBBC / BB
specific grade for the
WelshBaccalaureate
Advanced Level
Coregrade.
D3M2/M2
M1/M2
M1/M2 M3
COURSESA-Z
COURSE PAGES EXPLAINED50
bristol.ac.uk/ug-study
52. LAW
LLBLaw
A-levels AAA or A*AB (AAB†) IB 36 (34†)
The Law School is committed to nurturing the
talents of our students. Wehavesmall-group
teaching throughout, and an embedded law clinic
programme, enablingstudents to work on real-life
cases with professionalguidance and support.
Weprovide an intellectuallydemanding, research-
informededucation, alongside activitiesto give you
experienceof legal practice. This will giveyou a
rich, ethicallygrounded appreciation of law in
business and society. Our LLB course is a three-
year qualifyinglaw degree. In the finalyear,all
students produce a 5,000-word project on a topic
of theirchoice. The core and optional units reflect
the wide varietyof approaches to legal research
adopted by the scholars in the LawSchool.
LLB Law with Study in Continental Europe/
LLB Law with StudyAbroad
A-levels AAA or A*AB (AAB†) IB 36 (34†)
You may apply to transfer to these courses at the
end of your first year. Selection is on the basis of
first-year results (and language ability if the
student is going to be studying in a foreign
language). This course gives you the opportunity
to spend your third year abroad at one of
our partner universities in Europe (Belgium,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary,
Italy,the Netherlands or Spain), Singapore, Hong
Kong, Japan, mainland China or Australia.
LLB Law and French/German
A-levels AAA or A*AB (AAB†) IB 36 (34†)
This four-year Joint Honours course, which
leads to a qualifying law degree, gives you the
opportunity to spend your third year at a
French/German university. At Bristol, you study
core units in law, as well as French/German
language, literature and history to degree level.
During your year abroad, you study units in
French/German law. Visit bristol.ac.uk/year-
abroad to find out more.
What are my career prospects?
Our graduates are highly sought after by
employers. Most enter legal practice, with many
securing training contracts with City solicitors’
firms and pupillages at barristers’ chambers, as
well as in key provincial centres such as Bristol.
Our courses will also give you an excellent basis
for working in a varietyof other sectors including
business and finance, the civil service and
themedia.
FACULTY OFSOCIAL SCIENCES AND LAW 103
bristol.ac.uk/law
Why chooseBristol?
• Established student exchanges with
universities in France, Germany, Spain,
Italy, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan,
Australia andmore
• An award-winning student Law Club and
professionally focused societies that
organise events for career development
• Housed in the iconic Wills Memorial
Building, in the heart of the student
centre ofBristol
• New facilities to house a moot court
and a dedicated pro-bonosuite
• Access to Law graduates who organise
skills workshops, networking events
and provide career mentoring
SingleHonours
LLB Law 3 years M100
LLB Law with Study in Continental Europe* 4 years
LLB Law with Study Abroad* 4 years
Applicants accepted (2015 entry): 397 overall
*Entry by transfer from M100 at end of first-year
JointHonours
LLB Law and French 4 years MR11
LLB Law and German 4 years MR12
Applicants accepted (2015 entry): 15 overall
Entry requirements
Typical offer for LLB Law
Visit bristol.ac.uk/ug17-law for Joint Honours
and other qualifications
A-levels Typical offer AAA or A*AB (contextual AAB†
)
IB Diploma 36 points overall with 18 points at
Higher Level (contextual 34 points overall with
17 points at Higher Level†
)
Access Pass Access to HE Diploma with at least
30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit.
LNAT required*
English language profile B (see p50)
GCSE No specific subjects required
Selection UCAS or Common Application (see p50) and LNAT§
Part-time study No
Deferred entry W elcomed
Academic qualifications §
LNAT is the National
Admissions Test for Law. Details are available on the
LNAT website (www.lnat.ac.uk) or the Law School
website (bristol.ac.uk/law)
†
Contextual offer; see p50
Law
Why study Law at Bristol?
As one of the UK’s top ten law schools, we offer
an education that will giveyou a head start in
your career. Our courses will provide you
with excellent legal,analyticaland reasoning skills.
Activitiessuch as mooting, debating and pro-
bono legal provision through our law clinic, will
giveyou a broader understanding of the operation
of law in society. Whateveryour plans, this subject
provides a great foundation for many careers,
both in and out of law. All of our law degrees are
accredited by the Bar Standards Board and the
Solicitors RegulationAuthority.
All applicants must sit the National Admissions
Test for Law (LNAT). Details are availableon the
LNAT website (www.lnat.ac.uk) or the Law
School website (bristol.ac.uk/law).
For more information on these courses,
visit bristol.ac.uk/ug17-law.
Accreditation
• Bar StandardsBoard
www.barstandardsboard.org.uk
• Solicitors Regulation Authority
www.sra.org.uk
Example course page
Thisprospectus contains information for students planning to start university in autumn 2017. Wehave made every effort to ensure all details
are correct at the time of going to press (February2016). However, since this information is subject to change, you are advised to check the
University’s website, bristol.ac.uk/ug-study, for the latest updates.
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