Broadening your horizons

World-leading research academics, bright students, a burgeoning regional business community and pioneering support of leaders and innovators makes the University of Bristol a great place to transform ideas into world-changing projects and enterprises.

Cultivating ideas

The University's Research and Enterprise Development (RED) division can help you develop the appropriate skills and business knowledge needed for you to succeed in your future career.

Enterprise education is about possessing the attitude and skills to make a difference, whether in your own firm or in someone else's. Whether you are starting your own company or are just interested in learning more about enterprise, you're welcome to attend our courses and events. These events are delivered by real entrepreneurs and business leaders (often our own successful graduates) to give you practical and up-to-date guidance on businesses as diverse as ethical banking and film-making.

We give you the chance to learn real practical skills for business, which will be useful if you decide to work for a company but also if you plan to start your own. We help students launch all kinds of businesses, from high-tech software companies to Fairtrade cafés.

Getting involved

There are lots of ways to get involved in enterprise during your time at Bristol. One example is Basecamp, a pioneering student-led business support agency available to students and recent graduates. It provides vital resources such as connections to mentoring and a seed fund of £30,000 for student business ideas. For more information, visit businessbasecamp.co.uk

The student societies Bristol Entrepreneurs and Bristol Social Enterprise host events and projects designed to help you develop your enterprise skills and the University hosts the UK’s only annual student-run Social Enterprise Conference as well as a range of community projects.

You can volunteer for the student-run film production company, InHouse Media and gain work experience and professional media training.

The Students' Union Raising and Giving (RAG) and Student Volunteering programmes offer opportunities for charitable work, along with related training and personal development courses. There are currently around 30 individual projects, running autonomously or in co-operation with external organisations. Past projects have included providing support to older and isolated people and a training programme for young adults with learning disabilities

Enhancing your employability

Getting involved in enterprise education and volunteering while you're at university will help you to develop an interest in different forms of business, and the skills you'll learn will increase your chances of employment in the future.