STUDY AT BRISTOL

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Applying to Bristol

Wide range of courses

We have over 200 undergraduate degrees to choose from.

In addition, the University has a portfolio of short courses at every level and postgraduate study opportunities in all faculties.

Full-time undergraduate programmes

There is a wide range of degree programmes available at Bristol from Archaeology to Engineering Design to Childhood Studies.

Details of our degree programmes are available in the undergraduate prospectus. To order a print copy please complete the prospectus request form. You can also contact our Mature Students’ Adviser, who will be happy to discuss courses and entry requirements with you.


Undergraduate courses

Part-time undergraduate degrees

There are several undergraduate degrees that can be studied on a part-time basis.

These include Classical Studies, Social Policy, English Literature, Community Engagement and many more. All part-time degrees are listed in the a-z programme listing in the undergraduate prospectus.

Part-time courses

Part-time certificate and diploma programmes

These programmes cover a range of subjects at undergraduate level, with a few at postgraduate level. They are run at different times of the day but some operate in the evenings and at weekends. For more information please see our part-time lifelong learning pages.

Part-time study

Postgraduate taught programmes and research

These are a major part of the University's portfolio of work. Full details of the subjects offered can be found in the University's postgraduate prospectus. Many of these programmes can be followed by part-time study and are designed to build upon experience as well as previous formal study.

Postgraduate courses

Foundation Year in Arts

A one-year introduction to the arts and humanities that will help prepare you to study for an undergraduate degree.

Find out more

Information on the application process

First steps

Be sure about what you want to study. You may already have an idea about this, but if not, a browse through the prospectus or a visit on an open day or information session may help you to decide.

Look out for any special abilities a subject requires. Some programmes, mostly in the Sciences, Engineering and Languages, require one or more specific A-levels or the equivalent because the curriculum assumes that all students have attained a particular level of subject-specific knowledge at the point of entry. You can get advice on the acceptable equivalents from the Mature Students’ Adviser.

Preparing to apply

It is important to prepare adequately for higher education. If you have been away from study for some time it is worth taking a preparatory course. Any course which involves both studying independently and doing written work should serve the purpose, but it is wise to check with the University. While you could take A-levels, there are several other possibilities such as Access to Higher Education courses, Open University programmes and University of Bristol part-time certificate programmes.

What qualifications do I need?

We welcome students with a broad range of experience and qualifications. In considering applications from adults we take into account a range of vocational qualifications and occupational and life experiences, as well as more traditional qualifications. Although some mature students applying for undergraduate degrees do have A-levels, we welcome mature students with other qualifications such as Access.

Mature applicants may be expected to show evidence of recent academic study. Whatever course you apply for you will need to demonstrate that you are motivated, and committed to degree-level study.

Access to Higher Education

Access to Higher Education courses are a popular route into university for many mature students. Many local further education colleges offer Access courses. Access courses are designed with adults in mind. They provide preparation in specific subjects and give you the opportunity to build your confidence and study skills.

Details of Access to Higher Education courses provided by further education colleges in the Bristol area are available from Open College Network South West Region (OCNSWR).

It's a good idea to check the appropriateness of the Access subjects for your chosen degree area. Our Mature Students’ Adviser will be happy to advise you on this.

For 2010 entry, we will be making graded offers to Access students. Please visit our online prospectus for details on individual course offers. For further information on Access courses visit the UCAS website, or the QAA Access website.

Making your application

In preparing your application, you need to show what you have learned in settings other than education. In both voluntary and paid work you will have had to acquire the organisational and time-management skills essential for successful study at university. Be careful to draw these and other skills to the attention of the admissions tutor; they will show that you have thought hard about what studying will involve.

Some of the key things admissions tutors are looking for from mature students include:

  • a clear interest in the subject you are applying to study;
  • explanation of your route into education and why you want to study for a degree now;
  • how your life and/or work experiences relate to your chosen degree area;
  • evidence of research into the subject;
  • a good standard of written English.

Please note that if you are applying for any of our Law programmes you will need to take the LNAT test as part of the application process for the University of Bristol. There is a deadline for taking the test and further information can be found on the LNAT website.

Reference

You will need a reference for your application. An academic referee is best, but a work referee can also be acceptable. Your referee should be able to comment on your ‘readiness’ and potential for higher education.

After you apply

Many departments interview mature candidates. To find out whether or not an interview is part of the selection process for the area you have chosen, take a look at the undergraduate admissions statements.

Mature students guide

The Mature Students Guide
(PDF, 616 Kb) is designed to help students with their application to study at the University of Bristol.

Information sessions and individual appointments for mature students

The University of Bristol understands that the university experience is not the same for a mature student as it is for an 18-year-old. But it can still be a very rich and rewarding experience. Our Mature Students' Adviser is on hand to offer a range of advice and guidance, including:

  • answering your queries about applying to Bristol, including the entrance requirements for specific courses;
  • liaising between you and specific department and admissions tutors;
  • helping you find information about support services to help you succeed while on your degree course;
  • running events such as information sessions, to help you find out about the University and its courses.

The sessions feature a short talk by the Mature Students’ Adviser, and current students will share their experiences of studying at Bristol. There will also be an opportunity to tour the University facilities. The sessions are held during term-time, so it will not be possible to speak to admissions tutors or visit specific departments.

You may also want to visit us on our next undergraduate open day where the Mature Student's Adviser will be giving a talk. Please visit our open days site for more information.

Individual appointments

You may wish to discuss your situation individually with the Mature Students' Adviser. Appointments are available on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Visit dates

Friday 11 October, 2-4 pm

Wednesday 23 October, 2-4pm

Wednesday 27 November 2-4pm

To book a visit place or to make an individual appointment with a Mature Students' Adviser please email:
wpur-office@bristol.ac.uk
or telephone +44 (0)117 954 5937.