Frequently asked questions
We have listed some of the most common frequently asked questions by Parents and Carers, particularly those which concern admissions and visiting the University. Many of these are specific to the University of Bristol, but for others the advice is common to all universities. If your query is not answered on any of the information pages, or below, please feel free to contact the relevant office. If you have questions you feel should be listed, please email us, ug-recruitment@bristol.ac.uk.
Admissions
How should my son/daughter choose their school/college subjects?
Some subjects at University require specific subjects to have been studied at A-Level or equivalent and these can be viewed in the entry criteria tables in our online prospectus. Otherwise, your son/daughter should consider what subjects they enjoy studying and where these could lead in terms of university courses. All departments at the University of Bristol publish admissions statements and these can be useful in seeing whether there are preferred subjects for entrance.
Is it an advantage for my son/daughter to study four subjects through to A2 level?
All offers at the University of Bristol are made on the basis of three grades only. Before deciding on whether to carry a fourth, or even fifth subject through to A2 level, your son/daughter should consider whether this is likely to jeopardise their success in other subjects. Departmental admissions statements provide details of the subjects and subject combinations identified as preparing candidates for their chosen programme of study and are useful for your son/daughter in deciding which subjects to study through to A2 level.
What are your entry requirements for SQA/IB/Welsh Bacc/BTEC/Access/International Qualifications?
Entry criteria for these qualifications can be found in our online prospectus. Our international pages carry a listing of equivalents for overseas qualifications.
Is it in my son/daughter’s interests to apply as soon as possible?
Although some departments may begin to make offers earlier, equal consideration is given to all candidates who apply by the deadline of January 15. Some departments will avoid making offers until after January 15 to ensure all applicants are treated fairly.
The exception to this is for applications to Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science; your son/daughter’s application must be received by October 15.
Is it okay for me to help my son/daughter write their UCAS personal statement?
Whilst your son/daughter will appreciate your support when writing their personal statement, the admissions team are used to reading thousands of personal statements and are likely to have a very good idea if parents have been too heavily involved.
What should students do to guarantee success when applying to the University of Bristol?
We use a holistic assessment process and take into account all available information to make a decision about each applicant on an individual basis. No single aspect of any application alone leads to acceptance or rejection.
How many applications do you receive?
We publish the numbers of applications and places on our online prospectus for each course although this does not reflect the number of offers the University makes; a proportion of students will select other universities as their firm choice and some students unfortunately will not meet the terms of their conditional offer. We receive approximately 11 applications for each undergraduate place but this number varies substantially between courses.
Can you see where else my son/daughter has applied?
UCAS operates an invisibility policy. This means that the universities your son/daughter applies to cannot see the other institutions where they have applied. This information is only released once you have accepted or declined your offer from the University. Applicants do not rank universities on their UCAS form; they are processed alphabetically.
What happens if my son/daughter narrowly misses their offer?
The University makes a larger number of offers than places on the basis that applicants have five UCAS choices and only a proportion of those offer holders will make Bristol their firm or insurance choice. Some applicants may also be unsuccessful in meeting the terms of their conditional offer. If, in the event that there are more spaces than those who have successfully met the terms of their offer, the relevant admissions tutor will make a decision based on your son/daughter’s examination marks and personal statement. Your son/daughter should contact their firm choice or view UCAS track before assuming they have not been accepted at their first choice institution.
Should my son/daughter take a gap year?
If your son/daughter plans on taking a gap year they should consider carefully what experiences and skills they will gain/ develop and should explain their reasons in their personal statement. Our online prospectus indicates whether deferred applications are welcomed; many departments limit the numbers of deferrals to ensure fairness to those applying in the following application cycle.
My son/daughter has been ill during their examinations; I am worried s/he will not achieve the grades they require.
If your son/daughter has any extenuating circumstances, the admissions team must be made aware of these well ahead of results day, to allow the relevant admissions contact to make a decision should your son/daughter miss their offer. There is no appeal following the publication of results.
Visiting the University
Is it possible to visit the University before making an application?
The annual University open days are held in June and September. We also offer walking tours of the University, usually during the summer months. If your son/daughter is unable to make one of these visits, we recommend you download our walking tour podcast or MP3 files which provide a guided commentary of the University’s facilities.
How should my son/daughter prepare for visiting the University?
An open day factsheet is available to download which provides information about how to get the most out of an open/visit day.
Can my son/daughter see the University facilities before making Bristol their firm choice?
If your son/daughter is offered a place at the University they will be invited to a post-offer visit day. This is a good opportunity to find out more about course specifics and speak to tutors before accepting an offer.
Note: some of the documents on this page are in PDF format. In order to view a PDF you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader
Student funding and finance
For funding information and advice, please visit our Money Matters pages. If you have any further enquiries regarding student funding and sources of financial support, the Student Funding Office will be happy to help.