FULBRIGHT AWARDS

University of Bristol

LogoThe Sunday Times has described the University of Bristol as 'one of the jewels of British higher education' and 'at the cutting edge academically'. The Times has said that 'Research is Bristol's traditional strength', something that was confirmed in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.

The University punches above its weight, generating far more new knowledge than one might expect from an institution of its relatively modest size. No comparable place has as many Fellows of the Royal Society on its active and emeritus staff. Bristol is compact, concentrated, focused. Its academics set high standards, work creatively within and across disciplines and are globally networked. The University already makes a positive impact on the world, but is hungry to achieve more and is investing accordingly.

Bristol values teaching as much as research and regards the two as intimately connected. It expects a lot from its students; they rise to the challenge because they are gifted, enterprising and well supported. To quote The Times again, Bristol's '33 excellent teaching ratings represent one of the largest totals in the university system'. The University nurtures creativity, determination and independence of mind. It does not seek to put its stamp on its students so much as to help them put their stamp on the University. The students thrive, both while they are here and in their subsequent careers. Employers know that a Bristol degree is something to be reckoned with.

Bristol's alumni include an impressive number of innovators, entrepreneurs and influencers in a wide range of fields, from business to research and from public policy to the arts. Many of them rise to leadership positions across society, both in the UK and overseas.

LogoCompetitive and ambitious though it is, the University is also an open, welcoming community and an exceptionally positive environment in which to work and study. It is collegial and wonderfully diverse. It is a beautiful place at the heart of a beautiful city. And, like the city, it manages to be dynamic and innovative while retaining a certain laid-back charm.

Bristol is arguably the UK's most popular university in terms of the number of applicants per place, but it is not looking to increase its undergraduate numbers substantially. It wants to retain its characteristic intimacy and warmth. Any expansion will come mainly at the postgraduate level. Undergraduates will reap the rewards of an ever richer and deeper learning environment.

The institution's principal aims are twofold: to drive an already ambitious research agenda harder and faster and so produce even greater benefits for society and scholarship; and to keep raising the quality of its students' learning experience. The University of Bristol is and will remain a profoundly exciting place where exceptional people from all backgrounds and from all over the world achieve great things.

Fast Facts

Life in Bristol

Most of the University's 370 buildings - Logomany of which are officially listed as being of special architectural or historical significance - are located in the heart of this lively, creative, multicultural city.

A short stroll from the University precinct down Park Street with its stylish shops will take you to Bristol's beautiful historic harbour. There you will find all kinds of diversions, from boats to bars and from cinemas to street art. Walk the other way from the University precinct and you will soon be on the Downs - a huge expanse of green extending to the dramatic Avon Gorge and Isambard Kingdom Brunel's stunning Suspension Bridge.

The Government has named Bristol as one of the UK's five 'Centres of Cultural Excellence'. It is easy to see why. As well as all the things you might expect – cinemas, theatres, concert halls, museums, and galleries – Bristol offers some more unusual treats, including a kite festival, hot-air balloon fiesta, short film and animation season and food fairs. It also has a famously dynamic music and club scene. Bristol has also been designated by the Government as a 'Science City', reflecting its long tradition of innovation, enterprise and productive partnership between industry and academia.

In November 2008, Bristol was given the 2009 European City of the Year award by the Academy of Urbanism.

Bristol has character. It is a thousand years old but right at the cutting edge. It is dynamic yet laid back, culturally rich but unpretentious. And it is big enough to provide everything you need while remaining human in scale.