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UWE Bristol

Frenchay campus, bristol united kingdom, # 741-750 qs world university rankings, 106 undergraduate programs, 93 postgraduate programs, 8560 international students, about uwe bristol.

UWE Bristol is an ambitious, progressive university based in one of the UK’s most vibrant and creative cities. We’re focused on solving future global challenges through outstanding learning, world-leading research and a culture of enterprise. We empower you to develop yourself, so that you can achieve your goals – both personally and professionally.

Our courses have been developed with students’ future careers in mind, and we have created an impressive learning environment with facilities that inspire. You’ll be welcomed into a community which will challenge, excite, and support you, so you’ll graduate with the skills and experience needed to succeed in your future career.

With three campuses spanning Bristol, you’ll benefit from living in a lively and exciting location, with a secure and supportive campus community. At UWE Bristol , we nearly 40,000 students representing 163 countries, and offer nearly 700 courses, covering a wide range of subject areas. You’ll benefit from a flexible learning experience where you can select course modules to cater to your specific interests.

We also have a wide range of partner institutions that offer degrees which are awarded by UWE Bristol across the globe in Europe and across Asia. Find out more about our partner organisations.

“We have an excellent reputation for graduate employability and industry partnerships so you can benefit from opportunities to get involved in placements, internships or live projects. This will equip you with the most in-demand skills, and the kind of mindset that employers want and need.

Everyone here, from our students to staff, industry partners to alumni are driven by the same goal – how can we make things better? If you share that same mindset, welcome to UWE Bristol. You’ll be in excellent company . ” -  Professor Steve West, Vice-Chancellor President and CEO, UWE Bristol

Support for international students

To help you settle into university, we have specialist teams and services equipped to support you in your move to the UK and to life at UWE Bristol. Our Global Centre is there for you at every stage of your transition into life at UWE Bristol. From Pre-sessional English courses and Summer Schools, to a friendly airport welcome and immigration advice . Plus a programme of events to help you make the most of your time here and develop a wide network of friends:

• Before you arrive: We have teams in regional offices around the world and in the UK, who are in place to support and guide you through your application, including any questions about your UK visa. We also offer pre-departure briefings in many countries and provide you with information to support your arrival at UWE Bristol.
• When you arrive: Our Global Student Support team is here to support your arrival and help you settle into life at UWE Bristol. The team is ready to provide information and advice so you get the best from your time at UWE Bristol. They’ll greet you when you first arrive, and organise social events (such as the International Student Orientation ) to help you settle into your new environment.
• After you’ve arrived: Once you’ve settled into life at UWE Bristol, we have lots of support available whenever you need it. You’ll find support with English language, with careers, working and volunteering, a Global Buddy Programme, advice on protecting your visa and working in the UK, and much more.

Research excellence

Researchers at UWE Bristol are involved in projects of regional, national and global significance. We tackle the big issues of today and tomorrow head on. Working for a better future.  It’s research done well. Research with the power to transform lives, transform the future.

Find out more about our research .

Available programs

Bachelor ug.

An undergraduate degree is the foundation for your future. It’s a thorough grounding in your chosen subject. You're an undergraduate student if you’re studying for your first degree – for example on a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) course.

Many students opt for a full-time three-year course – but we also have some flexible study options where you attend a course on a part-time or distance learning basis. Another option is to build practical skills and proven experience on a paid placement year. It’s a great way to really test your new skills and knowledge, and you’ll make valuable workplace connections too.

We offer a diverse range of undergraduate courses, providing you with qualifications in engineering, technology, business, law, health and applied sciences, and art and the creative industries.

Find an undergraduate course .

Arts and Humanities (6)

Ba (hons) animation, ba (hons) architecture and planning, ba (hons) creative and professional writing, ba (hons) drama and acting, ba (hons) english language and linguistics, ba (hons) english literature, ba (hons) english literature with writing, ba (hons) fashion communication, ba (hons) fashion textiles, ba (hons) fine art, ba (hons) geography, ba (hons) graphic design, ba (hons) history, ba (hons) illustration, ba (hons) interior architecture, ba (hons) interior design, ba (hons) philosophy, ba (hons) photography, beng (hons) architecture and environmental engineering, bsc (hons) architectural technology and design, bsc (hons) architecture, bsc (hons) building surveying, bsc (hons) geography, bsc (hons) product design technology, bsc (hons) quantity surveying and commercial management, bsc (hons) urban planning, business and management (6), ba (hons) accounting and business management, ba (hons) accounting and finance, ba (hons) business (team entrepreneurship), ba (hons) business management and economics, ba (hons) business management and marketing, ba (hons) business and events management, ba (hons) business and human resource management, ba (hons) business and management, ba (hons) international business, ba (hons) international business management, ba (hons) marketing, ba (hons) sports business and entrepreneurship, bsc (hons) banking and finance, engineering and technology (6), ba (hons) product design, beng (hons) aerospace engineering, beng (hons) aerospace engineering with pilot studies, beng (hons) automotive engineering, beng (hons) building services engineering, beng (hons) civil engineering, beng (hons) electrical and electronic engineering, beng (hons) mechanical engineering, beng (hons) mechatronics engineering, beng (hons) robotics, bsc (hons) audio and music technology, bsc (hons) business computing, bsc (hons) computer science, bsc (hons) construction project management, bsc (hons) cyber security and digital forensics, bsc (hons) games technology, bsc (hons) software engineering for business, meng aerospace engineering, meng aerospace engineering with pilot studies, meng civil engineering, meng mechanical engineering, meng mechatronics engineering, life sciences and medicine (6), bsc (hons) biological sciences, bsc (hons) biomedical science, bsc (hons) diagnostic radiography, bsc (hons) forensic science, bsc (hons) health and social care, bsc (hons) midwifery, bsc (hons) nursing (adult), bsc (hons) nursing (children and young people), bsc (hons) nursing (learning disabilities), bsc (hons) nursing (mental health), bsc (hons) occupational therapy, bsc (hons) paramedic science, bsc (hons) physiotherapy, bsc (hons) psychology, bsc (hons) psychology with criminology, bsc (hons) radiotherapy and oncology, bsc (hons) sport rehabilitation, msci optometry, natural sciences (6), bsc (hons) environmental management, bsc (hons) environmental science, bsc (hons) mathematics, bsc (hons) wildlife ecology and conservation science, social sciences and management (6), ba (hons) criminology, ba (hons) criminology and sociology, ba (hons) early childhood, ba (hons) economics, ba (hons) education, ba (hons) film studies, ba (hons) filmmaking, ba (hons) law and criminology, ba (hons) media communications, ba (hons) media production, ba (hons) politics and international relations, ba (hons) primary education, ba (hons) sociology, bsc (hons) creative music technology, bsc (hons) criminology with psychology, bsc (hons) digital media, bsc (hons) economics, bsc (hons) professional policing, bsc (hons) public health (specialist community public health nursing), bsc (hons) real estate, bsc (hons) social work, bsc (hons) sociology with psychology, llb (hons) law.

A master’s degree is a level 7 postgraduate qualification taken after an undergraduate degree and before a PhD. Full-time masters’ degrees usually involve one or two years of study, whereas part-time masters’ degrees typically last between two and four years.  

At UWE Bristol we offer a multitude of postgraduate master's options. You can study online and by distance learning, full-time or part-time, in a wide range of disciplines, varying in length depending on the qualification and mode of study.  

We also offer a hugely diverse range of masters’ degrees, providing you with qualifications in engineering, technology, business, law, health and applied sciences, and art and the creative industries.   

View our postgraduate courses.

MA Animation

Ma curating, ma fine art, ma graphic arts, ma multi-disciplinary printmaking, ma photography, march architecture, mfa curating, msc building information modelling (bim) in design construction and operations, msc building surveying, msc computational architecture, msc facade engineering, msc planning and urban leadership (distance learning), msc quantity surveying, msc urban planning, master of philosophy, msc accounting and finance, msc business management, msc business with digital management, msc business with supply chain management, msc data science, msc digital marketing, msc finance and investment, msc financial technology (fintech), msc international management, msc marketing, msc marketing communications, msc risk management and insurance, msc artificial intelligence, msc civil engineering, msc construction project management, msc cyber security, msc engineering management, msc information technology, msc project management, msc robotics, msc transport engineering and planning, ma counselling and psychotherapy, ma music therapy, mres applied sciences, msc advanced practice, msc applied transfusion and transplantation science, msc applied wildlife conservation, msc biomedical science, msc business psychology, msc environmental health, msc forensic science, msc health psychology, msc health technology, msc medical ultrasound, msc nuclear medicine, msc occupational psychology, msc physician associate studies, msc psychology (conversion), msc rehabilitation, msc science communication, msc specialist practice (district nursing), msc sport and exercise psychology, msc conservation leadership, msc environmental consultancy, msc environmental management, msc sustainable development in practice, msc sustainable food systems, llm bar training course, llm commercial law, llm international law, llm solicitors training course (sqe prep), ma career development, ma education (part-time distance learning 3 years), ma education (part-time distance learning 5 years), ma journalism, ma journalism (audio, docs and podcast), ma journalism (specialist features), ma virtual and extended realities, ma wildlife filmmaking, mres social research (health and wellbeing), mres social research (sustainable futures), msc events management, msc human resource management, msc human resource management (international), msc information management, msc public health, msc real estate finance and investment, msc real estate finance and investment (distance learning), msc real estate management, msc real estate management (distance learning), executive mba (2), master of business administration (executive) mba, full-time mba (2), master of business administration (mba) (full-time), business and management (3), doctor of business administration, life sciences and medicine (3), doctor of biomedical science, doctor of counselling psychology, doctor of health psychology, social sciences and management (3), doctor of education, university information.

• Students & Staff

Ready to apply to UWE Bristol as an international student? Here are the different ways you can apply.

Undergraduate students:

First check your eligibility, including English Language requirements . Then choose to apply in one of three ways:

1.        Register and apply through the  Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) .

2.        Apply through one of our agents or representatives in your country.

3.        Meet a representative at one of our regional offices.

Postgraduate students can choose to apply either by:

1.        Clicking the 'apply now' button on the postgraduate course page , and completing the online form, or

2.        Applying through one of our agents or representatives in your country or meeting a representative at one of our regional offices .

Undergraduate and postgraduate applications for September 2024 courses are open. Applications for January 2025 courses will open in July 2024.

Find out more: International applications - Applying

In recent years, we have invested £300 million into our facilities. All to ensure that learning spaces are up-to-the-minute, and to offer you access to industry-standard equipment across the University.

This includes:

• A newly-opened award-winning engineering building, designed to inspire the engineers of the future. It has been built for hands-on investigation and offers engine test cells, wind tunnels, collaborative learning spaces and a Merlin MP521 flight simulator.
• The Bristol Robotics Laboratory, an internationally recognised ‘centre of excellence’ for advanced robotics research. The BRL is a multi-million-pound partnership between UWE Bristol and the University of Bristol and is the largest research facility of its kind in the UK.
• £55 million modern Bristol Business School and Bristol Law School that reflects a real business environment, and houses mock courtrooms and a virtual law office.
• £9 million award-winning film studios for creative industries students at Bower Ashton Campus. Complemented by inspirational architecture and views of the historic Ashton Court estate, it houses industry-standard production and post-production facilities for filmmaking, animation and photography.
• Newly refurbished PC labs at Frenchay Campus including a cutting-edge games studio. Other studio facilities include integrated studios for CAD (Computer Aided Design) and a wide range of specialist architectural resources.
• Modern facilities for the health courses including a simulation suite and Optometry and Clinical Skills Centre, allowing you to hone your skills in environments that mimic real clinical and community settings. Whether it’s using the hospital-standard equipment in diagnostic imaging, or delivering radiotherapy to virtual patients, you can confidently take your new knowledge into the workplace.
• A crime scene house for forensic science students, featuring six rooms that have been specially adapted to stage a variety of simulated crime scenes. The house, designed by UWE Bristol and the Avon and Somerset Constabulary, allows students to examine each room and solve a jigsaw puzzle of clues, equipping them with invaluable skills and experience for a career in forensics.

Find out more about our facilities here  or take a Virtual Tour .

Accommodation

Our campuses are spread over three safe and secure sites: Frenchay, Bower Ashton and Glenside, all just a short bus ride away from the city centre. Each site offers a variety of accommodation options to fit your needs, including both university managed and private sites, but whichever option you choose will be safe, well-equipped and comfortable.

You can find more information, and take a look around our accommodation options with our 360° room tours, on our  international student accommodation webpage.

Student life

Fiercely independent, daringly unconventional, welcoming, open, diverse and safe. It is – and can only be – Bristol. Home to over 465,000 people hailing from 187 different countries, there are over 91 different languages spoken, and 45 religions practised.

Topping polls on a regular basis, Bristol is a great place to live – with so much on offer including music, arts, culture, sports, green spaces, a buzzing food scene and fantastic festivals. And it’s a great place to start a career too . Bristol is a hotbed of creativity, commerce, innovation, research and tech. Home to start-ups and shared workspaces, professional bodies, business incubators and multinationals, including the likes of Rolls-Royce, BBC, Airbus and Intel. For you this means incredible work experience, placement and employment opportunities right on your doorstep. Bristol is a city buzzing with potential and whatever you’re into, you’ll find it here.

And while Bristol is a city that doesn’t follow the crowd, it’s well connected for international travel, with an international airport, two major railway stations and a coach station. (London’s just 90 minutes away by train).

We know there’s more to your UWE Bristol experience than just your course. Music, sports, community projects, support networks, the list goes on. Getting involved in extra-curricular groups and activities will not only enrich your student life, but also show potential employers that there’s more to you than just a great degree.

With over 160 societies and clubs to choose from , you’re sure to find something for you. In fact, UWE Bristol has over 7,000 members of sports clubs, societies and networks, and there’s an Advice Centre when you need it too. So, get involved, meet new people, and have fun. That’s all part of the UWE Bristol experience.

UWE Bristol partners with many employers to make sure its courses are up-to-date and industry-relevant, as well as to offer you a huge range of placement and internship opportunities. Working with over 10,000 employers from the likes of Airbus, Savills, Arup and the NHS, we develop our courses to meet high professional standards, giving you the theoretical knowledge and real-world experience needed to kick start your career.

We’ll also support you to develop strong enterprise skills, crucial in today’s job market in helping you to identify new opportunities, think creatively and bring your ideas to life. Over 200 courses come with professional accreditation from industry bodies, and graduates gain access to UWE Bristol’s alumni network of over 310,000 former students. The university enjoys an extremely high  graduate employment rate, with 91% of all undergraduates in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22 published 2023).

The types of careers support we offer includes:

• A range of drop-in and appointment services to talk you through the opportunities available to you.
• The UWE Bristol Careers Toolkit app, to help you develop your interview skills, build your CV, take career tests and much more.
• Career coaching, where our qualified professionals provide you with the tools you’ll need to pick your perfect career, develop a career plan and prepare for interview.
• GradLink, our specialist careers website for UK-education international students and graduates, where you can research global graduate job markets, prepare your CV and apply for jobs.

Tuition fee and scholarships

• Scholarships

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

A list of available scholarships around the world

A scholarship application checklist

Tuition fees for international students for the 2024/2025 academic year : £13,250 – £15,750 dependent on course.

Find out more about our tuition fees .

Scholarships/ Bursaries

There are many financial support options available for UWE Bristol students, including scholarships, grants and bursaries, awarded on both merit and needs-band criteria.

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries .

Rankings & ratings

UWE Bristol is one of the top public universities in Bristol, United Kingdom. It is ranked #741-750 in QS World University Rankings 2025.

QS World University Rankings

Qs wur ranking by subject, europe university rankings - northern europe, europe university rankings.

• 2020 #751-800
• 2021 #801-1000
• 2022 #801-1000
• 2023 #801-1000
• 2024 #741-750
• 2025 #741-750

Videos & media

Campus locations

open the map

UWE Bristol has a range of scholarships available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.

Find out more.

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Studentship opportunities

Learn more about studentship opportunities at the Doctoral Academy.

How studentships work

A studentship will usually cover tuition fees for three years as well as pay the student a stipend for three years, paid monthly. The project area and sometimes the project itself will already be decided and you will need to submit your application by the set deadline.

Applications will be shortlisted for interview and following the interview, the successful candidate(s) will be awarded the studentship.

The Doctoral Academy is delighted to announce the availability of PhD studentships in the following colleges, which will be awarded to high-calibre graduates in the areas of research excellence detailed.

Opportunities by college

College of arts, technology and environment.

• All of our studentships are closed to applications but please continue to check for new opportunities.

College of Business and Law

College of health, science and society, self-funded research.

If there are no suitable studentships in your research area, you have the opportunity to put forward your own research proposal on a self-funding basis. This includes if you are being sponsored by an organisation external to UWE Bristol such as your employer. You may also be eligible for the UK Government Postgraduate Doctoral Loan .

All opportunities

View an A-Z of opportunities, including recently closed ones

You may also be interested in

Postgraduate research study

Postgraduate research at UWE Bristol offers you the opportunity to contribute to our leading edge research and work alongside our international experts.

Fees and funding

View Doctoral Academy tuition fees, project fees, completion fees and resubmission fees.

Support during your degree

Support from the Doctoral Academy available to postgraduate researchers at UWE Bristol.

Contact the Doctoral Academy

Ways to contact the Doctoral Academy, from postgraduate research support to submitting your thesis.

Psychological Sciences Research Group blog

By Miles Thompson and Alex Saunders *

Embarking on a PhD can be one of the most rewarding, frustrating, liberating, challenging and exciting adventures of your professional life. However, it isn’t for everyone and should not be undertaken lightly. If it works for you, it can be incredible. If it doesn’t, it can be painful.

Within PSRG at UWE Bristol we are helping to grow the next generation of researchers and academics. As a result, we often have conversations with our students, our graduates and graduates from other universities about the whys and wherefores of PhDs. To help shape these conversations, we’ve put together the following blog as a repository of frequently asked questions and links to other sources of information that might be helpful to those considering embarking on a PhD journey either with us or elsewhere.

So, if you’re thinking about studying for a PhD in the UK (my colleagues from the US tell me things are very different over there), read our blog below for some honest truths and links to even more information about topic areas you should be chewing over. Namely we will cover:

• Eligibility and suitability
• Supervisor selection
• Where to study
• Even before you begin your studies – life after your PhD.

1. Can I do a PhD? Eligibility and Suitability.

Eligibility.

In terms of eligibility, on paper the answer is often “yes” for many people. At UWE for example, many PhD programmes only require a 2:1 at undergraduate level or a Masters at merit level or higher (see UWE’s criteria here ). If you have undertaken a Masters, this grade will often supersede the importance of your undergraduate degree result (see also here ).

But, although you can go straight from your undergraduate degree to a PhD, the step up is a big one. This is why a Masters, or a Masters by Research (which focuses more on research and independent study; read more here ) can be a sensible in-between step. There are multiple benefits from both including:

• gaining more research skills
• seeing if more independent learning with less structure is for you
• learning more about building and managing working relationships with a supervisor(s)

While many institutions do not require you to already have a Masters, some funded PhDs include an entire Masters as part of your studies (e.g., the SWDTP ). And at many institutions, like UWE, you will take Masters / higher level modules as part of your doctoral studies.

Importantly, if you are considering studying for a PhD without a Masters do carefully compare the differences between undergraduate and PhD study before you begin. Resources like the following can be useful when contemplating which route to take ( 1 and 2 ).

Importantly for international students, many institutions require a recognised English language qualification such as the International English Language Testing System test for students that do not have English as their first language . Also, if you are a non-resident of the UK and looking to study a PhD here, you may also require a visa, for which you will have to meet a number of requirements (see here ). And please note, these guidelines may change during the Brexit transition period and beyond).

Suitability

Perhaps even more important than thinking about your “eligibility” to study for a PhD, is the question of “suitability.” In short, it is important to ask yourself if you can be self-directed, independent, and focused enough to study one thing for at least 3 years, possibly longer. Do you have the passion and commitment to work on one subject area for that length of time?

A PhD is a big commitment, it can take over large swathes of your life for the duration of study. It will also, inevitably involve some downs as well as ups (see here for more on the “ turbulent nature of doctoral research .” So, it is important that you are studying something that you feel committed to and will see through.

It is highly likely that prospective PhD students anywhere will only be accepted onto PhD programmes if they can show that they are: i. likely to complete their PhD and ii. will do so within the time limits of the institution. Further questions to ask yourself can be found here .

2. Funding and what that might mean for what I do or don’t study

Getting funding for your tuition fees and even a stipend to live on is both a very appealing and a very competitive process. In this section, we discuss funding and how being funded or not can influence the focus of your PhD topic.

Tuition fees for standard postgraduate research programmes in the UK are set by “ UK Research and Innovation .” They are often lower than taught undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes, although fees for International students will be higher. More information about PhDs fees at UWE can be found here .

But remember, tuition fees are not your sole expense. Accommodation and other living costs will often end up being much more than the cost of tuition fees alone. As a result, some self-funded students combine working in another job with their PhD studies and complete some or all their PhD on a part-time basis.

If you secure a funded post that has been advertised, it is likely that you will work on a programme of study that has been somewhat pre-determined by your supervisor. And of course, many students are very happy to do this due to the security of the funding and getting a PhD.

If you self-fund, or get a doctoral loan (see below), you should take the opportunity to “shop around” to find a supervisor who is interested in exactly the research topic you wish to study. After all, you are paying to study yourself – so your topic of study should reflect more of your passion.

And, of course, it is also possible that you approach a supervisor – work up a funding proposal together, and then both apply for funding. In terms of this pathway, UWE is part of the South West Doctoral Training Partnership , where exactly this process happens. But again, remember, securing any form of funding is a competitive and demanding process.

Listed below are some of the funding routes available to prospective PhD students:

National Research Councils

Funding for PhDs can be awarded by the different research councils in the UK , each covering a specific academic sector. Research councils post research opportunities on their websites so keep an eye out for research topics and calls that interest you.

Funding from universities

Universities can offer scholarships, studentships and other PhD funding opportunities which can cover tuition fees and stipends. See for example here .

Self-Funding

There are pros and cons to self-funding, even now it is easier to get a doctoral loan (below). Some interesting perspectives from self-funding PhD students can be found here and here .

Doctoral Loans

These loans are provided by the UK Government and can be used to cover both fees and living costs. The amount you get is divided equally across each year of study, and you will not have to start paying it back until your income is over a threshold amount. Eligibility for this loan depends on a number of factors, a list of which can be found here .

Funding for International students

There are several funding options specifically for International students. These can be important as tuition fees for International students are considerably higher than for home students. More information can be found here .

3. Supervisor selection

When deciding on studying a PhD you will likely have strong ideas on what you want to study and even where you want to study – but make sure you also feel very secure with who you are going to be studying with/under. Your supervisor or supervisors (see below) will be among the most significant people in your life during your PhD. They will guide and support you throughout the process, so it is vital that you find people who meet your needs.

Obviously, the process will differ between funded versus a self-funded PhD, but for both, before you commit, try and work out how you will differentiate between:

• a supervisor that will really help you get your PhD
• a supervisor who may end up hindering your progress

You need to be as sure as you can be that you are a good working match with each other. So do some research around their research passions, check they align with yours. Make sure, before you commit, that you ask some probing questions. You may wish to ask about the amount of contact time you will get or about students they have supervised before and their success rate as a supervisor. You may want to try and speak to their current or past students. If, when you are asking any of these questions, you are not happy with the answers you get, or you feel you already know more about a topic area than your supervisor: that could be a red flag and a sign for you to investigate other options.

Unfortunately, the supervisor-student relationship is not always cohesive and effective and can lead to issues. Unanswered emails, unannounced absences and unsuitable replacement supervisors are just a few examples of how it can go wrong and leave the student feeling confused, losing confidence in their abilities and their research. The following articles delve further into these issues ( 1 and 2 ).

The bottom line is simple, your relationship with your PhD supervisor really matters. Make sure you choose someone that will meet your needs both in terms of taking you on and when your studies get into difficulty.

One further thing. As hinted at earlier, generally speaking you will have more than one supervisor. A director of studies (lead / principal supervisor [n.b. different unis use different terms) and a secondary supervisor. The role and structure of secondary supervision can vary from PhD to PhD and place to place. Often secondary supervisors can bring complementary expertise or provide different viewpoints. Read more about their possible roles here . So just to complicate things, you don’t just need to be thinking about one supervisor – you need to be thinking about a supervision team!

Further guidance on how to choose a supervisor and supervision relationships can be found at the following links ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 and 7 ).

4. Where to study?

This is an interesting topic because there are pros and cons to both staying at an institution you know and moving somewhere else. Some of the pros to staying at a familiar institution include established relationships with staff and processes. It may also be beneficial to stay in the same area if you have family or friends you do not wish to move away from. In some cases, your current institution may also be a leading centre for your research.

However, it might also be the case that the leading centres are somewhere else. Or even though it would be comfortable to stay within a geographical area or institution you know it might be better to look elsewhere. It might, for example, be useful to experience different research cultures and new locations. Some even suggest that staying at the same place for UG, PG and PhD study suggests a lack of willingness to move out of your comfort zone. Just to confuse things even more, some students live in one place but are registered for their part time PhD hundreds of miles away.

In short, you need to weigh up the pros and cons to determine which option is right for you. There are no firmly right or wrong answers. But there are several important points to think through when considering where you should study and live for the next few years of your life.

There is an interesting thread debating both options here . And further advice on where to study here .

5. Life after your PhD

It may sound strange to start thinking about your life after a PhD before you even start your doctoral research – but it is an important subject for now. Ask yourself: “Both, why do you want a PhD AND where do you want it to take you?”

Once you have a PhD there will be many routes open to you: continuing as a researcher, in academia or with a research-based organisations, teaching, or using your PhD skills in a non-research / learning setting. But now is also the time for some truth telling. Just so you have your eyes open from the outset.

“Continuing in academia” is a very natural aspiration for many after completing a PhD. However, for many years now, there have been many more people with PhDs than there are academic jobs in UK universities. The academic job market is both oversaturated and very competitive . That is not to say that academia is no longer an option for PhD students – it is the vital first step. But you might need to prepare yourself for a longer and more uncertain road than you were expecting.

This blog , is a sobering but important read. It notes that 70% of UK PhD holders have left the academic sector 3.5 years after graduating. And, of the 30% still within universities, it is unclear how many are employed on “teaching only” or “fixed term contracts.”. As with elsewhere in the UK workforce, casualisation and precarious working is an issue in academia too .

Of course, many people either always planned to move away from research after their PhD or decide to do so during or after they complete their doctorate. Your PhD gives you many valuable skills for a multitude of roles in many fields. Many doors open with a PhD. An interesting case study of living your values post a PhD can be found here .

We hope that this blog has been a useful read and gives you some more information on issues you were already aware of and some new questions to think through and consider. Importantly, none of the information above is designed to put anyone off studying for a PhD – but is offered instead to enable you to go into this exciting process aware and with your eyes fully open. Indeed, in a 2019 survey, across 50,000 postgraduate researchers at 107 institutions, satisfaction levels were at 81% .

Come and be part of that.

This blog was co-written by an amazing graduate student from another university who already had their MRes and was working with members of PSRG to further their research skills. Alex, thank you for all your time and effort in helping put this blog together. And to everyone else, we welcome contact from anyone near or far who wants to work with us and help us with our work. Please contact: [email protected] .

Useful websites for more information:

FindaPhD.com: https://www.findaphd.com

Postgrad.com: https://www.postgrad.com

Prospects: https://www.prospects.ac.uk

PhD Portal: https://www.phdportal.com

Jobs.ac.uk – blogs: https://blog.jobs.ac.uk/

Advance HE – Knowledge Hub: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/knowledge-hub

Jobs on Toast: http://jobsontoast.com

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University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)

• #741 Ranking
• 36 Scholarships
• 1,505 Academic Staff
• 23,322 Students
• 4,898 Students (int'l)
• 12,594 Students (female)
• Public Institution Type

Top reasons to study here

• We are in the top 25 of UK universities in the Guardian League Table 2023 and in the global top 15% of new universities (THE Young University Rankings, 2022).
• Our courses are developed in partnership with international businesses to ensure that they are teaching the relevant, up-to-date knowledge that employers want.
• 91% of UWE Bristol graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, published 2022).

PhD Programmes

Biomedical science.

Health Psychology

Counselling psychology, business administration.

UWE Bristol is highly ranked in independent league tables for student satisfaction and graduate employability. And our results speak for themselves. 91.5% of UWE Bristol’s postgraduate students are in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, published 2022) and several courses have a 100% student satisfaction rate.

Postgraduate research at UWE Bristol will push your boundaries both academic and personally. You’ll contribute to new knowledge while developing a wide range of transferable skills including research methods, critical thinking and academic writing. 84% of our research is reported as world leading or internationally excellent for its impact on the wider economy and society (Research Excellence Framework, 2021).

In addition to practical career advice, mentoring and CV writing workshops, UWE Bristol’s courses are developed with input from our partner businesses to ensure you’re learning the skills you’ll need to succeed in the global jobs market.

University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) Scholarships

Below you will find scholarships related to University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.

Read more about eligibility

For a complete overview of scholarships for University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), visit our scholarship search .

University Ranking

Student services.

UWE Bristol offers dedicated student support for international students through our Global Student Support Team. They’re here to offer information, advice and guidance to help you get the most out of your studies with us. We also have a team providing out of hours support in our Student Centre, so if you ever need emotional or mental health support outside of normal hours, we’re always here for you.

Housing services

UWE Bristol has a wide range of quality accommodation options available, whether you are living on or off campus. Accommodation is available at our Frenchay and Glenside campuses and there are also several City Centre options.

Library services

We provide modern library services enhancing the learning experience for all our students. We have libraries to support your learning and study needs across all our campuses. Each is equipped with a range of resources, such as books, digital resources, training videos and reading lists. And our Frenchay Campus library is open 24/7 so you get the flexibility to study whenever suits you best.

ICT services

We want you to feel confident when using IT at UWE Bristol, whether you’re studying at home, in halls or on campus. That’s why we've developed specific IT help and guidance services to make sure you feel equipped and ready to study.

Medical services

Students at UWE Bristol’s Frenchay Campus have access to the University Health Centre, where they can find a range of health care options from doctor’s appointments to pharmacy and prescription services.

Campus life

Bristol is a leading hub for the insurance, finance and legal sectors in the UK. As well as being a great place to work, it’s famous for its arts, culture and history. What's more, it's a welcoming place to be and great place to work, with polls to prove it:

• One of the best places to live in 2021 (Sunday Times, 2021)
• Britain's greenest city (Good Move, 2020)
• Best place to live in the UK (outside of London) for under 25s (Independent, 2019)

A city booming with potential, it's the perfect place to discover yours.

Sports facilities

The Centre for Sport on Frenchay Campus is the central hub of sport and fitness activity at UWE Bristol. Our £5.5m state-of-the-art complex provides state-of-the-art facilities, services, activities and classes for students, staff and the wider community to enjoy. 

Student clubs

There is more to your experience at UWE Bristol than just study. With over 160 sports clubs and societies for you to join, there is something for everyone. Choose from societies relating to your course, faith, culture, religion and interests. We have everything from films to airsoft, beekeeping to anime - so whatever you’re interested in, you’re likely to find something for you.

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Postgraduate study

It's a good idea to think about funding your postgraduate degree as soon as possible. We can help you understand the costs and take control of your finances.

Budgeting and living expenses

• Costs you can expect as a student at Bristol.
• Advice on how to manage your money.

Funding and financial help

Money Advice and Funding Team [email protected] +44 (0)117 428 3000

Fees and payments

Student Fees Office [email protected] +44 (0)117 428 3000

Queries about fee status

Admissions Office [email protected]

The two main costs you will face as a postgraduate student are tuition fees and living expenses.

Tuition fees

Each postgraduate programme has a specific cost for tuition. Tuition fees are listed for  each programme entry  wherever possible.

Fees are quoted per year and are liable to rise each year. Please budget for up to an 8% increase per year (5% for students who started in the 2022/23 academic year or earlier).

The tuition fee includes charges for tuition, examination and registration. It also includes a contribution towards the cost of membership of the  Students' Union .

Fees vary between programmes and the amount you pay will depend on whether you are a UK or international student. If you are unsure which fees you should pay, read about how we determine your  fee status .

Some self-funded international students on taught postgraduate programmes will pay a deposit of £2,000. You can  pay this online . 

In some circumstances, you can apply for a deposit refund.  Read our deposits refund policy .

Some programmes charge a bench fee in addition to tuition fees. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or specific project) incurs extra costs, such as specialist laboratory or field work. If you need to pay bench fees, they will be listed on the programme entry and on your offer letter.

Postgraduate research fees

Some postgraduate research programmes charge a fee for an extension to the usual registration period or for re-submitting a thesis.

Fees for PhDs, MDs and EngDs by published works 

Candidates for research degrees by published work are charged registration and submission fees, but not tuition fees. Full details available on our degrees by published work page . 

Fee payments

If you are a self-funding student, or a sponsored home, EU or international student, find out more about  how and when to pay your tuition fees .

Living expenses

Living expenses  cover everything you will need to pay for other than tuition fees and include accommodation, food, travel and utilities.

It’s important to budget and plan your finances, especially as the cost of living is increasing in the UK and in Bristol. As a guide, most students spend between £9,000 - £15,000 per year including accommodation.

PGCE Early Years 0-5 (EYTS)

Please note there are no vacancies on this course for September 2024.

Page last updated 23 September 2024

Introduction

The course leads to a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCE) Early Years 0-5 and the professional status, Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).

The PGCE Early Years 0-5 (EYTS) is designed to prepare trainee Early Years Teachers (EYTs) for a rewarding career in education, teaching children from birth to five years. This qualification is designed for highly qualified staff to lead on delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage framework (EYFS) in the early years' sector. The course leads to a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCE) Early Years 0-5 and the professional status, Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). This is different from Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is the equivalent for teaching children aged three to 18. QTS is not awarded as part of this course.

The course will support you to develop as a reflective teacher working within the early years sector. By studying theory and reflecting on your practice, you'll gain a deeper understanding of child development and playful learning with specific reference to the EYFS curriculum. We'll consider children's engagement with core skills such as personal, social and emotional development, communication and language and physical development in a wider political context.

The course is embedded in practice and is designed around a set of key principles based on promoting active learning and stimulating integration, exploration and innovation. The overall approach centres on the trainee teacher and assumes you're highly motivated by choosing to study at postgraduate level.

Our tutors on the course are specialists in their fields bringing significant, research-based early years teaching experience.

The course offers two pathways for graduates: a direct entry, full-time route, and an employment-based, part-time route. The part-time route is for graduates who are already permanently employed in an early years setting.

Graduate direct entry route (full-time)

This route is suitable if you have a degree (in any subject but not a foundation degree) or equivalent.

While no previous experience is required, it would be an advantage if you can evidence having some work experience, with children of a relevant age.

The course is 12 months full-time with three, six-week block placements, in baby, toddler and pre-school age phases, plus a two-week placement in a KS1 classroom of a primary school.

Graduate employment-based route (part-time)

This 12-month part-time route is for graduates who are currently employed in an early years' setting who wish to qualify as an EYT whilst continuing to work in practice. 

The course is modular and offers a learning environment to support you to schedule study around work and other commitments.

You'll study the following modules:

• Curriculum, Pedagogy and Practice (Early Years 0-5) (30 credits at level 7) - In this module, you'll explore the Early Years Foundation Stage. You'll consider children's learning and development and evaluate the role of the adult, environment, play and relationships. You'll also consider how adaptive practices can create inspiring education programmes for all children.
• Teaching and Leadership in the Early Years (30 credits at level 7) - This module enables you to continue to develop your knowledge and understanding of theories and practices in early education and care. You'll reflect on your professional development as a trainee EYT who'll lead the implementation of education programmes based on the EYFS.
• Professional Practice (EYTS) (30 credits at level 3) - A 120-day* professional practice module where you'll work with each of the three age groups; babies, toddlers and young children. There will also be a short placement in a KS1 primary school to experience the transition between the EYFS and the primary national curriculum. You'll put theory into practice, including leadership relating to implementing education programmes based on the EYFS.

*As an employment-based trainee, you may choose to complete up to two of the main age group placements at the setting where you're employed. If you are a trainee with significant experience with an age group(s), you may be able to negotiate shorter placements.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we'll inform you.

Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) is awarded and accredited by the Department for Education (DfE). UWE Bristol has chosen Sheffield Hallam University as our accreditation provider for the EYTS-element of the course.

Learning and Teaching

The University-centred academic modules are taught through face-to-face workshop-style immersion sessions with supporting digital material and engagement as appropriate. Your teaching and learning is centred around presentations, self-directed learning activities (including designated reading), problem-based learning, discussion forums, synchronous and asynchronous feedback.

The early years setting-based teaching and learning is in partnership with the University. The partnership enables you to explore your learning in practice, both from your academic modules and from teaching under the supervision of your setting mentor. Together, this provides you with a coherent and robust training experience.

For more details, see our  glossary of teaching and learning terms.

You'll be assessed using a variety of approaches, including both formative and summative assessment and feedback.

The assessment process is underpinned by a spiral curriculum enabling you to reflect and deepen your skills and knowledge. Assessments are designed to evaluate a range of professional skills and knowledge to reflect the demands of an EYT. You'll be able to develop your written and presentation skills, research skills and professional reflection. Assessment includes a focus on values and beliefs and a critical awareness of how these impact teaching practice.

During your professional placements, assessment evaluates your competency level in translating pedagogical, learning and leadership theories in practice.

Find out more about assessments at UWE Bristol.

Study facilities

UWE Bristol provides a productive environment for you to study the course. Its modern, purpose-built facilities provide high quality teaching rooms, excellent IT facilities and an Open Learning Area, with friendly staff on hand to help when needed.

Find out more about facilities and resources  UWE Bristol has to offer.

Get a feel for the  education and teaching facilities available here.

Postgraduate support

Our support includes access to fantastic facilities, study tools and career consultants, plus practical help to access everything from funding to childcare.

A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.

Sports, societies and activities

There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.

Health and Wellbeing

We provide support in the way you need it.

Campus and facilities

Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.

Careers / Further study

EYTS enables you to teach children from birth to five years in early years' settings.

EYTs also are permitted to teach in reception classes in free schools, academies or independent schools.

The course also prepares trainee teachers for further study at master's level.

Part time course - Phase 1

Supplementary fee information

Graduate direct entry (full-time).

The DfE offer a bursary of up to £5,000 to study this course. The amount is dependent on the classification of your first degree. You can apply for this bursary as soon as you've enrolled on the course.

Graduate employment-based (part-time)

This route is fully funded by the DfE and an incentive of £7,000 per trainee is paid directly to the employer, with a further £7,000 paid to the University to cover the course fees.

The payment to the employer must be used to support the trainee and used for supply cover, salary enhancement and further training as required. Employers can invoice for the incentive once trainees have enrolled on the course.

Funding guidance

See the funding guidance for Early years initial teacher training 2023-24.

For more information about funding for postgraduate courses see our  funding pages .

Entry requirements

For both routes, you should typically meet the following criteria:

• An undergraduate honours degree, or a recognised equivalent qualification at 2:2 or above.
• GCSE grade C/4 in English, Mathematics and Science, or equivalent. Candidates with pending GCSEs will be considered. We'll consider candidates who need to take a GCSE equivalency test. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificates in Adult Numeracy and Literacy as alternatives to GCSEs. Where applicants have achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above in English Literature only, we'll look for further evidence of achievement in English.

All applicants will also be required to have: 

• Health checks for Fitness to Teach
• A clear Enhanced DBS Disclosure including check of children's barred list 
• Satisfactory references including one from latest employer and/or latest role involving working with children 
• Verification of identity and right to work in the UK 
• Check for sanction, restriction or prohibition on teaching issued by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) (if in teaching role) 
• Criminal records checks overseas.  If you have lived, studied or worked overseas for five months or more in the last five years a Certificate of Good Conduct from the country of residence will be required even if you are a UK applicant or currently based in the UK.

The university will also check that candidates are not : 

• subject to a prohibition order issued by the Secretary of State 
• disqualified from childcare
• or have obtained a childcare disqualification waiver from Ofsted. 

Applicants to the Graduate employment-based (part-time) route will also have:  

• Written agreement from employer to participate in the course (plus an appropriately qualified staff member to act as setting-based mentor i.e. who has QTS, EYTS or EYPS). 
• A permanent work contract in an early years' setting. A voluntary role is not acceptable for this option. 

Selection process

Applicants who meet the entry criteria will be invited to an interview. We want to ensure you get all the information you need about the course and about studying at UWE Bristol and that you can meet members of the course team.

International applicants

We won't be able to accept your application for this course if you require the Student Route visa. Please refer to our PGCE International Early Years .

How to apply

Graduate direct entry.

Please apply using the 'Apply now' link at the bottom of the page, selecting full-time.

Graduate employment-based

Please apply using the 'Apply now' link at the bottom of the page, selecting part-time.

If your application is successful, we'll invite you to an interview. Our Admissions team will provide you with full details.

Read more about postgraduate applications .

For further information

• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 83333

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