Find out more about the experiences of our community, from the reasons why students choose to study at the University of Bristol to how they have settled into university life.
"I have always had a passion for English, and after doing a bit of research into the department I discovered the wealth of academic genius which I have benefited from greatly so far. Seminars are always vibrant and interesting, with a focus upon topics that have the ability to reshape the way you read a book..."
"Bristol stood out as my first choice, particularly because of its outstanding reputation in the field of Reception Studies, which is my personal interest. My decision to come to Bristol was sealed once I began contacting the faculty and staff. Everyone that I had contact with went out of their way to help me..."
"I was initially drawn to the University of Bristol for postgraduate study by the recommendation of a curator at an American museum, who recommended Professor Elizabeth Prettejohn as the ideal scholar to support my study of Victorian art... I am very impressed by the resources available to students here..."
"Bristol appeared to offer the right combination of specialisation, interdisciplinary collaboration, international standing and social life, and nearly a year into my course I can say these expectations have been borne out... I have also been impressed by the size and strength of the postgraduate community..."
"I chose the University of Bristol because it offered a postgraduate course that had the elements I was looking for. I wanted to do a Masters in film making... Practically all of the MAs offered throughout Ireland were film studies, and I wanted to make film, not study ones already made..."
"I chose to study at Bristol because I wanted to continue my studies at a prestigious establishment... The course at Bristol offered an intensive and practical foundation in core skills and processes of single camera screen production, supported by critical discussion and contact with industry professionals..."
"The University of Bristol stood out, not only because it had the academic requirements to bring out the best in my research, but because of the rich culture of the community, the cooperative environment in the Arts faculty and the beautiful countryside of the South-West..."
"The Music department of Bristol University was especially attractive for having four musicologists who are experts on British music, and the Centre for the History of Music in Britain, the Empire and the Commonwealth (CHOMBEC), which is a unique research organisation..."
"If you were to ask me why I chose Bristol University the answer would not simply be because Bristol is my home town... I could have chosen any other local university but when given the opportunity to study at one of the country’s best I would have to have been crazy to consider anywhere else..."
"As a research student, I can choose any units which would support my thesis. From a great number of subjects offered at the University of Bristol, I have chosen to study languages; Russian at undergraduate level and a Lifelong Learning course of French at the University of Bristol Language Centre..."
"I chose Bristol, not surprisingly, as it had great understanding of my research in both the Music and Historical Studies Departments... The University offers a superb environment for doing research, I am very much impressed with both departmental and university libraries..."
"My wife and I chose Bristol for numerous reasons. I was looking for a British university in which I could begin a research degree in theology while on sabbatical from my job. The British system offers many advantages over the American system (the precision of focus and the length of the programs...)"
"I have really enjoyed the mixture of classes on offer as I have expanded my knowledge in areas I had not explored in depth before but have equally been able to maintain a focus on my specific area of interest. In addition the lecturers for the courses are brilliant and always on hand to offer help..."
"The most amazing thing is that in every course there is always something new to research and discuss. Each of the Professors helps you with anything you need and the postgraduate coordinator is especially helpful in solving any problems or worries we have..."
"Once I found the MA Modern Languages course at Bristol and the pathway in War and Culture, I realised anything else would be a compromise. I remember saying that if I could design my perfect course, this would be it... Bristol seems very much aware of the changing educational landscape..."
"I study Social Anthropology because I studied Cultural Anthropology in my undergraduate degree and also because England is the origin of social anthropology. Our Master’s course started with 3 nights and 4 days fieldwork in Exmoor... For students who study these subjects fieldwork is significant..."
"The University of Bristol’s Department of Drama is known as one of the most prestigious and best places to study drama theory and practice, which is why I applied for the PhD programme. I checked the department and the excellent faculty members through the University website, and this convinced me to apply..."
"My interest in Swahili archaeology emerged from my first visit to coastal East Africa as an undergraduate... I have been pursuing research in this area ever since. As a PhD student at the University of Bristol, now I can contribute to our knowledge of the history of this area through my own research..."
"The course also offered an enviable mix of academic and practical work - which in drama seemed to be a perfect match. The Masters I chose is only a year long - which meant it was more financially viable for me to dedicate time to and balance with my career..."
"Bristol was an obvious choice for me due to its excellent reputation and accessible location. I had been considering broadening my art historical knowledge with an MA and after visiting the department I was sure that Bristol would be the perfect choice - the department staff were friendly, interested and informative..."
"Bristol’s distance option to follow the MA program from Italy was the answer to my prayers. I chose Bristol after extensively researching the topic and seeing that their course content was by far the most interesting and comprehensive. I was immediately impressed..."
"I chose the University of Bristol because it offered the perfect solution for my study plans. I wanted to study anthropology and in the Netherlands it would have taken me another three years to get a masters degree, whereas in Bristol I was able to do this in one year..."
"It was during my undergraduate studies in English at the University of Bristol that I developed a real passion for contemporary poetry. Postgraduate study offered me the opportunity to pursue this interest with a greater level of specialisation... Staying in Bristol was ultimately an easy decision..."
