"Bristol’s world-leading research is translated into education in which independent learning is encouraged" - feedback from the TEF process

We know we offer our students a world-class education, and we are pleased with much of the feedback from the TEF process. The TEF panel recognised many aspects of our outstanding teaching and learning provision, including the excellent outcomes achieved by our students and the exceptional employability of our graduates.

The TEF, piloted this year, is one of a number of reviews of university teaching. A wide range of established complementary rankings, reviews, metrics and outcomes demonstrate the excellence of teaching at Bristol. Our recent performance in league tables is summarised here: in one of the most respected international university rankings, published in the last few weeks, we are placed in the UK top ten and in the top 50 globally. We were also the highest climber this year in the Guardian University Guide (up 11 places), and a top 20 institution in this year's Complete University Guide.

Professor Judith Squires, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education, said: "We welcome the introduction of the TEF and would like to thank the panel for their comments, which recognise many aspects of our outstanding teaching provision.

"In important areas that students and their parents care about, such as teaching quality, academic outcomes, the calibre of our intake and the employability of our graduates, we are one of the strongest institutions in the country. Through our new University Strategy and working in partnership with our students, we are investing in a range of exciting new initiatives to further enhance teaching and our students’ experience."

This TEF process was a pilot and there has been discussion across the sector about the suitability of some of the metrics used. We want the TEF to be as comprehensive as possible and we will be taking part in the government’s promised review to achieve that goal.

Ongoing improvements

Ongoing improvements to support the student experience at Bristol include:

• our flagship Bristol Futures initiative to enable our students the transferable skills they need for the next stage in their lives;
• our new Bristol Institute for Learning and Teaching, which will nurture and develop our community of teachers and innovators in teaching and learning;
• new and refurbished study centres, incorporating new learning spaces and over 1,000 new study seats since 2013;
• an extra £1 million investment in pastoral care and mental health support;
• a remodelled main campus, to create a student-centred ‘heart’ for the University with a new library and multi-purpose student facility (including an advice service and global lounge) to enhance the learning environment;
• the creation of an additional campus in Bristol's Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone;
• working with the Higher Education Academy to trial new initiatives in assessment and feedback.

Rankings and reputation

Find out more about the University of Bristol’s performance in recent international and national league tables.