Outreach and widening participation
Opportunities for schools, young people and mature students.
Outreach and widening participation
Our outreach and widening participation offer provides programmes and opportunities to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
These opportunities give you a taste of what it is like to study at the University of Bristol, and support you to access university.
Programmes and resources
Post -16 activities
Programmes, summer schools and work experience giving a taste of what it is like to study at Bristol. For students currently taking A-levels, BTECs, an Access to HE Diploma or equivalent qualifications.
Pre-16 activities
Teachers can book curriculum support workshops and work experience for your students and explore activities from our partners.
Virtual resources for students
Explore subject-specific resources and helpful guidance to boost your understanding, inform your decision-making and enhance your university application.
Support for teachers and advisors
Sign up for our newsletter, view our UCAS events, and access virtual resources to support your students.
Offer information
Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer that is up to two grades lower than the standard entry requirements. You could be eligible for a contextual offer if you are from a background historically less likely to come to Bristol.
Guaranteed offers
A guaranteed offer is the guarantee of being made an offer or offered an interview. You will be considered for a guaranteed offer or interview from the University of Bristol if you meet our criteria.
Information for students
Asian, Black and other minority ethnic students
Discover the opportunities and support you can access before, during and beyond University.
Mature students
If you are aged 21 and over, find out about finding a course, applying, events, funding and careers support.
Local and commuting students
Advice on travel options, finding study facilities on campus and becoming a student in your hometown.
Care leavers
If you have experienced being in care, find out about contextual offers, funding, accommodation and further support.
Estranged students
If you are under 25 and have limited or no communication with either of your parents, find out about student funding, accomodation and further support.
Student stories
Hear from current global majority students:
- why they chose Bristol
- experiences of settling into university life and the city
- what advice they would give their past selves.
Open days and visits
Get a feel for the University by visiting us at an open day or attending a campus tour.
These events allow you to talk to current students and staff, explore the University and city and find out what it’s like to be a student here.
Events and school visits
Talk to staff and current students about our courses, admissions and university life at a UCAS discovery event or request our attendance at an upcoming event at your school.
Opportunities for students and staff
Students currently studying at the University of Bristol can:
- get paid to become a Student Ambassador,
- become a widening participation tutor,
- collaborate on a range of different projects,
- get support from the student inclusion team,
- get peer mentoring and skills development for postgraduate study.
Staff and Postgraduate researchers can join an active outreach session for school students.
Access and participation strategy
Access and participation plan summary
The 'Access and participation plan' sets out how higher education providers will improve equality of opportunity for underrepresented groups to access, succeed in and progress from higher education.
Read the Access and participation plan 2025-26 to 2028-29 summary (PDF, 146kB)
Equality, diversity and inclusion report
We want Bristol to be an inclusive place to study by creating an environment where people can be themselves and do their best. This report shows the progress made promoting equity, diversity and inclusion at the University of Bristol.
Contact
Request a talk or workshop at your school, or ask us a specific outreach-related question.