Part-time study and taster courses
Part-time study
We have a range of part-time undergraduate and postgraduate study options for students looking to balance work and life commitments.
Undergraduate
A number of our full-time undergraduate degree courses can be studied on a part-time basis alongside full-time students during the day, including a range of arts, social sciences and language subjects. The course index in our online course finder indicates which subjects are available part-time and each course's entry table includes further details.
The University is also developing new, flexible ways of studying at undergraduate level, which includes a BA in English Literature and Community Engagement.
For part-time undergraduate fuding information, please visit our Fees and Funding website.
Postgraduate
The University caters extensively for part-time postgraduate students: in fact, about a third of our research students and around half of our taught masters students are part-time. Part-time options are available on the majority of our study programmes, with some course being specifically designed with flexibility in mind, so that you can combine work and study effectively. Many part-time students are actively supported by their employers.
Take a look at our postgraduate prospectus to see the range of options open to you; in the "key facts" box at the end of each entry we indicate where part-time study is available.
Taster courses
The University offers a range of taster courses to support prospective students prepare for future study. The taster courses are designed with adults in mind, and welcome mature students with non-traditional education backgrounds.
Exploring Social Sciences
- Would you like to know more about studying a subject such as Sociology, Law or Management?
- Sample different subjects from the Faculty of Social Sciences in Law.
- The course will explore the theme of “Identities” with sessions such as:
- The conundrum of ethnicity? Multiple identities in the modern era.
- Different Identities in Policy Studies.
- Materials will all be online, and support will be available to help all participants access them.
- Location to be confirmed.
- No previous qualifications needed to apply.
- Participants on this course are guaranteed an interview for the Foundation Year in Arts and Social Sciences (Cert HE).
Applications for this course are now closed.
Ways Into History
- Would you like to know more about slavery and how it shaped Bristol? We'll be tackling difficult questions about the impact of slavery.
- Ways Into History runs over 15 weeks (one evening a week) typically in the Spring term.
- No qualifications needed to apply.
- £350 (2019/20 fee) – financial assistance is available for those on low incomes.
- Find out more here.
Reading English Literature
- Share your ideas and participate in classroom debates on classic and modern literature, explore poetry and prose, gain a greater understanding of Shakespeare and develop your essay writing skills.
- This course aims to be an enjoyable and confidence-building experience for anyone over 18 returning to study.
- Reading English Literature runs over 15 weeks (one evening a week) typically in the Spring term.
- No qualifications needed to apply.
- £350 (2019/20 fee) – financial assistance is available for those on low incomes.
- Find out more here.
Mastering English Literature
- A chance to discuss ideas on classic and modern literature at an advanced level.
- Explore poetry and prose, from Shakespeare to Philip Larkin, and develop your essay writing skills.
- Whether you have been away from education for a while, did your first degree in a completely different area or have equivalent experience and interest in studying literature beyond undergraduate level, this course aims to be an enjoyable and confidence-building experience for anyone over 18 returning to study.
- Support is available for those interested in applying for a master's degree or other further study.
- No qualifications needed to apply. £400 (2019-20 fee available to pay in installments).
- Find out more here.
Building Academic Language and Literacy
This short taster course will develop your academic language and literacy skills. It will provide the ideal preparation for future study – for instance, you could go on to apply for a foundation year at the University of Bristol.
Read more about the Building Academic Language and Literacy course.
Workshops
In addition to weekly taster courses, the University offers a range of workshops.
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Genealogy and History courses
Sample courses on the study of family history and genealogy, and the ethical dilemmas associated with these subjects.
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Workshops in English and Creative Writing
As well as Reading English Literature and Mastering English Literature the Department of English runs a series of taster workshops each year.
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Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Garden offer a range of short courses and workshops.
Public Events
To view the range of community events, lectures, workshops, and taster courses available to the public, please see the University of Bristol events calendar.
Do you work with a local community organisation?
We work with community organisations in the local area to support adult learners who want to return to study by developing taster courses in areas including creative writing, oral history, enterprise skills and understanding society. We have developed tasters with the Single Parent Action Network (SPAN), Bristol Refugee Rights and Bristol Best Tuition. If you are interested in working with us, email mature-students@bristol.ac.uk
Contact us
Undergraduate enquiries: uob-pt-study@bristol.ac.uk
Postgraduate enquiries: choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk
Will I be able to work and study at the same time?
Many of our students choose to work alongside study. The University guidelines suggest that full-time students work no more than 15 hours per week during term time. Many of our full time students choose to keep 9am - 5pm hours of work, made up of teaching and independent study.
My degree fits into working life well and is flexible enough so I can study and manage my other commitments. The course is for everybody, of all ages and backgrounds, and we're all very supportive of one another. Plus, through the reading groups, we get to share our enjoyment of books with other people.