Bristol University of the West of England (UWE)

University Information, Campus and History
(Bristol, England)

The University of the West of England is located in the city of Bristol, England. It was founded in 1595 by the Bristol Society of Merchant Venturers as a Navigation School and became the first technical institution in England. The school was held by the Merchant Ventures from the 16th to the mid-20th century, when the school was transferred to the British City Education Authority. The school was able to grow under their control and this led to the establishment of new buildings and the arrival of more students. During the 1970s, the university had a student population of 10,000. The school was recognized as a university in 1992 and continued to grow so that by 1993,the school already had more than 18,000 students.

Today, the University of the West of England has more than 30,000 students and a staff of 3,000. It has become the largest institution of higher learning in southwestern England. It has four campuses located within the Bristol area. It is currently offering more than 600 degree programmes for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies and has invested more than 200 million pounds sterling for the development of its faculties, new student residence halls and a sports hall.

Facilities

The University of the West of England is home to various different facilities. It boasts a brand new Centre of Sports located in the Frenchay Campus. It also has a smaller sports hall which is situated in the St Matthaias campus about a mile and a half away from the Centre of Sports. The Centre of Sports allows students to participate in various activities such as basketball, badminton, volleyball, football and indoor hockey. It has a gym composed of 70 stations that enable students to do various exercise routines. On the other hand, the sports hall in the St Matthaias campus offers facilities that allow students to practise fencing and jui-jitsu. The use of these facilities is not included in the programme fee, so students have to make reservations and pay for the use of these facilities.

The Gilbert Scott Building is the largest building in the university. It is named after Sir George Gilbert Scott, who designed most of the university's original buildings. It has two quadrangles, a large hall called Bute Hall which is used for graduation ceremonies, and a large Gothic bell tower which is located between the quadrangles.

Famous Students

The University of the West of England has a number of notable alumni such as Lady Davina Windsor, a member of the British Royal Family and the 20th in line to the throne; Jack Russell, a famous artist and cricketer; and Dawn Primarolo, who is a member of the British Parliament.

Applicants from abroad may call +44 1242 227788 for more enquiries. Standard international call rates apply.

Contact Bristol University of the West of England (UWE):
Address: Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1QY, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)117 965 6261 Email: reception@uwe.ac.uk Website: http://www.uwe.ac.uk