Description
Located in Bristol, England, the University of Bristol has had a continued reputation for innovation since its founding in 1876. Their research tackles some of the world’s most pressing issues in areas as diverse as infection and immunity, human rights, climate change, and cryptography and information security.
Learn more about the University of Bristol from the video below.
Quick Facts
Partner Program Type – Exchange
Minimum GPA – 3.0
Eligibility – Good academic and disciplinary standing, Min Age: 18, Open to All Majors, Junior or Senior class standing by the time of departure
Term Options
Fall Semester – early September to mid-December
Spring Semester – early January to late May
- students must miss both winter and spring quarters at UCSC to participate in this session
Academic Year – late September to early June
Partner Program deadline dates
Cost
Location
City & University
A vibrant port city, Bristol is one of the warmest and sunniest cities in the UK. Bristol has a strong tradition of activism and values sustainability as it was the first British city to be named European Green Capital. There is also a vibrant art scene, multiple music venues, independent cinemas, and you can visit the oldest continuously running theatre in the UK, Bristol Old Vic. The university is close to parks, museums, and shopping centers.
Accommodations
If coming for the fall or a year, housing is guaranteed on campus; however, it is not guaranteed for the spring semester only. University accommodation tends to be for first-year students. Off-campus accommodation options are also available. Learn more about accommodation at Bristol here and here.
You are responsible for applying for, securing, and paying for accommodations directly to the housing provider. Visit the host university website for actual costs.
Student Support
The Global Opportunities team provides a range of services and support for exchange students. Additionally, Bristol assists exchange students in successfully integrating into the culture, society, and student life.
Country Information Resources
- U.S. Department of State Country Information Page
- CDC Travelers’ Health
- OSAC Country Security Report
Students with Disabilities
If you need support services abroad, notify your UCSC Disability Resource Center (DRC) Coordinator.
Learn more about accessibility and accommodations at the University of Bristol.
Identities Abroad and Away
UC Santa Cruz Global Learning is committed to inclusion and equity in our various program options as well as striving to make everyone’s experiences abroad enriching, positive, and safe.
Learn more on our Identities Abroad and Away webpage.
Academics
Host University Courses
As a University of Bristol exchange student, you will enroll full-time in courses alongside other local and international students for a semester or full academic year.
Course Search
Search the subjects and study guide for exchange students at Bristol.
- More information about choosing courses can be found here.
Satisfying Requirements
It may be possible to satisfy major, minor, GE, and/or electives on this program.
Learn more about:
- How to request major or minor credit
- How to request GE credit
Course Load Requirements
You are required to enroll in a full-time course load while abroad as defined by your host institution:
- 60 UK credits per semester. Most units at Bristol are worth either 10 credits or 20 credits.
As a UCSC student, you must also continue to meet UCSC Satisfactory Academic Progress, which requires students to enroll in a minimum of 12 UCSC quarter credits per quarter. At Bristol, you are required to ensure you meet this requirement by enrolling in the equivalent of at least 12 quarter credits for fall semester and at least 24 quarter credits for spring semester after conversion (see below).
Credit Conversion
UK credits will be converted to UCSC quarter credits when added to your UC transcript.
- 10 UK credits = 4 quarter credits at UCSC
- 15 UK credits = 6 quarter credits at UCSC
- 20 UK credits = 8 quarter credits at UCSC
- 30 UK credits = 12 quarter credits at UCSC
Academic Restrictions
Some courses abroad may have enrollment limitations and/or restrictions, such as prerequisites. Review course information provided by the university partner to understand any course limitations and/or restrictions prior to official course enrollment abroad.
If you are unsure about your eligibility to enroll, please contact UCSC Global Learning at globallearning@ucsc.edu before applying to this program.
Academic Differences
Please note that the academic system, such as assignments, exams, course structure, grading system, etc., at your host institution may be different from what you are used to at UCSC. We highly recommend researching the academic system at your host university in advance to best prepare for your experience abroad.
Academic Calendar
We recommend comparing the host university academic calendar to the UCSC academic calendar to see how the academic calendars, holidays, and breaks differ.