University of Bristol

Unique study opportunities

• Access to Bristol's chemistry program, one of the best on a global scale.
• Electives in Bristol's Department of Philosophy include medical humanities for medical, dental, and veterinary majors.
• Study a common theme like the British Experience, Sustainability, Social Justice, Law, or Medical Sciences.

Language

Foreign language study is optional. Check host institution course catalog.

Courses and Credit

REQUIREMENTS WHILE ABROAD

To successfully complete this program:

• Take a full-time course of study while abroad: Usually three to five courses for 24 quarter/16 semester UC units per semester.
• A total of 48 quarter/32 semester UC units are required per year.
• You may take up to one-third (33%) of your total unit load pass/no pass.

CURRENT PROGRAM COURSES

Students are generally free to take whichever courses they like, but there are several restrictions, and some majors are called different names. See the Academic Offerings link below for details.

After arrival, on-site staff will help you find and enroll in classes. Courses may be lower or upper division to UC.

Students who want to connect their courses through a broader topic may chose a study themes: 

• Global Citizen: The British Experience
• The World We Live In: Environment and Sustainability
• Social Justice and Activism
• Try Something New
• Law School Study Taster
• Medical Sciences Study Taster

Catalogs and resources

• Academic Offerings: See an overview of academic offerings at all English host institutions, including University of Bristol.
• Courses for study abroad students: View departmental Study Guides at Bristol to find out which courses are available to you. 
• University of Bristol: Explore the general Unit Catalogue to view detailed course information. Note: In the UK, a course is usually equivalent to a major academic plan at UC, and a module or unit is equivalent to a course (or class) at UC. The open unit status listed for each course is not relevant for UCEAP students.
• University of Bristol faculties and schools: See a list of all faculties and schools.
• UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses students have taken on this program. This is not a current representation of course offerings on this program. Reference the above links to review recent course offerings. 
• Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location.

Academic culture

Studying abroad in England helps you develop an independent learning style, with strong writing skills and active participation in your own learning.

• Introductory courses at an English university (or uni) are comparable to sophomore level in the US.
• Many courses are the equivalent of UC upper division, and instructors expect prior knowledge of the subject.
• There's more emphasis on writing and independent reading than at UC, and your participation can influence the final grade.
• Differences in teaching style may include less detailed instructions, fewer in-class sessions (except science classes), and fewer in-term assessments.
• Many courses are taught with lectures and seminars. Lecture class sizes can be quite large and seminar groups are smaller.
• Faculty (called lecturers) don't often hold office hours, but welcome individual questions and are eager to help visiting students.
• Past exam papers are available and students, including local British students, use them to prepare for exams. 

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Grades for the fall semester are typically available late March, and grades for the spring semester are typically available late July or early August.

Your final grade will heavily and sometimes fully depend on the final exam. UC policy does not allow UCEAP participants to retake exams (called re-sits) and exam dates aren't flexible.

If you intend to put yourself on your campus degree list for graduation while on UCEAP, consult your campus advisors before departure about possible delays in the degree verification process.