University of Bristol

The university was founded in 1909, following the merger of a college established in 1877 with the medical faculty. Bristol is the largest city in South West England and was named one of the best places to live in the UK by The Sunday Times in 2023. The city is considered a gateway to exploring the South West of England and lies just 200 kilometers from London. The University of Bristol was the first university in the UK to declare a climate emergency. Bristol is renowned for its historic harbor and vibrant cultural life. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, the University of Bristol is among the UK’s top 10 universities and ranks 54th worldwide.

Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.

Homepage of the University

Homepage of the Department of Geography

Bristol Inbound Homepage

!!The University of Bristol is not accepting applications for the 2026/27 academic year!!

University of Bristol

Academic Focus of the Department of Geography

International Centre for Integrated Research and Teaching in the fields of environmental processes, environmental systems, and human sciences
Human Geography: Historical Geography and Cultural Geography; Social Geography; Political Ecology; Economic Geography; Quantitative Methods
Physical Geography: Centre for Glaciology; Earth System, with a focus on climate and biogeochemical modelling as well as geochemistry and hydrology

Teaching Focus Areas

Environmental Change
Geographies of the Anthropocene and Technology
Earth System
Philosophy, Social Theory, and Geography

Information for Incoming Erasmus Students

Number of Erasmus Places: 1 (preferably in the winter semester or for the full academic year; Bachelor’s only)
Semester Dates: Winter Semester: Early September to mid-December; Summer Semester: January to May
Erasmus Application Deadlines: Winter Semester: 24 May
Language Level: IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5. A range of other language certificates is also accepted — see the language profile for details (see Further Information).
Minimum Grade Average: 2.0 or better
English-Taught Geography Courses
Homepage for Erasmus Students
Fact Sheet (1,6 MB)
Accommodation
New: Exchange students from European partner universities applying to start their studies abroad in September are included in the accommodation guarantee.
Student Testimonials

Further Information

Discover Bristol Video
Important Notice: Students spending one semester (less than 6 months) in Bristol with a Standard Visitor Visa may submit an official certificate from their home university instead of a formal English language qualification. This certificate must confirm that they have achieved a B2 level in English across all skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing. For a stay of two semesters, a Student Visa is required, as well as an IELTS with an overall score of at least 6.5 and no component below 5.5.