University of Bristol

The University of Bristol is a university in Bristol, England. It received its Royal Charter in 1909 although its predecessor institution University College, Bristol then a college of the University of London had been in existence since 1876. It is one of the original "red brick" universities. Bristol ranks as one of the top 10 universities in the United Kingdom according to most published league tables while also being the most popular British university in terms of applications per place.

The University is a member of the Russell Group, European-wide Coimbra Group and the Worldwide Universities Network of which the University's Vice-Chancellor Prof Eric Thomas is the current Chair. The most recent Research Assessment Exercise data shows a particular research strength with 15 departments awarded a 5* rating. Bristol has around 23,000 students and is one of two universities in Bristol, the other being the more recently established University of the West of England. The University has gained press attention for its high private school intake and the 2003 dispute over its admissions system.