The Yorkshire university with social inclusion at its heart, Bradford works hard to support underrepresented groups to access — and succeed — in higher education. Indeed, it has been the UK’s No 1 university for social mobility for four years running in the Higher Education Policy Institute’s annual ranking, but is 35= in our social inclusion index, down from 15th last year. In addition it is at the forefront of innovation; it hosts the purpose-built Digital Health Enterprise Zone, which was the site of one of the first Covid-19 mass vaccine trials.
Located minutes from the centre of Bradford, the UK’s City of Culture 2025, it is well placed to make the most of the area’s new and refurbished facilities. On the self-contained campus biodiversity is given a boost through edible gardens, buildings made from hemp and beehives tended by student keepers.
What is the University of Bradford’s reputation?
The Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) highlighted strengths in archaeology, engineering, accounting and allied health subjects. Bradford increased the number of academics who contributed to the university’s submission in 2021, compared with the previous assessment in 2014, and 73 per cent of their work was judged to be world-leading or internationally excellent. But in the context of sector-wide improvement, Bradford’s gains were not enough to prevent a 25-place drop to 87th in our research quality index.
The Peace Studies and International Development department recently celebrated 50 years since it welcomed its first students. It works with the Ministry of Defence, the United Nations and development banks in Africa and China, and its experts have contributed to the media debate on the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile the three-year-old Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI is tasked with advancing the region’s capabilities within automation, advanced communications and sensing systems.
In the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023) Bradford was awarded triple silver for its overall rating, student experience and student outcomes. Assessors praised the “credible articulation of educational gains”. However, our analysis of the latest National Student Survey shows declining satisfaction with teaching quality (up six places to 119th) and the wider undergraduate experience (110th).
What degree courses have been discontinued and what new courses are available?
New for 2025 are degrees in computer science for artificial intelligence, sustainable process engineering, and legal theory and solicitors practice.
What are the University of Bradford’s entry requirements — and my chances of getting in?
Courses require 136-64 Ucas tariff points (the higher end of the scale equivalent to AAB at A-level). About a third (32 per cent) of students in 2024 entered through clearing, and about half of new undergraduates join via access or foundation courses or Btec qualifications.
A record number of international students enrolled in 2023, but fell sharply in 2024, from 615 to 195.
What are the graduate prospects?
Bradford is comfortably in the upper half of UK universities, placing 51st in our analysis of the proportion of students in highly skilled jobs or postgraduate study 15 months after finishing their degree. It is a notable achievement in a city ranked as the fifth most “income-deprived” local authority in England, where employment rates are below the national average.
Many courses offer opportunities for work experience or placements and are designed with input from industry partners such as the BBC, the NHS, Jaguar Land Rover, WM Morrison Supermarkets and Fujitsu.
What is the University of Bradford’s campus like?
The City campus, minutes from the centre of town, has facilities for accommodation, entertainment and sport as well as teaching and learning. Specialist developments and additions include the Lady Hale Moot Court, which opened in 2020; the Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research at Bradford Royal Infirmary, in partnership with the University of Leeds and Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; clinical skills suites; CT, x-ray and virtual reality simulation facilities; and world-class optometry resources. There is also an Innovation Lab to nurture future entrepreneurs.
When can I visit?
bradford.ac.uk
Everything you need to know about the University of Bradford’s student life and wellbeing support
Unique Fitness on the City campus has a swimming pool, climbing wall and squash courts and offers a range of classes as well as beauty therapy services. There is also a multi-use games area and a 3G five-a-side football pitch. The sports park is a five-minute walk from campus and has a full-size football pitch, tennis courts and a conditioning suite.
As well as social events and the celebration of religious festivals, there is a peer-support wellbeing scheme, plus counselling and mental health appointments. Students have access to a 24-hour helpline too.
What do the students say?
"The campus is compact so everything is easy to get to. The societies have been a key part of my university journey and they have really helped me to step out of my comfort zone. I'm now much more confident."
Anjali, clinical sciences student
What about student accommodation in the University of Bradford?
Allocation to the 1,002 rooms available at the Green, the student village endorsed by the university, is on a first-come, first-served basis, although the majority of students live at home and commute.
How diverse and inclusive is the University of Bradford?
Bradford is top in England and Wales for first-generation students: 73.5 per cent of entrants are the first in their family to go to university. It is 1st for students from black and ethnic minority backgrounds (85.5 per cent) and is among the most successful at narrowing the black awarding gap (minus 13.9 per cent, 20=). Overall, however, Bradford has slipped to 35= from 15th for social inclusion.
Everything you need to know about scholarships and bursaries at the University of Bradford
More than 3,000 cash bursaries are awarded to students from households with an income of less than £30,000. A number of country-specific scholarships help to attract international students from Pakistan, Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa, among other regions.
