30 years of UWE Bristol

Cover of the 1993 UWE Bristol prospectus.

In the academic year 2022/23 we celebrated 30 years of being a university. In 1992, we officially achieved university status. Our anniversary marked a moment to stop and reflect on how far we've come, and how much further we aim to go together.

The 30th series

Reminisce with old photos and music. Meet inspiring members of our community.

30 to watch

Explore this celebratory list of 30 inspirational members of our community. Each was nominated for making a positive difference through their talent, persistence and passion. They’re impressive now, so just imagine their impact in the future.

Archive photo of Frenchay Campus from the 1979 prospectus.

Then and now: UWE Bristol campuses

Our well-loved Bristol campuses have been a constant backdrop for the many who have studied, lived, and worked here over the years. We take a nostalgic look back at how they’ve changed and developed through time.

Archive photo from inside UWE Bristol accommodation kitchen.

Then and now: student accommodation at Frenchay

From Ashley Village surrounded by fields to Carroll Court by the busy bus stops, join us as we reminisce about the changing face of Frenchay Campus student accommodation.

30 songs to take you back

Music has the power to bring back memories like they were yesterday. With the help of alumni, we put together a Spotify playlist featuring one track per year from 1992 to 2022. Enjoy classic tracks from Massive Attack, Gorillaz, The Killers, Justin Timberlake, and Beyoncé to mention just a few.

Looking back

The building of Frenchay Campus, 1973.

Image of Bower Ashton Campus from the 1997 prospectus.

Bower Ashton Campus prospectus image, 1997.

Princess Royal visits Glenside Campus, 1997.

The Quiet Room in the Octagon on Frenchay Campus in 1982.

The Frenchay Octagon Quiet Room, 1982.

Entrance to B Block, Frenchay Campus circa 2006.

A lecture on Frenchay Campus, 2000.

St Matthias Campus, Fishponds. Image from 1997 prospectus.

Frenchay's Centre for Sport shortly before opening, 2006.

Carroll Court student study bedroom, 1993.

'Resources for effective learning', image from 1987 prospectus.

Undergraduate prospectus cover, 2000.

'Red Hot Chili Peppers' concert being promoted on Frenchay Campus, 1997.

Student event on Frenchay Campus, 1997.

Alumni support Prize Draw

Thank you to all the alumni businesses, staff and friends of UWE Bristol who generously donated prizes for our 30th Prize Draw. And congratulations to the lucky winners! The prize draw raised over £3,500 towards crucial Student Hardship Grants for students in financial need.

The draw is now closed, but you can still find out about other ways to support UWE Bristol.

Photograph of Rae Henry from the Student Money Service.

"The cost-of-living crisis is an urgent threat to a student’s ability to support themselves whilst they study. This year we’re expecting an increase in the number of students applying for Hardship Grants. Your support will have a positive impact on our students facing hardship now and in the months to come."

Rae Henry, Student Money Service Co-ordinator (Student Engagement)

Rae Henry Student Money Service Co-ordinator (Student Engagement)

Supporting Student Hardship Grants

All proceeds from the prize draw went directly to supporting students through Student Hardship Grants.

This support is critical in bridging the gap between government funding, possible family contributions and student’s part-time employment income.

Hardship Grants not only prevent students falling into financial crisis (through no fault of their own), and potentially dropping out, but also have a positive impact on other aspects of their lives too, such as mental wellbeing, nutrition, their dependants, and their educational attainment.

Our far-reaching Hardship Grants are made possible by donations from alumni and supporters and are needed now more than ever.

The prize draw is now closed but you can still make a donation.

Looking forward

Our values and vision for the future.

"This is a moment to not only celebrate the past 30 years of success, innovation and change, but also look to the future. We want to continue to improve, evolve and develop, seize new opportunities, meet new challenges, and support our students and staff to thrive and flourish – for the next 30 years and beyond."

Professor Sir Steve West CBE, DL, Vice-Chancellor, President and CEO, UWE Bristol

Professor Sir Steve West CBE, DL Vice-Chancellor, President and CEO, UWE Bristol

Interview with Professor Sir Steve West CBE, DL

Find out what he loves about his job, his proudest moment and about the changes we’ll see at UWE Bristol in the future.

Our ambition is clear

We’re set on solving future challenges through outstanding learning, research and a culture of enterprise. We aim to power the future workforce, support local economic prosperity, shape the health and sustainability of our communities and create solutions to global challenges.

Read our 2030 Strategy