Visiting the Department

Open Day

The University holds two open day events, usually in June and September. You will find more information about the days on our website. http://www.bris.ac.uk/opendays/

Other opportunities to visit the university and the department

For those who can't make one of our open days, we have been running short informal tours of the University's main precinct area over the summer months. Further details http://www.bristol.ac.uk/university/visit/prospective-tours.html

Whenever possible we will do our very best to accommodate ad-hoc visits to the department. It is important you contact L.J.Watson@bristol.ac.uk to organise an appropriate time to visit. All our academic staff are also active researchers, so we cannot guarantee a chance to meet a member of staff unless an appointment has been made prior to your arrival.

Visit day

You will be invited along to a visit day if you have applied to study with us, and we think you have the potential to do well on one of our courses. Visit days are held between November and March.

N.B. Occasionally the 'visit day' may be referred to as a 'UCAS day', 'interview day' or 'admission day'.

F.A.Q's about the visit day

1. If I am invited to a visit day, is it essential that I attend?
   Yes, you are expected to attend a visit day.


2. How many people can accompany me on the visit day?
   Due to limited space we prefer you to bring a maximum of one guest, however we are happy to make an exception where necessary.


3. What time does the visit day start?
   The visit day will commence at 12.00, therefore we recommend that you arrive at 11.45.


4. What time will the visit day finish?
   The visit day will finish between 15.30 and 16.00.


5. Is lunch provided?
   Yes. We provide a selection of sandwiches at 13.00 along with hot and cold beverages.


6. Will there be a formal interview?
   You will spend 30 minutes in a group tutorial session with an academic member of staff. This is your chance to find out more about the department and the courses we offer, it will also give us the opportunity to find out more about you. During your time at Bristol University you will take part in regular tutorial meetings, which is why we feel that an informal group session is more relevant than a formal interview.

   You can however prepare for the day in the same way you would an interview. The academic you speak with may want to know more about the following:

   • interest in Computer Science,
   • mathematical, analytical and technical skills,
   • motivation and commitment,
   • ability to think and work independently and in groups,
   • extra-curricular achievements.


7. What type of talks might be given on the day?
   You can view a leaflet describing some of the talks given on our visit days http://www.cs.bris.ac.uk/admissions/ug/openday/admissions_day_LR.pdf


8. How do I get to the university?
   http://www.bristol.ac.uk/maps/ Directions for all forms of transport. A printable map is available http://www.bristol.ac.uk/maps/print/precinct-key.pdf (We are building number 25) There will also be a coach running from Temple Meads station to the Department at 11:45.


9. What is the best way to get to the Department if I miss the 11:45 coach from Temple Meads?
   You can catch the bus numbers 8/9, which run to the university precinct every 10 minutes during the day. http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/bristol_bath/journey_planning/?day=1&source_id=2&service=8/9&routeid=1290361&operator=3&source=sp


10. Does the coach from Temple Meads take me back to the station at the end of the day?
    Yes the coach will pick up from outside of the department at 15.45, it is a 25 minute journey to the station (although this can vary depending on traffic).


11. I'm travelling by car, which is the closest car park to the department?
    The closest car parks to the department are Trenchard St Car Park and West End Car Park. For more information: http://www.travelbristol.org/drive


12. I need to stay overnight, which areas do you recommend I book accommodation in?
    The City Centre and Clifton are the best areas to look for accommodation; most will be within 15mins walk of the department.


13. How can I find out more about student accommodation?
    The university holds details on all aspects of student accommodation http://www.bristol.ac.uk/accommodation/


14. Will I be able to visit any student accommodation?
    If you would like to visit a hall of residence you must pre-arrange your visit with the Warden of the relevant hall, details can be found on the Bristol University Accommodation office web pages.


15. Does the University offer a travel bursary for applicants from low income households?
    Yes, there are a limited number of travel bursaries available for UK 'Home' applicants in financial need attending an interview or departmental open day. To apply please contact the Student Funding office (0117) 3317972 or email june.kynaston@bristol.ac.uk


16. What happens after the visit day?
    The department will feed information back to our admissions team, who are responsible for making decisions on offers. UCAS will let you know as soon as we've made a decision; you can also check the progress of your application at http://www.ucas.ac.uk/students/track/


17. If you have a question about the course you have applied for, our web pages http://www.bris.ac.uk/prospectus/undergraduate/2012/sections/COSC/dept_intro should have the answer.

If you cannot find the answer to your question above, please contact eng-ug-admissions@bristol.ac.uk or +44 (0)117 928 8150 the Admission team will be very happy to help.