About
We are making a difference and changing lives through equality of opportunity.
Our focus is on creating the conditions for social, cultural, and economic impact.
1st in England on the Social Mobility Index
We were recognised by the Higher Education Policy Institute in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 for doing more than any other institution to improve our students' lives.
1st for number of first-generation and ethnic minority students
We are ranked first in England and Wales by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 with 73.5% of our entrants being the first in their family to go to university.
University of the Year for Social Inclusion
We were recognised as University of the Year for Social Inclusion by the Daily Mail University Guide 2026 for our work to make university an attainable ambition for all.
Our Distance Learning MBA is ranked 1st in the world for value for money
We were acknowledged as first for our value for money and second for ESG and net zero by the Financial Times (2025).
Our partnerships
We are proud to build partnerships with a diverse range of businesses, organisations and communities including Bradford 2025, Bradford City Football Club and National Science and Media Museum. We work with our partners to:
- Deliver events and activities;
- Provide opportunities that improve the student experience;
- Collaborate on projects that will bring change to the City;
- Engage with our staff, students and other stakeholders.
Find out more about a selection of our partnerships including who they are and how we work together to make a difference.
Our heritage
In 1966, The University of Bradford became the UK's fortieth University, Prime Minister Harold Wilson was installed as the first Chancellor. We have continued to grow ever since:
- We created the first British University Peace Studies department in 1973.
- In 2016, we were a founding Member of the World Technology Universities Network.
- In 2018 we became the first British University of Sanctuary.
- We are the recipients of two Queen's Anniversary Prizes, for Dementia Care (2016) and for Archaeology (2021).
Our rankings
We placed 47th in the UK and 511th in the world in the QS World University Rakings 2026.
Our Paramedic Science course is 3rd in the UK in The Guardian University Guide and 8th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2026.
3rd in the UK and 1st in the region of Yorkshire and Humber for Optometry by Complete University Guide 2026.
5th in the UK for Chemical Engineering by The Guardian University league tables 2026.
Key facts and statistics
- 10,887 students in the 2024/25 academic year:
- 8,037 undergraduate,
- 2,562 postgraduate taught,
- 288 postgraduate research,
- 9,583 full-time, 1304 part-time, 454 distance learners,
- 7,979 UK residence, 2,908 EU and overseas.
- 1,755 staff in the 2023/2024 academic year
- 645 academic,
- 1,110 professional/support,
- Approximately 156,493 alumni across 179 countries.
