Founded in 1876, University College Bristol was the precusor to the University of Bristol as it is known today. Initially there were two professors and five lecturers offering courses in 15 subjects. The College was open to men and women on the same basis, except in medicine. During the first session, 99 day students and 238 evening students registered.

On 24 May 1909, after 33 years of effort and support from students and academics alike, a Charter conferring full university status was approved by the King and came into effect and University College Bristol became the University of Bristol. It was the first higher education institution in England to admit women on an equal basis to men.