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University of Bristol

The ºüÀêÊÓƵ University of Bristol Summer Institute is a three-week cultural and academic programme, exploring the intersection of Arts, Activism and Social Justice. 

is an ideal city in which to explore the themes of arts and social change. Having won the 2015 European Green Capital Award, it has a vibrant culture of arts and grassroots activism, and a rich history that includes radical and progressive traditions, and diverse communities. Bristol’s economic history raises important challenges of social justice which are salient in the . â¶Ä¯â€¯ 

Bristol played a major role in the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism. The city’s historic role in slavery and colonialism has had significant material, economic and cultural legacies today in the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, and in Bristol itself. Bristol’s complex history and diverse contemporary cultures make it an opportune place for US students to learn about the social worlds of Britain and Europe, and from which to gain a deeper understanding of our shared global histories. â¶Ä¯â€¯ 

Founded in 1876, the  is currently ranked 51st globally, 8th overall in the UK and 5th in the UK for its research. It is committed to a spirit of academic excellence and research that addresses some of the most pressing and universal global issues.   

In this summer school, students will investigate initiatives for social justice from across the globe, with particular attention given to racial justice, colonialism and legacies of enslavement. They will explore the role of arts and culture within these initiatives, drawing on diverse disciplines which may include, for example, philosophy, history, law, music and dance, visual arts, poetry, and storytelling.   

°Õ³ó±ð  focuses on five overlapping themes: 

  • Racial justice and slavery 
  • Colonialism and independence 
  • Strengths-based community development
  • Migration and refugees
  • Environmental sustainability  

Highlights

With a unique programme of teaching sessions, participants will: 

  • Learn about initiatives for social change and justice from around the world.
  • Examine legacies of racism, slavery and colonialism, and the impact of these legacies on the lives of people today. 
  • Learn about Bristol’s role in transatlantic slavery.
  • Examine different approaches to rectifying historical injustices. 
  • Learn from a combination of academics and practitioners. 
  • Develop transferrable practical skills in media, campaigning and social entrepreneurship. 
  • Learn about Bristol and the UK. 
  • Get involved in a variety of community, civic and arts activities. 
  • Meet local people from a variety of backgrounds.
  • Enhance leadership skills and be empowered to build community, transform culture and grow as changemakers.  

The academic programme will include:  

  • Creative, hands-on workshops with artists, entrepreneurs and activists from the thriving arts and voluntary sectors of Bristol.
  • Academic lectures and discussions.
  • Learning by example from experienced changemakers. 

Participants will study and complete coursework alongside fellow international students, gaining valuable insights from their peers and furthering their understanding of contemporary realities and the topics and themes being discussed. They will also work with an academic lead, who will provide direction, guidance and feedback to the participants. â¶Ä¯â€¯ 

The University of Bristol will organise an orientation session for the participants to formally inaugurate the programme, as well as a city tour to help students orientate themselves. At the end of the programme, there will be a farewell celebration for students, Bristol Summer staff and academic leads. 

In addition, the University of Bristol will organise a variety of social and cultural outings. 

Bristol is located in a vibrant and historical part of the UK. Cultural excursions accessible from Bristol include: 

  • The UNESCO World Heritage Site Roman Baths in Bath
  • A day-trip to Oxford or Cardiff
  • A visit to any of Bristol’s award-winning museums, including the SS Great Britain, the M Shed, the Georgian House Museum, or the Red Lodge Museum
  • An evening spent by the harbourside or taking a ferryboat around the harbour 

More Information

Sunday, 14 June 2026 - Saturday, 4 July 2026

Participants will be housed in a University hall of residence near the main University precinct. Accommodation will be single rooms with shared bathrooms and kitchens. All accommodation is university owned and managed. It includes laundry facilities, social and study spaces and wi-fi. Accommodation is usually provided at the  and participants have traditionally stayed in .Ìý

A meal package is included with accommodation (breakfast and evening meal). Participants are expected to source and pay for their own lunch. Travel and cultural events which are undertaken as part of the Institute will be covered by the University of Bristol.Ìý

Please note that this is a city-based programme, and students will be issued with bus passes to enable to them to move around the city as part of their visits with various activists, community leaders and artists. It can be physically demanding at times.Ìý

On completion of the programme, an official University of Bristol transcript will be issued with a single grade allocated, to form a part of the participant’s academic record. Participants who successfully complete the Summer Institute will be awarded with 10 University of Bristol credits, suggested as equivalent to 3 US semester credits.Ìý

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Lancaster University

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King’s College London

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University of Birmingham

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