Last updated: 3 March 2026

This Cookie Policy explains how the University of Bristol (“University”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our online programmes website (“Website”).

It explains what these technologies are, why we use them, and your rights to control our use of them.

This Cookie Policy should be read alongside our Privacy Notice.

What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your computer, tablet or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites function efficiently, enhance user experience, and provide reporting information.

Cookies may be:

• First-party cookies, set by the University of Bristol; or

• Third-party cookies, set by service providers whose services we use.

• Some cookies may collect personal data. Where this occurs, such data will be processed in accordance with UK GDPR and our Privacy Notice.

Why we use cookies
 

• We use cookies for the following purposes:

• To ensure the Website functions properly

• To improve performance and usability

• To analyse how the Website is used

• To measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns

• To personalise content and communications where appropriate

Cookies are grouped into the following categories.

1. Strictly necessary cookies

These cookies are essential for the operation of the Website. They enable core functionality such as:

• Secure form submissions

• Protection against fraudulent activity

• Session management

• Load balancing and server performance

• Storage of your cookie consent preferences

Without these cookies, the Website cannot function properly.

Strictly necessary cookies cannot be disabled via the Cookie Preference Centre.

Examples may include cookies associated with:

• Content management systems

• Security systems

• Cloud hosting providers

• Consent management platforms

2. Performance and functionality cookies

These cookies enhance Website functionality but are not strictly essential. They may support:

• Live chat tools

• Embedded content (e.g. video)

• Language or regional preferences

• Load balancing optimisation

If you disable these cookies, some features of the Website may not operate correctly.

We may use technologies provided by services such as:

• Microsoft (for web hosting and infrastructure services)

• Cloud-based platforms supporting student enquiry forms

• CRM systems used for managing communications

3. Analytics cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our Website so we can improve performance and user experience.

They collect information such as:

• Pages visited

• Time spent on pages

• Traffic sources

• Device and browser type

• Interaction patterns

• This data is generally aggregated and anonymised.

• Analytics technologies used may include:

• Google Analytics

• Microsoft Clarity

• CRM analytics tools

• Website optimisation tools

These cookies are only set with your consent.

4. Marketing and advertising cookies

These cookies are used to:

• Measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns

• Track conversions from online advertisements

• Deliver more relevant advertising on third-party platforms

They may be set by services such as:
​

• Google Ads

• LinkedIn Ads

• Meta (Facebook)

• Bing / Microsoft Advertising

These cookies track browsing activity across websites and may be used to build a profile of your interests.

Marketing cookies are only set where you have provided consent.

5. Social media cookies

If you use social sharing features or interact with embedded social content, third-party platforms may set cookies.

These may include:

• LinkedIn

• Meta (Facebook / Instagram)

• YouTube

These providers operate under their own privacy policies.

How can you control cookies?

You have the right to accept or reject non-essential cookies.

When you first visit our Website, you will be presented with a Cookie Preference Centre that allows you to:

Accept all cookies
Reject all cookies


You can change your preferences at any time by accessing the Cookie Settings link available on our Website.

Please note:

Strictly necessary cookies cannot be disabled.

Blocking certain cookies may impact your experience of the Website.

You can also manage cookies through your browser settings.

For guidance, visit:

• Chrome

• Firefox

• Safari

• Edge

Other tracking technologies
​

• We may also use technologies such as:

• Web beacons (tracking pixels)

• Embedded analytics scripts

• Conversion tracking tags

• These technologies often rely on cookies to function.

They allow us to:

• Measure marketing effectiveness

• Analyse engagement

• Improve site performance

Disabling cookies may prevent some of these technologies from operating correctly.

International data transfers

Some third-party providers may process data outside the UK. Where this occurs, appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses or adequacy decisions are in place.

Updates to this Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:
 

• Changes in legal requirements

• Changes to technologies used

• Improvements to transparency

The date at the top of this page indicates when this Policy was last updated.

If you have any questions, please refer your enquiries to data-protection@bristol.ac.uk