University of Bristol

Bristol  United Kingdom

The University of Bristol, founded in 1876, is a research-intensive institution with a strong reputation across many disciplines. We are members of the prestigious Russell Group and a top ten UK university (QS World University Rankings 2025). Bristol is one of the country's top five universities for research (THE analysis of REF 2021), making it an attractive choice for PhD students. We welcome students and staff from over 140 countries, with 32% of our students being international.

Why study at the University of Bristol?

Bristol’s research is focused on tackling global challenges, giving you the perfect platform to make a positive change in the world.

The University is highly ranked globally. A PhD from Bristol is respected worldwide, opening doors to employment and research opportunities.

Bristol is known for its world-class research. As part of our research community, you will work alongside top-tier academics who are leaders in their fields.

8,000

postgraduate students

83

PhDs

78th

ranked in the world - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

Bristol  United Kingdom

main campus

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About the University of Bristol

As a PhD student at Bristol, you’ll join a diverse and supportive academic community known for its cutting-edge research culture.

A postgraduate degree from Bristol can equip you with the skills and experience to help you go further in your professional field. Our strong industry connections mean you’ll be well prepared for your future career. The Careers Service offers expert advice and events specifically for postgraduates.

The University's outstanding reputation makes our students highly attractive to employers. Bristol is ranked 12th in the UK for employment outcomes (QS World University Rankings 2025).

Bristol Doctoral College provides information, guidance and resources to research students throughout their degree. The research community is supported through collaborative events, interactive workshops and engagement opportunities. Bristol has one of the largest concentrations of funded Doctoral Training Partnerships in the UK. These bring together renowned staff with diverse areas of expertise and industry partners. You will develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need in preparation for a successful career in academia or industry.

The University is continually investing in facilities and technology for our students, including the Global Lounge, a purpose-made cultural hub on campus where students can connect and learn from each other and find out about global opportunities. In recent years we have committed around £700 million to campus development projects. These ambitious plans will transform our campuses, buildings, and facilities and enhance your university experience.


Our university is at the heart of Bristol, a historic, lively and green city in the south-west of England. Bristol is less than two hours from London, while also being close to beautiful countryside in Somerset, Devon, and Wales. With a lively arts and music scene, sustainable credentials and a thriving modern economy, Bristol is the perfect place for postgraduate study.

There are lots of opportunities to maintain an active lifestyle at Bristol. The university is home to an extensive range of sports facilities on campus, including a swimming pool, large multipurpose sports hall and well-equipped gym. The Students' Union oversees more than 70 sport and health clubs.

The Students’ Union also has many interest-based clubs and societies. There are over 50 country-specific and religious societies where students can share their culture and connect with others from similar or different backgrounds. The Students’ Union also provides spaces on campus for students to study and socialise, as well as a calendar of events throughout the year.

Wellbeing and support are key to the University’s offer. Bristol is one of only two universities in the UK to offer a full NHS GP practice on site through the Student Health Service. There is also specialised support offered through Disability Services, Student Counselling and the Multifaith Chaplaincy.



There are many different types of postgraduate research degrees on offer at the University of Bristol. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the most traditional type of research degree and is available in all faculties and schools at our University. A PhD is awarded for the outcomes of advanced study, written up as a thesis of up to 80,000 words, which demonstrates an original and significant contribution to knowledge in your chosen field. We also offer Professional Doctorates (such as EngD, DEdPsy or MD) which make equivalent demands to the PhD over a similar timescale and signify an original contribution to knowledge in a professional context. Master's degrees by research can also be achieved, including Master of Music (MMus), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Master of Science by Research (MScR). You can find out more about the types of research degrees on our website.

A standard full-time doctoral degree at the University of Bristol will take three years of full-time study to complete, with a year for the thesis component, unless a different timeframe is otherwise stated by your research funder or sponsor. Full-time MPhil and MSc research students take between one and two years to complete, with MMus programmes taking up to three years. Part-time options are available on the majority of our research degree programmes so that you can balance your research degree alongside other commitments. Part-time doctoral students will typically spend between five and seven years completing their research programme.

Before you apply, you will need to find a PhD supervisor. To do this, find the PhD programme that you want to apply for using the postgraduate programme finder. At the bottom of each programme page, you will find the ‘Meet our supervisors’ section, which lists potential supervisors and their research areas. Our webpages also have information about the programme, entry requirements, tuition fees, and funding. Once you have found a potential supervisor, contact them to discuss your ideas and gain their agreement. If their contact details are not included on their profile page, you can find these on our contacting page. Once you have agreement from a supervisor, then you should formally apply using our online application system.

Bristol has one of the largest concentrations of funding and support for postgraduate research in the UK. To find out more, use our online fund search tool. We have many PhD studentships available across our faculties for outstanding students. These vacancies will usually cover tuition fees and a monthly stipend to cover living costs. They are attached to specific research projects or fields and are advertised individually on school and faculty webpages, or searchable on the jobs.ac.uk web pages. We currently have a range of funded Doctoral Training Centres offering funded postgraduate research opportunities and a wide range of skills training. Funded studentships on these programmes offer the chance to study as part of a cohort of researchers and usually cover fees and living costs.

Different programmes require different levels of language skills. We refer to these skill levels as ‘profiles’. You will need to achieve one of the qualifications listed for the programme you are interested in, but you do not need to have reached the required level before you apply. Each programme prospectus page lists the relevant English language profile requirements in the 'Entry requirements' section.


Register your interest with the University of Bristol


Main campus

University of Bristol

Bristol

South West

United Kingdom