Research training

PhD students will be expected to attend training offered by the Department of Population Health, in which the Centre for Ethics in Medicine is located. Depending on qualifications already obtained and the nature of the project to be undertaken, students may receive additional training on:  

• Research methods in bioethics
• Health care ethics theory
• Health care law

Some of these sessions will involve participation in existing programmes, including the BSc Bioethics. Additional training is provided through research seminars and meetings.

All registered PhD students also have access to the Department Short Course programme.

Funding

We do not currently have any doctoral funding opportunities available in the Centre.

Bristol Medical School has some studentships available, which are normally advertised in January each year. Applicants are also welcome to contact the University Student Finance Office or the Centre to discuss possible sources of funding. Examples of potential funding sources for bioethical research include the Arts and Humanities Research Council, The Wellcome Trust, and the Medical Research Council. Any prospective student, whether UK, EU, or overseas, who can provide evidence of funding, is welcome to apply for postgraduate study.

If you would like help or advice in working up an application for funding, please get in touch.

Entry requirements

Potential applicants for the PhD programme in the Centre for Ethics in Medicine need to have at least a good Honours degree in a relevant subject e.g. philosophy/ethics, law, social science, theology, health care.  Proficiency in English is essential.

Details of the required academic qualifications and English language requirements.

Fees

Details of current tuition fees for this programme. Further information on fees and living expenses.

If you are seeking funding, please see our postgraduate funding opportunities and advice.

Application procedure

Applicants are encouraged to email postgrad-ethics@bris.ac.uk. Initial enquiries ought to be supported with a brief outline of the area(s) of bioethics in which the applicant is interested. At this stage we would especially welcome:

• A brief curriculum vitae
• An outline research proposal of 500-1,500 words

If you are intending to apply, you will need to submit a formal application, but potential applicants are strongly encouraged to make contact with us before doing so.

Applications are in principle welcome at any time, but we encourage applicants who intend to commence their research in autumn to ensure that their application reaches us in the spring/early summer.