Follow us on Facebook
YouTube logo
Twitter logo

Neural Dynamics

Awards available PhD
Duration of programme Four years full-time
Number of places 5-6

Programme overview

The Wellcome Trust PhD in Neural Dynamics trains a future generation of neuroscientists to successfully combine experimental and mathematical or computational techniques in their research. It provides you with the opportunity to explore several areas of neural dynamics, allowing you to develop a broad understanding of the foundation that underpins your core interests. There are a wide range of projects to choose from, which can be tailored to your own interests. Each student is co-supervised by an experimental/clinical neuroscientist and a mathematician/computer scientist.

We are looking for talented and motivated students willing to take up the many varied challenges in neural dynamics and who are open to learning about new disciplines and working across different fields.

First-year training

Your first year comprises five taught units with related seminars, as well as two research projects lasting four months each, with a student conference concluding the year.

Units:

  • Foundations in Neuroscience
  • Mathematical Modelling
  • Computational Neuroscience
  • An optional unit

A precise training plan will be drawn up for you by the programme directors and yourself, to take into account your background and interests.

Second to fourth years

From the second year, one of the two research projects you undertook in your first year will be developed into your full PhD project, co-supervised by at least one experimentalist and one theoretician.

During this period you will have the option to either:

  • make an international lab visit for one to three months

or, in the final year:

  • make an industrial lab visit for three to six months

You will be able to discuss these options with your supervisors once you start the programme.

Research groups

Bristol has one of the largest concentrations of neuroscientists in Europe and is a major centre for basic and clinical neuroscience. We are an acknowledged world leader in many key areas of neural dynamics research, from both an experimental and theoretical perspective, spanning molecular, cellular and systems levels of neuroscience. Together with experts in systems dynamics, based in the Departments of Engineering Mathematics, Computer Science, the School of Mathematics and the Bristol Robotics Lab, we can provide considerable scope for ground-breaking, integrative research projects.

Staff research interests

Please see the Bristol Neuroscience website for further information on potential supervisors and their research interests.

(Back to top)

Entry requirements

An upper second-class undergraduate degree in a biomedical science discipline or a relevant theoretical discipline (mathematics, computer science or physics). You should also have some background in mathematics or computer science, e.g. A-levels or application of mathematical modelling/computational methods in undergraduate research.

Admissions statement

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

(Back to top)

Key research interests

(Back to top)

Apply online

Application deadline: To be confirmed

Get in touch

Graduate Administration Manager
Faculty of Medical and Veterinary Sciences

Phone: +44 (0) 117 331 1535
Email: Lindsey.Watson@bristol.ac.uk
Web: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/neuroscience/postgrad/pg-phds/neural-dynamics/

International students

English-language requirements: 6.5 overall with at least 6.5 in each band, in addition to the standard entry requirements.

Find information for international students on eligibility, funding options and studying at Bristol.

Fees and funding

2014/15 fees

Full-time: UK/EU £3,939; overseas £17,000 (lab-based), £28,900 (clinical)
Fees quoted are provisional, per annum and are subject to annual increase.

Funding options

The Wellcome Trust provides funding to cover PhD programme fees at the UK/EU student rate, research expenses, a stipend for living expenses, contribution towards travel and a contribution towards transferable-skills training.
International students are eligible to apply for this programme. However, please be aware that, if you are an overseas fee payer, you will only receive funding to cover PhD programme fees at the UK/EU student rate; the remainder must be self-funded by yourself.

Research Assessment Score

n/a

Useful further information

Applicant information

What happens after you apply to Bristol?

Shared kitchen in Blenheim Court

Accommodation

Our Accommodation Office helps all postgraduate students find accommodation.

Living in Bristol

Discover more about living in Bristol and the city of Bristol.