Our research programmes

Bristol offers outstanding opportunities to pursue research study with world-leading academics across the broad range of disciplines represented here. As part of the Russell Group, Bristol is proud to be one of the UK’s leading research universities.

We have an excellent international reputation in research and are a member of the Worldwide Universities Network, a grouping of 19 research-led institutions of international standing.

Studying for a research degree

You can choose to follow the traditional PhD route (typically three years of study) or one of our growing number of doctoral programmes (typically four years of study), which include advanced specialist training leading into doctoral research. The University also offers Masters in Research (MSc, MPhil or MLitt) which provides an opportunity to contribute to knowledge in a shorter timescale. These programmes can be a valuable foundation for starting a PhD.

Research Masters

A Masters in Research includes a structured research project where you can explore research themes by critical analysis and in-depth study. Most Research Masters are one to two years in duration.

Traditional PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the most common qualification gained by a research student, normally representing three to four years of study depending on the discipline, and resulting in a contribution to knowledge.

Professional doctorates

In the UK, this term refers to most doctoral level qualifications other than the well known PhD. These qualifications are typically suited to professional practitioners who are already qualified to an advanced level in their area of specialism. A professional qualification such as the EdD and DSocSci can deepen and challenge your understanding, and is delivered using a blend of teaching, learning and research methods. The University also offers an EngD in Systems, which is vocationally oriented to suit industry’s needs. EngD students (Research Engineers) spend about 75 per cent of their time working in a company on collaborative research projects.

Extended doctoral programmes

A growing number of students are choosing extended programmes which allow them to follow advanced taught courses in the first year, including advanced research projects, before selecting an area of particular interest to pursue to doctoral level. This route is especially popular in the science-based disciplines.

Bristol is also home to a large number of Doctoral Training Centres and partnerships.

When do research programmes start?

Research programmes have flexible start dates throughout the year, but may be dependent on funding and Department deadlines.

Academic excellence