Course summary
The School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience has an international reputation for research excellence in cardiovascular biology, neuroscience, and cell signalling. The school is highly committed to training the next generation of scientists from both the UK and overseas, taking great pride in the standard of our postgraduate provision. New students enter an exciting and diverse research environment in which we support and challenge our postgraduates to excel. All postgraduates receive extensive research and transferable skills training. The school is well supported by programme and project grants, particularly from the Medical Research Council (MRC), the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK and British Heart Foundation (BHF), enabling the school to provide a vibrant environment for research. We offer both three or four-year PhD programmes and one-year Master's by Research (MScR) projects.
Assessment method
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2026/phd-physiology-pharmacology-neuroscience.pdf
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for postgraduate study. If you study or have studied at a university outside the UK, please select the relevant page for further information on qualifications, scholarships and education representatives in your country/region: bristol.ac.uk/international/countries.
Entry requirements
A first or upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a biomedical science discipline is required for entry to the PhD programme. We may consider MSc by research and MSc applications from candidates with a lower second-class degree (or international equivalent). See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £2553 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £2553 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £2553 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £2553 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £2553 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
For more information, please view the programme page on our website.
Sponsorship information
Funding to support postgraduate studentships is available from the BBSRC, BHF, and MRC (eligibility criteria apply and allocation is competitive). A limited number of University Scholarships are also available. International students are often self-funded or supported by funds from their own governments. MScR students are usually self-funded. Self-funded projects usually also require a bench fee. Details about funded studentships are listed on the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences website (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/health-life-sciences/) and Bursaries and scholarships website. Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/
Provider information
University of Bristol
Beacon House
Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1QU