Course summary
The PhD Health, Wellbeing and Society programme is linked to the interdisciplinary South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) pathway of the same name: https://www.swdtp.ac.uk/prospective-students-and-fellows/esrc-funded-studentships/ The Health, Wellbeing and Society pathway unites leading social scientists and practitioners to explore the social determinants of health, lifestyle behaviours, physical activity, and mental wellbeing. It aims to foster a healthier society by advancing research at the intersection of health and social sciences, influencing policy, services, and practice. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, this pathway equips researchers with the knowledge and tools to address global health challenges across diverse populations and settings, both in the UK and internationally. All students will have two supervisors from different disciplinary perspectives on health and wellbeing. Your supervisors will convene joint meetings on a regular basis and will attend the annual one-day workshop for all pathway students. Students will normally be registered in the school of their first supervisor. This may not be the school that processes your application. Possible start dates are September 2026 and January 2027. Please see the programme page on our website for more information.
Assessment method
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2026/phd-health-wellbeing.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
An upper second class honours degree and a merit at MSc/MA level (or equivalent experience/qualification) See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £5106 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £5106 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £5106 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £5106 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £5106 | Year 1 |
| EU | £21900 | Year 1 |
| International | £21900 | 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
Applicants may apply for an SWDTP studentship (https://www.swdtp.ac.uk/prospective-students-and-fellows/esrc-funded-studentships/) and/or a University of Bristol scholarship (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts-law-social-sciences/postgraduate-research/bristol-pg-research-scholarships-alss/). Eligible applicants can also apply for a China Scholarship Council scholarship (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/scholarships/china-scholarship-council/). 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