Course summary
Researchers in the School of Biological Sciences conduct cutting-edge research across a broad range of biological disciplines, including genomics, biotechnology, cell biology, molecular plant science, sensory biology, animal behaviour and evolution, population biology, host-disease interactions and ecosystem services. The school is based in the £54 million state-of-the-art Life Sciences building. Our laboratory facilities are among the best in the world with critical '-omics' technologies and associated computing capacity (bioinformatics) a core component. The building is designed to foster our already strong collaborative and convivial environment and includes a centre for evolutionary biology research including key researchers from earth sciences, biochemistry, social medicine, chemistry and computer sciences. The school has strong links with local industry, including BBC Bristol, Bristol Zoo and the University of Bristol Botanic Garden. We offer PhD and an MSc by research programmes in many aspects of biology as well as a taught MSc in Bioinformatics and a taught MSc in Science Communication for a Better Planet. We have a lively postgraduate community. Our stimulating environment and excellent graduate school training and support provide opportunities to develop your future career. Our postgraduates make a vital research contribution, while developing skills and receiving training in communication, outreach, statistics, scientific writing and career planning. We strongly encourage all applicants to contact an academic supervisor before starting their application. Scroll down to the bottom of this page to see more information about our research groups and links to a list of supervisors working in each group.
Assessment method
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2025/phd-biological-sciences.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
This course has a subject classification which requires students whose nationality is outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland to have an ATAS certificate, irrespective of country of residence at the point of application.
Further information can be found on the UK Government's website: www.gov.uk/academic-technology-approval-scheme
Entry requirements
An upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in biological sciences or related discipline. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £4850 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £4850 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £4850 | Year 1 |
Wales | £4850 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £4850 | Year 1 |
EU | £26700 | Year 1 |
International | £26700 | 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
Provider information
University of Bristol
Beacon House
Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1QU