Course summary
**The PhD Sociotechnical Futures and Digital Methods is linked to the interdisciplinary South West doctoral pathway of the same name. Offer holders will need to apply to and be awarded an SWDTP studentship for this pathway to meet the conditions for registration on this programme.** Conduct advanced research on digital methods and sociotechnical futures in an innovative interdisciplinary school. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the social and political dimensions of technological transformation as occasioned by, for instance, the digital revolution, green energy or artificial intelligence. Study the nature of technological change through interdisciplinary methods: the ways it shapes society, and the ways it is shaped by society. Learn from internationally renowned scholars of science and technology, politics and international relations in a dynamic and supportive research environment. Benefit from support and oversight from two PhD supervisors whose current active research interests and expertise are relevant to your chosen research area. Be challenged and inspired by an international community of scholars addressing some of the most important topics that face us today. Join a diverse, innovative community, committed to rigorous conceptual and empirical research that is politically and socially relevant and problem-orientated. Be taught by academics producing leading research that is relevant to the changing circumstances of an increasingly interconnected world. Produce work that advances theory, knowledge and methods at the cutting edge and contributes to better understanding and improvement of the world.
Assessment method
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2026/phd-sociotechnical-futures-digital-methods.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 undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) and normally a merit at MSc/MA level (or equivalent). See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Channel Islands | £2553 | Year 1 |
| England | £2553 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £2553 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £2553 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £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
This programme is restricted to those who successfully apply to and are subsequently awarded an SWDTP studentship (https://www.swdtp.ac.uk/prospective-students-and-fellows/preparing-to-apply/). 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