MPhil & PhD study
Studying for a higher degree by research provides a special sequence of challenges and rewards. It involves devising and conducting an original piece of research under the supervision of staff with expertise in the area you have chosen.
The advantage of the research degree is that you can become specialised in an area, you have the opportunity to develop your own ideas, there is a real sense of ownership and achievement in the final product, and it can prepare you well for a career in research and academia. Typically, graduates go on to take positions as researchers or academics in institutes of higher education. However, many have used the experience for personal development and have gone on to take important jobs in commerce or the health professions.
Research degrees can be lonely affairs. At Bristol we maintain a critical mass of about fifteen students who are very supportive of each other. In addition staff like to work very closely with research students, and each student is assigned an academic advisor who they meet with regularly. We encourage and help you to write and present to a high standard and have high expectations for you such as submitting your work for publication and presentation at national and international conferences.