Questions and answers
Please consult the questions below to find the answers to many questions about postgraduate study at Bristol. If the information you need is not listed here, please contact us at pg-admissions@bristol.ac.uk.
If you are an international applicant, please also see our additional information for international applicants
Programmes we offer at Bristol
- What sort of programmes are offered at the University of Bristol?
- Do you offer any online or distance learning programmes?
- Do you offer any part-time programmes?
- What is the difference between a Taught Postgraduate Programme and a Postgraduate Research Programme?
- When do programmes start?
1. What sort of programmes are offered at the University of Bristol?
At Postgraduate level, we offer both taught and research programmes in a large range of subject areas, as well a small number of other doctoral-level and professional qualifications. We currently have approximately 180 Postgraduate programmes available for 2012/13 entry, offered across our six Faculties. For programme information, please see our Prospectus main page, where you can browse or search for a specific programme or research interest.
If you are interested in Undergraduate study, please see the equivalent online Prospectus, and for details on short programmes please consult the Lifelong Learning section of the University website.
2. Do you offer any online or distance learning programmes?
Unfortunately as a general rule, we do not offer any online/distance learning programmes, with the exception of the following programmes which contain varying elements of distance learning:
Please be aware that these programmes may still require some attendance at Bristol throughout the year and so may not be suitable for those who are unable to easily visit or attend Bristol. Please contact the Department should you wish to discuss study arrangements for these programmes.
3. Do you offer any part-time programmes?
Many of our programmes are available on a part-time basis. Please check programme details to see if the programme you are interested in is available on a part-time basis. Please be aware that if you are an overseas student, you will need to check your visa requirements as student visas are not generally issued for part-time study in the UK.
4. What is the difference between a Taught Postgraduate Programme and a Postgraduate Research Programme?
Taught programmes
Taught Postgraduate programmes typically lead to the award of a Masters degree and commonly include awards such as:
- PGCert (Postgraduate Certificate)
- PGDip (Postgraduate Diploma)
- MA (Master of Arts)
- MSc (Master of Science)
We also offer taught programmes leading to subject specific Masters awards, such as MEd, MClinDent, and LLM.
The programme itself usually consists of taught units, which may be assessed by coursework and/or exams. Tuition takes place through lectures, seminars and tutorials and may include self-directed study. You will normally be required to submit an extended project or essay (dissertation) to complete the programme.
Masters degrees are typically offered as one-year programmes, but may also be available over longer periods of time, either on a part-time basis or due to the nature of the programme - such as the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) which is taken over three years.
Taught programmes usually have only one start point, which is the Autumn term. This normally falls in late September or early October.
Research programmes
Research programmes typically lead to the award of PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), but can also be one of the following:
- Master of Philosopy (MPhil)
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Doctor of Social Sciences (DSocSci)
- Engineering Doctorate (EngD)
Research programmes also include other research based degrees, such as an MSc by Research.
Research programmes require you to undertake a substantial piece of work, normally in the form of a thesis, which, in the case of a PhD, needs to show evidence of originality. You will be assigned a supervisor and be required to undertake independent learning. Assessment is largely by thesis, which you may also be required to defend in front of an examining board.
Entry to research programmes can be throughout the year, however start dates may be determined by funding and Department deadlines.
5. When do programmes start?
Taught programmes usually start in the Autumn term, with registration due to start in the first week of October for 2012. Classes and lectures normally commence the week following this introduction period. Research programmes have more flexible start dates, but may be dependent on funding and Department deadlines.
Please see the University key dates for exact dates.
Fees, funding and scholarships
- Is there an application fee?
- What are the tuition fees?
- How do I pay my tuition fees?
- Am I classed as an overseas or UK/EU fee payer?
- Are there any funding opportunities or scholarships available?
- How do I apply for a scholarship?
1. Is there an application fee?
At present we do not charge an application fee.
2. What are the tuition fees?
Tuition fees are charged according to the programme of study. You can find programme-specific tuition fees listed in all of the programme details. There is also a tuition fee schedule listing all programmes.
Tuition fees normally rise annually, broadly in line with inflation. There are two different rates of fees charged: those for UK/EU students, and those for overseas students. Please see Am I classed as an overseas or UK/EU fee payer? for further information.
3. How do I pay my tuition fees?
Fees may be paid in full or in installments. Please see fee guidance for more information and details of how to pay.
4. Am I classed as an overseas or UK/EU fee payer?
The University must assess fee status according to The Education (Fees and Awards) (England) Regulations 2007 and The Student Fees (Qualifying Courses and Persons) (England) Regulations 2007. We make a decision on your fee status only once your application has been received and processed, and an offer of study is made to you. Unfortunately fee status regulations are complex and depend on a number of factors, including residency and immigration. You can see the legislation we use to determine fee status, and work out your own fee status by consulting the UKCISA website.
If you feel you have a more complicated case, please feel free to contact us for advice. However, please be aware that a decision on fee status is only made post-application and only if an offer of study is made to you.
5. Are there any funding opportunities or scholarships available?
There may be scholarships and funding available for some programmes. For any Department-allocated funding, please see the relevant Departmental website. International students can search for funding options through the International Office. For University-wide scholarships and funding information, please see the Student Funding Office. It is also advisable for applicants to investigate funding opportunities offered by other external sources.
6. How do I apply for a scholarship?
In some cases, you will first need to hold an offer of study at Bristol before being able to apply for a scholarship. The International Office and Student Funding Office give details on the application process for the scholarships they list. Any Department allocated funding detailed on the relevant Department website will also be accompanied by application details.
Accommodation
- Am I entitled to accommodation as a Postgraduate student?
- How do I apply for University accommodation?
1. Am I entitled to accommodation as a postgraduate student?
All students are welcome to apply for University-allocated accommodation, however students paying fees at the UK/EU rate are not guaranteed accommodation, as priority is given to new international postgraduates. There is a good supply of private rental accommodation within easy reach of the University, and the Accommodation Office can help students find appropriate accommodation.
The University guarantees to provide an offer of accommodation to students who:
- are classified as overseas fee payers
- apply for accommodation by 1 August of the year their programme commences
- are unaccompanied
- have firmly accepted an offer of study
- are new, full-time students in their first year of study at Bristol
- will be starting their studies by September/October and will be here for a full academic year
University-allocated accommodation is only guaranteed for one year.
2. How do I apply for University accommodation?
You will need to apply to the Accommodation Office. Applications can only be made once you have received an offer of study at Bristol.
Contacting and visiting us
- Is there an Open Day or opportunity for me to visit the University?
- How do I get to the University?
- Who do I contact for further information?
- Who do I contact with a complaint?
1. Is there an Open Day or opportunity for me to visit the University?
Unfortunately we do not hold a general Postgraduate Open Day, however please check our Visits and Open Days page for details on other opportunities to visit the University.
International students may contact the International Recruitment Office for advice on visiting the University.
2. How do I get to the University?
The city of Bristol is located in the southwest of England, 90 minutes away from London, with the University itself in the heart of the historic district of the city. Please have a look at our Maps and Travel Information for location/journey information.
3. Who do I contact for further information?
Is your question concerning one of our programmes?
Information on all our programmes is available in the Prospectus, with Department webpages providing further information. For further or more detailed information on any aspect of a programme, please contact the relevant Department using the contact details provided at the bottom of the programme page.
Is your question concerning an application you have already submitted?
If you have already submitted an application and have a query regarding your application, please contact the relevant Faculty or School who is dealing with your application.
General or other enquiries
If you are not sure who to contact or have a general enquiry, please contact us at pg-admissions@bristol.ac.uk.
4. Who do I contact with a complaint?
If you feel your application has not been dealt with according to our admissions principles and procedures, please see our Applicant Feedback and Complaints Policy.