PhD Degree and MSc Degree by Research

PhD Degree by Research

The PhD degree normally requires three years of research. The degree is awarded on the basis of the presentation and examination of a thesis and an oral examination (viva voce).

Prospective PhD students are initially enrolled for an MSc and providing satisfactory progress is made they are transferred to candidature for a PhD at the end of the first year.

Students who have obtained an MSc by Advanced Study and Research may be admitted directly to candidature for the PhD. In certain situations, holders of MSc degrees of other universities may also be admitted directly to candidature for the PhD.

For graduates of the University, a PhD may be earned by the submission of published work, all of which may have been carried out elsewhere, not sooner than 6 years after graduation.

MSc Degree by Research

The course is of twelve months minimum duration. Students are required to carry out full-time research and must attend appropriate postgraduate lecture courses and training programmes. The degree is awarded on the basis of the presentation of a thesis and an oral examination.

FUNDING OF POSTGRADUATE STUDY AT BRISTOL

Fees and living expenses

The 1998/9 fees for students from the United Kingdom and the European Union are £2540 p.a. For students from outside the EU, fees are £9040 (or three termly instalments of £3164). Living expenses are likely to amount to about £6500 p.a. The standard maintenance grant, as provided by an EPSRC studentship, for example, is £6455 p.a. for 1998-9.

The School of Chemistry is well funded by EPSRC and the other Research Councils and there are a good number of 'quota' studentships including CASE awards. Recently the University has increased the number of Postgraduate Scholarships it awards. In addition, the School of Chemistry is funding a substantial number of postgraduate studentships jointly with industry. These opportunities can be discussed during a visit.

Students from within the European Union EU students may be awarded studentships from the UK Research Councils but are more likely to be awarded University Postgraduate Scholarships or be funded by the School of Chemistry. The University Postgraduate Scholarships provide for payment of the tuition fee, together with a maintenance grant in line with Research Council awards. Applications can also be made to the EU for funding. Relevant information may be obtained from your own university.

Students from outside the European Union

Prospective students from overseas can find details of how to apply and sources of funding from a separate page.

Academic Requirements

The School welcomes applications from enthusiastic and highly motivated students. Admission to the various postgraduate courses is subject to the conditions set out in detail in the booklet "Postgraduate Study" obtainable from the Science Faculty Office (see here for further details). The normal academic requirement is one of the following:

A first or second class Honours degree in Chemistry from a recognised university or its equivalent, e.g. Graduateship of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
An Honours Degree in a science subject, where chemistry comprises a substantial part of the course.
A degree or in-post qualification that does not correspond to either of the above, but merits special consideration. Applications are particularly welcome from overseas students in this category.

How to Apply

More information is available from the full Postgraduate Prospectus for Bristol University, which is available on the web.

Candidates should apply to:

Professor Neil Connelly

Director of Graduate Studies, School of Chemistry, Cantock's Close, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK

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