Bristol Postgraduate Research Scholarships

Funded 4-year PhD Scholarships

The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences is offering fully-funded PhD scholarships as part of the Bristol PGR scholarship programme. These scholarships are advertised on FindaPhD. 

The University of Bristol is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and we welcome and encourage applications from anyone with an interest in health and life science research. We are keen to recruit enthusiastic applicants from a wide range of training backgrounds who are interested in a career in these fields. As a faculty we offer cutting-edge multi-disciplinary training opportunities in biochemistry, biological sciences, cellular and molecular medicine, physiology, pharmacology, neuroscience, psychology, medical, veterinary and dental sciences and health education. 

What we offer 

• A 4-year PhD studentship with a range of research training opportunities, including short courses in research, statistical, computational and generic skills 

• A tax-free stipend equivalent to UKRI rates (this applies to the stipend only, at the "outside London" level) 

• £2,100/year research costs 

• Waiver of tuition fees for both UK and non-UK students 

IMPORTANT: Relocation costs, visa costs and NHS health surcharge are not funded, so non-UK applicants should ensure they are able to cover these costs before applying. Please note that depending on your circumstances these costs can be significant (in excess of £10,000). The current rates of visa costs and NHS health surcharges can be checked for clarity. 

PhD projects

Please search for projects using ‘University of Bristol Scholarship’ in the keyword search filter on the Find a funded PhD project webpage.  

For projects in the Medical School please see available projects listed here

For projects in the Veterinary School please see available projects listed here 

How to apply

Once you have identified your preferred project/s on the Find a funded PhD project webpage (using University of Bristol Scholarship’ in the keyword search filter), you can submit an application using our online application system. 

You are strongly encouraged to contact supervisors of the projects you are interested in for more information to ensure you are happy with your selection. 

 

Project choices and how many projects can I apply to? 

For projects based in Health Sciences (which will be listed as in the Dental, Medical and Veterinary Schools) you can apply for a maximum of 3 projects. Please include your 3 chosen projects in one application, clearly listing which projects you are applying for in your research statement in order of preference.

For projects based in Life Sciences (which will be listed as in the Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Physiology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience and Psychological Science Schools) you can apply for a maximum of 3 projects. Please note, you will need to submit a separate application for each project you wish to apply to. 

 

Detailed application guidance 

Curriculum vitae (CV, résumé) 

Please provide a 2-page CV listing (where relevant) your education, employment, publications, wider contributions to science or research, citizenship and leadership experience. Maximum of 2 pages A4, 11pt Arial font for main text. 

Research statement 

In the research section please enter the project title of the scholarship you are applying for along with the supervisor's name. You can upload a blank document instead of the research statement, which is not needed.      

Project choices 

Please state your chosen project title clearly on your application. Do not change any of the words  

Personal statement 

Please provide a personal statement that describes: 

• Your training and experience so far,  

• Your motivation for doing a PhD,  

• Your motivations for applying to the University of Bristol,  

• And why you think we should select you.  

This should be maximum one A4 page, 11pt Arial font. 

We are keen to support applicants from minority and under-represented backgrounds (based on protected characteristics) and those who have experienced other challenges or disadvantages. We encourage you to use your personal statement to ensure we can take these factors into account.