Fees

The two main costs you will face as a postgraduate student are tuition fees and living expenses. The tuition fee includes charges for tuition, examination and registration. It also includes a contribution towards the cost of membership of the Students' Union.

Tuition fees

Each postgraduate programme has a specific cost for tuition. Tuition fees are listed for each programme entry wherever possible.

Fees are quoted per year and are liable to rise each year. On an annual basis, the level of uplift to fees is considered by a group that consists of nominees of the University and student representatives, in consultation with the academic faculties.

Fees for new entrants: In deciding the annual level of increase for new starters, the University will consider a range of factors, including estimated inflation which has ranged from 4% to 8% in recent years, and the costs of delivering the programme. New entrants are advised to check the programme pages for confirmation of their fees, which will usually be published by October for the following academic year.

Fees for continuing students: Most fees will increase in line with the fees for new entrants. However, increases will be capped at a maximum of 8% per year (5% for students who started in the 2022/23 academic year or earlier). Confirmation of fees will be published on the webpages at the same time as per the fees for new entrants.

Fee status

Fees vary between programmes, and the amount you pay will depend on whether you are a UK or international student. If you are unsure which fees you should pay, read about how we determine your fee status.

Deposits

Some self-funded international students on taught postgraduate programmes will pay a deposit of £2,000. You can pay this online. 

In some circumstances, you can apply for a deposit refund. Read our deposit refund policy.

Bench fees

Some programmes charge a bench fee in addition to tuition fees. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or specific project) incurs extra costs, such as specialist laboratory or field work. If you need to pay bench fees, they will be listed on the programme entry and on your offer letter.

Postgraduate research fees

Some postgraduate research programmes charge a fee for an extension to the usual registration period or for resubmitting a thesis.

Fees for PhDs, MDs and EngDs by published works 

Candidates for research degrees by published work are charged registration and submission fees, but not tuition fees. Full details available on our degrees by published work page. 

Fee payments

If you are a self-funding student, or a sponsored home, EU or international student, find out more about how and when to pay your tuition fees.

Living expenses

Living expenses cover everything you will need to pay for other than tuition fees and include accommodation, food, travel and utilities.

It’s important to budget and plan your finances, especially as the cost of living is increasing in the UK and in Bristol. As a guide, most students spend between £9,000 - £15,000 per year including accommodation.