Biological Sciences
- PhD
- MSc by research
Overview
Researchers in the School of Biological Sciences conduct cutting-edge research across a broad range of biological disciplines, including genomics, biotechnology, cell biology, molecular plant science, sensory biology, animal behaviour and evolution, population biology, host-disease interactions and ecosystem services.
The school is based in the £54 million state-of-the-art Life Sciences building. Our laboratory facilities are among the best in the world with critical '-omics' technologies and associated computing capacity (bioinformatics) a core component. The building is designed to foster our already strong collaborative and convivial environment and includes a centre for evolutionary biology research including key researchers from earth sciences, biochemistry, social medicine, chemistry and computer sciences. The school has strong links with local industry, including BBC Bristol, Bristol Zoo and the University of Bristol Botanic Garden.
We offer PhD and an MSc by research programmes in many aspects of biology as well as a taught MSc in Bioinformatics and a taught MSc in Science Communication for a Better Planet. We have a lively postgraduate community. Our stimulating environment and excellent graduate school training and support provide opportunities to develop your future career.
Our postgraduates make a vital research contribution, while developing skills and receiving training in communication, outreach, statistics, scientific writing and career planning.
We strongly encourage all applicants to contact an academic supervisor before starting their application. Scroll down to the bottom of this page to see more information about our research groups and links to a list of supervisors working in each group.
Entry requirements
An upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in biological sciences or related discipline.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
Go to admissions statementIf English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £4,850 per year
- Home: part-time
- £2,425 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £26,700 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
Research is supported by BBSRC, MRC, NERC, the ERC, the Royal Society, the Wellcome and Leverhulme Trusts, the Wolfson Foundation, Defra and other government agencies, charities and industry. All studentships and openings are advertised on the School of Biological Sciences website.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Many postgraduate students choose a higher degree because they enjoy their subject and subsequently go on to work in a related area.
Postgraduate study is often a requirement for becoming a researcher, scientist, academic journal editor and for work in some public bodies or private companies. Around 60% of biological sciences doctoral graduates continue in research.
We have a strong track record in supporting the careers of young researchers by helping them to find post-doctoral positions or develop fellowship applications.
Research groups
Our research activity in the school is guided by focusing on key themes:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Animal Behaviour and Sensory Biology
- Plant and Agricultural Sciences
- Ecology and Environmental Change
All researchers across the school identify with one or more of the themes. The school usually has up to 200 research postgraduates at any one time, working in a wide variety of subject areas and adopting a range of different research approaches.
Read more about our Biological Sciences research areas and research in the Faculty of Life Sciences.
When applying you must indicate one or two potential supervisors whose research interests you. We recommend that you contact these supervisors by email in advance of making your application. Details of the members of staff that could serve as supervisors are available on the webpages above.
Contact us
- Contact
Faculty Education Team
- Phone
- +44 (0)
117 374 6625
fls-pgenquiries@bristol.ac.uk
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