Population Health Sciences

  • PhD
  • MD
  • MSc by research

Overview

The Department of Population Health Sciences is part of Bristol Medical School. We are a leading centre for research in population health sciences. Our multi-disciplinary approach contributes to significant health care improvements and policy change around the world. 

The department includes the following key areas of research: Epidemiology, Health Services Research, Research Methods, Primary Care, Public Health and Mental Health, Paediatrics and Child Health. The School hosts a number of clinical trials and cohort studies, with rich datasets complemented by a large-scale biobanking facility.

A selection of fully funded PhD opportunities are available within the department throughout the year. We are keen to attract graduates from wide academic backgrounds to our postgraduate research programme.

Please visit the school website to see current opportunities.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) or a lower second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) with a master's degree in a subject relevant to the proposed research. To register for an MD you must hold an MBChB.

Applicants must have identified two potential supervisors who are willing to support the research proposal.

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.

This admission statement is for 2026 entry. The 2027 entry admission statement will be available in the Autumn.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

Home: full-time
£5,343 per year
Home: part-time
£2,672 per year
Overseas: full-time
£28,300 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

A selection of fully funded PhD opportunities are available within the department throughout the year. This includes funding from the GW4 Biomed Doctoral Training Programme, British Heart Foundation and University of Bristol Scholarships. We also accept enquiries from students with their own funding or who wish to self-fund.

Funded opportunities are advertised on the school website as they become available. Some funding opportunities are restricted to UK citizens.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

The majority of our postgraduate students develop into highly productive researchers publishing in leading peer-reviewed journals. Most go on to postdoctoral research in academia and industry, both in the UK and overseas. In addition to excellent research training, our students develop a range of transferable skills to ensure they have the best possible opportunities whatever their chosen career.

Research groups

Find out about all our research groups on the Bristol Medical School site.

You can identify potential supervisors here: Potential PhD supervisors | Bristol Medical School | University of Bristol