International collaborative PhDs
Dual PhDs allow students to undertake doctoral study with supervision from the University of Bristol and one of our partner universities. They provide a unique training opportunity that helps students to develop new research perspectives through collaboration with leading international institutions.
This programme provides you with different experiences that another PhD programme wouldn’t, that are invaluable - living in another country, doing research in other countries. The connections it provides you with [...] are very unique to this PhD. Personal development – pushing yourself out of your comfort zone – that’s invaluable.
What is a Dual PhD?
Dual PhDs (also called Cotutelles) are degrees awarded by the University of Bristol and one of our partner universities that fulfil the requirements for doctoral study at both institutions. Each student completes an individual project that is co-supervised by a supervisory team of academics from the University of Bristol and the partner institution. For some programmes, there is also an expectation that the student will complete a period of study hosted at the partner university.
On successful completion of the programme, students graduate with an award delivered in partnership by the participating universities.
Our Partners
The University of Bristol has existing partnerships that support our vision and strategy and align to our research priorities with:
Current Opportunities
Dual PhD opportunities are usually advertised by each Faculty directly. Take a look at the Faculty Postgraduate Research pages below for information about current opportunities.
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Law
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Prospective Partners
If you are a researcher or representative from a university that would like to discuss new Cotutelle and partnership opportunities, please contact Kevin Higgins, the Bristol Doctoral College’s Global Bristol PhD Programme Manager, for more information.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our Dual PhD arrangements, please email Kevin Higgins, the Bristol Doctoral College’s Global Bristol PhD Programme Manager.
Bethany's experience
In terms of my research and my career as an academic, the dual PhD has allowed me to make connections with twice the number of people than I would have if I was just at one University. Even when I move back home, I will now have connections with people in Australia that I can call upon in the future. It has also allowed me to be a more open-minded researcher as I gain insights from two great Supervisors but with different areas of expertise and also different approaches to research.
Bethany Biggs (Psychology PhD, Macquarie Cotutelle)