Overview

Translational Health Sciences is part of the Bristol Medical School. Staff and students are based in high-quality research and clinical settings across the city, including the Bristol Royal Infirmary, Southmead Hospital and the advanced laboratory facilities in the Dorothy Hodgkin Building. The school undertakes laboratory-based, translational and applied research, fostering excellent collaboration between staff and students. It comprises a mix of fundamental and clinically trained scientists, enabling collaborative translational and healthcare research using a wide range of techniques, from molecular biology to epidemiology.

Our work focuses on clinical research and a significant part of this has translated to clinical trials that are led by the school. These include ongoing trials related to:

  • cardiac surgery
  • uveitis
  • childhood vaccination and anti-microbial therapy
  • treatment of obesity in childhood and adult life
  • therapies for diabetic neuropathy
  • treatment of early Alzheimer's
  • neurosurgical approaches to Parkinson's
  • immunotherapy and bone marrow stem cell therapy in multiple sclerosis
  • interventions for treatment of neonatal brain injury
  • type 1 diabetes prevention
  • improvement of outcomes from joint replacement
  • novel methods of glucocorticoid treatment in critical illness and inflammatory disorders
  • treatment of nephrotic syndrome
  • management of pleural disease.

These studies are complemented by translational clinical studies, engaging both clinical and preclinical scientists. Our extensive national and international collaborations both in industry and academia contribute to a first-class working environment in which to undertake interdisciplinary research and teaching.

Programme structure

This research degree is also available via online learning.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) or a master's degree with a lower second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a biological, biomedical, or related subjects. For an MD, you must hold an MBChB.

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 statement

If 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

UK: full-time
£4,758 per year
UK: part-time
£2,379 per year
Overseas: full-time
£26,000 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.

Bench fees

For postgraduate research students who are not funded by UK Research Councils or (specific) UK charities, it is usual to charge a bench fee. A bench fee covers the costs of laboratory consumables, specialist equipment and other relevant costs (such as training) for the duration of the programme. The bench fee charged can vary considerably depending on the nature of the programme being undertaken. Details of specific bench fee charges can be provided on request and will be made clear in the offer letter sent to applicants.

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 for 2024/25

Research council funding is restricted to UK students. The number of opportunities available will be determined by supervisor and funding availability. Self-funding is an option.

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.

Meet our supervisors

The following list shows potential supervisors for this programme. Visit their profiles for details of their research and expertise.

g.d.angelini@bristol.ac.uk;r.ascione@bristol.ac.uk;mark.bond@bristol.ac.uk;m.caputo@bristol.ac.uk;s.j.george@bristol.ac.uk;jason.l.johnson@bristol.ac.uk;chris.rogers@bristol.ac.uk;m.s.suleiman@bristol.ac.uk;ela.chakkarapani@bristol.ac.uk;adam.finn@bristol.ac.uk;j.p.h.shield@bristol.ac.uk;karen.luyt@bristol.ac.uk;marianne.thoresen@bristol.ac.uk;elizabeth.coulthard@bristol.ac.uk;patrick.kehoe@bristol.ac.uk;seth.love@bristol.ac.uk;scott.miners@bristol.ac.uk;c.m.rice@bristol.ac.uk;alan.whone@bristol.ac.uk;k.m.gillespie@bristol.ac.uk;anna.long@bristol.ac.uk;claire.m.perks@bristol.ac.uk;james.armstrong@bristol.ac.uk;oscar.corderollana@bristol.ac.uk;paul.anastasiades@bristol.ac.uk;kevin.kemp@bristol.ac.uk;stafford.lightman@bristol.ac.uk;astrid.linthorst@bristol.ac.uk;d.murphy@bristol.ac.uk;hans.reul@bristol.ac.uk;james.uney@bristol.ac.uk;d.j.whitcomb@bristol.ac.uk;k.whittington@bristol.ac.uk;l.wong@bristol.ac.uk;david.wynick@bristol.ac.uk;emma.clark@bristol.ac.uk;r.gooberman-hill@bristol.ac.uk;celia.gregson@bristol.ac.uk;a.j.moore@bristol.ac.uk;jon.tobias@bristol.ac.uk;michael.whitehouse@bristol.ac.uk;v.wylde@bristol.ac.uk;e.marques@bristol.ac.uk;k.forbes@bristol.ac.uk;richard.coward@bristol.ac.uk;becky.foster@bristol.ac.uk;m.saleem@bristol.ac.uk;s.c.satchell@bristol.ac.uk;g.i.welsh@bristol.ac.uk;emma.vincent@bristol.ac.uk;nick.maskell@bristol.ac.uk;james.dodd@bristol.ac.uk;m.ghorbel@bristol.ac.uk;marcus.drake@bristol.ac.uk;

Research groups

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

Contact us

Contact

Liz Hemmings, Postgraduate Admissions Administrator

Email
fohs-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk
Contact
Sharen Hockey O'Keefe, Graduate Administration Manager
Phone
+44 (0) 117 928 7274
Email
brms-pgradmin@bristol.ac.uk