Three Minute Thesis competition
The challenge for doctoral researchers: communicate your research in just 180 seconds.
Dates for the 2025 competition
Optional:
21 February - An Insider's Guide to 3MT from the Bristol Doctoral College, 11 am to 12 pm (hybrid)
27 February - Presenting your Research with Piero Vitelli, 2 pm to 5 pm (in-person)
6 March - 3MT Presentation Skills with Piero Vitelli, 10 am to 1 pm (online)
Applications:
Open 6 March and close 28 March
Compulsory:
24 April - Rehearsal, time TBC (2.22 PGR Hub)
16 May - Semi-final, 11 am to 1 pm (2.22 PGR Hub) Under competition rules
3 June - Final, 3 pm to 5:30 pm (Arts Complex B.H05 LT) Under competition rules
I thoroughly enjoyed every stage of the 3MT competition. It offered a rare opportunity to discuss research with individuals from various disciplines across the university, from Psychology to Engineering, each offering unique perspectives. The experience enabled me to view my research through a new lens and forced me to consider the key questions I'm tackling - all while being really good fun.
FAQs
The following information is from the official 3MT handbook provided by the University of Queensland, However, if you want to ask a question that isn’t covered, please email bdc-engagement@bristol.ac.uk.
Am I eligible to take part in the competition?
The University of Queensland's official 3MT guidance states that you're eligible if you're an active PhD or Professional Doctorate (Research) candidate who has successfully passed your confirmation milestone by the date of your first presentation. (This includes candidates whose thesis is under submission.)
In practice, this means you'll be eligible to take part in our 3MT contest if you're undertaking one of the following research degrees:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Doctor of Educational Psychology (DEdPsy)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Doctor of Social Science (DSocSci)
- Engineering Doctorate (EngD)
If you have any questions about eligibility, please email bdc-engagement@bristol.ac.uk.
What are the rules of the competition?
The official rules, as outlined by the University of Queensland, are as follows:
- A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description are allowed. The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
- No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) is permitted.
- No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
- Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum and competitors exceeding three minutes are disqualified.
- Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
- Presentations are to commence from the stage.
- Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
- The decision of the judging panel is final.
Previous 3MT finals
Watch Bristol 3MT finals from previous years on YouTube.
About Three Minute Thesis
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic research communication competition developed by the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia.
Find out more about its origins on the Three Minute Thesis website.