A standard full-time doctoral degree at the University of Bristol will take three years of full-time study to complete, with a year for "writing up" (completing the thesis component), unless a different timeframe is otherwise stated by your research funder or sponsor. Full time MPhil and MSc research students usually spend between one and two years to complete, with MMus programmes taking up to three years.

Part-time study

Part-time options are available on the majority of our research degree programmes, with some course being specifically designed with flexibility in mind, so that you can balance your research degree alongside other commitments. Part-time doctoral students will typically spend between five and seven years to complete their research programme. Masters degrees by research can also be undertaken part-time. Students will need to discuss how best to manage their time with their proposed supervisor and school in order for their department to make the necessary arrangements.