Postgraduate study in Bioethics
Bristol Medical School has an outstanding track record of supervising postgraduate research in Bioethics and Healthcare Ethics and Law, mostly though its Centre for Ethics in Medicine, which was the first such Centre to be located within a UK Medical School. Our longstanding track record of research excellence, our national and international standing in the field, and our vibrant research and teaching community makes Bristol Medical School the perfect place to take the next step in your research career.
The quality of support given to me during the development of my PhD research idea and the accompanying funding application was excellent. The unit’s experience with the major funders meant that the application was detailed and focused. This, combined with the ease and willingness to work with researchers from outside the unit to compile the joint application I think significantly contributed to the successful outcome
Right from the beginning, the support has been exceptional as my supervisor has been willing to go above and beyond. The support has been consistent and unwavering. My supervision sessions are of a very high standard and I always leave with a renewed clarity and feeling positive about the next steps. I really feel I have received the best support for my PhD journey. It has not only been my own supervisor but all of the staff and postgraduate students at the Centre are extremely welcoming and encouraging, and even though I am not based in Bristol I always feel part of the community
What programmes of study are available?
PhD
MD
MSc (by research)
Who can I study with?
The majority of bioethics research in Bristol Medical School is located in the Centre for Ethics in Medicine, often in collaboration with other research groups across the Medical School and the University, including:
What topics can I study?
You can study any topic that we are able to supervise, but we particularly welcome applicants who want to study topics related to our core research areas. These are:
Reproduction, families and healthcare
What research training and support is available
The specific research training you receive will depend on your programme of study, and what experience and skills you already have. You will have access to the Medical School's short course programme, in addition to the range of training courses run by the Centre for Ethics in Medicine. You will also have the opportunity to sit in on undergraduate teaching sessions, and you will be encouraged to attend the Centre for Ethics in Medicine's research seminar series.
In addition, you will have personal one to one support from an experienced staff member, who will act as your primary supervisor.
If you are interested in teaching, there are teaching opportunities once you have undertaken the University training course.
What funding is available?
The major external funder for PhD research in bioethics is the Wellcome Trust. Other possible UK funders include the AHRC and the ESRC, NIHR, GW4, and the University of Bristol. If you need to apply for funding, we suggest that you contact potential supervisors to discuss this well in advance of your intended start date. Applications for external funding can take many months to put together
The Centre for Ethics in Medicine currently holds a Wellcome Trust programme award for its MSc by research (bioethics). Applications for 23/24 are now open Funding information
What are the entry requirements?
What do I need to do before I apply
Before you make an application via our online application system, we strongly encourage you to make contact with a potential supervisor and discuss your proposed project. If you cannot identify an appropriate supervisor, please contact Professor Jonathan Ives in the Centre for Ethics in Medicine, who will be happy to advise you.