Research life at Bristol
Bristol benefits from an international research reputation and a supportive community of more than 3,500 postgraduate research students.
Your community
Every research student benefits from the local expertise and support of their school and department, so it is worthwhile exploring the key features of your future faculty - from the types of research groups you could join to the facilities you will use.
As well as this specialised community, you will also benefit from the Bristol Doctoral College (BDC). The BDC offers dedicated support and advice for postgraduate researchers across the university, as well as training and development opportunities and social events which will help you connect with other students across a range of disciplines.
What you can expect from the BDC
- Welcome activities
- Social activities, events, clubs and meet-ups for postgraduate researchers
- Support and funding for student-led events
- Personal and professional development opportunities to help you progress and thrive in your research degree
Discover development opportunities
The research environment
Bristol offers a supportive and encouraging environment for its researchers, backed by an international reputation. The results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 reinforced Bristol's position as a world leader in research. Overall, 94% of the University’s research was assessed as either ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.
Learn more about research at Bristol
Settling into student life
The transition to research-level study is significant but doesn't need to be daunting. Bristol is home to students of many different backgrounds and nationalities and we're dedicated to making it a supportive environment that enables students to thrive.
International students
Our International Recruitment Team are experts in navigating the UK application process. They can offer advice about entry requirements for different education systems, as well as scholarship advice and can direct you to our specialist Visa Team.
Once you are a student, you can access ongoing support that is bespoke to international students through our Global Lounge.