South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (BBSRC)
- PhD
Overview
The South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (SWBio DTP) is led by the University of Bristol, together with the Universities of Bath, Cardiff and Exeter, alongside Rothamsted Research. This partnership also includes the following collaborative partners: Marine Biological Association (MBA), University of Plymouth, Swansea University, UCB Pharma, University of the West of England (UWE) and SETsquared Bristol.
This partnership has established international, national and regional scientific networks, and widely recognised research excellence and facilities.
We aim to provide you with outstanding interdisciplinary bioscience research training, underpinned by transformative technologies. You will be recruited to a broad, interdisciplinary project, supported by a multidisciplinary supervisory team, with many cross-institutional PhD projects available that build on the expertise of each of our partners. There are also opportunities to:
- apply your research in an industrial setting (DTP CASE studentships).
- undertake research jointly with some of our core and associate partners (Standard DTP studentships with a collaborative partner).
- work with other national/international researchers.
- undertake fieldwork
Further information can be found on the SWBio DTP website.
Programme structure
Our structured training programme will ensure you are well equipped as a bioscience researcher, supporting careers into academia, industry and beyond.
First year
We provide a broad awareness of the fundamental research approaches in biosciences and how they could be applied to real-life situations through:
- two rotation projects - both allied with but in different disciplinary areas related to the PhD project.
- three taught units - training in Statistics, Bioinformatics, coding, experimental design, innovation and understanding the impact of your research.
Note: You will need to complete the first year to progress into your second year of studies. Also, if you are unable to continue your PhD, an MRes exit route is available upon completion of the first year.
Second to fourth years
The remaining years will be more like a conventional PhD, where you will focus on your PhD project.
Note: The PhD thesis must be submitted within 4 years (full-time equivalent) of starting the programme.
Placements
To help broaden your career horizons, you will undertake
- a 3-month placement of your choice, outside of an academic research environment - examples include working within policy, science communication, industry and scientific publishing.
- or a 3-18 month industry placement with your CASE partner – CASE studentships only.
These are to provide you with highly desirable skills, experience and knowledge that can be applied to many career sectors.
About our placement schemes >>
Cohort activities
You will have the opportunity to join many partnership cohort activities, such as student conferences, workshops and outreach events. Here you will meet students across the partnership, giving you access to a thriving multidisciplinary and supportive student network.
About our cohort activities >>
To find potential supervisors visit this page.
Entry requirements
To check the latest entry requirements click here.
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 statementIf English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £4,850 per year
- Home: part-time
- £2,425 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £26,700 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.
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 and scholarships
Information on eligibility and funding can be found at the SWBio website.
Home students
Fully-funded studentships are available for home students. To be classed as a home student, applicants must meet the required residency criteria set out by the UK government.
Further information can be found on the University of Bristol website.
International students
If you do not meet the home criteria, you will be classed as an international student.
A limited number of funded-studentships are available for international applicants.
Please note, these studentships do not cover the costs associated with obtaining a visa (including healthcare surcharge) or relocating to the UK. Please ensure you review the details relating to obtaining a visa before applying.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Students who complete this programme are likely to enter research careers within academia or industry, or careers in non-governmental organisations (NGOs), teaching, public engagement or government.
Research groups
A wide range of research projects are advertised each year. These are hosted across many schools.
Contact us
- Contact
Sue Summerill
- Phone
- +44 (0)
117 374 6625
fls-gam@bristol.ac.uk
- Faculties