Biological Sciences
- PhD
- MSc by research
Overview
Researchers in the School of Biological Sciences conduct cutting-edge research across a broad range of biological disciplines, including genomics, biotechnology, cell biology, molecular plant science, sensory biology, animal behaviour and evolution, population biology, host-disease interactions and ecosystem services.
The school is based in the ££54 million state-of-the-art Life Sciences building. Our laboratory facilities are among the best in the world with critical '-omics' technologies and associated computing capacity (bioinformatics) a core component. The building is designed to foster our already strong collaborative and convivial environment and includes a centre for evolutionary biology research including key researchers from earth sciences, biochemistry, social medicine, chemistry and computer sciences. The school has strong links with local industry, including BBC Bristol, Bristol Zoo and the University of Bristol Botanic Garden.
We offer PhD and an MSc by research programmes in many aspects of biology as well as a taught MSc in Bioinformatics and a taught MSc in Science Communication for a Better Planet. We have a lively postgraduate community of approximately 175 students. Our stimulating environment and excellent graduate school training and support provide opportunities to develop your future career.
Our postgraduates make a vital research contribution, while developing skills and receiving training in communication, outreach, statistics, scientific writing and career planning.
We strongly encourage all applicants to contact an academic supervisor before starting their application. Scroll down to the bottom of this page to see a list of potential supervisors and their areas of research interest.
Entry requirements
An upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in biological sciences or related discipline.
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 E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- UK: full-time
- £4,758 per year
- UK: part-time
- £2,379 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £26,000 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.
Bench fees
For postgraduate research students who are not funded by UK Research Councils or (specific) UK charities, it is usual to charge a bench fee. A bench fee covers the costs of laboratory consumables, specialist equipment and other relevant costs (such as training) for the duration of the programme. The bench fee charged can vary considerably depending on the nature of the programme being undertaken. Details of specific bench fee charges can be provided on request and will be made clear in the offer letter sent to applicants.
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 for 2024/25
If you wish to be considered for NERC GW4+ DTP funding for this programme please refer to the NERC GW4+ DTP prospectus page for guidance in making a PhD application.
If you wish to be considered for BBSRC SWBio DTP funding, please refer to the SWBio DTP information pages for guidance in making a PhD application.
Research is supported by BBSRC, MRC, NERC, the ERC, the Royal Society, the Wellcome and Leverhulme Trusts, the Wolfson Foundation, Defra and other government agencies, charities and industry. All studentships and openings are advertised on the School of Biological Sciences website.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Many postgraduate students choose a higher degree because they enjoy their subject and subsequently go on to work in a related area.
Postgraduate study is often a requirement for becoming a researcher, scientist, academic journal editor and for work in some public bodies or private companies. Around 60 per cent of biological sciences doctoral graduates continue in research.
We have a strong track record in supporting the careers of young researchers by helping them to find post-doctoral positions or develop fellowship applications.
Meet our supervisors
The following list shows potential supervisors for this programme. Visit their profiles for details of their research and expertise.
Research groups
The underlying theme of our research is the search for an understanding of the function, evolution, development and regulation of complex systems, pursued using the latest technologies, from '-omics' to nanoscience, and mathematical modelling tools. Our research is organised around four main themes that reflect our strengths and interests: evolutionary biology; animal behaviour and sensory biology; plant and agricultural sciences; and ecology and environmental change.
Evolutionary biology
The theme of evolutionary biology runs through all our research in the School of Biological Sciences. Research in this theme seeks to understand organismal evolution and biodiversity using a range of approaches and study systems. We have particular strengths in evolutionary genomics, phylogenetics and phylogenomics, population genetics, and evolutionary theory and computer modelling.
Members of this research group are listed on the school website.
Animal behaviour and sensory biology
Research is aimed at understanding the adaptive significance of behaviour, from underlying neural mechanisms ('how', or proximate, questions) to evolutionary explanations of function ('why', or ultimate, questions). The approach is strongly interdisciplinary, using diverse physiological and biomechanical techniques, behavioural experiments, computer modelling and molecular biology to link from the genetic foundations through to the evolution of behaviour and sensory systems.
Members of this research group are listed on the school website.
Plant and agricultural sciences
The global issue of food security unifies research in this theme, which ranges from molecular-based analysis of plant development, signal transduction and disease, to ecological studies of agricultural and livestock production systems. We have particular strengths in functional genomics, bioinformatics, plant developmental biology, plant pathology and parasite biology, livestock parasitology and agricultural systems biology. Our research is helped by the LESARS endowment, which funds research of agricultural relevance.
Members of this research group are listed on the school website.
Ecology and environmental change
Research seeks to understand ecological relations between organisms (plant, animal or microbe) at individual, population and community levels, as well as between organisms and their environments. Assessing the effect of climate change on these ecological processes is also fundamental to our research. Key research areas within this theme include community ecology, restoration ecology, conservation, evolutionary responses to climate change and freshwater ecology. Our research has many applied angles, such as ecosystem management, wildlife conservation, environmental and biological control, agricultural practice and informing policy.
Members of this research group are listed on the school website.
Contact us
- Contact
Faculty Education Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 374 6625
- fls-pgenquiries@bristol.ac.uk
- Contact
- Professor Marc Holderied, Director of Graduate Studies
- marc.holderied@bristol.ac.uk
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