If you are looking to pursue in-depth research in your field, the University of Bristol offers a wide range of postgraduate research programmes designed to help you contribute original insights to your discipline. This post explains what research degrees at Bristol involve, the types of programmes available, how they are structured (including remote/distance learning options), and provides example research pathways so you can decide whether this route is right for you.

1. What Are Research Programmes at Bristol?

1. Research programmes (often called postgraduate research degrees) involve independent, original research under supervision rather than primarily taught lectures.
2. You’ll typically select a topic, work with one or more supervisors, engage with the research community at Bristol, and produce a thesis or equivalent output.
3. These programmes are especially suitable if you plan to move into academia, research-intensive roles, or seek to deepen subject knowledge at a very high level.

2. Types of Research Degrees You Can Choose

At Bristol you’ll find several kinds of research programmes depending on your background and goals:

1. MPhil (Master of Philosophy): Usually one year full-time (two years part-time) of research. Example: humanities MPhil in Medieval Studies.
2. PhD (Doctor of Philosophy): The most common research degree, typically 3–4 years full-time (or longer if part-time) culminating in a major thesis (- about 80,000 words or equivalent).
3. MSc by Research / MScR: One-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) research master’s, focused on project work rather than taught modules. Example: MSc by Research in Global Environmental Challenges.
4. Distance / Remote / Part-time research degrees: For some disciplines, you can study part-time or via distance learning, especially beneficial if you are based overseas or cannot relocate. Example: the Medieval Studies MPhil/PhD is available by distance learning.

3. How Research Degrees Are Structured

1. You typically begin by identifying a supervisor or supervisory team and discussing a research proposal before (or alongside) your application.
2. For full-time PhD students, you may spend the early months refining your topic, doing literature review, and defining methodology. For MPhil/MScR students the research period is shorter and more focused.
3. You will have access to training, seminars, research community events (e.g., via the University’s doctoral college), and often benefit from interdisciplinary links.
4. The writing and submission stage culminates in a thesis or project output, plus possibly a viva voce (oral exam) in some cases.

4. Advantages for International Applicants or Global Researchers

1. If you are from outside the UK (for example Bangladesh), these research programmes allow you to conduct advanced research, publish, and build credentials that are internationally recognised.
2. The flexibility of part-time or distance-learning modes means you might engage with a Bristol research community while remaining in your home country or combining work and study.
3. Being part of a globally-ranked research university like Bristol means you’ll have access to strong supervisory expertise, research funding schemes, and high-quality networks.

5. Example Research Programmes to Illustrate the Range

Here are some examples of research degree programmes at Bristol to give you an idea of variety and depth:

1. MSc by Research in Global Environmental Challenges: One-year full-time (two years part-time) MScR where you design or join a research project on environment, sustainability, hazards and related themes.
2. MPhil/PhD in Medieval Studies: Offered across humanities disciplines (e.g., archaeology, history, languages), available full-time or part-time/distance.
3. PhD in Physics – Particle Physics Group: Full-time PhD opportunities working on cutting-edge experiments like LHC, dark matter searches, detector development.

These examples show how you might engage with very focused research in environment, humanities or hard science at Bristol.

6. Steps to Get Started

1. Explore programme list: Use Bristol’s research programmes page to browse by subject, department or mode.
2. Identify a supervisor or research group: Read faculty profiles, check past theses, contact potential supervisors with a research interest.
3. Prepare your research proposal: Draft a strong topic, methodology, contribution to knowledge, timeline, resources required.
4. Check entry requirements: Typically a strong first degree (often master’s for PhD), evidence of research potential, English language proficiency (if required).
5. Consider funding: Research degrees often have scholarships, studentships or stipends—check what you are eligible for.
6. Submit your application: Follow the application instructions, attach your proposal, CV, references, transcripts. After offer you’ll move into registration, ethics approvals, project start etc.

Reference Section:

1. https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/
2. https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/about-research-degrees/
3. https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/types-of-research-degrees/
4. https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/search/?filterStudyType=Research&page=1
5. https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/about-research-degrees/distance-learning/