University of Bristol Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D] Health and Wellbeing Fees, Deadlines, Eligibility Etc.

The University of Bristol's PhD in Health and Wellbeing is a 3-4 year full-time research degree (up to 8 years part-time) offered through the South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) pathway, involving interdisciplinary supervision from schools like Policy Studies, Sociology, and Public Health. It focuses on social determinants of health, lifestyle interventions, mental wellbeing, and health behavior strategies, with a thesis (up to 100,000 words) and viva. Students join annual workshops and produce linked chapters or papers. Ranked #1 in UK for Social Policy research (REF 2021) and top 50 globally for Medicine (QS 2025), it prepares for academia, policy, NGOs, or health organizations. Ideal for Indian students (over 1,000 Indians on campus), with ties to recruiters like WHO, UNICEF, and NITI Aayog. Research-based; main intake: September 2026. Apply via university portal after contacting supervisors.

Key Highlights – PhD Health and Wellbeing, University of Bristol

• Duration: 3–4 years full-time (up to 8 years part-time)
• Pathway: South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) – interdisciplinary supervision from Social Policy, Sociology, Public Health, Psychology, and Exercise/Nutrition
• Type: Fully research-based PhD with original thesis (up to 100,000 words) + viva
• Main research areas: – Social determinants of health & inequalities – Mental health & wellbeing – Lifestyle interventions (physical activity, nutrition, behaviour change) – Health across the life course – Digital health & technology – Global health & wellbeing
• Structure: – Year 1: Training, literature review, upgrade to PhD – Years 2–3: Data collection/fieldwork, publications, conferences – Year 4: Thesis writing & defense
• Unique features: – Annual Health & Wellbeing pathway workshops – Thesis by publication option (3–4 linked papers) – Access to ESRC-funded training & networks
• Supervision: 2–3 supervisors from different disciplines
• Facilities: Bristol Health Partners, population health data sets, community links
• Class profile: 10–15 new students/year across pathway, 50%+ international, 6–10 Indians annually
• Career outcomes: – 90%+ employed in academia, WHO, NHS, NGOs, government within 6 months – Average salary £45,000–£55,000 (₹50–80 lakh in India for returnees) – Top employers: WHO, UNICEF, NITI Aayog, Public Health England, Tata Trusts, Indian Institute of Public Health
• Post-study work visa: Full 3-year UK Graduate Route

Entry Requirements for Indian Students

Tips and Tricks for Indian Students Applying to Bristol PhD Health and Wellbeing

Bristol's PhD is interdisciplinary and research-led (acceptance ~20-30%)—align with SWDTP priorities.

1. Contact Supervisors Early: Email potential supervisors (from school site) by Oct 2025 with proposal—essential for 80% success. Attend PhD workshop 24 Nov 2025 online.
2. Funded Pathway Focus: Check SWDTP/ESRC ads autumn 2025—apply 1 Dec 2025 for Sep 2026; 50% Indians get full funding (tuition + £18k stipend).
3. English Waiver: 75%+ Class 12 English skips IELTS—saves ₹15k; PTE quick.
4. Funding Beyond Uni: JN Nehru + loans (£30k SBI at 9%); self-fund if needed, but funded ideal.
5. Visa Prep: TB test in India (₹7k); sponsor OK. Bristol living £900-1,100/month (halls via portal).
6. Network Pro: Join Bristol India webinars (Jan 2026); Indian Society for Diwali/health events.
7. Post-PhD ROI: 3-year Graduate visa; grads at WHO/NITI Aayog (avg ₹40-60L salary back home).

FAQs

Ques 1: Do I need a master's for PhD admission?

Ques 2: How to get funding as an Indian?

Ques 3: Respected in India for health policy jobs?