Our research degrees (MTh and PhD) are validated by the University of Aberdeen. Research students read on their own research topic and work closely with their two supervisors, who have expertise in their subject area, to define research and write a thesis. Students also attend an annual conference at the end of the academic year (June) and if resident in Bristol attend regular research seminars. We work closely with our partner Trinity College, Bristol, and supervision is shared across the Joint Faculty. Please click here for details on our Research Supervisors and their areas of interest.

Normally, the minimum entrance requirement for admission is a degree with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in an appropriate field, or its equivalent. It is preferable that you hold a Masters in the chosen area of study as well.
The RAC (Research Application Committee) committee meets three times a year; mid Oct, Feb, and May to consider applications from potential research students. All applications are considered in detail at our RAC.

PhD (100 000 words incl. footnotes): 3 years FT, 6 years PT

MTh (40 000 words), 1 year FT, 2 years PT

(MTH students have the option to upgrade to PhD).

We have an annual PGR conference that all our PGR students are expected to attend and present a short paper. This will take place 21st-23rd June in 2023. The costs is around £40 per day (incl. 3 meals a day) for residential students, or £20 per day (incl. lunch and dinner only) if you wish to arrange your own accommodation.

Non UK students who wish to come to Bristol to study full-time and reside in the UK can be sponsored under a Tier 4 (General) visa. We are a privately funded sponsor registered in the Approved category with the Office for Students which means that eligible students registered with us who wish to reside in the UK during their studies may bring their families/dependants for the period of their research. For more information, please do have a look at https://www.gov.uk/student-visa. If you wish to stay in your own country whilst registered as a full-time research student with us, please contact us for further details.

Potential students who have not already completed a degree through the medium of English need to demonstrate that their language levels are at IELTS level 7.

Full-time MTh (1 year); PhD (3-4 years)   UK students £5580

Non-UK students £17000 (£12600 after bursary applied)

Part-time students are charged pro-rata.

We are glad this year to be able to grant all non-UK students to whom the RAC agrees to offer a place a bursary of £5300 against the full-time tuition fee or £2650 against the part-time fee. This level of bursary will remain in place throughout the student’s period of study.

• 2 Academic references: we must have a hard copy with the referee’s signature on the flap of the envelope where you tear.
• Filled in application form
• Proposal – Two sides of A4 required, setting out what you want to write about, -incl. a bibliography.
• Example of your writing (eg essay).
• Original Transcripts
• Original degree certificates or diplomas of university studies you may have completed.
• If you are applying for part-time study, we require a letter from your employer confirming that they know the time and effort it will take to be involved in the programme and that they will support you.
• Evidence of language ability if English is not your first language.
• Evidence of how you plan to fund your studies.
• Personal statement (500 – 1000 words)

The personal statement should be no longer than 1000 words and should contain the following: details of your aptitude for study; reasons why you have chosen the programme; details of any practical experience relevant to the programme; relevant responsibilities; periods of study abroad; relevant outside interests; reasons for wishing to study at Bristol Baptist College and, where appropriate, reasons for wishing to study in the UK.

You are strongly advised to contact Rev Dr Helen Paynter at the college at an early stage with an outline of your intentions regarding your subject of interest paynterh@bristol-baptist.ac.uk